Mint Fails to Think of Customers First
Several weeks ago, the U.S. Mint announced it would issue a special U
Category Archives: Read Letters to the Editor
Nov. 24 Letters to the Editor
Online Ordering Not Possible for All
In regard to Mr. Daniel’s frustration with being unable to order from the U.S
silver to gold ratio
Silver to Gold Ratio
Everyone must know we’re in tumultuous times with a looming election, COVID-19 uptick in infections, etc. Lots of people are inquiring about bullion. The 1-ounce gold eagle has a denomination of $50, the half-ounce of $25 and the 1/10-ounce of $5
Online-Only Mint Ordering
Online-Only Mint Ordering is Prohibitive
I have purchased products from the Mint since 1998. First, I did everything by mail and then mail orders were stopped by the Mint. You could only order by telephone or the internet
1864 Indian Head Penny Mystery
Indian Head Composition Mystery Solved
I have an 1864 Indian Head penny, but I didn’t know if it was bronze or copper-nickel. But on page 18 of the Sept. 29, 2020, issue, I like what it said about the shield being on the copper-nickel
Letters to the Editor: Oct. 13, 2020
Salt River Bay Quarter a Disappointment
Is it only me, or if any other collector has found any of the Salt River Bay “W” quarters, what is their condition? It took the U.S. Mint at West Point until the first or second week of August to get them out, and the condition of them is horrendous
U.S. Mint Basketball Coin Surprise
Wife Plays Key Role in Obtaining Basketball Coin
OK, I see people all the time that say “I got this, or I got that,” so you can say “Hey, it’s my turn.” I had read about the Basketball coins in one of your mags, and about all there would be offered. Then we got COVID-19 and things changed
Buffalo Model for Nickel and Notes
Buffalo Model for Nickels and Notes
Being new at collecting coins, I have to rely on documentation to enlighten me about the coins I collect. The first book about numismatics I bought was the “Red Book,” 72nd edition of 2019. I thought it was a fairly good book with lots of information
Bank Employees Searching Rolls
Bank Employees Searching Rolls ‘Absolutely Ethical’
I saw “Name Withheld’s” letter, and I have to answer: it is absolutely ethical for a bank employee to search rolls. You see, banks are in the business of taking and distributing cash. They’re not under any obligation to provide you (or anyone else) specific access to collectibles
Spotlight Organizations, Collectors in Numismatic News
Spotlight Organizations, Great Collectors in NN
As someone who only recently returned to numismatics after a 55-year hiatus, I have a lot of history to catch up on. Articles on dealers such as the re-published story on Michael O’Higgins [Page 26, June 23, 2020 issue] help me decide whether or not I might want to do business with a dealer. Such articles should include both advertisers and non-advertisers to be truly helpful (otherwise they become “infomercials”)
Letters to the Editor: Aug. 11, 2020
Research Reveals Find Created by Chet Krause
Check out this historic find! The steel penny isn’t part of it, it’s just something I picked up at the same time. I started researching and found that this publication’s founder made these. I thought it was a cool find considering I’m in Florida
Letters to the Editor: July 14, 2020
No Coin Shows for California
For the first time in many years, California does not have a single coin show in the listing section of Numismatic News. This happened in the June 23 edition. All shows this summer have been canceled amid dim prospects that public gatherings of over 10 people will be allowed by local governments
Letters to the Editor: June 30, 2020
‘W’ Quarter Find Renews Collecting Passion
I would like to give my opinion on the “W” quarters program. I have been a collector for about 65 years, and in the last few years I have been keeping up on the hobby through Numismatic News but not making any new purchases.
I started looking for the “W” quarters and found one
Letters to the Editor: June 23, 2020
‘Coin Finds’ Inspiration
I just finished reading my latest Numismatic News (April 28 issue), and I very much enjoyed the new article “Coin Finds.” Since 1999, I’ve been searching coin rolls, pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars (mostly pennies and half dollars). I would like to talk about pennies
Letters to the Editor: June 9, 2020
YN Viewpoint Offers Valuable Insight
I read Radek Molchan’s “Viewpoint” article in the May 12, 2020, issue of Numismatic News. If you are concerned about the future of numismatics you should read it, too. I am 64 years old and started collecting Lincoln cents in 1964
Letters to the Editor: June 2, 2020
What Type Set is This?
I used to collect Standing Liberty quarters in Fine condition. Several of them had evidence of clash marks like a star in the field. Error coins are caused by mishaps during the production cycle and are one of a kind
Letters to the Editor: May 26, 2020
Post Office Not Subsidized by Government
In regards to the “Viewpoint” in Numismatic News Vol. 69 No. 9, written by Ron Thompson
Letters to the Editor: May 12, 2020
Profitable Collecting Takes Patience
The April 14 edition of Numismatic News was excellent! Working from home has not affected your ability to put out a great product.
The “Viewpoint” by CPA Ron Thompson was insightful. With most of the piece easy to agree with, a few ideas may be viewed differently
Letters to the Editor: May 5, 2020
Hunt Continues Despite Series ‘Roadblocks’
I have always wanted to assemble a complete collection of one or more coin denominations, but it seems there are at least one or two roadblocks in each coin series. For example, the 1916-D Liberty dime, the 1916 Standing Liberty quarter, or the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, just to name a few. Going back into the 19th century gets even worse, with more and more “key dates” needed to complete a collection
Letters to the Editor: April 28, 2020
Scout Coin Collecting Program a Great Success
Scouts from Troop 18 in Knoxville, Tenn., recently attended a Knoxville Coin & Currency Show to work on the BSA Coin Collecting Merit Badge. Attending the coin show completed one of their requirements and also enabled the scouts to complete their collections requirements if they were missing any coins while assembling at home
Letters to the Editor: April 14, 2020
1982 Small ‘D’ Cent
I’m pretty sure I found a 1982-D small-print penny. How do I go about finding its worth and selling it?
Mondo Sosa
Address Withheld
In Response to Mueller Error Coin
In regards to Christian Mueller’s error coin in the March 17 Letters section, I have been an error/die variety collector for three decades. I am also a member of CONECA
Letters to the Editor: March 31, 2020
Artificial Rarity
In the Feb. 25, 2020 issue of Numismatic News, Steve McGowan poses 10 excellent questions for the U.S
Letters to the Editor: March 17, 2020
Boycott the Mint
I too was mad at the Mint for the way they handled the November American silver eagle fiasco. It’s amazing that 30,000 were sold in 10 minutes. I tried to get through at noon as usual, but there was a busy signal
Letters to the Editor: March 3, 2020
New 2021 Silver Eagle Proposed Design
Again, America loses an opportunity to make a great design. The new eagle is great on the reverse, but arrows should be in the eagle’s claws, not olive branches. It continues to make America look weak just like the obverse with Walking Liberty
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 25, 2020
Missing Lincoln
I have found a 1980-D cent with no Lincoln in the Memorial. I went over the coin to see if it had been there at any time. The coin is about MS-63
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 11, 2020
Numismatic News Update
A smile came across my face while reading the “Editor’s Note” in the Jan. 7, 2020 issue of Numismatic News.
It is a welcome announcement that Numismatic News will focus on the print issue
Letters to the Editor: January 21, 2020
In Defense of the U.S. Mint
I just finished reading the letters in the Dec
Letters to the Editor: Dec. 17, 2019
Frank Church River of No Return Quarter
I found five of the Frank Church River of No Return W mint quarters on Nov. 16.
Warren Lane
Address Withheld
New Presidential Dollar
With the passing of President George H
Letters to the Editor: Dec 3, 2019
In Response to the 1995W Proof Eagle Article
In the Nov. 5, 2019 issue of Numismatic News, I think you missed the real reason the 1995 W Proof Eagle did not sell well. You had to buy the 4-coin gold Proof set to get one in the set
Letters to the Editor: Nov. 12, 2019
War in the Pacific ‘W’ Mintmark
I was in the self-checkout at Walmart four weeks ago here in Mt. Vernon, Ill., and received a little bit of loose change for my purchase
Letters to the Editor: Nov. 5, 2019
Silver Lindbergh Medal
I have a 1927 Paris Mint Charles Lindbergh medal in silver. It is three inches wide and its edge is stamped “2 Argent.” Lindbergh wears a suit on the obverse and the reverse shows a trans-Atlantic path of Lindbergh’s flight
Letters to the Editor: Oct. 29, 2019
Cleaning a Coin
When a grading service renders a coin improperly cleaned that implies there is a way to properly clean a coin. What are those ways? I thought any kind of cleaning was a no-no!
Rodney Pelles
Toccoa, Ga.
Innovation Coins
Thanks to my e-mail alerts from the U
Letters to the Editor: Oct. 15, 2019
Finally Found a W Quarter
After looking at literally thousands of 2019 quarters, I finally found my first W mint. It is a Lowell quarter, and I didn’t find it in a bankroll. I was rolling up quarters from the pool table at work and found just this one example
Letters to the Editor: Oct. 1, 2019
DissapointMINT
Last May 28, I filled out a Mint form telling them I was missing a bonus cent from three I was supposed to receive.
In the box they were shipped in, the three cents were in a small cellophane bag, but the ends were open and not taped or stapled. I searched every part of the shipping box and the missing cent was not there
Letters to the Editor: Sept. 17, 2019
Congratulations
I just wanted to congratulate Active Interest Media on the acquisition of Numismatic News. I am sure you will live up to and surpass subscriber expectations.
Dom Cicio
Groveland, Fla
Letters to the Editor: Sept. 3, 2019
12-S Lincoln
This is in regards to Mr. Vodney’s article in the Aug 6 issue of Numismatic News. I found the 12-S Lincoln back in my dad’s change back in ‘58 when I started collecting pennies
Letters to the Editor: August 27, 2019
Lowell W Quarter
I had a crazy couple of weeks, so I’m not sure where I received this coin. When things settled down I went through my change and found this!
That’s right! I found a Lowell W quarter! They are out there. Just keep your eyes open and keep hunting
Letters to the Editor: August 13, 2019
Unexpected Find
I bought a 20th century set of gold coins in 1974 from a dealer in Florida. There were two 20’s, two 10’s, two 5’s and two 21/2’s. Later, I realized that one coin was dated 1881
Letters to the Editor: August 6, 2019
June 25 Viewpoint
I thorougly enjoyed reading Dominic Cicio’s realistic and nostaligic Viewpoint in the June 25 issue of Numismatic News. He is spot-on regarding the pleasure derived by a find vs. a purchase
Letters to the Editor: July 16,2019
1986 ASE Coin Clinic Question
I noticed that Mercanti mentions the Denver Mint as a contributor in the production of the 1986 Bullion Strike ASE in his books on the subject. Does anyone know if the Denver Mint saved one? It would seem strange if they didn’t. There are no availabe records of how many were minted at Denver, either
Letters to the Editor: July 9, 2019
2019 Floating Head Penny
I am writing to you about the 2019 Floating Head Penny from your June 4, 2019 issue of Numismatic News.
Would you answer my question regarding the article? My question is, is the head larger than the 2018 pennies?
I am concerned about the coin collectors and your subscribers. You do not apply answers that people ask you
Letters to the Editor: June 25, 2019
2019 AMP “W” Quarters
Can anyone answer if the quarters at this event were “seeded” with 2019 AMP “W” quarters? Per the article in the May 28, 2019 issue of NN, it says there were more than 1,000 students and 200 coin enthusiasts. Someone may know that answer. Usually a bank is named in the article who was in charge of releasing the quarters, but none was listed
Letters to the Editor: June 11, 2019
Ads are useful
In response to comments on the April 02 issue of Numismatic News. Personally, I enjoy looking over the advertisements. Many coin dealers offer their inventories and this shows a good gauge of what individual coins are going for and what is in demand
Letters to the Editor: June 4, 2019
Crystal ball fails
In 1975 the San Francisco Mint started issuing the Bicentennial 1976 Proof Sets. Coins Magazine predicted the 1975-S Proof Cent would become scarce and rare because none would be issued except in the proof sets.
That scarceness did not materialize
Letters to the Editor (May 28, 2019)
Signature on $1.00 note
In the “Letters” section of the April 30 issue of Numismatic News entitled “Trio of Mnuchin signature,” the 2017 series does not have the Secretary of Treasury signature. I have two uncut 50 $1
Letters to the Editor (May 14, 2019)
Catalog Number
I am cataloging my worldwide coin collection and “stuck” in Portuguese India. My 2008 Standard Catalog of World Coins, 35th Edition 1901 – 2000 has no listing for the coins I have. All three coins are bronze 10 Centavos dated 1958, 1959, and 1961 and are roughly the size of a US Cent
Letters to the Editor (May 07, 2019)
Moon Landing set thanks
Thank you for taking a look at the Moon Landing Coin & Stamp Commemoratives set I sent you. I figure there must be somebody out there thatknows something about these sets. I enjoy reading your magazine very much
Letters to the Editor (April 30, 2019)
Trio of Mnuchin signatures
On March 28, I turned in my recyclables and received from the recycling center three $1 bills, 2017 with Mnuchin signatures.
They are crisp, very uncirculated, and are of consecutive numbers.
Mitch Rudoff
Address withheld
UNC premium 2019-W cent?
You know what would be the bomb? If they [the U
Letters to the Editor (April 16, 2019)
(Image courtesy www.usscouts.org)
Boy Scout seeks advice
I just completed the coin collecting merit badge for the Boy Scouts of America and I wanted to learn more
Letters to the Editor (April 2, 2019)
What is the origin of this Moon Landing Coin & Stamp Commemoratives set?
Mystery coin & stamp set
I hope you can help me. I have three sets of the Moon Landing Coin & Stamp Commemoratives pictured here. I was told by a friend of mine that the post office issued these sets
Letters to the Editor (March 19, 2019)
Mint reused 1968 envelope
I have attached a photo (at right) from a recent purchase of a 1969 U.S. Mint Set
Letters to the Editor (March 5, 2019)
A stack of Washington Presidential $1 coins that display edge lettering. (Image courtesy https://commons.wikimedia
Letters to the Editor (February 26, 2019)
Circulation coin search yields 1881 Indian cent
Just a note to let you know that I found an 1881 Indian Head cent in about good; just wear, no scratches, just nice.
Bob Atwater
Conway, S.C
Letters to the Editor (February 12, 2019)
Innovation dollar coin not needed after four flops
When will it ever stop? As the government steps into it with yet another long-drawn-out project (Innovation dollars) to last 14 years, “they” don’t realize this new series is not going to circulate.
There are already four small dollar coins just sitting in bank vaults throughout the nation because they are disliked. Why? The “paper” dollar bill is still out and circulating by the billions
Letters to the Editor (February 5, 2019)
Photo of proof Morgan suits silver dollar collector
Thank you for the images of the proof Morgans in NN Express.
Just purchased my final Morgan dollar, an 1894. This was a collection over many years from several vendors
Letters to the Editor (January 22, 2019)
Royal Canadian Mint now collecting sales tax
Back in 1987 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed a law which exempted from Massachusetts sales tax purchases of precious metals, collectible coins and sets, which total $1,000 or greater. They left in place the Massachusetts sales tax on purchases of $999 or less.
The Royal Canadian Mint since then has not charged the Massachusetts state sales tax, but it has paid the tax to Massachusetts on behalf of its customers
Letters to the Editor (January 1, 2019)
The wait for listing in guide slows down authentication
I have some 2015-P Homestead doubled-die reverse quarters. What I do not understand is that PCGS does not recognize this variety until it is in the Cherrypickers’ Guide. I would like to be first to have them graded by PCGS
Letters to the Editor (December 18, 2018)
Mint does not distribute coins to local banks
It never ceases to amaze me that even the most seasoned and esteemed numismatists do not understand how United States coinage goes from manufacturing to circulation.
In Harvey Stack’s Viewpoint column (Nov. 18, 2018), he blamed the U
Letters to the Editor (December 4, 2018)
Coin slab photo says it all, don’t you think?
Wow, Dave, I was so excited with my new purchase that I had to send you a pic right away. It is graded MS97+*, but because it has all the major stickers on it also, it should be a higher grade. I bought it for $500, but I plan to crack it out, resubmit, and then resubmit to all the sticker companies again
Letters to the Editor (November 27, 2018)
(Image courtesy usmint.gov)
Innovation dollars won’t be seen by average public
Here we go again! The Mint will produce coins that probably will not circulate while the paper dollar hangs around, the “American Innovation Dollar.” From “Susie B” to now, the U
Letters to the Editor (November 13, 2018)
Check where famous Americans are from
In response to a letter written by Ari Kaufman in the Oct. 2, 2018, issue, great ideas on changes of designs for coins, but his geography is off. The Wright Bros
Letters to the Editor (November 6, 2018)
(Image courtesy of www.apmex.com)
Even now all numbers not used on 70-point scale
I have collected coins since the mid 1950s
Letters to the Editor (October 30, 2018)
(Image courtesy usmint.gov)
Who decides how rare a new coin issue should be?
The brilliant marketing bureaucrats at the U.S
Letters to the Editor (October 16, 2018)
(Image courtesy usmint.gov)
Palladium Eagle sellout not result of favoritism
Small town dealer response to: “Palladium Eagle sellout and dealer offer upsetting” (from Sept. 14, 2018, online letter to editor that I read)
Letters to the Editor (October 2, 2018)
Palladium Eagle Sellout and dealer offer upsetting
I’d like to let you know, which I couldn’t at the time of my previous email last week, but the good folks at a dealer that starts with an A and ends with an X notified me today that I could acquire one of the new 2018 palladium proof coins for a price of $3,300 to $3,400!
Imagine that.
I’ve heard of dealers needing to make a profit, but really, this?
This is why the Mint needs to do something to stop all the nonsense for the true collectors and customers we are, and have been. Time and again this continues to happen
Letters to the Editor (September 18, 2018)
Minting a new 3-cent piece wasteful if not silly
Mint a three-cents coin?
In the Aug. 28 issue of Numismatic News, a Viewpoint article by Wayne Pearson advocated the issuance of a new three-cent denomination coin to replace the cent.
I think this idea is silly since nothing can be bought for three cents
Letters to the Editor (September 4, 2018)
(Image courtesy www.usacoinbook.com)
Failed to mention 1973 Ikes not struck for circulation
I consider Robert W
Letters to the Editor (August 28, 2018)
Speculator returns shouldn’t be allowed
Just read your article about people returning the 50th Anniversary Reverse Proof sets to the Mint because they were not a sellout. This really gets me mad. These people are not collectors
Letters to the Editor (August 7, 2018)
(Image courtesy usmint.gov)
Can 2018 reverse proof silver set sell out?
Well, the U.S
Letters to the Editor (July 17, 2018)
Stick with real coin dealers when buying coins
On the subject of counterfeit, Chinese-made Morgan dollars online, a reader asked why someone would bother to counterfeit a $30 coin. They would do this because the profit margin, expressed as a percentage of selling price, is so high. The coins probably cost them next to nothing, less than if they were selling a genuine coin
Letters to the Editor (July 3, 2018)
Still thinking up theme songs for numismatics
Should numismatics have a theme song?
I’d like to nominate “When the CENTS come marching in.”
Name withheld
Lombard, Ill.
Nobel Prize medal research will lead to exhibit
I very much enjoyed your recent article on the gold Nobel Prize that was recently in an auction
Letters to the Editor (June 26, 2018)
Don’t overlook the silver coins in Jefferson set
Anyone who tells you that there is no coin set you can complete from beginning to end has not tried to complete the Jefferson nickel set. The set that started in 1938 and is still being minted today can still be found in change. The complete set may never be worth $50, but I still collect for the fun of finding them and the challenge of working at it
Community Voice Responses (June 19, 2018)
(Image courtesy Heritage Auctions)
From the May 25 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:
Should the U.S. Mint issue new restrikes of the 1804 silver dollar?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper
Letters to the Editor (June 5, 2018)
Phase out low-value coins and introduce higher values
David Harper’s May 15, 2018, “End of Coins?” editorial was spot on.
Inflation and electronic payments have chipped away on the public’s acceptance of coins. Absent an overhaul of circulating coinage, it’s hard to feel confident that U
Letters to the Editor (May 29, 2018)
Local banks don’t offer America the Beautiful coins
I think the U.S. Mint has failed miserably advertising the America the Beautiful program
Letters to the Editor (Apr. 17, 2017)
Mint needs years to win back its customers
Declining sales at the U.S. Mint are the result of a combination of factors
Letters to the Editor (March 20, 2018)
Silver halves in rolls still out there for finding
Just want to let your readers know that silver can still be found in half dollar rolls if you can find them.
I ask at my bank every time I’m there, and the answer is no most of the time. But last week they had three rolls
Letters to the Editor (Mar. 6, 2018)
(Image courtesy www.ocalacoinclub.com)
Many thanks to all who helped at Ocala show
The Ocala Coin club – www
Letters to the Editor (Feb. 27, 2018)
Coins, bank notes still have place in today’s society
I received my latest issue of Numismatic News and went to the Letters section immediately.
Patrick Clark bemoans that there are people who want to get rid of coins and currencies and go cashless. Yes, I too have seen the blogs/posts addressing this thing
Letters to the Editor (Feb. 13, 2018)
Don’t forget there was an Assay medal in 1977
In the Jan.23 issue of Numismatic News, the article on Assay Commission has a picture noting “The last Assay Commission medal was struck in 1976.” That is incorrect, attached are pics of my 1977 Assay Commission medal
Letters to the Editor (Feb. 6, 2018)
Copper 1943 cents make headlines, but hard to find
I was sorting through some of my older pennies/cents, and I happened to look at a 1943 penny/cent, and it appears to be be copper, at least copper coated.
Upon looking through Numismatic News, December 5 Edition, I noticed that such a coin may be worth a lot, as it is rare.
How is the best way to verify that this is indeed a error, and a rare coin
Letters to the Editor (Jan. 23, 2018)
Blaming show-goers won’t solve hotel problem
The Viewpoint on where attendees choose to stay at various conventions misses the point that many attendees, i.e., the customers, are choosing other hotels because they consider the rooms selected by the show organizers as over-priced for what is offered or have amenities that are not needed and therefore do not wish to pay for
Letters to the Editor (Jan. 2, 2018)
Pricing for Jefferson commem listed incorrectly
Could you forward the below to correct person department?
The Jefferson (commemorative) coin set is priced at $816 on Page 69 in the Nov. 7 issue.
I thought I hit the lottery!
Alfred Holz
Address withheld
Editor’s note: That is indeed a blooper of a typo
Letters to the Editor (Dec. 19, 2017)
Membership decline means end for San Francisco club
It is with heavy heart and sad sorrow to report to the greater hobby and organized numismatics that the San Francisco (California) Coin Club has ceased.
Burdened with a steadily declining membership and even worse attendance, this once proud presence in California organized numismatics came to an end. A club, which once had attendance in excess of a hundred, ended with three present at its final meeting
Community Voice Responses (Dec. 12, 2017)
From the Nov. 17 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:
Do you think the new George Rogers Clark quarter design is the best one this year?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.
Yes, the design for this issued quarter is beautiful
Letters to the Editor (December 5, 2017)
Coins’ metal reason for selective confiscation
Just to give it (maybe) some closure, I would like to (maybe) answer Bob Olekson’s question, “Why haven’t the 1913 Liberty Head nickels been confiscated (like the 1933 Double Eagles were)?” (Nov. 7). I could call him up and tell him face-to-face (sort of), but I suppose there are other readers who are wondering the same thing
Letters to the Editor (Nov. 28, 2018)
How can you help ignite spark for next generation?
Grade school teachers are always looking for community leaders to visit their classes in order to stimulate childhood interests. I have made presentations about coin collecting to third and fourth grade students.
If every coin club sent speakers to their local schools, could a new generation of collectors be raised? Think of the possibilities
Letters to the Editor (Nov. 14, 2017)
Silver Eagle set ‘rarities: Challenge or aggravation?
Since 1996, I have, with some difficulty, accumulated a complete collection of proof silver Eagles. The primary “difficulty” was the 2011 Anniversary set that was sold out to dealers before collectors even had a chance. As a result, I had to pay $600 for the two artificially “rare” coins in the Anniversary set
Letters to the Editor (Nov. 7, 2017)
Where are billions of coins Mint reports it produces?
Just read your article, “August Mint production down” in the Oct. issue. You state the average monthly U
Letters to the Editor (Oct. 31, 2017)
Is proof set’s cost greater than sum of its parts?
Just thought I’d ask. Apparently the 2017 set with the “S” Eagle didn’t sell out yesterday because I received an email that looks like today at 1 p.m
Letters to the Editor (Oct. 17, 2017)
John Mercanti (right) signs a book for dealer Ken Viets before being approached by a retired teacher with an opinion on handwriting. Mercanti’s wife, Marianne, looks on.
Mercanti schooled on signature by retired teacher
Your experience with the “cursive collector” brought to mind a rather humorous encounter at our PAN 2016 Fall Coin Show and Convention
Letters to the Editor (Oct. 3, 2017)
Good palladium buying opportunities hard to find
When the U.S. starts minting its palladium Eagle, it will be in good company with the Canadian Maple Leaf, Chinese Panda, Russian Ballerina, Bermudian Sea Venture, Cook Island (New Zealand) Meteorite, et al
Letters to the Editor (Sept. 19, 2017)
Indian Head cent waiting in can for collector to find
I have never written before about my coin finds. Usually it is just the occasional wheat penny. I have found a couple interesting coins in the change machines
Letters to the Editor (Sept. 5, 2017)
Indiana readers reports first 2017-P cent find
I finally found my first 2017-P penny today, Aug. 11.
Ralph Klinker
Monroeville, Ind
Letters to the Editor (Aug. 29, 2017)
Kimberly S. Kiick, ANA Executive Director (photo courtesy www.money
Letters to the Editor (Aug. 15, 2017)
(Images courtesy www.usacoinbook.com)
Even seasoned collectors have something to learn
One thing I love about our hobby is that I am always learning
Letters to the Editor (Aug. 1, 2017)
No reason to continue cent production into future
Sorry, Dave, I totally disagree with keeping the “P” mintmark on the cent in the near future. I say “near” future because I hope the Mint will come to its senses and stop making the cent and then there won’t be an issue.
The “P” mintmark on the 2017 cent was for a very special reason, the 225th anniversary of the Mint, and that makes it unique and meaningful
Letters to the Editor (July 18, 2017)
(Image courtesy http://blog.littletoncoin.com/coin-collecting-roll/)
Cent roll search yields plenty of interesting finds
Last November my grandson and I started going through rolls of Lincoln cents obtained at our local savings and loan
Letters to the Editor (July 11, 2017)
Paper money show a success in new city
The 41st Annual International Paper Money Show was held at the Sheraton Crown Center and Convention Center located in Kansas City, Mo., June 8-11. For the last 40 years this event has been held in Memphis, Tenn
Letters to the Editor (July 4, 2017)
Catherine Bullowa
Bullowa leaves legacy of tenacity, customer service
I knew Catherine Bullowa for more than half a century. Even in recent years, despite advanced age (97 at her death), she indefatigably continued to attend coin shows, her presence a testament to human perseverance. And though it was a long time since I was able to buy anything from her, it was always nice to exchange greetings
Letters to the Editor (June 27, 2017)
Rite Aid no-mintmark 2017 cent scandal imagined
Wouldn’t this make for a wonderful plot to a mystery novel?
The U.S. Mint sends a subpoena to Rite Aid telling them to produce the mintmark-less “model” penny they used for the cover of their flyer
Letters to the Editor (June 13, 2017)
Healthy bank note sales benefit to local club
Can’t thank you enough for running the information on the Fremont bank note by the Fremont Coin Club. They have already sold 85 notes! Thank you for helping support local clubs. The sales of this note helps them immensely
Letters to the Editor (May 16, 2017)
Karl Malden advertising American Express Travelers Cheques. (Image courtesy www.philly
Letters to the Editor (May 9, 2017)
P’ cents came to reader just as he learned of them
Back in early March, while on my lunch break, I brought my copy of Numismatic News into the Westbury McDonald’s here on Long Island, N.Y., to read as I would be eating my two cheeseburgers and fries
Letters to the Editor (May 2, 2017)
No chance for collectors to purchase set from Mint
Well, well, well … surprise. The U.S
Letters to the Editor (April 18, 2017)
FUN president appreciates convention remarks
I want to thank John and Nancy Wilson for their overwhelmingly positive review of the 62nd annual Florida United Numismatists Convention held Jan. 5-8 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla
Letters to the Editor (March 21, 2017)
Mint gets A+ on two Obama Presidential medals
I recently received the two new Presidential medals from the Mint. They are both long overdue additions to my collection. I must admit that I was not a big fan of our last president, but I was very impressed with both of these new medals
Letters to the Editor (March 7, 2017)
Note’s serial number not, in fact, mismatched
Had a call from Bob Campbell about a letter to the editor, which I have not seen, commenting about mismatched serial numbers on the note.
Hate to break anyone’s bubble, but in checking the note, it being circulated, there’s a vertical fold on the first “6” in the left serial number that makes it appear as a “1.”
The fold is also particularly noticeable when one refers to the “SERIES OF 1934” imprint on the upper left portion of the note
Letters to the Editor (February 28, 2017)
How should collectors handle relocation?
I have a few things, so please edit if needed, and I don’t mind.
1. I collect mostly old coins and notes, but some newer ones (silver Eagles and Kookaburra coins)
Letters to the Editor (February 14, 2017)
Fat wallet not required to enjoy early copper coins
I have read both letters by Blaine Buckman stating that large cent collectors and Early American Coppers club members are elitist. I have been a member of EAC for less than a year, and I can say that I have found this club to be as open and welcoming as could possibly be hoped for. The newsletter is awesome
Letters to the Editor (February 7, 2017)
‘Average’ collector values history, geography in coins
Reading Dave Harper’s editorial and the Viewpoint of the Jan. 3 issue I’m responding to both giving my collection preferences and my general agreement with the Viewpoint column. I collected coins as a child with my father and probably stopped in high school and didn’t start again until I was a young man seeing the 1986 Statue of Liberty commemorative coin being issued
e-letters (January 31, 2017)
We asked: Do you feel threatened by counterfeit coins?
Shown here is a real British pound coin on top of a fake.
I cannot know how it would feel to find out that I purchased a counterfeit coin. Other than the expense, I imagine that the disappointment would be a great concern
e-letters (January 17, 2017)
We asked: Do you think Christmas demand pushes up collector coin prices?
Yes, as in most retail settings, holding firm on most prices are common. I had been in a number of aspects (pharmacy, big box, restaurants), all of which hold “premium” items from sale. Yes, if it hasn’t moved, sales can be had, but not necessarily
Letters to the Editor (December 20, 2016)
Guide books suggest elitism exists in hobby
The letter I wrote a few weeks ago was not intended to be an insult to anyone but were merely examples of my experience with both coin and stamp collecting. It was meant to be a general discussion about the hobby abroad, not simply about one denomination out of many. I do believe there is elitism in any pursuit, and philately and numismatics are no exceptions
e-letters (December 13, 2016)
We asked: Are million dollar rarities overhyped?
While the vast majority of collectors will never own a million-dollar coin – including me! – all of us can admire, appreciate and, yes, envy the stratosphere in which those historic coins orbit the hobby. Most of the time, news about the sale of seven-figure rarities generate headlines in mainstream news media, such as the recent Pogue and Newman collections auctions. And that’s good for the overall coin market
Letters to the Editor (December 6, 2016)
Blog inspires quest for dateless Buffalo nickels
Your blog on dateless Buffalo nickels really inspired me! Let’s see if I can make some finds. I’m going to get a bunch of rolls of dateless nickels and get date restorer. Wonder if I’ll find another 1914-D
Letters to the Editor (November 29, 2016)
Inaccurate musket depicted on Cumberland Gap quarter
As the author of over 30 books on muzzle-loading firearms, many of which were published by academic presses, I can tell with absolute certainty: there were no muzzle-loading muskets made left-handed.
There a very few muzzle-loading Pennsylvania, Kentucky, home or civilian rifles that were left-handed. The Cumberland Gap quarter shows a firearm that never was made: a left-handed musket
e-letters (November 22, 2016)
We asked: Have you delayed any coin purchases recently because of Presidential election uncertainty?
No the presidential election has nothing to do with my coin collection.
William Johnston
San Antonio, Texas
The short answer is No. Since most of my purchases lately have been from overseas, I do not feel any impact from the Theater of the Absurd characterizing the current election
Letters to the Editor (November 15, 2016)
Couple errors appear in Draped Bust half feature
There is one very important error in Bob Julian’s otherwise nice article on Draped Bust half cents in the Oct. 18 issue of Numismatic News. He says of the 1805s, “one variety is missing the stems and specimens bring high prices, $6,000 in Very Fine being the book value
Letters to the Editor (August 2, 2016)
Marks’ statement on Liberty medal not officialThe front page story, “Silver medal marks Liberty’s return” (Numismatic News, July 12) reports that I “announced details of the 2016 American Liberty silver proof medal June 15.” That statement came as quite a surprise to me. Although I had the past honor to serve as the chairman of the Citizens’ Coinage Advisory Committee, I currently hold no position relative to the United States Mint and am certainly not in any authority position to “announce” a United States Mint product
Letters to the Editor (March 1, 2016)
Mint makes fast delivery of flawless Twain coin Just for the record, I received notification from the U.S. Mint that my Mark Twain silver dollar coin had been shipped on Feb
Letters to the Editor (Feb. 16, 2016)
New quarters are out there, just keep looking I just finished reading the Jan. 26 Numismatic News publication, specifically your response to P. Ritchie who found a Denali quarter
Letters to the Editor (6/16/2015)
Should poorly struck silver proof sets be returned?I recently received my annual 2015 silver proof sets from the Mint. Upon inspection I became aware of the poor strikes on the obverse of the quarters (five total coins).Out of the two sets I ordered (10 total quarters) only three coins had any indication of a wave in Washington’s hair
Letters to the Editor (4/21/2015)
High proof set price slows purchases for young sonI recently decided to start collecting U.S. proof sets for my son who was born in 2012
Letters to the Editor (3/3/15)
1969 $1 coin honors moon landing, EisenhowerIt is amazing how many people do not know that in 1971 the Mint put out a large dollar coin in honor of both President Eisenhower and the landing of the Eagle on the moon. Not just the under-40 crowd, but also those up to 60 years of age have no idea of an existing coin.I also have a 1969 Lincoln cent with a counterstamp between Lincoln and the rim
Letters to the Editor (1/27/15)
Impressed with FDR coin setI just received the new 2014 Franklin D. Roosevelt Coin and Chronicles Set. It was ordered on Dec
Letters to the Editor (12/23/14)
Time for Miss Liberty to put on some modern dudsIn reference to Viewpoint by Aron Lawrence in the Nov. 18 issue, I would heartily agree with the idea he proposed of new designs for our coinage.Everyone loves the Standing Liberty quarter, the Morgan dollar, the Peace dollar and the Walking Liberty half, so why not marry Miss Liberty to a new design to reflect the true values of the United States: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; a design to reflect current styles and tastes?The five volumes listing the latest foreign coin values – the pinnacle of every coin reference library – are now offered as a special package
Letters to the Editor (12/02/14)
Formula calculates number of copper cents in rollWhen visiting the bank I still ask for a few rolls of Lincoln cents when making my transactions. Cherry-picking for cents by the community at large has yielded some impressive results, and as we enter 2015, even cents from the 1970s and 1980s might start to gain in value. I’d like to speculate that finding 95 percent copper cents in a roll will soon be the new treasure hunt as most scarce coins have already been removed from general circulation
Letters to the Editor (11/18/14)
Starting over brings joy back to coin collectingYour editorial “How about making a fresh start?” (Oct. 7) is exactly what I did.I had been a coin collector for many years, As time had gone one, my funds for collecting coins had dried up
Letters to the Editor (10/28/14)
Why don’t all Kennedy coins have dual dates?I got my “P” and “D” Kennedy coins, three sets in all. Thinking they would have dual dates, but they are the same as the rolls I got.I called them because I am on their mail system with Presidential dollars, Kennedy halves and Native American dollars
Letters to the Editor (10/21/14)
Trash, treasure differs among collectorsUpon reading R. Gossard’s “Viewpoint” in my recent issue of Numismatic News, I was inspired to express my viewpoint of trash and/or treasure.“Trash” is what got me started in collecting “treasure
Letters to the Editor (10/14/14)
Thoughts on repros and coins on televisionI read in the comics of the Cleveland Plain Dealer about computers that are programmed to make copies of various objects such as organs for transplanting.The thought occurred to me that one might do as much with coins. Perhaps the 1913 (Liberty) nickel could be duplicated
Letters to the Editor (10/07/14)
First try at grading goes better than expectedI just had some coins graded, something I have never done before. One of the coins was a 1922 cent. I purchased the coin at an auction about 20 years ago for $25 and always considered it a “No D” cent as there is no trace of the mintmark
Letters to the Editor (09/30/14)
Don’t buy the highest grade you can affordThe Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, offers invaluable information from identification to values. Order your copy today!We have all heard the advice “buy the highest grade you can afford”. In contrast, a recent collecting strategy has been to buy the lowest grade coin you can find
Letters to the Editor (09/23/14)
The 2015 North American Coins & Prices is the perfect all-in-one guide for the coin collector, dealer and enthusiast.Purchase your copy here!Mint offers too many options for gold coinsThe multitude of coin products and releases from the U.S
Letters to the Editor (09/16/14)
Good ol’ days aren’t coming backThe 2015 North American Coins & Prices is the perfect all-in-one guide for the coin collector, dealer and enthusiast.Purchase your copy here!Regarding the letter from the reader bemoaning the loss of 8-ounce yogurt containers and metal caps on mayonnaise jars, I extend my sympathies, but those things aren’t coming back even if you boycott what’s available now, and I’m still trying to figure out what those things have to do with coins.As far as the absence of bank tellers go, I used to work for the second largest bank in the country, and banks have been phasing out tellers ever since ATM cards came out
Letters to the Editor (04/15/14)
Kick-start your collection with the Fundamentals of Coin Collecting set of essential resources and tools. Get yours today! Respect between dealer, seller goes both waysI just read the Feb. 18, 2014 issue