1878-S Morgan dollar (Image courtesy Heritage Auctions.)
Bullion and bullion-impacted coins continue to struggle as both gold and silver continue their slow yet modest decline. Generally available, yet collectible coins appear to be distancing themselves from bullion-impacted coins in value
Category Archives: coronavirus
Once Leading Way, Morgans Now Mixed Market
1878-S Morgan dollar (Image courtesy Heritage Auctions.)
Bullion and bullion-impacted coins continue to struggle as both gold and silver continue their slow yet modest decline. Generally available, yet collectible coins appear to be distancing themselves from bullion-impacted coins in value
Mint Asks Public to Return Coins to Circulation
Editor’s Note: Following is a statement from the United States Mint’s Office of Corporate Communications issued July 23.
United States Mint Statement on Circulating Coins
WASHINGTON – The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in the disruption of the supply channels of circulating coinage – the pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters that the American people and businesses use in their day-to-day transactions. The United States Mint is part of the solution to this issue, but we need your help as well
Behind the Circulating Coin Shortage
By Patrick A. Heller
By now, most Americans are aware that there is a shortage of circulating coinage in the country. A number of retailers I have visited over the past week now are pushing to take electronic payments because they don’t have coins to make change
The CFO Survey shows business confidence beginning to rebound as firms grapple with effects of COVID-19
CFOs and other financial decision-makers said they were more optimistic about the financial prospects of their firms and the direction of the U.S
The CFO Survey shows business confidence beginning to rebound as firms grapple with effects of COVID-19
CFOs and other financial decision-makers said they were more optimistic about the financial prospects of their firms and the direction of the U.S
2020 World’s Fair of Money suspended
ANA Board of Governors to Consider Alternate Options
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced today the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money. The show, originally scheduled for August 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest annual coin and paper-currency event in the United States
2020 World’s Fair of Money suspended
ANA Board of Governors to Consider Alternate Options
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced today the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money. The show, originally scheduled for August 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest annual coin and paper-currency event in the United States
World Money Fair: Information distributed confirming dates for 2021 with COVID-19 health and safety precautions in place
The organisers of the World Money Fair (WMF), the coin industry’s largest venue of its kind, have confirmed the dates for 2021 while taking the opportunity to advise participants they will be planning the show around new health and safety precautions. In their message to participants, organisers stated a great deal of flexibility and scope for design will be put in place in preparing next year’s trade fair
Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auction 38 shows that, even in lockdown, rare coin market is robust
1879-O Liberty Head $20, PCGS AU-53, Blue Hill Collection Pedigree. Hover to zoom
Summer FUN Show Canceled
FUN has canceled it’s 2020 summer show.
The following statement, regarding the cancelation of the 2020 Summer FUN Show, was issued by the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) May 26:
It is with great disappointment that the FUN board of directors is announcing Summer FUN 2020 is cancelled. The FUN board has worked hard to make this show a reality, desperately wanting to provide a venue for our dealers to get back to what they love and have our numismatic community be able to convene again
Silver Coin Benefits Coronavirus Charity
One-hundred percent of the profit from the sales of the “NHS Heroes” silver coin will benefit the NHS Charities Together Coronavirus Appeal. (The East India Company Bullion Ltd.)
The members of the National Health Service (NHS) of the U
Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auction 38 shows that, even in lockdown, rare coin market is robust
1879-O Liberty Head $20, PCGS AU-53, Blue Hill Collection Pedigree. Hover to zoom
Industry Insider: COVID Business Landscape, Part II
By Tom Michael
Everyone around the globe is adapting their ways of life and work to function as well as is possible during a pandemic. We all need to do our very best in both those areas, even when they begin to overlap and mesh together, as many of us have experienced. In our hobbies, it’s likely that adapting means going online for everything
The Royal Mint Shifts Production Towards Masks
Medical visor supplies have been bolstered through the outstanding efforts of The Royal Mint. Designed by their engineers and manufactured at their coin production facility. (Image courtesy of the British Royal Mint)
By Tom Michael
The 2020 pandemic has required many people and businesses around the world to rethink their daily activities
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
Message to Mint customers
The following comes from an e-mail sent to the press today
The United States Mint’s (Mint) highest priority continues to be the health, safety, and well-being of our workforce, and we have implemented numerous measures to reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19. These measures have understandably had an impact on the availability, on-sale dates, and delays in delivery of some of our numismatic products, as well as longer wait times when calling our customer service number
Industry Insider: COVID Business Landscape
By Tom Michael
Sometime in April I received a mistaken call from an old colleague at Educational Coin Company. She had dialed my number by accident and left no message, but when I called back to check what was up, we ended up having a nice conversation. I was pleased to learn that the company’s wholesale business was doing well and that the staff was all in good health
Message to Mint customers
The following comes from an e-mail sent to the press today
The United States Mint’s (Mint) highest priority continues to be the health, safety, and well-being of our workforce, and we have implemented numerous measures to reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19. These measures have understandably had an impact on the availability, on-sale dates, and delays in delivery of some of our numismatic products, as well as longer wait times when calling our customer service number
Australia: New 2020 Olympic team collector coins features mint’s Olympic ambassadors
Hover to zoom.
The Royal Australian Mint has released new collector coins in support of the Tokyo Olympiad and the country’s Olympic athletes
Coronavirus Determines Supply and Demand
By Richard Giedroyc
Image courtesy of U.S. Mint
Australia: New 2020 Olympic team collector coins features mint’s Olympic ambassadors
Hover to zoom.
The Royal Australian Mint has released new collector coins in support of the Tokyo Olympiad and the country’s Olympic athletes
United States Mint to Resume San Francisco Operations
San Francisco Mint facility. (Image courtesy U.S
American Numismatic Association consolidates staff responsibilities
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) eliminated several staff positions this week as a response to COVID-19 and the resulting suspension of several programs.
“Yesterday, I had the sad task of having to bid farewell to four of our team members working in areas of club outreach, facilities, library and seminar/events,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick
Summer Baltimore Show Cancelled
Optimistic hobbyists attempting to put a summer show schedule in place will have to cross Baltimore off the list. The Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo, originally scheduled for June 18-20 at the Baltimore Convention Center, has been cancelled.
The decision was made due to “Maryland’s ongoing state of emergency, declared March 12 by Governor Larry Hogan to help control the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic,” according to a statement on the show’s website
American Numismatic Association consolidates staff responsibilities
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) eliminated several staff positions this week as a response to COVID-19 and the resulting suspension of several programs.
“Yesterday, I had the sad task of having to bid farewell to four of our team members working in areas of club outreach, facilities, library and seminar/events,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick
Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo cancels June bourse, plans to reopen in November
Ongoing Public Health Crisis Has Restricted the Baltimore Convention Center
Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo, Will Hold its Auction in California.
(Baltimore, Maryland) — Maryland’s ongoing state of emergency, declared March 12 by Governor Larry Hogan to help control the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, has closed the June 2020 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo bourse
Coin Business Resilient in the Face of Coronavirus
By Richard Giedroyc
The business of coins is proving to be surprisingly resilient in comparison to much of the non-essential business market during this period of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite that observation, there are still two sides to the coin story.
Collectors and investors looking to buy gold and silver coins as a hedge against the recent declines in the stock market are finding premiums for bullion impacted coins to be much higher than might be expected under normal circumstances
United States Mint Temporarily Shuts Down West Point Facility
Editor’s Note: The following is a reprint of an email message sent to industry press Wednesday, April 15.
Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Orange County, New York, and out of an abundance of caution, the United States Mint has temporarily suspended production at the Mint facility at West Point. This action is being taken to further reduce the risk of Mint employee exposure to COVID-19
ANA Cancels 2020 Summer Seminars
The 2020 Summer Seminar, scheduled for June 27-July 9 in Colorado Springs, Colo., has been canceled due to coronavirus (COVID-19) safety concerns, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) announced in an April 4 statement.
“While it seemed inevitable with each passing week, we were officially notified by Colorado College today that they are suspending all summer programs and camps in order to ‘restrict participants who have traveled to or from affected areas’ associated with the coronavirus pandemic,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick
Community Voice Response: April 28, 2020
From the April 3, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
How have your coin/bullion buying and selling habits changed in light of the coronavirus bearing down on the United States?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
I have been trying to buy when I can in different amounts and types so I can just keep adding to my bullion totals. Nothing too aggressive just basic silver 1-ounce rounds, 90 percent silver and maybe the occasional 1/10-ounce gold Eagle
Demand for Gold and Silver ‘Ballistic’
By Richard Giedroyc
First, all the over-the-counter sales stopped. Then all public participation in auctions was curbed. Local coin clubs cancelled meetings
Early Releases / First Releases period temporarily extended
The temporary extension will allow 45 days for a new coin issue to be submitted to NGC for these designations.
Updated 4/6/20: Due to continuing distribution and logistical delays as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, NGC has extended the Early Releases and First Releases submission period to 45 days (instead of the usual 30 days) for all new coin issues released through May 15
Niue: Gabriel, archangel and messenger of God, features on the first of four new ingot silver and colour coins
Hover to zoom.
The government and treasury of Niue have launched (7th April) a new series of ingot-shaped Proof and colour coins which feature the four primary archangels
May Hong Kong Coin Show Canceled
The following is a reprint of an email received by our Editorial department Monday morning, Apr. 6.
Dear All,
As a valued exhibitor/visitor of Hong Kong Coin Show, you are at the heart of our team
Numismatics weathers the storm: The collecting community comes together in tough times resulting in strong prices realized at Legend’s Regency Auction 37
(Lincroft, NJ — March 27, 2020) With the uncertainty and chaos that the current COVID-19 global pandemic is bringing to the markets and people’s everyday lives, numismatics seems to be providing a safe haven and comfort to collectors all over. Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ 37th Regency Auction was scheduled to take place at Le Meridien in Philadelphia
NGC Update About Shipping Address Changes
The following is a reprint from a press release by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®), Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) and Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®) strive to provide the best possible services to all submitters at all times. During the current challenges brought by coronavirus (COVID-19), we are trying to be particularly accommodating of our collecting community
In the wake of the outbreak of the Wuhan strain of the COVID-19 virus, we need our hobby and activity more than ever
The Wuhan strain of the COVID-19 virus has, for the most part, overtaken world headlines as many countries battle an unseen enemy. It’s hard to believe, just eight weeks ago, that many of us in the coin industry were attending the World Money Fair in Berlin
Community Voice Response: April 14, 2020
From the March 20, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
How are you occupying your time during social distancing?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
I am refreshing myself by grading my coin collection. This entails some 10,000 pieces-plus in my uncertified collection
Coronavirus Cripples the Business of Coins
By Richard Giedroyc
The economic downturn due to the spread of coronavirus has crippled the business of coins as it has with most other businesses. Coin shows have been canceled worldwide. Public auctions have been moved, postponed or put on hold
“Stay at home” applies to coin dealers
More states issue stay-at-home orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19
The Industry Council for Tangible Assets has been contacted by many members who are requesting information on whether dealers may be exempt from “stay at home” orders, based upon the dealer inclusion in Section 352 of the Patriot Act.
ICTA’s executive director, Jimmy Hayes, was an author of the Louisiana Bank Code and a former commissioner of financial institutions
Bowers on collecting: Numismatics in the time of coronovirus
By Q. David Bowers
Turn on the television or check the news on the Internet and 90% of the coverage seems to be about the coronavirus pandemic
Bowers on collecting: Numismatics in the time of coronavirus
By Q. David Bowers
Turn on the television or check the news on the Internet and 90% of the coverage seems to be about the coronavirus pandemic
Message from Director of the U.S. Mint Dave Ryder on COVID-19 situation
The following comes from an e-mail sent to the press yesterday:
Dear Valued Customer,
As the global impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve, my top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of the Mint workforce – the men and women who work hard to ensure you receive the highest quality products.
As part of the Federal workforce we have and will continue to follow all guidance provided to the Federal Government, to include the information provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Message from Director of the U.S. Mint Dave Ryder on COVID-19 situation
The following comes from an e-mail sent to the press today:
Dear Valued Customer,
As the global impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve, my top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of the Mint workforce – the men and women who work hard to ensure you receive the highest quality products.
As part of the Federal workforce we have and will continue to follow all guidance provided to the Federal Government, to include the information provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A Message from the U.S. Mint Director
A Message from Director of the U.S. Mint Dave Ryder
Editor’s Note: Following is a re-print of an email message sent to industry press today, March 23
How to safely receive packages during a pandemic
Image by Richard Wheeler under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.
With many a coin show or auction postponing or canceling in-person venues in lieu of recent social distancing recommendations, many collectors and dealers are now turning to the Internet to continue their trade via delivery services
Central States 2020 Convention Canceled, Auction Moved
The Central States Numismatic Society has canceled its 2020 Convention April 22-25 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Our focus is the safety and health of our booth holders, exhibitors, collectors, and the general public. Therefore, in accordance with recommendations from health officials to cease activities where people gather together in large and close groups, we are canceling our convention,” CSNS President Mitch Ernst said
Stack’s Bowers Galleries March 2020 auction begins Wednesday, March 18th at 10:00 a.m. PT — bid now!
Don’t miss this opportunity to bid on coins, currency, and other numismatic material in this exciting event. For more information on participating in this sale or to consign to a future auction, contact a numismatic specialist today at (800) 458-4646 or info@stacksbowers
Can coins and paper money spread coronavirus?
This article is only an analysis of the available information regarding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and does not substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you have any questions, please contact your medical provider or review information presented by the official medical organization(s) available in your area
Community Voice Response: Fri, March 13 eNewsletter
From the March 13, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
How have the economic and travel impacts of the coronavirus affected your current collecting approach?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
I will miss connecting with my fellow collectors. In the age of cocooning, the bourse is dynamic
United States Mint temporarily closes public tours, gift shops, and coin store
Washington — The United States Mint (Mint) is temporarily closing public tours of its facilities in Philadelphia and Denver beginning Monday, March 16. The Denver and Philadelphia Mint gift shops and the Washington, D
United States Mint temporarily closes public tours, gift shops, and coin store
Washington — The United States Mint (Mint) is temporarily closing public tours of its facilities in Philadelphia and Denver beginning Monday, March 16. The Denver and Philadelphia Mint gift shops and the Washington, D
Maryland state of emergency forces Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo to cancel bourse
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction to Be Held as Scheduled in California.
(Baltimore, Maryland) — On Thursday, March 12, under a state of emergency declared by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, the Baltimore Convention Center suspended operations and activities in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic
Maryland state of emergency forces Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo to cancel bourse
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction to Be Held as Scheduled in California.
(Baltimore, Maryland) — On Thursday, March 12, under a state of emergency declared by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, the Baltimore Convention Center suspended operations and activities in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic
Coronavirus Concerns Force Rescheduling and Cancellation of Coin Shows
Worldwide concern over the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 is leading organizers to reschedule or cancel coin shows in Asia and Europe. The first rescheduling notice we have received came from Singapore.
The Singapore International Coin Fair organizing committee announced the rescheduling of SICF 2020 to Aug
Bowers on collecting: The advantages of the Internet
Today, in the time of the coronavirus, we can all be thankful for the Internet, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
While nothing equals the excitement of attending an auction or convention in person, if this is not possible, participation in virtual reality from the keyboard of your computer comes in a strong second
Bowers on collecting: The advantages of the Internet
By Q. David Bowers
Today, in the time of the coronavirus, we can all be thankful for the Internet, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence
Update: Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee to meet by teleconference March 10-11
In accordance with recommended precautions regarding the coronavirus, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) will now hold a two-day public meeting by teleconference on March 10-11, 2020.
The March 10th session will run from 1:00 p
Coronavirus Fears Impact Cash
By Richard Giedroyc
Talk about dirty money! What about money laundering? Fear of the coronavirus epidemic spreading worldwide is resurrecting the urban legend about how germs on our physical money may be making us sick.
At the time this article was being written no one yet knew for certain how the coronavirus (officially known as COVID-19) is spread. It was known the disease can be passed person to person, but if the spread is generated through breathing the same air, touching an infected person, touching bank notes the infected person used, or some other mechanism is yet to be learned
Coronavirus Fears Boost Spot Price of Gold
The soaring price of gold coupled with an increasing number of significantly rare and expensive coins appearing in recent auctions bode well for the near-future business of coins.
While a strong stock market offers discretionary money, with which to encourage diversification through buying collectibles as hard assets, fears such as those due to the economic impact of the coronavirus are boosting the spot price of gold. Bullion and heavily bullion-impacted silver and especially gold coins are drawing a lot of interest from investors, likely for this reason
Dillon Gage explains coronavirus impacts on gold
Gold expert explains why gold performs well in times of uncertainty
Addison, Texas (February 21, 2020) Dillon Gage, a world leader in physical precious metals, explains why the coronavirus epidemic ravaging China may send gold futures prices to seven-year record highs above $1,700 an ounce and up.
Gold is considered a safe-haven asset, attracting investors around the world in times of economic or geopolitical uncertainty
CCG Donates Money and Sends Supplies to Help Fight Coronavirus
On Jan. 11, The Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®) donated money and sent supplies to help those affected by the novel coronavirus discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
CCG comprises seven of the world’s leading collectible services companies: Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®), Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS®), Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®), Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®), Classic Collectible Services® (CCS®), Authenticated Stamp Guaranty (ASG) and Collectibles Authentication Guaranty (CAG)