One million San Francisco-struck 2020 American Eagle silver bullion coins will be offered to the U.S. Mint’s network of Authorized Purchasers Nov
Category Archives: General News
Health Care Medallion Benefits COVID Relief Fund
To honor and raise funds for Nevada’s health care workers, historic Coin Press No. 1 was set to mint a special medallion from 9 a.m
Will U.S. Mint Price Increases Backfire?
The proof silver American Eagle is among the products that saw price hikes from the U.S. Mint in response to the increase in silver value
Let NIFC Coinage Out Into the Wild
By Christopher Sahar
As I learn more about numismatics and valuation, the more fascinating I find the phenomena of “Not Intended For Circulation” (NIFC) coinage. At many government mints, it appears NIFC coins are offered in greater abundance than circulating coinage. At the U
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
Uncirculated Palladium Snapped Up
America the Beautiful quarters, American Innovation dollars and an all-new palladium Eagle coin are in the spotlight with new listings added this week.
The ATB quarter honoring Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park of Vermont was released in rolls and bags Sept. 21
2021 gold and silver American Eagle coins
From the Oct. 2 Numismatic News e-Newsletter.
What do you think of the newly released reverse designs for the 2021 gold and silver American Eagle coins?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers
Final ATB Circulating Set On Sale Oct. 8
The 2020 America the Beautiful circulating set is the program’s final five-coin set. (Images courtesy U.S
French Colonial Notes with Georges Bayle
I have invited Georges Bayle, a French specialized collector of French Colonial bank notes, to share some of his thoughts on collecting. (Interview conducted and translated by Richard Taylor in France.)
Georges Bayle has been collecting French colonial paper money for over almost 50 years
British Currency to Show Diversity
By Richard Giedroyc
In a push to show social diversity Great Britain will soon issue a coin on which India’s Mahatma Gandhi will be featured.
Mahatma Gandhi appearing on a British coin? Wasn’t Gandhi from India rather than from Britain? Wasn’t Gandhi a non-violent leader in a successful revolution to make India independent of British rule?
Is it true the British Royal Mint was recently asked by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to come up with designs for coins that might honor Jamaican-born military nurse Mary Seacole and Russian born spy Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan?
Queen Elizabeth II appears on the obverse of all coins of the United Kingdom. While Her Majesty appears on the front of bank notes the backs depict vignettes of Winston Churchill (£5), Jane Austin (£10), Adam Smith (£20), J
Bargains in Peace Dollars Series
A 1927 Peace dollar. (Image courtesy USA Coinbook)
By Mark Benvenuto
Recently we took a close look at the rather hefty series that is the Morgan silver dollars, because these big coins always seem to be in the limelight when it comes to the sale of high-end pieces, and always seem to have a place in collectors’ hearts. But right along with them, perhaps eclipsed a bit in that limelight by the scope of the Morgans, are the Peace dollars
PCGS Embeds NFC Technology in Coin and Bank Note Holders
PCGS-graded coin and banknote holders now feature an NFC symbol on the obverse of the label. Coin holders also feature this symbol on the front bottom left of the holder. (Image courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service)
Professional Coin Grading Service will begin embedding Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in all its encapsulated coins, medals, tokens, and banknotes in October 2020, the company announced in an Oct
U.S. Mint Unveils New American Eagle Gold and Silver Coin Reverse Designs
The United States Mint unveiled new reverse (tails) designs for bullion and collectible versions of American Eagle gold and silver Coins, the mint announced in an official statement Oct. 1. The year 2021 marks the 35th Anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program, and the new designs will begin appearing on these coins in midyear 2021
Criteria for Numismatic Ambassadors
It was my honor to be recognized in January 2020 by the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) as one of this year’s “Numismatic Ambassadors.” This is an annual award begun in 1974 by Cliff Mishler of Krause Publications (former publisher of Numismatic News) to recognize both heroes at the grassroots level of coin collecting along with nationally known numismatists. FUN took over the program in 2015
CSNS Seeks Virus Medal Design
The year, 2020, has been hard for coin shows and collectors alike with all the cancelations and COVID-19 restrictions put in place, socially distancing people from family and friends. This year, the Central States Numismatic Society is seeking a design for a silver medal commemorating the “year of the virus” and its effect on Central States and the hobby.
The medal will be distributed at Central States’ 82nd-anniversary convention in April and will mark both the canceled 2020 convention and the hoped-for 2021 show
1938-S Jefferson Nickel a Hidden Gem
A 1938-S Jefferson nickel PCGS-graded MS-67 with Full Steps. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
Savings rates are important for coins, and no date is a better example of that than the 1938-S Jefferson nickel. Based on its mintage, it ought to be a very good date but historically it has never lived up to its promise – almost certainly because, as the first year of a new design, it was saved
U.S. Mint Coin Glass Products
Has the United States Mint ever produced coin glass products?
The Fostoria Glass Company in Moundsville, W.Va., is responsible for most of the coin glass likely to be encountered
‘Hidden Figures’ Step into the Light on Medals
On Sept. 23, 2020, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee met to review and provide the secretary treasury with their recommendations for the obverse and reverse designs for the “Hidden Figures” Congressional gold medal.
“Hidden Figures” are women first employed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the precursor of NASA, to be human computers beginning in 1935, according to NASA history
Type Sets Offer Flexibility, Variety
By Patrick Montrose
Looking for something new and different to collect? Try putting together a type coin Set. Type sets offer flexibility and variety. A local coin shop had a rack of used albums at great prices
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 Medallic Artist, Michael Gaudioso, Retires
One of Philadelphia’s and the U.S. Mint’s finest, Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso, has retired after creating designs of the nation’s coins and medals since 2009
Salt River 5-Ounce Leads Silver Pack
Silver is once again the focus of notable sales this week.
Newly recorded is the sales total for the 2020 America the Beautiful 5-ounce uncirculated coin honoring Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve, of the U.S
Will the Public Need to Liquidate?
America’s two main political parties have set new records in 2020 of higher government spending and taking on new debt. However, this multi-trillion-dollar spending surge may stall, or even reverse, once we pass the Nov. 3 election day
NYINC Board Cancels Convention for 2020
The New York International Numismatic Convention Board of Directors has decided to cancel the 49th NYINC event, according to a Sept. 25 press release. The event was scheduled to be held at the Grand Hyatt New York from Jan
Money Museum Reopens to Public
The Money Museum is reopening after six months of being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Images courtesy www.money
American Eagle Palladium Uncirculated Coin on Sale Sept. 24
On Sept. 24 at noon EST, The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Palladium Uncirculated Coin.
The coin contains one ounce of 99
Bob R. Simpson Collection Nets Over $14.6 Million at Auction
The Bob R. Simpson Collection exceeded all expectations when the total amount sold for Part 1 passed $14.6 million, according to a Sept
Exploring Banknote World with Abdullah Beydoun
I have invited Abdullah Beydoun, the founder of Banknote World, to share some of his thoughts on collecting and identifying bank notes. Beydoun has developed a website, https://www.banknoteworld
Mint Reveals End of WWII Designs
The Mint officially announced the designs for the 2020 End of World War II 75th Anniversary coin and medal program. The designs will be featured on a 24-karat gold coin and a silver medal.
This 24-karat, half-ounce $25 gold coin commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II
Business Strong for U.S. Coin Dealers
The price of gold and silver American Eagles as well as that of all bullion and bullion-impacted coins continues to be a moving target as this commentary is being written. The good news is that, despite the value rollercoaster, most of the movement has been upward. The weak U
Whitman Expo Set for March, November Auction Forges Ahead
The Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo will next be held at the Baltimore Convention Center on March 25-27, 2021, according to a Sept. 17 press release on the Whitman Expo website. The full expo was prohibited from being held Nov
‘Wayfair’ Sales Tax Compliance Burden Grows
I doubt that many—if any—coin dealers know the answers to all of the following questions.
Can you name the U.S
2001 American Buffalo Dollar
A 2001 American Buffalo dollar graded MS-70 by ICG. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
The 2001 American Buffalo silver dollar is not just a commemorative that has done extremely well in terms of price; it is also a fascinating issue that has more than its share of interesting aspects to consider. It leaves wide open the question of whether what worked for the American Buffalo dollar can be repeated or not
Heritage Readies Long Beach Paper Money Auction
By Tracy Schmidt
There are many spectacular notes in Heritage’s upcoming Long Beach auction. The top five I will be keeping an eye on are notes of exceptional quality. I look forward to sharing the auction results with you next month
ANA, ‘Remember the Member’
By Barbara J. Gregory
The September 2020 issue of The Numismatist (Page 55) carried a heartfelt plea from American Numismatic Association Executive Director Kim Kiick urging optimism with regard to the future of the hobby and the American Numismatic Association. Although her comments saddened me greatly, they were solidly on the mark
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
American Innovation Proof Set to Become Available
For those who missed out on buying any of the coins in the American Innovation 2020 series so far, the Mint has you covered. On Oct. 8 at noon EST, the Mint is releasing the American Innovation 2020 $1 Coin Proof Set
Curved Colorized Silver Dollars Enter Ranks
August 28 saw a milestone for both the U.S. Mint and interested collectors: Sales began of the Mint’s first-ever colorized coins
e-Letters: Sept. 29, 2020
From the Sept. 4 Numismatic News e-Newsletter.
Do you think 90 percent silver is the best form of silver investment? Why or why not?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers
Disturbances, Interruptions on Coin Edges
The reeded edge of a coin I recently examined appears to be disturbed. Any thoughts on what this might indicate?
Disturbances or interruptions to the reeding on a coin’s edge may suggest the coin has been repaired, especially if the coin at some time was used as jewelry and a loop that had been fastened has since been removed. The reed count on coins in some series helps detect altered dates or counterfeit coins
Scarce to Rare Coins Market Hot
Coins are selling, regardless of if they fit into the scarce to rare, available yet collectible, made for collectors only, or into the bullion-impacted categories. In an August auction in Las Vegas, the ESM Collection of U.S
Precious Metals Mining Stocks
Although I work buying and selling physical precious metals, many of our customers also own shares of precious metals mining companies. They sometimes ask my opinion on owning mining shares in general or about specific mining companies.
I owned shares of a South African gold mine for some years in the 1970s, but have not since
Royal Australian Mint CEO Steps Down
On Sept. 9, Ross MacDiarmid, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint, announced that after 10 years at the helm he will be leaving the Mint on Dec. 4, 2020
Type 2 $20 from Casper, Wyoming
By Peter Huntoon
Anyone who knows me knows that I am no condition crank. Paper money was made to be used. If you can’t respect that, you are in the wrong game, in my opinion
2008-D Hawaii Quarter is Damaged Goods
I received this 2008-D Hawaii quarter in a normal machine-wrapped roll of quarters from my local credit union probably in late January 2020. It was in the middle of the roll along with 39 other quarters.
At first, I thought it was your typical “someone has abused this” quarter as we all see
Over 400 Gold Coins Found in Israel
Gold coins are rarely found in Israel. A recent find of 425 gold coins and what is being described as “hundreds of smaller clippings” is almost unimaginable.
The Israel Antiquities Authority announced the unusually large find on Aug
U.S. and Royal Mint Collaborate on Mayflower Design
The United States Mint and The Royal Mint have collaborated to create two limited-edition sets marking the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower voyage, the Mint announced in a Sept. 3 release.
The story of the Mayflower is one that connects multiple communities, cultures, and countries
Investors Dip Their Toe into Scarce to Rare Coins
There have always been dealers who will try to undercut the price at which another dealer sells a like-item. Recently, there appears to be more of this activity than in the past, especially in coins certified to be a condition that is relatively available.
The potential problem as always is the eye appeal of individual coins and what value the buyer puts on a coin without comparing it to the second example
U.S. 90 Percent Silver Coins: Best Silver Value
A common question we hear from people contemplating a first-time purchase of physical gold and silver, once they realize there are multiple coin and ingot options, is which forms we would recommend.
There are a number of factors that can influence what would be the best answer for each buyer’s circumstances. Among those factors is: 1) whether the item is legal tender, 2) pure metal or alloy, 3) exact even troy or gram weights (or not), 4) coins versus ingots, 5) liquidity, 6) divisibility, 7) lower premium to metal value, 8) country of origin, 9) ease of storage, and 10) government regulation considerations
Current Investor Impact on Hobby
From the Aug. 28, 2020, Numismatic News e-Newsletter.
Is the current strong investor interest in the marketplace good for the collecting hobby? Why or why not?
Here are some responses from our e-Newsletter readers
The Underappreciated 1950-S Roosevelt Dime
A 1950-S Roosevelt dime graded MS-68 by PCGS. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions, www.HA
Perth Mint Unveils Bullion Coins for 2021
The 2021 Coins in Perth Mint’s 2021 Bullion coins program includes kangaroo, kookaburra, koala, and an ox. (Image courtesy Perth Mint)
On Aug. 31, The Perth Mint unveiled the 2021 designs of Australia’s official bullion coin program
Major Reed Count Varieties Exist
Differences in the reed count make for what I would consider being minor varieties. Are there any reed count varieties that are considered to be major?
Several of the Morgan silver dollar reed count varieties usually command a strong premium as does the 1876-CC Fine Reeding Seated Liberty quarter. The 153-count reeded quarter is more common than the normal variety with the standard 113 reeds
Excellent Deals on Mercury Dimes
1916-S Mercury Dime graded MS-63. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions, www.HA
Make Hobby Accessible to Youth
By Bob Miller
I wanted to contact you as a subscriber that has gotten back into the hobby after a nearly four-decade hiatus. I started remembering my childhood involvement with coins when I used to visit my local hobby shop, usually for models to make and baseball cards to buy, sell and trade. But I always went over to the glass cases near the back walls to look at the older silver half dollars and dollar coins
Gold Rush Excepted for ‘Goldbug’ Collection
Heritage Auctions strikes gold this fall by offering The James Dines “Original Goldbug” Collection, named for the legendary financial prognosticator who is also an esteemed numismatist.
Dines, who rose to forecasting fame in the 1950s and ’60s, has spent more than six decades – “and I don’t know how many thousands of hours,” he said – building a collection that reflects not only his steadfast faith in the enduring strength of gold, but his unceasing curiosity. Dines sought out coins not just for their value, but for their beauty and the stories they told about those who made them and those who protected them
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
Merna Dudley Remembered
By Tom Michael
Another pillar of early Standard Catalog of World Coins development passed away Sunday, Aug. 23. Merna Dudley worked as the SCWC’s coordinating editor during some of the years when listings were actively being built back in time from 1700 to 1501
Women’s Suffrage Coins Top Sales
The highlight of the week is the addition of some new Mint products to our charts, most of which honor women.
Because the Mint had released small additional quantities of the 2019-S Enhanced Reverse Proof silver American Eagle, you will see that line item listed under the “Collector Eagle Sales” category at the bottom of this page.
This week marks our first recording of sales for the 2020 Women’s Suffrage Centennial commemorative coins
Are you more interested in gold or silver?
From the Aug. 21 Numismatic News e-newsletter
Are you more interested in gold or silver?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
I’m interested in both but rely more on silver
Look for Bargains Where Investors Aren’t
Pride of ownership. Bragging rights. Your own personal and private museum
Buy/Sell Formulas for Gold and Silver
A frequent question I am asked is what kind of buy/sell formulas for gold and silver my company might use if prices soar far above their current levels. An implicit question that is part of that is whether people would even be able to sell their precious metals at all.
Most, but not all, coin dealers are seek to make a profit margin, whether buying or selling
Younger Buyers Enter Metals Market
During the recent profit-taking and market correction, major retail sellers of physical gold and silver coins and ingots say they did not encounter significant panic selling by customers. They report younger buyers have entered the market and Baby Boomers continue buying gold and silver bullion coins, according to the Accredited Precious Metals Dealer division of the non-profit Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) Aug. 18
Salt River Bay Uncirculated Five-Ounce Coin
The Salt River Bay 2020 Uncirculated Five-ounce silver coin goes on sale Sept. 18 at noon EST. (Image courtesy U
1974 $1 Off-Center Pair
By Peter Huntoon
Here is a misprint situation that I thoroughly enjoy seeing. The two notes with severely off-center overprints are from the same sheet. Fred Bart offered one on eBay that was uncirculated from the G3 plate position
Best Ten-Cent Investment Ever
In 1970 when I was 16, I watched an older gentleman trying to put money into a vending machine. The machine wasn’t accepting his coins so I offered to help. When I removed the coins from the coin slot, they were five shining Mercury dimes
Activities and Projects During COVID
From the Aug. 14 Numismatic News e-newsletter
What non-collecting activities or projects have you taken up in light of hobby events being canceled?
Here are some responses from e-newsletter readers.
Without coin shows for these past several months, I have had a lot of time to read books and coin magazines (especially Numismatic News), and tend to my garden
Market Shows Signs of Investors Becoming Collectors
Photo by Andreas Schoelzel, courtesy of World Money Fair.
In an ideal world, an interest in coins would be the exclusive realm of collectors. The current interest in the coin market is driven partially by collectors with discretionary money, but also by a significant infusion of speculators and investors
Precious Metals’ Soaring Prices Drives Buyers
By Patrick A. Heller
Have you heard the adage of “be careful what you wish for as you may get it?” That certainly applies to people who purchase precious metals in anticipation of soaring prices.
If the prices of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium rise significantly, these moves would not occur in a vacuum
ANA to Hold Virtual Awards Ceremony
Every year, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) honors members with their service and dedication to numismatics, as well as recognizing member longevity in the Association.
Due to the cancellation of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money, the ANA will celebrate membership, literary and service awards on a virtual platform, the organization announced in an Aug. 18 press release
Numismatic Literary Guild 2020 Award Winners
The Numismatic Literary Guild recently announced its 2020 award winners, the organization announced in an Aug. 18 statement. Respected researchers and award-winning numismatic authors Len Augsburger and Joel Orosz have received another prestigious award
The Scarce 1808 Quarter Eagle
The 1808 quarter eagle, an exceptional one-year type coin. (Image courtesy Heritage Auctions.)
How can a coin that lists for $18,000 just in F-12 and a “mere” $155,000 in MS-60 possibly be under-priced? That is a very good question, and the answer may just be that if the coin in question is the 1808 quarter eagle, the price may well be on the low side
How Long Can Germs Live on Coins?
How long has it been estimated germs can live on our circulating coins?
No one has a solid number, however, it is known that viruses and bacteria can survive on most surfaces for about 48 hours.
How prevalent is narcotic residue on our bank notes?
It may be surprising, but almost all of our bank notes have traces of cocaine and other illegal drugs on them. One recent study indicated that up to 90 percent of the European Union, 92 percent of the U
U.S. Coins Net Almost $14 Million in Stacks Bowers Vegas Auction
Over $13.94 million in United States coins and Numismatic Americana was sold in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries August 2020 Las Vegas Auction, contributing to overall prices realized of $21,739,851 for the sale across all categories, Stack’s Bowers announced in an Aug. 13 statement
Remembering Coin Hobbyist Bo Atkinson
By Michael S. Turrini
It is often sad, as our hobby progresses in age, that another coin hobbyist, “Bo” Atkinson, at age 90, has passed on. It was at his retirement home where he and his wife, Iris, had relocated two decades ago
Fluorescent Light Coin Examinations
To introduce fluorescent light coin examinations, let me quote from a recent article in Road & Track magazine about one of the fastest, most powerful and expensive supercars on earth built by Bugatti: “The final step for each newly assembled Chiron is a painstaking examination under 100 fluorescent lights. NO FLAW CAN HIDE.”
While I cannot take credit for the use of fluorescent light for coin examinations, as virtually its sole proponent for the last 40 years, when its value for both authentication and grading is eventually realized, I hope that future numismatists will forget that it was not my discovery and give me the credit
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
Proof Franklin Half Dollars Make Surprising Bargains
1961 proof Franklin half dollar. (Image courtesy Heritage Auctions)
By Mark Benvenuto
Franklin half dollars are a fun series to collect, even though they sometimes get pushed into the background when the best of the best among the Walking Liberty halves take the stage, and some high-end example crosses the auction block. Yet among the Franklin halves are a rather amazing subset of beautiful coins – ones that we might find qualify as amazing in price as well
Silver Continues Upward Climb
In a trend continuing from last week, we are again singing the song of silver as it continues its upward climb at the time of this writing.
Up from second place a week ago, the best-seller this week was the 2020-W uncirculated silver American Eagle. As the spotlight on silver brightened, the unc
Buying and Selling Gold Bullion Coins
From the Aug. 7 Numismatic News e-Newsletter
Have you bought or sold gold bullion coins during this modern-day “gold rush?” Why or why not?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
No
Risks of Having ‘Unallocated Storage’ in IRAs
By Patrick Heller
Virtually all Americans who have self-directed Precious Metals Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) have chosen the less expensive form of “unallocated storage” in vaults for their holdings in these IRAs.
As we learned during the bankruptcy of MF Global during the Great Recession, unallocated storage means you don’t own real gold and silver. In unallocated storage, you have a claim against the assets of the operator of the storage vault, who is the party who has title to the gold and silver that you think you own
Remaining Silver Enhanced Reverse Proofs Available Today
The U.S. Mint’s remaining quantity – less than 100 – of American Eagle 2019 one-ounce silver Enhanced Reverse proof coins (product code 19XE) will go on sale today, Aug
1962 Washington Quarter Not to be Taken for Granted
A 1962 Washington quarter graded MS-67 by PCGS. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions, www.ha
Who Designed the Purple Heart?
Who designed the Purple Heart military decoration?
Elizabeth Will with U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Sinnock can take credit
Two PCGS 2020 Quarter Quest Winners Split $2,000 Prize
Two lucky winners of the PCGS 2020 Quarter Quest will split the $2,000 prize for finding the W quarters for the new coin of the America the Beautiful quarter series: Salt River Bay National Historic Park. (Images courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service)
The PCGS 2020 Quarter Quest continues at Professional Coin Grading Service with the release of the 2020-W U.S
Selling Coins Trickier than Buying
By Bruce Frohman
Many coin collectors buy coins for years from dealers and fellow collectors before they sell a single coin. How many times have you met a collector who proudly proclaims, “I never sell anything”?
In the acquisition phase of collecting, many collectors give no thought to future resale by themselves or their heirs. They whimsically accumulate an incredible array of material of various quality and value
Market Reaches Level of Exuberance
By Richard Giedroyc
Are stocks overpriced, or are gold and silver in coin as well as in bullion format following the value of equities in tandem? Some sources are suggesting that gold and silver are moving parallel to equities due to those equities being overpriced. The record 32.9 percent decline in Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter appears to support that argument
Mint Advises Public: ‘Get Coins Moving’
On Aug. 5, The United States Mint released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) addressing the current coin circulation issue. In the PSA, Mint Director David J
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”)
Wacks Steps Down as AINA President
After 18 years as president of the American Israel Numismatic Association, Mel Wacks is hanging up his hat.
After 18 years as president of the American Israel Numismatic Association (AINA), Mel Wacks is stepping down, he announced July 31.
“I have had the pleasure and privilege of serving longer than any other AINA president, and it is time to pass the baton to a new generation,” he said
All Eyes – and Dollars – on Silver
Silver prices are at record highs, and this week’s sales totals show that it has collectors’ attention. The top two highest sellers this week consist of silver Mint products.
Coming in first is the 2020-W proof silver American Eagle coin
Community Voice Response: Aug. 25, 2020
From the July 31 Numismatic News e-Newsletter.
What’s your level of trust in gold’s record-high performance?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
I’m confident gold will hit $2,500
Is it ‘Too Late’ to Buy Gold, Silver?
By Patrick A. Heller
Ignoring the effects of inflation of the money supply, the price of gold this week reached an all-time record high, closing on the COMEX on Aug. 5 at $2,031
Community Voice Response: July 24 Numismatic News eNewsletter
from the July 24, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
What is your opinion on the U.S. Mint issuing colorized coins? Will you be a buyer?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers
Coin Finds: Morgan and Hobo Silver Dollars
My friend gave me a box with some silver dollars in it: Morgan and Hobo silver dollars. There is an 1881-CC, 1885-CC, and an 1886-O. This is the first time I have ever heard of these coins
U.S. Mint Announces Designs for the Two Bush Coins
On July 28, The United States Mint officially announced the designs for the George H.W. Bush Presidential $1 coin and the Barbara Bush First Spouse gold coin
U.S. Mint Asks Dealers for Coin Forecasts
By Richard Giedroyc
Silver rather than gold is where the action is! Gold bullion and readily available business strike gold coins prior to 1933 are holding their own following a significant price run-up to an all-time record for gold. It now appears silver is doing more than just catching up.
The spot price of silver has a long way to go to reach an all-time record of about $50 an ounce, but silver American Eagles and bullion-impacted common silver coins issued through 1964 are rising quickly in price as is the spot price of their content
Record High Gold Price?
This week, the price of gold reached an all-time high price against the U.S. dollar
Chinese ‘Spring Dollar’ Nets $660,000 at Heritage Sale
This Chinese ‘Spring Dollar’ realized a whopping $660,00 at auction. (Images courtesy Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.)
A China 1910 Yunnan silver dollar certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) realized a whopping 660,000 USD at a Heritage Auctions sale on June 12, 2020
The 1794 Half Cent
This 1794 half cent is graded XF-45 by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions, www.ha
SARC Auction 37 Nets $1.85 Million
The folks at Stephen Album Rare Coins bring a substantial base of combined knowledge to the process of cataloging their high quality, diverse consignments. I think also that their bidders tend to be very well versed in the specialized fields in which they collect or trade. It is for these two broad reasons that I really enjoy bringing our readers previews or reviews of the SARC live and online auctions
Modern $5 Gold – Even on a Budget
By Mark Benvenuto
The United States Congress brought a commemorative coin program back to life in 1982 in a quiet, almost simple sort of way. They authorized a single half-dollar coin honoring the 250th anniversary of the birth year of President Washington. The next year saw an explosion of commems, all aimed at the 1984 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles
Stone Mountain Half a Reminder of Institutionalized Racism
By Robert Grand
Great art is timeless, but also inevitably tied to the time in which it was produced. Many coins are miniature works of art and as such, reveal the ideals and prejudices of the time in which they were minted.
Today, as we struggle with issues of social justice, and particularly as we examine the role of civil war monuments and what they signify to Black Americans (indeed all Americans), it may be instructive to examine a coin issued in 1925 known as the Stone Mountain commemorative half dollar
How High Will Silver Go?
By Richard Giedroyc
Silver broke through the $21 an ounce barrier as this commentary was being written, so how high will silver go? Is it really the poor man’s gold? There really isn’t anything further to say that the spot price of silver can’t say for itself. Bullion and bullion-impacted coins continue their upward trend. This, in turn, is grabbing the attention of investors while the general public begins once more to check their change to see if they get lucky
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
Reader’s Showcase: Series of 1929 Notes
By Peter Huntoon
Pete Papadeas has been collecting layout varieties on Series of 1929 notes with particular attention to the odd fonts, special symbols, and punctuations used on New Jersey notes.
A true prize along these lines that he found are the layouts used for this Woodstown bank. The bank received printings from three different sets of 1929 plates
Proof Silver Eagles Come Out on Top
It was a quiet week as far as new releases go, but for top sellers, silver continues to dominate.
The front-runner this week is the 2020-W proof silver Eagle coin. With a hearty week-over-week gain of 18,089, it cracked 300,000 with a current overall total of 300,543
Community Voice Response: Aug. 11, 2020
from the July 17, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Have you come across counterfeits or suspected fakes during your time in the hobby? If so, what have you seen?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
I’ve gotten a few fake ancients at different times, one even fooled two high-ranking dealers/collectors. Thankfully I got refunds on them all
U.S. Mint to Issue Its First-Ever Colorized Coins
Aug. 28 marks a first for the U.S
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
Never Before Offered ‘S.S. Central America’ Treasure Stars in Goldberg September Auction
Historic sunken treasure from the California Gold Rush recovered from the fabled S.S. Central America which sank in 1857 will be offered to the public for the first time in an auction to be conducted in September in Los Angeles, Calif
1793 Cent Stars in Stack’s Bowers Sale
Stack’s Bowers Galleries will hold a U.S. and world coin and paper money auction live Aug
Royal Mint Experience Safely Reopening
The Royal Mint is preparing to safely reopen the Royal Mint Experience on July 31. The Royal Mint’s website announced that there will be changes due to health and safety regulations and that visitors will be greeted by hosts right at the door. The Royal Mint has still been busy, even while closed to the public, by making 5,000 protector visors every day for the NHS
Gallery Mint Museum Replica Producer
Who is the Gallery Mint Museum and is it okay to buy their coins?
The Gallery Mint Museum was located in Eureka Springs, Ark. It produced excellent replicas of U.S
Collecting Budget Morgan Dollars
By Mark Benvenuto
Morgan dollars have without a doubt enjoyed widespread popularity among collectors for as long as anyone can remember, for a variety of reasons. They are big, silver coins. Many of them exist in high, Mint State grades
The Masterpiece Syndrome
Writer’s Name Withheld
I am a recent coin collector whose preference when it comes to coins are modern and ultra-modern coins. When I share this with most seasoned collectors and coin dealers, there is a tinge of unintentional condescension. I find this group doesn’t seem that interested in discussing the wonderful and historically informative designs of the Native American dollars produced since 2009
Bullion Coins Have Their Day in the Sun
By Richard Giedroyc
Silver is more available than gold. Not just silver bullion, but silver in coinage format as well. Due to the more modest price of silver, it is more popular with collectors than gold
America the Beautiful Quarter Products Hit Market
More America the Beautiful quarter products have hit the market, and you will see their listings added to this week’s charts.
The three-coin set honoring Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut was released June 29. The set, comprised of a “P” uncirculated quarter, a “D” uncirculated quarter, and an “S” proof quarter, has sold 11,375 since its debut
Community Voice Response: Aug. 4, 2020
From the July 10, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way you collect coins?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
I have changed nothing due to COVID.
Brian Schneider
via Facebook
Now that all of the coin shows and conventions are canceled, I am saving a lot of money
ANA Officially Cancels 2020 World’s Fair of Money
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) Board of Governors voted on July 14 to officially cancel the 2020 World’s Fair of Money, the organization announced in a July 16 statement.
The show was originally scheduled for Aug. 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pa; however, COVID-19 restrictions made continuing with the Pittsburgh event unfeasible, and the Board voted in mid-June to postpone the event while it considered alternate sites and dates
Does A Gold Currency Make Sense?
Gold coins have circulated for thousands of years. Using gold in coins for payment purposes has a great combination of advantages—durability, portability, standardization, relative ease of production, and others. One limitation of using gold coins for commerce, however, has been that it was most practical for face-to-face transactions
Zechman, Feitl Receive ANA 2020 College Scholarships
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has awarded 2020 college scholarships to Abigail Zechman from Clermont, Fla., and Colin Feitl from Hebron, Ky., the organization announced in a July 14 statement
1656 Cromwell Pattern Broad Survives Over 350 Years
During the August ANA Auction No. 3085, Heritage Auctions will be offering up a 1656 Cromwell Pattern Broad. It is a rare piece considering its historical context
German Auction House Sells U.S. Medal of Honor
By Richard Giedroyc
The provenance of a coin, or in this case a military decoration, can be important. This can be due to the potential of the item otherwise being reclaimed by an individual or by a foreign nation due to the object being family or national patrimony.
This scenario has played out many times for American collectors owning ancient coins
PCGS Banknote Grades $1,000 ‘Grand Watermelon’ Note
The finest known example of the ultra-rare 1890 $1,000 “Grand Watermelon” Treasury Note, which in 2005 became the first bank note to bring $1 million at auction, has been certified and graded by PCGS Banknote, according to a July 9 statement.
Issued in $100 and $1,000 denominations and originally redeemable in gold or silver coin, they were dubbed “Watermelon” notes because of the color and design of the large zeroes on the reverse of the note.
The $1,000 note, commonly referred to as a “Grand Watermelon,” is extremely rare and given the large face value of this 1890-vintage note – $1,000, roughly equivalent to $29,000 today – it was scarcely seen outside of interbank commerce
Coins with Intrinsic Value in High Demand
By Richard Giedroyc
Could prices for key date and ultra-high condition certified coins be ready for a dramatic increase? Dealers have been recently indicating there is a shortage of quality coins that aren’t what I would term “recycled stuff.” It can be argued that many of the better coins are in strong financial hands, however, it can also be argued demand is simply outstripping supply in much the same fashion as is being experienced in the bullion and bullion-impacted sectors of the coin market.
This is the type of problem we all may welcome, that is unless you have been putting off buying some special coin
Community Voice Response: July 10, 2020
From the July 3, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Do you purchase coin lots when adding to your collection? Why or why not?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
I have searched for and bought coin lots locally for many years. Putting ads in local papers and being able to buy coins and compete “collections” has helped me build the majority of my collection
How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Collecting?
By Mark Benvenuto
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has changed everyday life in the United States, and indeed the world, in countless ways. How we collect probably qualifies as a pretty small change, but nevertheless, this pandemic will most likely color how we go about assembling collections of great coins, bank notes, and medals for years and possibly decades to come. We thought it might be a good idea to query some of the people most actively involved in our hobby to see what is different for them, to see what has become more of a challenge, and to see if there might actually be any upsides or strange pluses to an event that put most of the world on lock-down in 2020
11 Quick Tips for the Liberty Seated Dollar Collector
By Brishen Foley
Editor’s Note: The following article has been reprinted from the E-Gobrecht Newsletter, Vol. 16, Issue 7, with the express permission of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club.
Here are some tips I think would be helpful to people that are contemplating starting a Liberty Seated dollar (LSD) set
PNG Reports Active U.S. Rare Coin Market Despite Pandemic
The market for high-quality, rare United States coins remained active during the first six months of 2020 despite pandemic-related closures of many retail locations and cancelation of dozens of coin shows and numismatic conventions around the country, according to the Professional Numismatists Guild in a July 6 press release.
“Even with economic uncertainty and the lack of face-to-face transactions and in-person floor bidding, major auction firms reported selling more than $167 million of U.S
Osborne Mint Releases Opening Day 2020 Rounds
Osborne Mint, the country’s oldest private mint, has released a 1-troy ounce .999 fine silver, Opening Day 2020 singular design collectible round, the private firm announced in a June 30 press release. This round commemorates the start of the 2020 baseball season with the inscription, “Let’s Play Ball!”
Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Osborne Mint has previously celebrated baseball’s opening day from the Opening Day Parade to the first pitch
Osborne Mint Releases Opening Day 2020 Rounds
Osborne Mint, the country’s oldest private mint, has released a 1-troy ounce .999 fine silver, Opening Day 2020 singular design collectible round, the private firm announced in a June 30 press release
Coins Continue Upward Climb
By Richard Giedroyc
Collectible coins continue to surge ahead, with new collectors and speculators joining a seasoned population of buyers. Demand for gold and silver, be it in bullion or coinage form, continues to outstrip supply. The U
Coins Continue Upward Climb
By Richard Giedroyc
Collectible coins continue to surge ahead, with new collectors and speculators joining a seasoned population of buyers. Demand for gold and silver, be it in bullion or coinage form, continues to outstrip supply
Community Voice Response: June 26 e-Newsletter
From the June 26, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Do you think consumers will feel the effects of the U.S. coin shortage? Have you noticed anything different from where you live?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers
Community Voice Response: June 26 e-Newsletter
From the June 26, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Do you think consumers will feel the effects of the U.S
Piece of Shipwreck History Up for Bid
(Image courtesy Heritage Auctions, www.HA.com)
Heritage Auctions will be selling a piece of shipwreck history as part of the August ANA Auction #1318
Piece of Shipwreck History Up for Bid
(Image courtesy Heritage Auctions, www.HA
Are Morgan Dollar Prices Going Up?
By Patrick Heller
In early 1989, there was the specter of possibly millions of dollars of “Wall Street-organized” rare coin investment funds entering the market to purchase large quantities of rare coins. Dealers and collectors scurried to “beat the rush” by creating a coin-buying frenzy
Are Morgan Dollar Prices Going Up?
By Patrick Heller
In early 1989, there was the specter of possibly millions of dollars of “Wall Street-organized” rare coin investment funds entering the market to purchase large quantities of rare coins. Dealers and collectors scurried to “beat the rush” by creating a coin-buying frenzy. Prices rose significantly in anticipation of this “outside” money flowing into the numismatic market
New 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar Variety Confirmed
A new die marriage for the 1795 Flowing Hair half dollar has been identified by Professional Coin Grading Service, the firm announced June 30. The coin was struck with a previously unknown obverse die and is now recognized as the new Overton 133 variety
New 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar Variety Confirmed
A new die marriage for the 1795 Flowing Hair half dollar has been identified by Professional Coin Grading Service, the firm announced June 30. The coin was struck with a previously unknown obverse die and is now recognized as the new Overton 133 variety.
It is the first new major die variety to be discovered on a 1795 Flowing Hair half dollar in more than 90 years, according to PCGS
1822 Half Eagle a Numismatic Treasure
This 1822 half eagle is graded PCGS AU-50. (Images courtesy National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution via PCGS.com
1822 Half Eagle a Numismatic Treasure
This 1822 half eagle is graded PCGS AU-50. (Images courtesy National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution via PCGS
Stack’s Bowers’ June 2020 Auction Nets Over $5 Million
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries June 2020 Auction continued the trend of high prices realized recently demonstrated in their March Santa Ana and May Hong Kong auctions. Over $5 million was realized in the June sale across United States coins, tokens, and medals, achieving 114 percent of the pre-sale estimate on sold lots. (All prices listed include the buyer’s fee
Stack’s Bowers’ June 2020 Auction Nets Over $5 Million
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries June 2020 Auction continued the trend of high prices realized recently demonstrated in their March Santa Ana and May Hong Kong auctions. Over $5 million was realized in the June sale across United States coins, tokens, and medals, achieving 114 percent of the pre-sale estimate on sold lots
2020 Native American $1 Coin Available to Alaska Financial Institutions
The 2020 Native American $1 coin features a design of Elizabeth Peratrovich, a member of the Tlingit nation, whose advocacy for Alaskan Natives and an impassioned speech in the Alaskan Senate was considered a deciding factor in the passage of the 1945 Anti-Discrimination Law in the Alaskan territorial legislature. 2020 is the 75th Anniversary of Elizabeth Peratrovich’s testimony. On Jan
2020 Native American $1 Coin Available to Alaska Financial Institutions
The 2020 Native American $1 coin features a design of Elizabeth Peratrovich, a member of the Tlingit nation, whose advocacy for Alaskan Natives and an impassioned speech in the Alaskan Senate was considered a deciding factor in the passage of the 1945 Anti-Discrimination Law in the Alaskan territorial legislature. 2020 is the 75th Anniversary of Elizabeth Peratrovich’s testimony
Coin Lots Make Collecting Fun
By Daryl Conley
I may be an atypical collector; I may even suffer a bit from ADD when it comes to collecting. Some collectors focus on a certain type or series of coin, or even certain metal content such as gold or silver. Some focus on completing an entire set, putting together a registry set, or completing a BU or MS type set
WFM Suspension Spurs Grading Event
The American Numismatic Association announced June 17 that its 2020 World’s Fair of Money is suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. The show was scheduled to be held Aug. 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pa
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
CSNS Parts Ways with Chairman Foley
The Central States Numismatic Society’s board of governors has decided not to renew Convention Chairman Kevin Foley’s contract, which was set to expire June 30.
Foley served as convention general chairman for decades, guiding it to its semi-permanent home in Schaumburg, Ill., in 2012 and more recently incorporating elements of the Chicago Coin Fair and the PCDA National Coin and Currency Convention into the Central States convention
Downward Sales Adjustments Abound
What goes up, must come down, is not how we typically look at cumulative sales figures from the U.S. Mint – but it seems to be a common thread this week
Community Voice Response: July 14, 2020
From the June 19, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Do you think it’s a good idea for the ANA to relocate the 2020 World’s Fair of Money to another state?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
Yes, they should move it if they can have a show this year.
Lee Quast
High Ridge, Mo
2020 World’s Fair of Money Suspended
On June 17, The American Numismatic Association (ANA) sent an official statement to our editorial offices announcing the suspension of the 2020 World’s Fair of Money show. It was originally scheduled for Aug. 4-8 in Pittsburgh, Pa
New Holders House So-Called Dollars
Jeff Shevlin, a nationally recognized expert on So-Called Dollars, has available four different types of Lucite holders to store and display So-Called Dollars, which are historical U.S. medals that commemorate events in the United States history
1999 George Washington $5: An Overlooked Commemorative
The gold 1999 George Washington commemorative $5. (Images courtesy United States Mint, usmint.gov
GreatCollections Offers Ultra-Rare 1882 $1,000 Gold Certificate
An ultra-rare 1882 $1,000 Gold Certificate, of which only a handful of examples are known, is currently being auctioned by GreatCollections, the auction firm announced in a June 5 press release. The large-size, high-denomination note, which features a half-length portrait of a youthful Alexander Hamilton, is being sold unreserved and bidding will end on Sunday, July 12 at www.greatcollections
Do I Have a 1901/O-S Half Eagle?
How can I tell if I have a 1901/O-S half eagle?
This overdate variety is known as Breen 6780. It can be identified via the remnant of the curve of a “0” near the upper right of the final “1” in the date.
The motto “In God We Trust” first appeared on our bank notes during the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s
Average Collector at Disadvantage
By Larry Steinfeld
I’m afraid that I am like all the rest of the people in this country who have to depend on large coin collectors to receive the coin I received today. All the big coin collectors have us small collectors at a disadvantage. We are unable to get these coins at our local banks
Platinum Coins Surge, Industry Needs Lag
Great Britain has sold about 35,000 ounces of its recent platinum composition coins into the U.S. market
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
Indian Head Gold Leads Long Beach
It was a pair of rare Indian Head $10 gold coins that bidders pursued to top lot honors in Heritage Auctions’ Long Beach Expo U.S. Coins Auction, as the two high-grade examples led more than 1,400 lots offered June 4-7
Basketball Coin Sales Begin
With sales of the Basketball Hall of Fame coins and products beginning June 4, new entries have been added at the top of this page’s chart.
The first of the Mint’s 2020 commemorative releases, the coins honor the 60th anniversary of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Surcharges from sales of the coins benefit operations and education programs at the Hall of Fame
Community Voice Response: June 30, 2020
From the June 4 Numismatic News e-Newsletter
What type of content would you like to see in Numismatic News that isn’t currently included?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.
I would like to see a regular feature about building a typeset on a budget. Maybe regularly pick a coin and see what can be purchased for $200-$300
Coronavirus Creates Influx of Collectors, Investors
By Richard Giedroyc
The surprising and rapid recovery of equity markets in a “V” rather than a “U” shape curve has impacted the spot price of precious metals inversely. This, in turn, has been impacting the value of bullion and bullion-impacted coins. Consider that the bad news
What Can You Learn While Being A Numismatist?
By Patrick A. Heller
In my decades of working as a coin dealer, I have written a lot of sales copy. In the process of describing various items, I have had to dig into the history of the pieces or about the history behind what was selected for the artwork
Physical Precious Metals More Available, Premiums Declining
By the middle of March, demand in the U.S. for physical precious metals, especially gold and silver, was so strong that retailer inventories were largely depleted
1851-O 3-Cent Piece: An Obscure Piece of History
This 1851-O 3-cent piece is graded NGC MS-65 and is from the Richmond Collection. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions, www.ha
Kookaburra Celebrates 30 Years
By Tom Michael
Perth Mint continues their celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Australian Kookaburra with the release on June 2 of a 2-ounce silver proof gilded high relief 2 dollar coin. The high relief with selective gilding is a first for the Perth Mint. They used 24-carat gold on the high relief Kookaburra of the reverse design created by well-known graphic designer Jennifer McKenna
Background on the Belleville Mint
What is the story behind the Belleville Mint?
John Gibbs of Belleville, N.J., billed himself as the Manufacturer of Medals and Tokens
Fundamentals For Gold Still Strong
Michael Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion. (Photo courtesy Universal Coin & Bullion.)
The fundamentals for gold continue strong as it reaches new highs worldwide and near an eight-year high in the United States, and that is helping to boost increased demand for some rare gold coins, according to award-winning writer Michael Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion
In Response to YN Viewpoint
I want to start out by saying I am of the older generation and a longtime collector. I want to applaud Radek Molchan for being a page at coin shows and his interest in coin collecting. That is great and I am glad to hear his opinion
Counterfeit Battles Continued in May
One of the 10 fake silver American Eagles sold to an unsuspecting victim who responded to an unsolicited advertisement on Facebook. (Image courtesy of fraud victim.)
A fraudulent advertisement for bullion coins on Facebook, fake encapsulation holders, and requests for expert help from federal agencies kept the non-profit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation busy during May 2020
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
‘Frothy Bull Market’ for Coins
By Richard Giedroyc
The market for coins is doing well despite the coronavirus shutdowns that have decimated so many businesses. Brick-and-mortar coin shops without any internet presence of consequence have felt the impact; however, those with a strong internet following have continued to prosper.
As a nation, we are beginning to re-open our stores to the public
Proof Sets See Collector Demand
Since our last Mint Statistics report, the Mint’s America the Beautiful products honoring the Weir Farm National Historic Site have been tallied.
You will see a Weir Farm entry included in the America the Beautiful 5-Ounce Coins chart on this page and in the Bags and Rolls section where sales totals are recorded for 100-coin bags, two-roll set for Philadelphia and Denver, San Francisco rolls, and the P, D, S rolls set.
Proof Sets are the name of the sales game this week
Community Voice Response: June 23, 2020
From the May 29, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
How big of a role do auction results play in your collecting approach?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
Auction results play some part in my collecting decisions; if I had to place this on a percentage basis, I’d say that auctions represent at least 20 percent, taking into consideration other factors that may/may not impact collecting decisions.
Ron Tartarella
Plano, Texas
None at all
Heritage Auctions Relocates World Headquarters
Heritage Auctions has moved its global headquarters into a new state-of-the-art, 160,000-square-foot facility and multi-purpose campus.
As of June 1, Heritage’s global headquarters is now located at 2801 W. Airport Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75261, which is adjacent to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and in its foreign trade zone
RCNA 2020 Convention Canceled
It’s a challenging time for coin shows and conventions everywhere because of the coronavirus. On May 21, our editorial offices received an official statement regarding the cancelation of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association’s 2020 Convention that was set for July 20.
In their statement, the RCNA says, “Our thoughts are with each of you in our collector society, your families, your clubs and their members, and your broader communities
Stack’s Bowers Acquires Carter Numismatics
Stack’s Bowers Galleries (SBG) has acquired Carter Numismatics Incorporated (CNI), the auction firm announced May 26. With the acquisition comes the addition of Jason Carter to Stack’s Bowers’ team of numismatic professionals. Carter joins SBG as executive vice president, and he, John Morgan and the CNI team will continue to operate out of the new SBG offices in Tulsa, Okla
ANA Launches eLearning Academy
During what would have been the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) annual Summer Seminar event – June 29-July 10, the Association will instead offer free virtual courses through its new ANA eLearning Academy, the company announced in a June 1 press release.
Eleven courses that would have been offered during the week-long Summer Seminar will be offered in a condensed one- to two-hour online format. Courses are open to both ANA members and non-members; there is no charge to participate but preregistration is required
PCGS Announces 2020 Coin Quest Winners
The Professional Coin Grading Service Coin Quest 2020 has come to an end with the recognition of two winners, the company announced in a May 30 press release. The quest, which kicked off early in the year, challenged collectors to find circulating examples of 2020 Philadelphia and Denver cents, nickels, and dimes and to be among the first to submit them to PCGS for a coveted PCGS Early Find label. Collectors were then tasked with completing the six-coin set in the PCGS Set Registry for a chance to win up to $2,500
Heritage Offers Rare $20 Gold Piece For FUN Auction
Collectors of $20 gold pieces know the names Dr. Steven Duckor and Jay Brahin. These two major collectors have built famous sets of Saint Gaudens $20 gold pieces, which are also considered some of the most beautiful American coins
Coin Finds: Buried Treasure in 1974
When I went through my change I found a 1944 Lincoln wheat penny from the San Francisco Mint and a 1944 Lincoln wheat penny from the Denver mint. I wonder if they are of any value since I believe they were supposedly taken out of circulation for the war efforts.
Roy Reignier
Riverton, Wyo
Problems with China and India Gold Statistics
By Patrick Heller
In last week’s column, I detailed various ways that official and unofficial reports of precious metals data (supply, demand, inventories, trading volume, etc.) are either kept secret, is misreported or is skewed so as to be misleading. This column was so popular that it was more widely linked at other websites than most of my articles
Community Voice Response: May 22, 2020
From the May 22, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
With the cancellation of coin shows, has your online buying and selling activity increased? Why or why not?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
Yes, my online buying has increased substantially, especially since March of this year. I typically buy American Silver Eagles each month, but they have become very scarce and at such a high premium, that I have moved onto other sources (online)
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
The 1793 Liberty Cap Cent
A 1793 Liberty Cap cent graded VF-30 by PCGS. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions.)
The 1793 Liberty Cap cent, simply based on the date, is a good coin
ANA World’s Fair of Money Presently Undeterred by Pandemic
While the country begins to re-open for business and stay-at-home restrictions are lifted, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) continues to plan for the World’s Fair of Money. The premier convention features all things related to coin collecting. This year, the ANA is returning to Pittsburgh, Penn
Viewpoint: Nugget News Story Should Be Relevant to Coin Collectors
By Dominic Cicio
I just read your article about NGC encapsulating Gold Rush nuggets in the May 5 issue of Numismatic News. Sunken treasure generally makes a good story, and authentic Gold Rush nuggets certainly bring the Old West to mind. Now, we know the nuggets were on the way to New York City, I can only guess that because NGC encapsulated the nuggets, it makes them a collectible?
If you told us that the nuggets were going to be melted down into planchets and then off to the Philadelphia Mint to make $20 Liberty Heads, it would tie into numismatics
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
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
Mint Stats: Silver Proof Set Tops Week’s Sales
New this week is the removal of the 2017 listings in the Proof Gold section to make way for the 2019 entries. You will find those updated numbers at the bottom of this page.
The sales standout this week is the 2020 10-coin Silver Proof Set
Community Voice Response: June 9, 2020
From the May 15, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
What are you doing to help encourage the next generation to take up coin collecting?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
I am offering thousands of coins on the internet, scientifically described and not slabbed, to let new collectors get the emotional feeling which can’t be experienced in a plastic environment.
Dr
Scarce to Rare Coins Show No Signs of Slowing
By Richard Giedroyc
Anyone asking how the rare coin market is performing need not look any further than the 1933 $10 eagle graded Mint State 65 by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation that sold for $360,000 in a late April auction in Dallas. Take notice of the bids, of which there were 45 before the gavel fell!
The scarce to rare sector of the coin market is firing on all cylinders, with no let-up in sight. Collectible yet generally more available coins continue to sell at a fever pitch
Industry Insider: COVID Business Landscape Part III
By Tom Michael
This week we begin the third part of what we thought would be a two-part article. Response from mints and auction houses has continued to arrive. Reports of how business has changed during the pandemic are evolving into a broader picture
What Is Really Happening In Precious Metals Markets?
By Patrick Heller
In 2020, there has been another modest surge of interest of Americans wanting to own some physical precious metals, especially gold and silver. People are becoming more aware that governments’ inflation of the money supplies is almost certain to reduce the purchasing power of their fiat (paper) currencies.
There is any number of “experts” or “analysts” of precious metals who issue updates explaining what has happened in the markets and projecting what may happen
Regency Auction 38 Brings Strong Results Despite Relocation
Legend Rare Coins’ Regency Auction 38, set to take place at Harrah’s in New Orleans as part of the PCGS Members Only Show, was forced to become a webcast event held at Legend’s central New Jersey offices due to the ongoing coronavirus global pandemic of 2020.
Despite this change, results in prices were strong, showing continued resilience in the coin market. From the start of the sale, which began with the Blue Hill Collection of New Orleans Silver Dollars and Double Eagles, activity was strong
The 1958 Roosevelt Dime Waits in the Wings
This 1958 Roosevelt dime with Full Bands is graded MS-67 by PCGS. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions.)
There is no way of getting around the fact that recent years have not been the best when it comes to higher prices for most Roosevelt dimes
Stack’s Bowers May 2020 Hong Kong Auction
By Tracy Schmidt
Stack’s Bowers’ May 2020 Hong Kong Auction included bank notes in Session B held on May 4 and Session E held on May 7. There were four notes that I especially want to share with you from Session B; Lot 50027, and Lot 50204 were notes from China, Lot 50319 from Canada and Lot 50324 from French Indo-China.
The first I enjoyed watching was Lot 50027, a Pick A81a, Ta-Ching 10 Dollar ND (1910) note
Coin Clinic: The ‘Big Three’ Certification Services
What sets the so-called “Big Three” certification services apart from the other similar services?
Each of the companies that are well-accepted as being standards of the business of coins has made their grading standards public. Each of these services is also well-funded and can afford to advertise aggressively. Some of the lesser services offer satisfactory work, however, there are also some services that ignore problems including cleaning and environmental damage to coins
June Long Beach Expo Canceled, Heritage Relocates Auction
The Long Beach Expo on the West Coast has canceled its June 2020 expo due to the ongoing COVID-19 health pandemic and in compliance with Governor Gavin Newsom’s March 12, 2020, Executive Order to cancel all large gatherings, according to a May 13 press release. The Long Beach Expo plans to return to the Long Beach Convention Center, Sep. 17-19, 2020
Viewpoint: Hobby Should Appeal to All
By George Kissinger
After reading the fine Viewpoint article by a YN in the May 12 issue, several key points came into focus. First, that Young Numismatist was articulate and sincere. His points are well taken
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
Community Voice Response: June 2, 2020
From the May 8, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Are you exploring a new collecting avenue during COVID or focusing on your current collection?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
Staying with my existing collection, organizing, documenting coins, and at the same time taking a break.
Name and Address Withheld
I am exploring a new avenue
Mint Stats: Sales Reporting Back on Track
In these days of COVID-19 where so many things feel uncertain, we welcome back a bit of consistency: U.S. Mint sales totals are now being updated on a regular weekly schedule
Why You Should Be a Collector
By Patrick Heller
With so many people today facing sudden financial hardships and possible time constraints, it may make sense to consider whether to pursue a pre-existing or new hobby.
This could apply to every hobby, not just numismatics.
Hobbies can involve a financial cost for references, memberships, supplies, and objects
NGC Attributes Tomaska Die Varieties for Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars
A 1960 Franklin half dollar graded PR-67 in the new NGC holder attributing Tomaska die varieties. (Image courtesy NGC)
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) is now attributing proof Franklin half dollars and proof Kennedy half dollars according to the die varieties cataloged by Rick Tomaska in Cameo and Brilliant Proof Coinage of the 1950 to 1970 Era, the firm announced May 12. Submitters can request the attribution for applicable coins through NGC’s VarietyPlus service
De La Rue Fights to Turn Company Around
By Richard Giedroyc
During early 2017 De La Rue stock was trading near the high point of its 52-week value. As of April 10 this year the stock was trading at the paltry figure of 14.3 percent of its 52-week high as the stock tumbled to $1
Star Varieties for 1798/97 Gold Eagle
A 1798/97 gold eagle graded MS-62+ by Professional Coin Grading Service. (Images courtesy PCGS)
It should come as no surprise that the first gold eagles of the United States are very tough coins. After all, back in the 1790s, a $10 gold coin was a lot of money for almost everyone
SARC Online Auction 7 Offers Worldwide Variety
By Thomas Michael
The crew at Stephen Album Rare Coins wrapped up their seventh online auction on May 4. I’ve been following SARC’s move into the online auction area since their second sale and have greatly enjoyed the diversity of their offerings and simplicity of their online bidding system. With the cancellation of almost every coin show in the world through the spring of 2020 due to our planetary pandemic, online auctions have provided a great outlet for hobbyists still looking to collect coins in their various areas of interest
Viewpoint: Hobby Loses Great ‘Unknown’ Numismatist
By Scott Mitchell
There is an old Carole King song that alludes to our lives being a “tapestry,” so to speak. I forget the lyrics of the song, and whether or not they would even apply to what I hope to convey in this piece: however, the symbolism has remained with me. Throughout our lives, there are those with which we intersect; some for a day, some for a season, and some for most of our lifetime
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
Mint Rebounds with Basketball HOF Coins, Kennedys
It’s been a challenging couple of months for business everywhere, including the Mint, but it seems it is now making a comeback with new products scheduled for June and the Basketball Hall of Fame coins finally making their debut.
On June 4, the Mint is releasing 2020 Kennedy half dollar rolls and bags. (All images courtesy U
Community Voice Response: May 26, 2020
From the May 1, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Has the U.S. Mint been too quick to reopen its facilities? Why or why not?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers
Coin Market Healthiest It’s Been in Years
By Richard Giedroyc
Gold continues to trade in a reasonably tight range while silver continues to dramatically underperform gold. You might not see this if you follow the demand for silver American Eagle and bullion-impacted silver coins. Demand continues to outstrip supply for both gold and silver composition coins, both older issues and those being generated by the U
The Process For Submitting a Coin Design
By Patrick Heller
The American Innovation coin commemorating New Jersey. (Image courtesy U.S
Central States Auctions Total More Than $33.6 Million
More than $33.6 million in rare coins and currency changed hands during the Central States auctions, which were moved from Chicago to Heritage Auctions’ headquarters in Dallas, Texas, April 23-26 due to the cancellation of the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) Convention.
“Considering the worldwide coronavirus crisis, participation was stellar, with more than 6,800 people participating in the auction online,” said Jim Halperin, co-founder of Heritage Auctions
Can You Find ‘Secret’ Dime Marker?
By F. Michael Fazzari
There are no secrets to coin authentication. All it takes is a stereo microscope and either the diagnostics of a genuine specimen or access to known genuine coins for a back-and-forth comparison
Heritage Offers Gold Rarities at Long Beach
It’s nearly June, which means that Heritage is preparing for its Long Beach auction, June 4-8. This year, Heritage will be offering two rare early gold coins that are expected to be highlights of the auction.
The first is an 1808 quarter eagle, which has a minuscule mintage of only 2,710 coins
United States Mint Announces Product Sale Dates
The 2020 America the Beautiful 5-ounce Uncirculated coin is set for release May 18. (Image courtesy U.S
Coronavirus Determines Supply and Demand
By Richard Giedroyc
Image courtesy of U.S. Mint
United States Mint to Resume San Francisco Operations
San Francisco Mint facility. (Image courtesy U.S
Community Voice Response: April 24 e-Newsletter
From the April 24, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
If you had to pick just one, what coin design is your favorite?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
The Liberty half dollar.
J
People’s Bank of China Holds Design Contest
The XXIV Olympic Winter Games will take place in Beijing and Zhangjiakou Feb. 4-20, 2022. This is the first time China is hosting the Winter Olympic Games, and Beijing will become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games
Item of the Week: The 1938 Washington Quarter
This 1938 Washington quarter is graded PR-64 by NGC. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
A better date when it comes to a Philadelphia Washington quarter can be a relative matter. The 1938 Washington quarter is certainly better than the 1964 but with a total mintage of 564,341,347, it is probably easy to make the case that almost any quarter produced is better than the 1964
Coin Clinic: Advice For Selling U.S. Mint Proof Sets
I’ve made the decision to sell in bulk my 1960-2019 U.S. Mint standard proof sets
Viewpoint: YN Perspective Key to Hobby Future
By Radek Molchan
I am a Young Numismatist, and I come from a family that has no knowledge or interest in numismatics. I have been a page for many coins shows and I exhibit as much as possible. I enjoy the competition of the exhibits, and I enjoy being a page for the simple fact that if you work hard, you can make a little money and get some coins to add to your collection
Reader’s Showcase: 1902 Plain Back From Key West, Fla.
By Peter Huntoon
Every once in a while, a national goes by that simply takes your breath away. This 1902 plain back from Key West is just such a note. It appeared Stack’s Bowers’ Spring 2019 Baltimore sale as lot 6008
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
Community Voice Response: May 12, 2020
From the April 17, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
How do you think the landscape of the hobby will look once the pandemic is over and the market settles down?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
Primary sales will be online and auctions. Face-to-face purchases will be reduced considerably
Bullion-Related Coins Remain a Hot Market
By Richard Giedroyc
The market for coins is healthy, even frothy. It doesn’t matter if you are into buying bullion and bullion-impacted coins, collectible but generally available coins, or “desirable” coins. I am using the term desirable rather than scarce to rare due to the keen interest in any coin someone deems to be desirable that is now increasingly widespread
Why a U.S. Dollar and Not a U.S. Pound?
By Patrick Heller
Most of the first colonists in what is now the United States came from England. They adopted many English customs and laws which have continued to the present day. But, have you ever wondered why the American money system is based on the decimal system of dollars and cents rather than the on the British pounds, shillings, and pence?
The dollar is derived from the term thaler
Glenna Goodacre Remembered
Coin collectors know Goodacre best as the designer of the obverse of the Sacagawea dollar.
By Dennis Tucker
New Mexico artist Glenna Goodacre – well-known to coin collectors as the designer of the Sacagawea dollar – has died of natural causes at the age of 80. She passed away at her home in Santa Fe the evening of Monday, April 13
United States Mint Announces Winning Design for Women’s Suffrage Centennial Coin
The United States Mint officially announced the design for the 2020 Women’s Suffrage Centennial silver dollar, celebrating the milestone 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, according to the firm in an official announcement April 21.
“This coin pays homage to the 19th Amendment’s adoption, and also honors the many pioneers, activists, and foot soldiers in the movement who fought bravely and tenaciously for decades to make the amendment a reality,” said United States Mint Director David J. Ryder
United States Mint to Resume West Point Operations
Editor’s Note: The following is a reprint of an email message sent to industry press Wednesday, April 20.
The United States Mint (Mint) will resume limited production Tuesday morning, April 21, at the Mint facility at West Point. During the temporary suspension of operations at the West Point Mint, in consultation with local public health officials, a thorough cleaning of the facility was conducted in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines
Item of the Week: The 1833 Half Cent
An 1833 Classic Head half cent graded PR-64 Brown by PCGS. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
Good values can be found in some surprising places. The 1833 half cent might well qualify as a surprising place as it is not a half cent that gets much attention, but when you consider the factors surrounding it as a good coin for the money it can start to look better and better
Coin Clinic: What Happened to the Dalles Mint?
Why was a branch mint proposed for Oregon when a mint was already in operation in San Francisco?
A Pacific Northwest mint was perceived as being necessary following the discovery of gold in Idaho in 1860. Due to the distance between The Dalles and San Francisco, gold dust was being used as currency in Oregon rather than wait for coins to be struck more than 600 miles away and shipped to Oregon.
Why wasn’t the Dalles Mint ever put into operation?
There were continuing construction delays
IPMS 2020 Postponed Indefinitely
The following is a reprint from an email received April 16.
Dear Friends,
We have determined that we are forced to cancel the 44th annual IPMS show scheduled for June 10-13 in Kansas City, Mo., at the Sheraton Crown Center Hotel and Convention Center
The Ike Dollar: A Symbol of Hope
A 1974 clad-composition Eisenhower (Ike) dollar. (Images courtesy usacoinbook.com
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
Seattle Collection Leads Strong Sale
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, which closed on March 26, was scheduled to take place at Le Meridien in Philadelphia. Two weeks prior to the sale, with various orders from different entities, federal, state and local, Legend made the decision to hold the auction in the firm’s New Jersey offices, as a live, webcast-only auction, with no floor bidders
Community Voice Response: May 5, 2020
From the April 10, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Do you think the “W” quarters with privy marks are a good way for the Mint to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II? Why or why not?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
It is a great idea as long as this is not to make it easier for the Mint-contracted coin dealers to more readily identify the 2020-W quarters because they let some slip through to consumers and collectors in 2019.
Metro East Coin & Currency Club
via Facebook
It seems that such a world-changing event should have at least earned the entire reverse of a coin, not just a privy mark
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
Federal Reserve Websites Document Inflation Of The Money Supply
By Patrick A. Heller
The US government and Federal Reserve Bank are inflating the money supply, which reduces the value of the US dollar. Two Federal Reserve online reports document the scope of this inflation
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
Stack’s Offers World War I Medals in Exonumia Sale
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is presenting a special April Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auction of over 160 lots of exonumia. These pieces represent three different topics: the works of Jacques Wiener mostly comprising his famous, intricately engraved architectural series; World War I medals from a variety of issuers on each side of the great conflict, and the massive opera of Karl Goetz, ranging from historical to satirical themes.
Starting off this sale are numerous offerings from the brothers Wiener, led mostly by Jacques
Item of the Week: 1949 Franklin Half Dollar
A 1949-S Franklin half dollar graded PCGS MS-67 with full bell lines. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
Franklin half dollars seem to have found an audience based on record prices and dealers running prices for coins they want to buy. An impressive list once came from the Littleton Coin Company in Littleton, N
Counterfeit Coinage: A Costly Mistake
The following is a reprint of a statement given by Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force Director, Doug Davis and is a Numismatic News Exclusive.
The increased flood of counterfeit coinage within the past five years poses a real and present danger to the U.S
Coin Clinic: Who is Farran Zerbe?
Image courtesy of money.org
The American Numismatic Association has a Farran Zerbe Memorial Award. What can you tell me about Zerbe?
Farran Zerbe (1871-1949) was president of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) between 1908 and 1910
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
Scarce Gold Highlights Heritage’s Central States Auction
The convention might be canceled, but Heritage Auctions’ presentation of nearly 3,000 lots of U.S. coins is right on schedule for the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) auctions on April 23-24 and 26
Viewpoint: Coins and Mankind Are Here to Stay
By Michael S. Turrini
Coin meetings and shows canceled. Possible closure national assemblages
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
Dates Not Set on Mint’s Product Schedule
At the time of this writing, the United States Mint does not have dates set for the remainder of its 2020 releases.
The last on-sale date listed on the Mint’s online product schedule is April 17 for the 2020 silver proof set. The next three products set for release are the Air Force silver medal, the American Eagle one-ounce 2020 gold uncirculated coin, and the American Eagle one-ounce 2020 palladium uncirculated coin
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
‘W’ Quarters with Privy Mark Announced
The period from May 8 to Sept. 2, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. In recognition of this significant anniversary, the U
Really Look at Your Coins’ Details
By Patrick A. Heller
When did you take the time to really look at a coin? I’m not talking about an inspection to ascertain the state of preservation (grade). Instead, when did you actually examine all of the features about any coin?
I have taught a summer coin collecting class the past several years as part of a 4-H Exploration Days program
New Book Focuses on Classic Gold
Every coin series in U.S. history has a book dedicated to it except one, Classic Gold
Money Talks Speakers Wanted for Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money
American Numismatic Association (ANA) members are encouraged to share their ideas and research with fellow hobbyists by delivering a Money Talks presentation at the 2020 World’s Fair of Money® in Pittsburgh, Aug. 4-8 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
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
Digital Age Endangers British Cash
The number of financial transactions involving coins and bank notes is on the decline in the United Kingdom but questions are being raised regarding if the government should take steps to ensure individuals needing to transact in cash will still be able to do so in the near future.
About 13 percent of what Britain calls free-to-use cash points have closed within the past year. Free-to-use cash points are various forms of Automated Cash Machines or ATMs
Dimes in a Penny Roll
I get my rolls of pennies from my Community Bank. This time, I found two dimes that were the same color amidst the pennies. One dime was from 1967
Bush, Innovation Designs Considered
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) met March 10-11 to consider designs for the 2020 Barbara Bush gold coin and bronze medal and for the four 2021 American Innovation dollar coins scheduled to be released in 2021.
The committee met via teleconference instead of in-person as a precaution in light of the coronavirus.
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee’s recommendation for the obverse design of the 2020 Barbara Bush gold coin and bronze medal
Did The London/New York Markets Default On Gold Deliveries?
By Patrick A. Heller
On Tuesday, March 24, two different bullion wholesalers told us that the London Bullion Market Association, the world’s largest gold market, was not delivering any gold to settle maturing contracts that had been called for delivery of the physical metal.
While this cessation of delivery was accurate, there were multiple possible explanations as to what occurred, each of which avoided terming the non-delivery of gold as a “default” by the exchange
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
1804: Standout Era Dime
1804 dime with 13 stars on reverse. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
Being a tough early dime of the United States is not an easy thing to do as virtually any early dime of the United States is tough and expensive. That said, the 1804 stands out as one of the better dates
‘So-Called Dollars’ Book Details Expositions
Available from authors Jeff Shevlin and Bill Hyder is the book, So-Called Dollars from the Pacific Coast Expositions.
The work was named 2019 Best Specialized Book of the Year by the Numismatic Literary Guild.
So-Called Dollars are medals struck to commemorate events in United States history
Coin Clinic: How Does Restoration Improve Coins?
What can a professional coin restoration service do to improve my coins that I can’t do by cleaning them myself?
Restoration services don’t “clean” coins; they restore them. Such services can remove artificially and deliberately applied contaminants, these contaminants having been caused by improper care or storage. This includes such contaminants as polyvinyl chloride, spots, and fingerprints
Silver Proof Set Slated for April 17
If any collectors missed a coin released so far in 2020 or were unable to purchase a specific one, a 2020 silver proof set is the way to go. The U.S
Viewpoint: Response to ‘Mint’s Unintended Consequences’
By Ron Thompson
In the March 17 issue of Numismatic News, an anonymous writer suggested: “The U.S. Mint Enters the Land of Unintended Consequences
New Edition of ‘Red Book’ Released
The 74th edition of the annual Guide Book of United States Coins, popularly known as the “Red Book,” is set to debut from Whitman Publishing April 7. The new volume includes updated pricing and auction data reflecting the current market for collectible U.S
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
Pogue Collections Sells $15.3 Million
Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and negative indicators, rare coins continued to shine at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries March 2020 Auction in California. Nearly three years after Part V of the D. Brent Pogue Collection hit the market, the most valuable coin collection ever sold cemented its grip on the record books with more than $15 million in additional sales
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
Dreaming of Coins
I started coin collecting in 1969 with the help of my sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Thorn, in a small upstate N.Y
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
What is the Correct Gold/Silver Ratio?
If you look at the COMEX closes on March 24, the spot price of gold was about $1,585.00 and silver was about $14.23
Counterfeit Precious Metals Websites Erupt With Volatility of Market
The March 24, 2020 consumer/investor advisory statement below is from Doug Davis, Director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force of the non-profit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation. Mr.Davis is a former Texas police chief
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
PNG Now Accepting 2020 Awards Nominations
The Professional Numismatists Guild is now accepting nominations for its 2020 awards, according to PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.
“Each year the PNG publicly recognizes outstanding achievements in the hobby and the profession by honoring deserving recipients with awards in a half-dozen categories. We cordially welcome and strongly encourage nominations from all collectors and dealers,” said Brueggeman
Tree of Life Coin First in New Series
NumisCollect, on behalf of the government of Palau, has started the new series “Dot Art.” This new series includes designs composed out of dot art and pointillism, an art technique made popular by 1800s painter, George Seurat.
The first coin of this series is the Tree of Life
Weir Farm Coin Launch and Forum Canceled
According to the Mint in an official statement, The United States Mint, in consultation with the National Park Service, has canceled the Weir Farm National Historic Site 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters® Launch and Coin Forum events that were scheduled for April 6 & 7, 2020.
This preventive action is being taken in the interest of the health and well-being of employees, visitors, volunteers, and partners.
We remain hopeful that once the public health crisis has passed and restrictions on large gatherings have been lifted, the Mint and National Park Service will be able to coordinate with stakeholders in Connecticut in identifying a suitable date later this year to hold a coin forum and launch event
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
U.S. Mint Temporarily Closes Tours, Gift Shop, and Coin Store
On March 16, The United States Mint began temporarily closing public tours of its facilities in Philadelphia and Denver. The Denver and Philadelphia Mint gift shops and the Washington, D.C
Precious Metals Spot Prices Down, Physical Market Premiums Up Strong
For those of us who have seen volatile markets multiple times over the decades, it is entirely understandable that when the spot prices in the “paper” commodity markets suddenly plummet, the premiums for actual physical gold and silver coins and ingots can soar.
To give one example: At the COMEX close on March 11, 2020, with the spot price of silver at $16.78, the company where I work was selling $1,000 face value bags of U
Item of the Week: Buffalo Nickel Error an Affordable Option
A 1938-D/S Buffalo nickel graded MS-67 by PCGS. (Images courtesy PCGS)
When you think of errors, you usually think “expensive.” For example, the 1955 doubled die obverse Lincoln cent is not cheap, and with good reason
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
How Do I Determine the Grade on a Coin Described as ‘Uncirculated Details?’
How can I tell if my Hobo nickel is an original or a modern machined example?
An extremely worn, dateless Buffalo nickel without a mint mark likely of low value is used as the host coin for most modern reproductions. Cut lines are sharp and clean, while lacking residue in those cuts. You should not be able to feel the engraving if you have an original
A Collector’s Pot of Gold
St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 but collectors won’t need the luck of the Irish to score this product. On March 19 at noon EST, the Mint is releasing its American Eagle 2020 gold proof four-coin set
Viewpoint: Reply to ANA Hindsight and Vision
By Ron Brown
Mr. Ellsworth,
Your recent exposition on taking the ANA members out of the selection process for electing the President and Vice President of the ANA and abdicating it to some inside selection process is most offensive. Your rationale is insulting and injudicious
Jewish-American Hall of Fame Book Published
Jewish-American Hall of Fame medals issued from 1969 to 2019 have found homes in collections and museums around the world – becoming the longest continuing series of non-government art medals currently being issued in the world. Now, for the first time, biographies of more than 50 Jewish-American Hall of Fame inductees have been published, along with their portrait medals created by leading medalists, many of whom have won the Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture (presented by the American Numismatic Association) and the American Numismatic Society’s J. Sanford Saltus Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Art of the Medal
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
Collector Receives $10,000 Credit from Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctions client Steven Wilson was awarded a $10,000 auction credit March 11 through a drawing among collectors who participated in the firm’s annual numismatic survey.
Wilson’s interest in collecting was born out of a childhood curiosity about the hobby shared by his father and uncle.
“My father had a retail business, and so did my uncle, about 50 years ago,” Wilson said
Community Voice Response: March 31, 2020
From the March 6, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
What coin or coin series do you consider to be the most underrated?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
Franklin half dollars.
Peter Gehrke
Address withheld
The large cent
Whitman Baltimore Spring Expo Canceled, Stack’s Official Auction Relocated
With the cancellation of the Spring Whitman Baltimore Expo, Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ March 2020 Baltimore Auctions have been relocated from the Baltimore Convention Center to a facility near their California home office. The auction schedule published in the catalogs and on the SBG website will be the same, with only the physical location of the event changing.
“We have been closely monitoring the impact of the Covid-19 virus and the resulting cancellation of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo
Currencies and Stocks Plummet in Value Against an Ounce of Gold
By Patrick Heller
The main reason why I advocate that people should own some bullion-priced physical gold and silver coins and ingots as part of their investment portfolio or net worth is to serve as a form of “wealth insurance” against declines in the value of paper assets such as stocks, bonds, and paper currencies.
The financial turbulence of the past few weeks shows perfectly why I make such a recommendation. In an analysis I did of the changes in paper asset values against an ounce of gold for the four weeks ended March 10, 2020, every single paper currency and stock index I track had declined against gold
Update from the United States Mint
The following message was sent to the Mint’s Authorized Purchasers today:
This is to inform you that we have temporarily sold out of American Eagle silver eagle bullions. Our rate of sale in just the first part of March exceeds 300% of what was sold last month.
West Point is working diligently to produce additional inventory and once additional inventory is produced, we will again begin allocations
Kagin ANA National Money Show Results
On Feb. 27, Kagin’s Auctions held its 2020 ANA National Money Show auction. U
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
1-, 2- Cent Euros May Be Dead
By Richard Giedroyc
The European Union is considering phasing out its smallest of small change coins, the 1- and 2-cent euro denominations.
A recent work program for 2020 presented to the European Commission uses a 2018 study indicating there is no EU currency union member country in which a majority of the citizens favor keeping the two denominations.
The presentation, for that reason, proposes “uniform rules for rounding prices” through which it would become easy for any participating country to cease using the coins entirely
PMG Certifies the ‘Holy Grail’ of Uncut Currency
On March 5, Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) announced that they had certified a group of seven of the greatest uncut sheets of U.S. bank notes in existence
The Royal Canadian Mint Launches its Largest-Ever Gold Maple Leaf Coin
On March 2, The Royal Canadian Mint announced that they had produced the largest Gold Maple Leaf coin ever made, struck in detail and high relief at the Mint’s Ottawa facility.
Made from 99.999 percent pure gold, the 10-kg product offers collectors a unique luxury experience
NGC Gives Nod to Donna Weaver with Signature Label
A slabbed 2020 First “W” Mintmarked Jefferson nickel in NGC’s Donna Weaver Signature Label. (Image courtesy NGC.)
Donna Weaver, sculptor of the Return to Monticello nickel obverse (used 2016 to present) and designer of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame commemorative coin common reverse, is signing certification labels exclusively for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), the firm announced Feb
Smartminting Reloaded Brings Coins a Whole New Relief
By Thomas Michael
During the World Money Fair 2020, CIT Coin Invest AG announced a new and extremely significant enhancement in its Smartminting technology. Termed Smartminting Reloaded, this advancement allows for 100 percent higher relief while maintaining a highly defined proof finish. Most importantly – and certainly the feature that stunned me when first examining the Majestic Eagle coins struck for Mongolia – was the reach of this higher relief
Three States Considering Repeal Of Coin/Bullion Sales Tax Exemptions
In recent years, state, county, and local governments were finally required to include on their financial statements the net present value of unfunded liabilities for employee pensions and retiree health care and other retirement benefits. Michigan’s state government now discloses, for example, that it owes more than $60 billion in debt and liabilities, although these numbers are masked by spreading this information over multiple financial reports.
As a result, governments have become more aggressive at seeking additional ways to raise revenues
Community Voice Response: Feb. 28, 2020
From the Feb. 28, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
We are less than a year away from the end of the Mint’s America the Beautiful quarters program. Are you still collecting them?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers
Legendary Rarities to Bring Millions in Stack’s Baltimore Sale
It’s a numismatist’s delight as several world-class rarities come up for bid in Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ official auction of the Baltimore Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo March 18-20 at the Baltimore Convention Center.
An 1804 silver dollar, what Stack’s Bowers calls “a million-dollar piece of Baltimore history,” will cross the block on March 20.
What Stack’s Bowers Galleries calls “the most famous prize in coin collecting,” this 1804 silver dollar will come up for bid March 20 during the firm’s auction held in conjunction with the Baltimore Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo
Item of the Week; 1870-S $3 Gold
The 1870-S Indian Princess Head $3 gold piece. (Images courtesy Stack’s Bowers via usacoinbook.com)
The 1870-S $3 gold piece is one of the great American rarities and one of the great American stories
Reserve Bank of Australia Reveals Next $100 Design
(Above) The newly-designed $100 bank note from the Reserve Bank of Australia and (below) the old design. (All images courtesy Reserve Bank of Australia)
On Feb. 24, The Reserve Bank of Australia revealed the design of the new $100 bank note, which is the final denomination to be redesigned as part of the Next Generation Banknote Program
Coin Clinic: How Can I Determine the Value of an Error Coin?
Wouldn’t eye appeal be superior on a coin that has a better finish than another of the same grade?
One person may like nicely toned coins while someone else doesn’t like toning at all. A third person might think the toning on one coin is attractive, while the toning on another coin is ugly. The same goes for your opinion of the mint luster, if still present
Baltimore Expo Kicks Off March 19
The Whitman Baltimore Expo is a biannual event held in November and March of each year. This year’s Baltimore Spring Expo is held on March 19-21, 2020, at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md.
Auction lot viewing kicks off at 9 a
Viewpoint: Ten Years of FUN
By Glen McClary
This is my tenth year in attending the FUN show. After so many years you might think it has become more of a routine visit, but NO, it is still a fascinating experience.
Usually, I attend on Friday each year
Miles Standish Designs Miss Liberty Silver Bullion Coins
Fulfilling a longtime dream, well-known professional numismatist and award-winning author Michael “Miles” Standish has designed one- and two-ounce, colorized silver proof coins, each depicting front and back renditions of the Statue of Liberty and the New York area skylines. The limited-edition legal tender $5 denomination 1-ounce and $10 2-ounce bullion coins are .999 fine silver and dated 2020
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
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
Community Voice Response: March 17, 2020
From the Feb. 21, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
The Morgan dollar is one of the most popular coins to collect. What role has it played in your collecting journey?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers
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
Rare Georgia Gold Rush Coin Brings Record $480,000 in Atlanta
A rare Georgia gold rush-era Templeton Reid $2.50 denomination gold coin made in 1830 was sold at auction in Atlanta for a record price of $480,000 by Kagin’s, Inc. of Tiburon, Calif
Long Beach Expo Auctions Bring $13 Million at Heritage Auctions
The Long Beach Expo was Feb. 20-23 and Heritage Auctions brought in the big bucks. The piece that took top lot during the Expo’s U
Heritage Auctions’ Early-January Numismatic Signature Sales Exceed $68.8 Million
Distributed on behalf of Heritage Auctions
DALLAS, Texas (February 3, 2020) – Heritage Auctions announced Monday, Feb. 3, that its numismatic Signature Auction sales in the first part of January totaled a combined $68,811,129 from auctions held during the Florida United Numismatic Convention and the New York International Numismatic Convention conventions.
Sales spanned U
Scholarships Available For ANA Summer Seminar 2020 Military Numismatics Class
There are scholarships available for the Military Numismatics Class being held the second week of ANA’s Summer Seminar, July 5-8, 2020. Below is a summary of the class.
“Allied Military 2 franc notes were secretly printed in the United States for the D-Day invasion of France
United States Mint Director Ryder To Participate in the ANA 2020 National Money Show
On Feb. 21, The United States Mint (Mint) announced that they will be at booth #729 at the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) National Money Show on Feb. 27, 2020, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Ga
Reader’s Showcase: Key West, Fla.
By Peter Huntoon
Every once in a while, a national goes by that simply takes your breath away. This 1902 plain back from Key West is just such a note.
It appeared Stack’s Bowers’ Spring 2019 Baltimore sale as lot 6008
Pakistan Issues 40 Rupee for Afghan Refugees Conference
Assigned KM-83, this is the first issued coin of 2020 for the nation of Pakistan. It features a new denomination and commemorates a four-day visit from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recognizing Pakistan’s generous hosting of millions of Afghan refugees. (Image courtesy of Egon Conti Rossini)
By Thomas Michael
In conjunction with a four-day visit of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to Islamabad, Pakistan has issued a new copper-nickel 40 rupees circulating coin
Andrew Jackson Presidential Silver Medal
If you are a Presidential medal collector, be sure to mark your calendar. On Feb. 28 at noon ET, the Andrew Jackson Presidential silver medal will be on sale from the United States Mint
Kagin’s ANA National Money Show Auction
On. Feb. 27-28, Kagin Auctions is once again conducting the annual Spring ANA National Money show
Female Cricketer Featured on Australian Coinage For the First Time Ever
To celebrate what is set to be a historic year for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Royal Australian Mint and retail partner Woolworths have teamed up to release a limited edition $2 coin, the mint said in a Feb. 19 press release.
The coin, created by The Royal Australian Mint, is the first time a female cricket player will feature on Australian coinage and the design captures the strong and dynamic spirit of the women’s cricket team
Are Numismatic Sales Rising?
By Patrick Heller
As most experienced collectors know, the published data on “wholesale” prices are not necessarily accurate. At any time, my experience is that some coins and currency trade at a premium to these figures while others clear the market at significant discounts.
When new editions of A Guide Book Of United States Coins (popularly called The Redbook) appear, it is not unusual for some dealers to advertise a list of coins that they will purchase at or above the “retail selling prices” featured in this catalog
Pobjoy Mint Raises Funds For Australia with New Coin
The Pobjoy Mint is releasing a new Preserve the Planet Coin on behalf of the government of Niue.
The effects that the fires in Australia have had are numerous. Since July of last year, nearly 30 people have lost their lives, over 2,500 homes destroyed, and about 1
South African Mint Names Ms Honey Mamabolo New Managing Director
On Feb. 18, The South African Mint Company (RF) Proprietary Limited (South African Mint), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), announced the appointment of Ms Honey Mamabolo as its new Managing Director, effective from 1 February 2020. She has 20 years’ experience across various industry sectors, including mining, retail banking, energy, development finance, and manufacturing
1793 Wreath Cent: Were Proofs Produced
Life in 1793 at the United States Mint had to be exciting. It is unfortunate that there were no recordings or other ways of saving what went on that year. For historical reasons, it would be nice to determine exactly what happened and why
America’s Founding Fathers 2020 Currency Set Sold Out
On Feb. 13 at noon ET, the “America’s Founding Fathers Currency Set” from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing went on sale on the United States Mint’s website and is now sold out.
Each set contains a Series 2017 $1 note and Series 2013 $2 note from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, featuring the portraits of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson along with matching serial numbers beginning with 2020
Community Voice Response: e-Newsletter Feb. 14
From the Feb. 14, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Are you concerned about the ever-increasing tax requirements that affect coin dealers? What impact do you think it will have on the hobby?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
I used to be a part-time dealer for a few years; it wasn’t a business and I wasn’t in it for the money
Coin Clinic: Has the U.S. Ever Restruck Coins of Another Country?
There are now services that will “conserve” my problem coins. What is the difference between their conserving my coins and someone else cleaning them?
The principle goal of conserving a coin is to remove any detrimental materials from the surfaces while protecting the surface originality. A coin that has been cleaned may have contaminants removed, however, the surface is no longer original
1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars from the E. Horatio Morgan Collection Featured in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries March 2020 Baltimore Auction
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is proud to continue its tradition of presenting world-class rarities at auction by featuring 1884 and 1885 Proof trade dollars in their March 18-20, 2020 Baltimore Auction.
The 1884 and 1885 trade dollars are legendary U.S
Market for Morgan and Peace Dollars Still Soft
The finest known 1855 proof Kellogg $50 gold coin, graded PCGS PR-64 Cameo CAC, sold for a record $1 million by Witter Coin in San Francisco and will be exhibited by its new owner at the store’s grand opening starting Feb. 10, 2020. (Image courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service, www
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
2020 Native American $1 Coin Products On Sale
Starting Feb. 12 at noon EST, the United States Mint began accepting orders for product options containing the 2020 Native American $1 coin. The theme of this year’s coin is Elizabeth Peratrovich and Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Law
Community Voice Response: March 3, 2020
From the Feb. 7, 2020, Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Have you come across any error coins in circulation or in an inherited collection? If so, what was it?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
I’ve found a few “BIE” error coins, a couple of RPMs, some strike-throughs, and a couple die breaks
Nothing Says Happy Valentine’s Day Like Death
Obverse and reverse of the only known example of James Cook’s first memorial struck in gilt copper between January and September 1780. It will be offered for sale by International Auction Galleries in March. Images courtesy & © IAG 2020
Slight Progress on Ebay Erroneous Sales Tax Charges
By Patrick Heller
Two weeks ago, I wrote about the growing problem of how sales facilitators (referred to by many states as “market providers”) such as Amazon and eBay are now required to collect and remit the sales taxes applicable in the buyer’s state if the seller is from a different state. Unfortunately, every software system approved by the Streamline Sales Tax Governing Board, Inc. and available to Amazon and eBay has a number of errors in 1) implementing existing states’ sales tax exemptions, and 2) calculating the correct sales taxes to collect in states where county and local sales taxes may apply
Numismatic News Issue Dates
Numismatic News Feb. 25, 2020
Here is the full list of 2020 issues of Numismatic News.
January
Jan
United States Represented at 2020 World Money Fair
A United States numismatic contingent gathers for a photo during a Jan. 29 reception hosted by the Japanese Embassy in Berlin, Germany, in association with the 2020 World Money Fair. From left: Mary Lynn Garrett, governor on the American Numismatic Association board of directors; Robert Fickling, U
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)
Item of the Week: The 1804 Gold Eagle
An 1804 Crosslet eagle. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
The 1804 gold eagle is closely related to the famous 1804 silver dollar. There is one variety of the 1804 gold eagle that is actually tougher than the 1804 silver dollar but much less expensive, making the 1804 potentially one of America’s least-known rarities despite its famous date
Stack’s Bowers NYINC World Paper Money Highlights
By Tracy Schmidt
I enjoyed the selection of World Currency offered at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries January 2020 NYINC Auction. There was a strong selection of Canadian currency offered. I enjoyed seeing the variety of notes offered by Bermuda and the Bahamas
Mint Enters the Coin Business
Mints have been in the business of selling as well as manufacturing coins for centuries. The United States Mint at one time sold individual proof coins directly to collectors. At a later date, the mint began issuing Mint and Proof sets
Coin Clinic: Color Designations
Are the color designations Brown, Red Brown, or Red a judgment call on half cents, cents, and 2-cent coins or is there some standard a coin must reach to be identified as such?
Uncirculated and Proof U.S. copper coins are considered to be Brown if they retain less than 5 percent of their original mint glow, Red Brown if the original red color covers 5 to 95 percent of the obverse and reverse surface, and Red if more than 95 percent of the surface retains this original color
Extremely Rare Modern Error Coin Amazes Experts
One never knows what they will find in circulation.
When a woman came across an odd-looking Eisenhower dollar that seemingly showed two obverses, she set it aside as a curiosity, not really knowing what it was. Years later, her daughter brought the coin to the attention of Sarah Miller, Director of Numismatics at Heritage Auctions’ New York office, who immediately recognized it as something special and fascinating
Bullion Coins Remain Volatile
By Richard Giedroyc
Some very impressive rare coins are appearing in auctions during February and March. Strong prices should continue as the already heated auction market fires up even further.
It’s difficult to determine the extent of this venue since, although total and individual prices realized are often available, the annual number of coins being offered via auction is not
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
‘King of Pioneer Gold’ 1855 Proof Kellogg $50 Sold for Record $1 Million
The finest of only 14 known Kellogg & Co. 1855 proof $50 gold coins has been privately sold for a record $1 million by dealer Seth Chandler, owner of Witter Coin Co. in San Francisco, to a local collector who enjoys historical items related to the California Gold Rush
Carson City Mint Celebrates 150 Years
On Feb. 4, representatives from the United States Mint, the Nevada State Museum, and the State of Nevada participated in the celebration that marked the 150th anniversary of the production of the first coin at the Carson City Mint in 1870. It was held at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City, Nev
Panama’s Monetary System
By Patrick Heller
Last week, I returned from a brief vacation in Panama. I did not have to change my U.S
South African Mint Hopes to Keep Rhino Safe with New Coin
On. Feb. 3, The South African Mint, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced the launch of the third coin in the Big 5 series featuring the indomitable rhino
2019 PMG Registry Award Winners
On Jan. 21, PMG recognized the 2019 top collectors and collections in the PMG Registry. Three winners were selected in each of the Best U
World Coin Clinic: What is a Boardwalk Flan?
By Richard Giedroyc
What percentage of ancient coins being sold are from older collections and how many of them are from recent discoveries?
There are no hard statistics on this, however, it appears that prior to 1975 it is likely about 70 percent of the available ancient coins were likely being resold from older collections. This changed around 1975 due to the use of metal detectors. From this point forward, about 30 percent were from existing collections, while about 70 percent were from fresh finds
Van Alfen Honored with Burnett Anderson Memorial Award
On Jan. 16, the economic historian and author, Peter van Alfen, received The Burnett Anderson Memorial Award for Excellence in Numismatic Writing. Presentation of the award took place at the American Numismatic Society’s Annual Gala Dinner, held at the Harvard Club in New York City
NGC Releases New Mona Lisa Label
Image courtesy NGC.
On Jan. 31, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) announced its new certification label that pays tribute to the Mona Lisa
Batty for New Samoa Coin
The 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters Program is kicking off with the National Park of American Samoa quarter rolls and bags, which go on sale Feb. 3 at noon (ET). The Uncirculated 5- ounce silver coin will go on sale Feb
Finnish Designer Receives COTY Lifetime Achievement Honors
By Thomas Michael
The winner of this year’s Coin of the Year Lifetime Achievement award – Reijo Paavilainen.
This year’s recipient of the Coin of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, Finnish sculptor, coin and medal designer Reijo Paavilainen, actually began his artistic career as a painter. However, Paavilainen quickly moved to a more three-dimensional expression with various aspects of sculpture, one of which is the design of commemorative coins
Coin of the Year Goes to Latvia
Bank of Latvia’s 2018-dated Honey Coin, a gold-plated silver 5 euro, has been named the 2020 Coin of the Year.
The day was sweet as honey for the Bank of Latvia when its 5-euro Honey Coin was given top honors as 2020 Coin of the Year during an awards ceremony held Feb. 1 in conjunction with the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany
Fight for Circulation of Peratrovich Coin Continues
In January 2019, the Fairbanks Coin Club contacted the members of the Alaska State Legislature promoting the release of the Elizbeth Peratrovich dollar coin to circulation in Alaska. In the spring, local 4H leaders traveled to Juneau with a group as part of the 4H Youth in Government program.
They lobbied all 60 legislators for a resolution calling for the release of the Peratrovich dollar to circulation in Alaska
Day Two of World Money Fair
Here are some moments so far!
The countdown is on as eager collectors gather outside the World Money Fair. Ten minutes until the 2020 Fair gets underway!
Senior Editor Tom Michael (left) meets with Almat Bassenov, a designer for the National Bank of Kazakhstan on-site at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany.
A crowd of about 400 gathered for the 16th annual Technical Forum held Jan
New Brexit Coin Released Today
Today, on Jan. 31, the Royal Mint released its new 50p coin in observance of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.
On the reverse of the coin is the phrase, “Peace, Prosperity and Friendship with all nations,” along with the date “31 January 2020
Wayfair Tax Nightmare Comes to Light For Coin Dealers
By Patrick Heller
As explained during the Industry Council for Tangible Assets meetings at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando earlier this month, dozens to hundreds of coin dealers are now facing requirements to register with state treasury departments outside of their home state.
These new registration requirements are the result of recently enacted legislation and regulations issued by most states as a result of the June 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision
Counterfeit Coins Importer Sentenced to 10.5 Years in Prison
On Jan. 29, a federal court judge in Camden, N.J
Community Voice Response: eNewsletter Jan. 24
From the Jan. 24, 2020 Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
Will you purchase a 2020 coin or medal commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two? Why or why not?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
Yes, if it is reasonably priced to match my budget
ANA and NGC to Launch ANA Registry
On Jan. 28, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) announced that they have partnered to launch the ANA Registry later this year, according to the American Numismatic Association.
The ANA is the country’s largest nonprofit coin-collecting organization, as well as one of the oldest and most prestigious
Reader’s Showcase: 1929 $50 from Yankton, S.D.
By Peter Huntoon
This very attractive new-to-the-census about uncirculated 1929 $50 from Yankton, S.D., went by in both the 2019 Heritage FUN and 2019 Knight IPMS auctions
Seated Liberty Dollars
By R.W. Julian
Mint Director Robert M
Long Beach Holds Treasures for All
With the FUN 2020 show now over, the next major numismatic event is the Long Beach Expo. Held three times a year, this expo includes coins, currency, stamp, and sports collectibles. The date of the first Long Beach Expo for 2020 is Feb
Stack’s Bowers Presents Further Pieces from the D. Brent Pogue Collection for Baltimore Auction
On. Jan. 22, Stack’s Bowers Galleries announced Part VI and Part VII of the D
The Band, Queen, To Be Celebrated on UK Coin
The Royal Mint has announced the iconic band, Queen, will be celebrated with the launch of a commemorative coin collection, making it the first time that a British band has been celebrated on UK coinage. Available from today, the design is the first in The Royal Mint’s new ‘Music Legends’ collection.
Perhaps the most striking example of the band’s determination to be bold was their decision to release a six-minute quasi-operatic single, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” in 1975
Online Counterfeit Reporting Available from ACEF
The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) now provides collectors, dealers, the general public and victims of suspected fraud with a convenient and secure way to report information about counterfeit coins, bars, holders, rounds, mint products, paper money or other suspicious counterfeit related activities.
“See it? Report it! If you have information about a counterfeit, you can easily go to the ACEF website, www.ACEFonline
Smallest Gold Coin in the World Sold Out
On Jan. 23, the Federal Mint Swissmint released a machine-minted gold coin with a diameter of 2.69mm weighing only 0
Last Coin in Declaration Preamble Series Released
The final coin of the U.S. Mint’s Preamble to the Declaration of Independence platinum proof series is on deck
Grading Will Never Synchronize
Several years ago, a good long-time customer came to the store I owned at the time to purchase a somewhat better-date U.S. $20
First Million-Dollar Coin of 2020 in the Books
By Richard Giedroyc
he first million-dollar coin of the year came quickly in 2020, and it isn’t even an issue of the United States! A British 1936 gold sovereign of King Edward VIII, one of six known, was brokered by the British Royal Mint for the equivalent of $1.3 million even before the Florida United Numismatists show was underway. This may be a good omen for the business of coins
Mouse Wins Race To Launch Perth Mint’s Lunar Series Three
Strong global demand for precious metal coins that honor the ancient Chinese zodiac has inspired The Perth Mint to release its next 12-year series of Australian Lunar coins, according to their Jan. 22 press release.
The Perth Mint launched the first-ever coin program to honor the animals of the lunar calendar in 1995
Kuenker Brings Rarities to World Money Fair
Auction house Künker from Osnabrück will offer 1,077 lots with world coins and medals in Berlin on Jan. 30, 2020 before the beginning of the World Money Fair. The day starts with the Prof Dr
$42 Million Changes Hands at FUN Auction
The first major – and arguably the most important – numismatic event of the year is now complete, and Heritage Auctions has a near $42 million auction to show for it. Conducted in conjunction with the Florida United Numismatists convention, Heritage’s Jan. 8-12 FUN Signature Auction was led by an example of the classic rarity 1927-D double eagle gold coin
January 7 Heritage Weekly U.S. Currency Auction
By Tracy Schmidt
Heritage Auctions provides great opportunities for collectors to buy and sell at their weekly online auction events. I see some interesting items in these auctions and many of the items included are attainable to all collector levels.
The Jan
German Mint Upgrades Equipment
By Richard Giedroyc
It’s far from being the first time, but the 650-year-old Stuttgart Mint in Germany is getting three new coining machines. Its “partner,” the other state-run mint in Baden-Wurttemberg, will receive an additional machine also. The Karlsruhe Mint was founded in 1827
Donald Scarinci on ‘100 Greatest Modern World Coins’ Book
Donald Scarinci(Photo courtesy Whitman Publishing.)
In March 2020 Whitman Publishing will release 100 Greatest Modern World Coins by numismatists Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker. Here, Donald Scarinci, medallic art historian and Coin of the Year judge, shares his thoughts on modern world coinage and the new book
Coin Show Etiquette Suggestion
By John Quarfoth
I appreciate the “Coin Show Etiquette” part one (as a buyer) and part two (as a seller) articles.
The articles included good tips for the collector both as a buyer and as a seller.
I think a third article is needed, “Coin Show Etiquette’” part three (dealer etiquette)
Letters to the Editor: Feb. 4, 2020
Speculators and the U.S. Mint
I found what I could read of Bruce Frohman’s article on speculators (my copy was partially shredded by the post office) very interesting
2020 Ambassadors Honored
Accepting plaques for 2020 Numismatic Ambassador honors are (from left) David Crenshaw, Kim Kiick, Mark Anderson accepting on behalf of David Menchell, Scott E. Douglas and Patrick A. Heller
Using Coins and Paper Money For Business Promotion
By Patrick Heller
What might be considered a sneaky way to promote new coin collectors can occur if coins and paper money are given away for business promotion purposes.
Two such promotions might be most familiar to the general public. In late 1999, to help the U
Winners of NGC Grading Contest Announced
Nine of more than 100 contestants took home prizes in the Grading Contest presented by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) at the 2020 FUN Show from Jan. 9-11, 2020.
The number of participants, 103, was 15 more than last year when the event debuted as part of the annual show in Orlando, Fla
RAM Releases New Coin Honoring 50th Anniversary of the Indian Pacific
On Jan. 13, in honor of 50 years of Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions’ Indian Pacific, The Royal Australian Mint released a new colored 50 cent coin depicting the iconic Australian train and the announcement of a competition to win a trip for two on the transcontinental journey.
Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid, said the exciting launch of the new coin and upcoming competition follows the incredibly popular coin and competition that commemorated 90 Years of The Ghan last year
NGC Certifies Hoard of New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollars
1882-O $1 graded NGC MS-65★ from the Great Southern Treasury Hoard
On. Jan. 13, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) announced that they had recently graded a hoard of 13,000 Morgan Silver Dollars from the New Orleans Mint
Artist’s Renditions for Unissued Chinese Notes Star of Spink Auction
On. Jan. 3, 2020, Spink held its “Banknotes, Bonds & Shares and Coins of China and Hong Kong” auction
British Mint: Bigger is Better
The British Royal Mint (BRM) has joined an exclusive club. The mint recently issued a 5-kilo (2.205 pounds or 35
2020 ATB Quarters Proof Set
The 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set (product code 20AP) will be available for purchase on Jan. 14 at noon EST, according to the United States Mint.
Priced at $18
NGC Registry Award Winners
Each year, NGC recognizes the top collectors and collections in the NGC Registry. Ten winners were selected in each of their Best Classic Set and Best Modern Set categories along with five Best Presented Set winners, five Best New Set winners and six Custom Set winners. In addition, they named five winners in the Overall Achievement in Collecting category and three winners for Outstanding Collectors Journal
The Bust Half Dollars of 1836-39
by R.W. Julian
There are many collectors of the Capped Bust half dollars, struck from 1807 to 1836, but the reeded edge Bust half dollars of the late 1830s have not received the same amount of interest
Tale of Two Coin Markets Continues into 2020
By Richard Giedroyc
The business and hobby of coins became more keenly defined as a tale of two markets during the past year. There is no reason to anticipate any change during 2020. High-grade Barber, Walking Liberty and Franklin half dollars increased in value, but all other silver and minor denomination coins tended to hold in tight trading ranges
High-Relief Grey Wolf Graces New Coin
For the fifth and final coin of the “High Relief Animals” series, NumisCollect has released a high-relief Grey Wolf coin on behalf of the government of Palau.
This .999 pure silver 1-ounce coin features Smartminting® technology on the reverse
Community Voice Response: Jan. 10, 2020
From the Dec. 27 Numismatic News E-NewsLetter
What is your level of confidence in gold as an investment?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
My level of confidence in gold as an investment is almost as high as the national debt
RCM Celebrates 75th Anniversary of V-E Day On 2020 Proof Silver Dollar
Seventy-five years after Canadian soldiers and their allies liberated Western Europe in the closing months of the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Mint is dedicating its annual Proof silver dollar to their memory.
(Shown below) This collectible features the artwork of accomplished coin designer Pandora Young, who has vividly illustrated the outpouring of emotion of civilians cheering the victorious troops. In tribute to each military branch, the distinct silhouettes of a sailor, soldier, and airman stand out in a mirror-like finish before a thankful crowd
BEP and U.S. Mint Participating at 2020 FUN Show
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and the United States Mint (Mint) will share booth #144 at the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, Jan. 9 – 12, 2020.
The BEP is showcasing its Billion Dollar Exhibit featuring more than $1 billion worth of rare antique currency, including sheets of $100,000 currency notes, Treasury Bonds, and Gold and Silver Certificates
Pieces from E. Horatio Morgan Collection Displayed at FUN Show
A Proof-64+ Cameo (PCGS) 1884 trade dollar and the Proof-64 (PCGS) 1885 trade dollar will be displayed by Stack’s Bowers Galleries at their table at the 2020 FUN Convention in Orlando, Florida, beginning on Thursday, Jan. 9. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is continuing their tradition of presenting world-class rarities at auction by featuring 1884 and 1885 Proof trade dollars in their March 18-20, 2020 Baltimore Auction
Artistic 1911 Chinese Dollar at NYINC
CHINA. Silver Long-Whisker Dragon Dollar Pattern, Year 3 (1911). Tientsin Mint, by L
Coin Necklaces are the New Fashion
Recently, on my trip to Florida, I stopped by a souvenir gift shop to peruse the souvenirs and see what I could purchase as gifts for others.
I happened upon a jewelry counter selling multiple kinds of jewelry, and among the selection, was a trove of treasure coin necklaces. I instantly thought of the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, in which the main character Elizabeth Swann wears a coin necklace from a pirate treasure
Ancient Coins in February Robinson Auction
Dealer Frank S. Robinson will conduct his 111th mail and internet auction of Ancient and Early Coins with a closing date of February 11. The sale includes 487 lots, with low minimum bids, and bids to be reduced as competition permits
Commemoratives on Block for Heritage Sale
In a sale set to close Jan. 15, Heritage Auctions offered classic silver and gold commemoratives in its U.S
New Tom and Jerry Coin Celebrates 80th Anniversary
TOM AND JERRY and all related characters and elements © & Turner Entertainment Co. (s20) Image courtesy Perth Mint
Many have heard of the phrase “cat and mouse” and no cat and mouse are more famous (in my opinion) than the iconic duo, Tom and Jerry.
To honor this iconic duo’s 80th anniversary, the Perth Mint released a new coin featuring them on Jan
NGC Announces New 2020-W Proof Silver Eagle Labels
The new West Point Mint Gold Star label. Image courtesy of NGC.
The 2020-W American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin is being released Jan
Royal Australian Mint Holds Public Event for First 2020 Coin Strike
On Dec. 31, 2019, the Royal Australian Mint welcomed the public to its annual event to see the first coin of 2020 struck in its very own capital city, Canberra.
This is the first coin strike of the decade and almost a century since the first coin of the 20s was struck in Australia
PCGS Announces Security Chip-Embedded Slabs To Protect Against Counterfeiting
On Dec. 26, 2019, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) announced its partnership with HID Global to begin embedding high-security Near Field Communication (NFC) chip technology in PCGS coin slabs. PCGS slabs embedded with NFC technology allow any collector or dealer with a modern smartphone to easily verify that the coin encapsulated within was indeed certified, graded, and slabbed by PCGS
U.S. Government Gold Reserve Auditor Deceptions
By Patrick A. Heller
Beginning in 1974, the auditors of the U.S
NGC and PMG at 2020 FUN Show
On Dec. 23, NGC and PMG announced that they have events and services planned for the 2020 FUN Show, taking place January 9-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. NGC will be at booth #104 and PMG will be at booth #120
The 1908 No Motto Double Eagle
1908-A 1908 Saint-Gaudens double eagle with No Motto. (Images courtesy Heritage Auctions)
Some coins are important because they are virtually impossible while others are important because they are more available than might be expected. It is the latter which is certainly the case with the 1908 No Motto Saint-Gaudens double eagle
What Are World War Two Tokens Made Of?
Are World War Two ration tokens made of cardboard?
The tokens are made of vulcanized fiber. The dyes used to make the tokens blue or red included an ultraviolet component meant to deter counterfeiters.
Why were these ration tokens produced? Weren’t there enough coins in circulation?
Many metals were considered too critical to the war effort to be spared for use in coins during the years of World War Two
Hope For the Hobby
by Roy Herbst
One of the biggest laments you keep hearing about numismatics is who is going to be the future collectors since younger people seem to have, at best, a lackadaisical interest in the hobby.
I know my own children, despite my constant prodding, are just not interested. I have dragged them to coin shows and even an auction or two but to no avail
Letters to the Editor: January 21, 2020
In Defense of the U.S. Mint
I just finished reading the letters in the Dec
American Eagle 2020 One Ounce Silver Proof Coin, Congratulations Set
Luck be a lady tonight, or in this case, Lady Liberty. Another new product that the United States Mint is putting out during the first quarter of the new year is the American eagle one-ounce silver proof coin. It is set to go on sale Jan
New Young Numismatist Auction at Houston Money Show
Right on the heels of the end of the January 2020 FUN show is the 63rd Houston Money Show, which goes from Jan. 17-19, 2020, in Conroe, Texas, at the Lone Star Convention Center. It is sponsored by the Greater Houston Coin Club
Retail Market Survey: Gold is Good
by Patrick A. Heller
Last week, the World Gold Council released a different survey on the retail gold market. A total of 18,000 people were surveyed, 2,000 investors each in Canada, China, Germany, India, Russia, and the United States and 2,000 jewelry buyers each in China, India, and the U
Winning Sacagawea Design For NGC Label
On Dec. 19, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation announced that the winning design for the Sacagawea label contest was No. 2
Fun for All at FUN 2020
The 2020 FUN show will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. (Image courtesy Florida United Numismatists, www.funtopics
New Coins Feature Earth’s Ecosystems
Numis Collect has released a new coin on behalf of Palau featuring the Earth’s Eco-Systems. The first coin to be featured in this new series titled “Our Earth” is a coin featuring the ecosystems of the Polar region (both North and South).
The reverse of the coin features a mother Polar Bear with her cub at center and an Orca below at right
How High Could Gold Go?
By Patrick A. Heller
The U.S
Stack’s Bowers Galleries to Display The Cardinal Collection
On Dec. 18, Stack’s Bowers Galleries announced that it will display a tribute to the Libertas Americana medal, assembled by the Cardinal Collection Education Foundation, at the upcoming Florida United Numismatists Convention in Orlando, Jan. 9-11, 2020
NGC to Showcase Stunning Toned GSA Hoard Morgan Dollars at FUN Show
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) will display selections from Toneddollars’ NGC Registry sets of GSA Hoard Morgan dollars at the 2020 Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show in January.
Jack Kelly, who goes by Toneddollars in the NGC Registry, submitted his collection of toned GSA Hoard coins to NGC in October 2019 to be graded or re-graded. Most of the 100+ coins received a grade of NGC MS 65 or higher, and 48 coins earned NGC’s trademarked Star Designation (★) for exceptional eye appeal
Labours of Hercules Returns to Gibraltar
by Thomas Michael
Back in 1997, the Pobjoy Mint began producing a series of coins for Gibraltar which featured the Twelve Labours of Hercules. At the time, those coins were pretty popular. They had everything going for them
Collections Lead Heritage Sale
by Tracy Schmidt
There were many notes included in Heritage Auctions’ December 4 – 6 World Paper Money Signature Auction. The auction included notes from the banknote collections of Ma Tak Wo and Yuri Solovey. The collections featured pieces from China and the Banque de l’Indochine
Details of Chinese Coin Hoard Published
by Richard Giedroyc
Ten tons of Chinese wu zhu coins were discovered at the tomb of short-reigning Emperor Liu He.
An article posted to the Ancient Origins web site on Nov. 14 sheds some light on the details surrounding a vast hoard of coins discovered in 2011 in China
NGC Has Major Registry Update
On Dec. 12, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) announced that US coins graded by PCGS will now be eligible for NGC Registry competitive sets.
The NGC Registry is a free online platform where collectors register and display their coins and compete against other collectors around the world for recognition and prizes
New Coin Features Asian Mythology
A new coin, Zhong Kui, released by NumisCollect on behalf of Cook Islands, is the first coin in the new Asian Mythology series. This Smartminted® .999 silver coin has a weight of 3 ounces and a diameter of 50 mm
New Coin Blossoms from CIT
by Thomas Michael
Many interesting and decorative Easter egg coins have been produced in recent years, but none so elegant as the recently released two-ounce silver coin honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Passing of Peter Carl Fabergé. The coin features one of the largest eggs Fabergé ever fashioned. Known as the Apple Blossom Egg, this stunning green jade work of art displays the egg on its side, supported and entwined in apple blossom branches
Rare Coins at Auction Excel
By Richard Giedroyc
We appear to be dealing with a tale of two markets. There always have been multiple marketplaces through which collectibles and bullion are sold, but what is glaring now is the difference between those coins that are sold by public auction… and “everything else.” In theory, any coin should be eligible to be offered through an auction
Lebman Cash Hoard Coming to Auction
It was recently announced that the first-ever offering of Fr. 2100-K* 1928 Dallas $50 is being featured in Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night Session, Jan. 9
The Turtle Series Comes to an End
by Thomas Michiel
This Olive Ridley Turtle fifty pence wraps up the Sea Turtle series of coins issued for British Indian Ocean Territories and produced by the Pobjoy Mint.
The final coin in the British Indian Ocean Territory 50 pence Turtle series has been released. Featuring the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle swimming upward to the right on its reverse, this fifth and last coin in the series now allows collectors to obtain a storyboard and display all five coins together for entertainment, education and the enjoyment of coin collecting
Review of Beth Deisher’s Cash in Your Coins
by Mike Thorne Ph.D.
Do you ever think about what will happen to your coin collection when you’re no longer around? If you’re in good health and are relatively young, then you probably don’t devote much time to this topic
NGC Introduces Exclusive Tatanka Buffalo Special Label
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) announced the release of an exclusive Tatanka buffalo special label on Dec. 11. This trademarked label celebrates the iconic American buffalo, a symbol of our nation’s heritage that is reflected on some of the most popular US coins, including the Buffalo Nickel and the American Gold Buffalo
NGC to Hold Coin Grading Contest at the 2020 FUN Show
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation will hold a coin grading contest at the 2020 Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Convention Jan. 9-11 in Orlando, Fla.
The contest will be open to anyone age 13 and older
Reader’s Showcase: Perryopolis note
Peter Huntoon
There is nothing quite like landing a national from the town where you were raised, particularly if it turns out to be the first of its kind in the census. Gerald Dzara reeled in this very attractive Perryopolis note under exactly these conditions. It is the first type 2 $10 reported from the bank
Transylvania Coin Realizes $280,000 at Swiss Auction
A 17th century Transylvania coin realized 276,000 Swiss francs (about $278,000 USD) in a Maison Palombo auction held Nov. 17 in Geneva.
The Hungary-Transylvania 1696 gold 10 ducats graded NGC MS-63+ has on its obverse a depiction of Leopold I (1640-1705), who was Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia, which stretched across much of Central and Eastern Europe
Golden Hulk Smashes $500 Mark
by Thomas Michael
What’s golden and loves to smash? It’s a trick question for Marvel comic fans and of course, the answer is the gold-plated silver Official Marvel® Collectors Coin II produced in 1974 by Hallmark Minting Services. An example of which sold last night for $552, including buyer’s premium, through the Heritage 2019 December 8 Sunday Comics, Animation, & Art Weekly Online Auction #121949.
This gold-plated silver Incredible Hulk coin/medallion was produced in 1974 by Hallmark Minting for sale through Marvel Comic books
Market Decline Indicates Good Time to Buy
By Richard Giedroyc
The spot price of both gold and silver are once more declining at the moment this commentary is being written. If you watch the price of coins for investment purposes, this is where you should buy on the dip, then sell once the price has recovered to some target value you set for your portfolio. Yes, this makes sense
Mint Launches Online Game
A game that teaches U.S. geography is the latest educational launch from the U
Georgia Innovation Dollar Rounds Out 2019
The last American Innovation dollar coin issued in 2019 is also the final product scheduled to go on sale from the Mint this year. Bags and rolls of the dollar commemorating the state of Georgia and its Trustees’ Garden will be available Dec. 19 at noon EST
Canada Strikes First-Ever Pure Gold, Silver Collector Coins
For the first time since it opened its doors 43 years ago, the Royal Canadian Mint’s Winnipeg facility has struck pure gold and fine silver numismatic coins. These special collectibles are the product of what the Mint calls “a unique marriage of expertise” between Winnipeg and Ottawa employees who joined forces to create “made in Manitoba” tributes to the RCM’s world-renowned Maple Leaf bullion coins.
Effective Dec
PNG 2020 YN Scholarship Competition Opens
The annual Professional Numismatists Guild Young Numismatist (YN) Scholarship Competition has opened. The PNG will provide a scholarship to a deserving YN to attend one session of the 2020 American Numismatic Association Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 27-July 2 or July 4-9
Nominees for 2020 Coin of the Year Awards Determined
It’s that time of year again! Time to start the process of narrowing down nominations for the Coin of the Year Program. Australian coins came out on top, earning a total of nine nominations in eight different categories, as the 37th annual Coin of the Year (COTY) program kicked off with nominee selection of 2018-dated coins.
The awards competition, presented by World Coin News and sponsored by The Journal of East Asian Numismatics, begins each year when the COTY Nomination Committee convenes to select the nominees
Rare 1856-S/s Quarters Discovered in SS Central America Treasure
The fabled SS Central America, the famous “Ship of Gold” that sank in 1857 carrying tons of California Gold Rush treasure, continues to surprise the numismatic world. California Gold Marketing Group LLC (CGMG) of Brea, California has confirmed discovery in the ship’s latest recovered sunken treasure of nine rare 1856 San Francisco Mint large S over small “s” mint mark Seated Liberty No Motto quarter dollars.
This 1856 large S over small “s” mint mark quarter dollar, now graded PCGS XF45, is one of nine examples of the elusive variety recently discovered in the treasure recovered from the fabled “Ship of Gold,” the S
‘Tis the Season for Santa Bank Notes
By Tracy Schmidt
The last live U.S. Currency auction of the year for Stack’s Bowers Galleries contained several great notes
Albuquerque Show Attendance Tops 800
More than 800 visitors, which included 89 non-collector youth and families, attended the annual fall three-day show of the Albuquerque, N.M., Coin Club (ACC), held Nov
Reverse Proof Pennsylvania American Innovation Coin on Sale Dec. 5
image courtesy of the U.S. Mint
On Oct
Collections Drive Sedwick’s Treasure Auction 26
Several coin collections crossed the auction block during Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC’s Treasure Auction 26. The live floor and online auction held Nov. 1-2, realized over $2
Great Collections to Auction Rattlers, Old Holders
1796 Draped Bust dime graded MS-63 in small PCGS “rattler” holder. (All images courtesy GreatCollections.)
GreatCollections is offering what it calls the Ultimate Collection of Rattlers and Old Holders, the auction firm announced Nov
Gold, Silver Dip Impacting American Eagles
The hobby and business of coins continue on a relatively flat plain. Prices remain healthy, but selling within a tight range. Investors are sparse
Review of The Collector’s Handbook 10th edition
by Mike Thorne, PhD
Have you given any thought to what will happen to your coin collection when you’re no longer around? Are any of your children interested in coins? Your spouse? Other relatives?
And how much is your collection worth? Should it be sold to a friendly dealer you have done business with? Sold at auction? Is there a guide that might help you answer these questions?
If you have a valuable coin collection, then it would be worth your while to procure a copy of The Collector’s Handbook: Tax Planning, Strategy and Estate Advice for Collectors and Their Heirs. Penned by James L. Halperin, Gregory J
Greece 1963 Drachmai a Highlight in Upcoming A. Karamitsos Auction
A. Karamitsos International Auctions’ Public & Live Bid Auction 649, is being held on Dec. 7, 2019, in Athens, Greece and will include coins and medals certified by NGC along with bank notes certified by PMG
Diverse Offerings Push Stack’s Bowers Sale Past $19 Million
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries November 2019 Baltimore Auction brought together collectors of every discipline for an offering of five important collections and numerous additional rarities. In total, more than $17.6 million was realized across more than 6,000 lots of United States coins and related issues
Deadline to Apply for ANA Summer Seminar Scholarships
Full and partial scholarships are available to both youths and adults who wish to attend the American Numismatic Association’s 2020 Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colo. Dates for the two one-week sessions are June 27-July 2 and July 4-9.
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit
New Homer Simpson Coin from the Perth Mint
New Homer Simpson coin from the Perth Mint. THE SIMPSONS TM & © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. AllRights Reserved
Great Aussie Coin Hunt Underway
(Images courtesy Royal Australian Mint.)
The Great American Coin Hunt coincided with the April 21-28 National Coin Week. It was an event meant to encourage people to begin collecting coins
Iraq Coinage a Hot Area for Stephen Album Online Auction
By Thomas Michael
In January 2019, the Stephen Album Rare Coin group began a new line of Internet-Only Auctions. They put them up online early, so people have several weeks to look over the lots, set up their accounts for bidding and even lay down some opening bids before the live sale day. Once the live sale begins, I have found it a breeze to follow along and hop in to bid at any point
Two NGC-certified Double Eagles Soar at Stack’s Bowers Rarities Night
We have recently learned that vintage U.S. coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) did exceptionally well at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Baltimore Rarities Night
Searching for Silver
I was shopping for lunch and dinner. As a habit, I checked the Coinstar machine and found a few coins. They turned out to be a 1946 Roosevelt, a 1940 “wheatie” and a 1999 Canadian quarter
Rare, High-Grade Coins Showing Upward Movement
By Richard Giedroyc
We might be turning a very important corner. One of 20 1838-O Capped Bust half dollars minted was hammered down at $504,000 at a Nov. 15 auction
The Mint and Coinage in 1837
by R.W. Julian
Some years in American numismatic history are more colorful than others but for the 19th century, we often think of 1873 as the most interesting
Frank Church Set Available Nov. 26
The Mint’s final 2019 America the Beautiful three-coin set goes on sale at noon EST on Nov. 26.
The quarters pay homage to Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho
Royal Australian Mint Commemorates Qantas Centenary
One of the 11 coins featured in the 11-coin set honoring the Qantas Centenary. Image courtesy of the Royal Australian Mint.
To mark the Centenary of Queensland and North Territory Aerial Services Ltd (Qantas), the Royal Australian Mint and the national carrier revealed a new $1 Australian circulating coin, a collectible Qantas Centenary 11 Coin Set, along with a ‘Golden Ticket’ competition
New American Innovation Coin Honors Innovation from New Jersey
On Nov. 21, the U.S
‘Paper’ Gold Can Be Risky Business
Owning “paper” gold is not the same as possessing physical gold. Even though prices of both forms of gold-ownership are currently the same, they will not necessarily be equal down the road.
By paper gold, I include all forms that are not having direct custody in your hands or stored in a vault under your own name
Bureau of Engraving and Printing 2020 Numismatic Events
On Nov. 21, The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) announced that it will participate in the following numismatic events for 2020:
Florida United Numismatist (FUN) Convention
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Jan. 9 – 12, 2020
American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money
David L
PCGS Banknote Accepting Paper Money Submissions January 2020
On Nov. 19, Professional Coin Grading Service announced that they will again be authenticating, grading, and certifying United States and world paper money domestically with the launch of a new service, PCGS Banknote, in early January 2020.
The company has successfully provided PCGS Gold Shield brand grading of U
Pair of Famous Lincoln Cent Mint Errors Brought Together
Two of the rarest and most famous US coins have been brought together under a single owner, The Don Lutes Jr. 1943 Philadelphia Bronze Lincoln cent and the Kenneth S. Wing Jr
1865 Note Realizes Over $250,000 at Auction
We have recently learned that a banknote certified by Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) realized $264,000 at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries currency auction on Nov. 14, 2019.
The 1865 $500 Interest Bearing Note, Fr
Dix Noonan Webb Auction 165 Brings British Coinage and Medals
by Thomas Michael
The Dix Noonan and Webb auction 165 of Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals set to close on Dec. 4 and 5, 2019, hosts a glorious selection of collector coins. Arrayed in group lots and singles for the stronger material, this sale offers all types of British coins, tokens, and medals suitable for collectors at every level of the hobby and ripe for brick and mortar shop dealers looking to restock specific areas for their local business
New Appointee Joins Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee
Friday, The United States Mint announced the appointment of Dr. Lawrence S. Brown to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) as a member representing the interests of the general public in the coinage of the United States
Adams Presidential Medal Rounds Out Year
The last of four Presidential medals issued in 2019 will honor President John Quincy Adams. The silver piece goes on sale from the Mint today.
The Adams medal joins those issued this year for Thomas Jefferson in January, James Madison in May and James Monroe in August
Scout Program Debuts at Tidewater Show
The Tidewater Coin Club of Virginia Beach, Va., sponsored the Virginia Beach Coin Show Oct. 12-13
Gold’s Drop Hits Double Eagles, Bullion Coins
by Richard Giedroyc
Generic gold coins, especially $20 double eagles, were being hit hard at the time this commentary was being written, this being due to the spot price of gold declining to $1,453 an ounce. The yellow metal has now declined to its lowest level in about three months. As might be expected, common-date gold American Eagle bullion coins followed
Santa Maria Club Centers on Learning
The Santa Maria Coin Club (SMCC) held its annual one-day spring coin show Oct. 19 at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center in Santa Maria, Calif.
A special public outreach draw was the premiere of “The Coin Experience Learning Zone,” developed and hosted on-site by Walt Ostromecki, past president of the American Numismatic Association
Mint Launches 50th ATB Quarter
Salmon, Idaho, was the background against which the U.S. Mint debuted the fifth and final America the Beautiful quarter of 2019
‘Tis the Season for Auctions
by Hannah Wiedmeyer
It’s snowing up here in Stevens Point, Wis., home of the Numismatic News offices. At the time of this writing
Vote for NGC’s 2020 Sacagawea Dollar 20th Anniversary Label
Next year is the 20th anniversary of the Sacagawea Dollar. To celebrate the occasion, NGC is offering a special certification label and are asking for people to help them choose the design. Vote for your favorite NGC Sacagawea Dollar 20th Anniversary Label
Which Numismatic Fad Will Fizzle Next?
by Patrick Heller
Passing fads eventually fizzle out. Remember Pet Rocks or Beanie Babies from a few decades ago? Well, numismatics fads also happen, eventually peak, then fizzle out in value.
Here are three examples from the 1960s
PCGS Announces Exclusive APMEX Partnership to Offer New Bullion FirstStrike® Service for 2020
(November 13, 2019) – Professional Coin Grading Service has partnered with APMEX, the largest online retailer of precious metals, to offer a new product geared toward bullion enthusiasts beginning in 2020. It combines APMEX’s popular MintDirect® products with desirable PCGS FirstStrike® certification eligibility.
For years, APMEX has sold United States Mint products sealed in protective plastic to ensure they remain in the same unopened, untouched, unsorted and unsearched condition just as they were received from the U
NGC Certifies Extremely Rare 1819 British Sovereign for the Royal Mint
SARASOTA, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2019)— The Royal Mint of the United Kingdom entrusted Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) to certify an example of one of the greatest rarities of British coinage: the 1819 George III Sovereign
Mountain Star Arrives in Coins
CIT Coin Invest recently released their new Edelweiss “Mountain Star” coin. Some may recognize the name of this flower from the movie Sound of Music, where its name was turned into an unofficial national anthem while the Von Trapp family fled from the nazis. Since the beginning of the 19th century, however, the edelweiss has been considered to be the “symbol” of fearless alpinists
Silver Certificates Rule Heritage Weekly Auction
Heritage Auctions brought some interesting Proofs and Silver Certificates to their Oct. 29, 2019, U.S
Crime Doesn’t Pay
British Treasure Trove laws are some of the most reasonable anywhere. These laws protect the landowner where something is discovered, allow museums and researchers the opportunity to study and perhaps acquire important finds, and rewards the finder. Treasure found in the United Kingdom belongs to the crown and Treasure Valuation Committee
PCGS Announces New Dual Encapsulation For 2019 Reverse Proof American Silver Eagles
(November 8, 2019) — Professional Coin Grading Service will begin encapsulating United States Mint serialized Certificates of Authenticity (COA) alongside the coins they guarantee. The service will also provide a pedigree on the coin insert with the matching serial number.
This new service is being launched in conjunction with the new, low-mintage American Eagle 2019 One Ounce Silver Enhanced Reverse Proof Coin, which will be accompanied by the Mint with COAs bearing a serial number
Collectors Split PCGS Bounty For “First Discovery” of 2019-W Idaho Quarters
PCGS Collectors Club members and Authorized Dealers have an opportunity to get encapsulation inserts hand-signed by artist Emily Damstra for coins she designed. (Photo credit: Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS
Coin Owners Reluctant to Sell
Relatively common-date, common-condition gold and silver composition coins continue to mirror daily market changes in their intrinsic values. Since there has been no breakaway in the spot price of gold or silver bullion, the value of these coins continues to be in a tight trading range. Regardless, a certain sector of collectors and possibly including investors see these as reasonable prices at which they are quite willing to buy
NGC Accepting Submissions at Whitman Winter Expo
We have recently learned that NGC will be accepting regular submissions for all service levels* at the Whitman Baltimore Winter Expo, at the Baltimore Convention Center from Thursday, Nov. 14 through 11:00 a.m
The ‘Duke’ Comes to Coins
Any fan of Western movies knows the name, John Wayne. He is also known as “the Duke.” Born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, he graced the silver screen throughout the 20th century
John Boehner, 53rd Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Agrees to Exclusive NGC Signature Label Deal
by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
The Honorable John Boehner, who represented Ohio in the US House of Representatives from 1991 to 2015 and served as Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2015, has agreed to individually hand sign certification labels exclusively for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®).
In January 2011, the House of Representatives elected Boehner as Speaker, making him third in line to the United States presidency. Before becoming Speaker, Boehner had served as minority leader since 2007 and was elected his party’s majority leader in 2006
World’s Largest Per Capita Gold Consuming Nations As A Percent Of GDP
Most market observers are aware that China is the world’s largest gold-consuming nation. However, a different way of judging the relative strength of gold demand in a country is to express it as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Such a ranking will tend to highly rank nations with lower levels of wealth or wealthy countries with low populations
Must-Know Tips to Avoid Gold Scams
Adding gold, silver or platinum bullion coins or ingots to an investment portfolio can be a smart choice, but knowing your seller can be a crucial choice, the Professional Numismatists Guild advises in a statement issued Nov. 4.
PNG is a non-profit organization of many of the country’s top rare coin and bullion coin experts
Lyn Knight’s Special Offerings at Coin X
Coin X is just a couple days away at the time of this writing and Lyn Knight Auctions is showing up to the table with some very special offerings.
Lot 59414
One of the offerings that caught my eye is Lot 59414, a 500 Francs from the Banque de France graded Gem New 55 PPQ by PCGS. The face shows an intricate design of Colbert with globe and “CINQ CENTS FRANCS” inscribed across the top in red lettering
Look to WAG Online Auctions for Classic and Modern Coinage
Over the years lots of people have asked me where they can find the coins they see in the various volumes and editions of the Standard Catalog of World Coins series. Oftentimes collectors look to only their closest or most familiar dealers for coins which are seldom handled by those folks, then give up. As collectors, we should all understand that the search is the challenge and knowing who is likely to have what we are looking for is the first step in finding what you want
Heritage November Space Auction to Feature Memorabilia from Armstrong Family Collection
Readers of Numismatic News may be familiar with the “Armstrong Family Collection” because of the medal that sold for $2.055 Million just a little while ago.
We have recently learned that medals, flags, and other memorabilia from this collection will comprise half the lots in a Heritage Auctions space memorabilia auction scheduled for Nov
The Capped Bust Half Dollar, 1807-1836
by R.W. Julian
Mint Director Robert Patterson
Will Investor Demand Drive Out the Collector?
Gold and silver, be they in coinage form or trading as bullion, continue to move in tightly defined pricing ranges. Neither platinum nor palladium coins are as available as those comprised of gold or silver. Coins composed of either platinum or palladium have continued to appreciate recently – without having drawing much attention to them
Kangaroos at Dawn
Yesterday, the Royal Australian Mint released a new coin entitled “Kangaroos at Dawn,” due to the popularity of the Kangaroos at Sunset series.
The new coin’s reverse features two kangaroos set against a rising sun backdrop while the obverse features Jody Clark’s design of the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. This new half-ounce silver proof coin contains 99
Harry Flower latest Hall of Fame Inductee
Harry Flower, 1980.(Image courtesy Phyliss Flower via Chicago Coin Club)
Albert Einstein expert Harry Flower has been named the 10th inductee into the Chicago Coin Club’s Hall of Fame.
Flower (Oct
Turtles Galore
Pobjoy Mint has recently released its third coin in the 50p Turtles Series on behalf of British Indian Ocean Territory, a Leatherback turtle coin.
Sea turtles have an amazing ability to navigate back to the area where they were born. Although these reptiles can be shortsighted on land, underwater they have excellent vision and can hold their breath for long periods of time
Enhanced Reverse Proof Silver Eagle Available Nov. 14
Just 30,000 coins are up for grabs when the U.S. Mint opens sales of the 2019 Enhanced Reverse Proof Silver American Eagle at noon EST Nov
A Modest Proposal for the U.S. Mint
Last week Thursday into Friday morning, the U.S. Mint conducted its fourth Numismatic Forum
Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation Joins Forces with CrimeDex
(Temecula, California) October 30, 2019 — The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation has been granted membership into CrimeDex, the world’s largest criminal investigation network composed of more than 4,000 law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and criminal investigators across the United States and around the globe.
“The CrimeDex platform allows members to send out alerts, develop leads, and track criminal trends and patterns,” explained Doug Davis, ACEF Director of Anti-Counterfeiting. “CrimeDex members are from all levels of law enforcement including the Secret Service, FBI, U
NGC-certified Russian Rarity Realizes Almost $500,000 in Swiss Auction
SARASOTA, Fla. (Oct. 30, 2019) — Vintage Russian coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) did extremely well at the SINCONA sale of Russian coins and medals, held Oct
1864-S Liberty Head Star of DLRC Auction
David Lawrence Rare Coin’s Sunday Internet Auction #1087 closed on Oct. 20. The latest edition of the weekly auction event featured another wide-ranging group of hand-picked coins for collectors of all types
Reader’s Showcase- Mt. Gilead, Ohio
by Peter Huntoon
Brett Irick sent this pair of notes that he assembled from Gilead, Ohio, (his birthplace.) Both are the only reported notes respectively from the Granite Bank and The First National Bank. The 25-cent scrip dated November 25, 1862, predates by 27 years the $5 brown back, which was printed in 1889
Islamic Gold Dinar realizes over $4 Million
We have recently learned that one of the world’s rarest and most highly-prized of all Islamic gold coins, or any coin, was sold by specialist auctioneers Morton & Eden in London on Thursday, Oct. 24 for an outstanding £3,720,000 million (over $4 million USD.)
Measuring a mere 20mm across, about the size of a modern £1 piece, the gold coin, an Umayyad dinar, dated 105h (723CE) from the first dynasty of Islam, was bought after fierce bidding by an anonymous bidder over the telephone
The Mints of Then and Now
by F. Michael Fazzari
When a coin is made, barring any post-strike enhancement by the Mint, that’s it. At that moment, its originality cannot be improved upon and anything that changes it, including toning and circulation wear, is considered by some purists as damage
U.S. Coin Supply Out-Pacing Demand
Sales are up, prices aren’t. This pretty well summarizes the current state of the business of coins.
Some of this can be blamed on the recent declines in the commodity spot price of precious metals; however, there is some weakness in the market for copper half cents and cents, and for nickels as well
Royal Canadian Mint’s Tri-Metal Token Wins Award
Ottawa, Ontario (Oct. 16, 2019) — The Royal Canadian Mint’s tri-metal coin technology won global currency industry recognition by being named the Best new coin product, feature or distribution innovation of the International Association of Currency Affairs’ (IACA) 2019 Excellence in Currency Awards for Coins. The award was announced on Oct
Technical Series Seminar Deadlines Approaching
With the Whitman Baltimore Expo just around the corner, it’s easy to ignore other upcoming events that are just as major. For example, the FUN Show in Orlando is in just a few months and the deadline for seminar registration prior to the event is Nov. 29
Threepence Highlights Scotsman Coin X Auction
In the Oct. 22 edition of Numismatic News Express, we mentioned a new show that is hoping to take the numismatic community by storm, Coin X. This show is run by Roundtable Collecting in collaboration with Scotsman Auction Co
Continental Dollar Commands $180,000 at Heritage Auction
A rare coin from the founding of the United States certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation realized $180,000 in Heritage Auctions’ U.S. Coins Signature Auction held Oct
Can ANA Relocate Next Year’s World’s Fair Of Money?
One result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota v
NGC Introduces Multi-Coin Holder for 4,5, or 6 Coins
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® recently announced a new NGC Large Mutli0-Coin holder, a single holder that can encapsulate four, five, or six coins.
This new holder is made out of the same materials as NGC’s other holders and includes the same security elements (advanced hologram and tamper-evident seal.) A single NGC certification label is placed at the top of the holder with the NGC set description, coin descriptions, NGC grades, and unique NGC certification numbers for each coin
Gold Coins Surface in Shipwreck Recovery
Gold coins were among the treasures brought to the surface after several months of archaeological fieldwork was performed on the 1840 wreck of the Steamship North Carolina. The announcement was made in early October by Florida-based Blue Water Ventures International, Inc. (BWVI) and Endurance Exploration Group, Inc
NGC & Harvestor Investments Partner on Label for New Marvel® Avengers Logo Coin
SARASOTA, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2019)— Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) and Harvestor Investments have partnered to create a special NGC Marvel® Avengers certification label for the new Avengers Logo 1 oz
SPINK’s Spectacular World Banknotes Auction
by Tracy Schmidt
The recent World Banknote Auction held by Spink from Oct. 2 to 3 contained many interesting, quality bank notes. Two hot collecting areas of interest to watch were China and India
No More Pennies
By Richard Giedroyc
The penny may have been the money of account in 1066 when William I conquered England, but that was nearly a thousand years ago. Today things are quite different, as can be seen through the rise and fall of the ‘round pound’ as Britain’s money of account.
Perhaps the many non-redeemed round pound coins are of concern to the British Treasury, but at the same time, the proliferation of penny denomination coins in circulation might not be
Sharing Canada’s Wildlife Treasures on Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint has recently released a 5-coin set for others to explore the wildlife around them entitled, “Canada’s Wildlife Treasures.” This 5-coin set includes animals such as the Peary Caribou and Kermode Bear. It features only animals specific to Canada
Baltimore Whitman Expo Takes Shape
November is upon us, and for numismatic show-goers, that means one thing: the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo in Baltimore. The annual show is set for Nov. 14-17 at the Baltimore, Md
Q. David Bowers on Bill Bierly’s In God We Trust
(Pelham, Alabama) — In November 2019, Whitman Publishing will release William Bierly’s In God We Trust: The American Civil War, Money, Banking, and Religion. The 352-page hardcover volume will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide, and online (including at www.Whitman
Coins are in a Narrow Trading Range
“Gold prices should target $1,700 next quarter.”
“Gold, silver gain as geopolitical worries resurface.”
“Gold prices to stay elevated
Canadian Association Benefits from Bag-Searching in California
Fred van den Haak, second vice president of the Northern California Numismatic Association, holds a heavy box of Canadian coins outside TD Canada Trust, ready for deposit into the Canadian Association For Numismatic Education’s bank account.
The Canadian Association for Numismatic Education (CAFNE), chaired by Scott E. Douglas, has seen the recent result of diligent coin-bag searching
McAuliffe Silver Dollar Bill Signed Into Law
Commemorative silver dollar coins paying tribute to American teacher and astronaut Christa McAuliffe will be a reality in 2021 thanks to the recent advancement of authorizing legislation.
The bill, termed the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act of 2019, passed the Senate July 9. It then passed the House on Sept
2021 and Beyond Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter Designs
Members of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee were met with a robust agenda of coin and medal designs when the group met Oct. 15. The CCAC’s role is to advise the Secretary of the Treasury on any theme or design proposals relating to circulating, bullion and commemorative coins, Congressional Gold Medals and other medals produced by the Secretary
Something for Everyone at Stack’s Bowers’ Baltimore Auction
A wide variety of intriguing and rare lots will cross the block when Stack’s Bowers Galleries presents its official auction of the Whitman Coins & Collectibles Expo in Baltimore Nov. 13-16.
A highlight of the auction offers will be The E Pluribus Unum Collection of New Jersey Coppers
Gold And Silver Commodity Market Standards Vary Between Markets
Gold and silver commodity futures contracts are traded on exchanges around the world. The largest market is in London, England, but two other major exchanges are the New York COMEX and the Shanghai Gold Exchange SGE).
Some other lower volume exchanges are traded in Chicago, Sydney, Tokyo, and Zurich, Switzerland
Larry Casagrande: Type Sets, Toned Coins and a Tortoise
By Michael S. Turrini
“You might laugh that our family’s pet desert tortoise named Lexie, at 80 pounds, is an asset to my coin passion,” chuckled Larry Casagrande of Clayton, Calif.
“We have a bearded dragon, a type of lizard; tortoises; four cats; and Sophie, our dog, who rules the house,” said Larry
Chicago Coin Club Inducts Arlie R. Slabaugh Into Hall of Fame
Arlie R. Slabaugh (April 26, 1925 – Sept. 26, 2007) was appointed Assistant Editor of the Numismatic Scrapbook in April 1954 and moved to the Chicago area from Artie, “among the West Virginia hills
U.S. Currency Weekly Auction Seizes Bidders’ Attention
by Tracy Schmidt
Heritage Auctions attracted multiple bidders on several interesting lots offered in their Oct.1 Weekly Online Auction. The lots that piqued my interest were in the categories of Large Size, Small Size, and National Bank Notes
Doubly Devastating Loss to Argentine Numismatics
By Tom Michael
Recently, we learned of the passing of our friend Héctor Carlos Janson on Sept. 29, 2019. Janson was a tireless researcher of all areas of Argentine coinage and had published numerous catalogs on the subject, which have become the standard specialized works for this area of study and collecting
Booklet Walks Reader Through Collection Inheritance, Disposal
Perhaps a coin collection has made its way to you from a family member, and it has ignited your collecting spark. Or maybe you are beginning to think about what to do with the collection you’ve built when it comes time to part with it.
Before making a decision on what to do when inheriting or disposing of a coin collection, the American Numismatic Association suggests collection owners pick up a copy of Managing & Settling a Numismatic Estate: How to Preserve or Dispose of a Coin Collection, a booklet by David S
All-Time Finest Morgan Dollars Set Will Be Sold Intact
The following news release is distributed on behalf of Mint State Gold by Barry Stuppler and Company.
The finest known 1892-CC, graded PCGS MS67+ CAC/PQ with none graded higher, is one of the highlights of the 117-coin, all-time finest Illinois Set Collection of Morgan dollars now being offered intact for $9.7 million
Coin Club Lends Authenticity to 1800s Village Bank
by Fred Delcamp
Back in the mid to late 1960s, residents living in the communities of Genesee County, Mich. realized that historic buildings in the county were disappearing, being destroyed as the county grew and progressed. After a series of meetings and exchanges of ideas, many older buildings were donated and moved to what was first supposed to be a farm museum
‘Get Rich’ Promotion Wrong Angle for Healthy Market Growth
It may or may not be good news. CNBC posted a story titled, “People have been making up to $100,000 off ‘coin hunting’ – here’s how the highly unusual hobby works” on Oct. 2
GreatCollections offers PMG-certified Civil War-era Printer’s Proofs
In a press release by Paper Money Guaranty®, we have learned that GreatCollections is offering up four pairs of 1861 printer’s proofs of some of the earliest banknotes issued by the U.S. government
Mint Reveals 2020 Native American $1 Coin Design
Line drawing of the 2020 Native American $1 reverse design honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich and Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Law.
The reverse design for the 2020 Native American $1 coin was unveiled by Patrick Hernandez, U.S
How Would 2021 Silver Dollar Commemoratives Impact Collectors?
1921 Morgan Dollar. Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
By now, I assume that most readers are aware of H.R
NGC-Certified 1776 Continental Dollar in Heritage Dallas Auction
From a recent press release by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation®, we have learned that one of the coins headed to the Heritage Auction in Dallas this Oct. 17-19, is a 1776 Continental Dollar certified by NGC®.
According to the site, just two weeks before the sale, bidding has already surpassed $100,000
CCAC Considers USS Indianapolis Congressional Medal Designs
Designs for the Congressional Gold Medal honoring the crew of the USS Indianapolis were up for consideration when the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) convened Sept. 18 at the United States Mint.
The U
Coin X Show Debuts in November
A new show has entered the realm of numismatics, known as “Coin X.” The show is led by some familiar faces in numismatics auctions such as RoundTable Trading, Scotsman Coin Auctions and Lyn Knight Currency Auctions. It is set to take place Nov
PMG to Attend Coin Expo in Missouri
In a press release by Paper Money Guaranty®, we have learned that they plan on going to the Coin Expo in Saint Charles, Mo. from Nov. 7-9
Medals all Around
By Tom Michael
Presidential Coin & Antique Company released its 155th mini fixed-price list on Sept. 17. If you are at all familiar with Joe Levine’s mini fixed-price lists, then you know that they always offer something special for the experienced medal collector
Bidders Favor Quality in September Legend Auction
Quality and eye-appeal were the name of the game for Legend Rare Coin’s 34th Regency Auction held Sept. 26 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nev., in conjunction with the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Members Only Show
Fairytales and Fables on Coins
There have been some very unique coins from NumisCollect and Cook Islands recently and this coin is no different.
Cook Islands have created a new series, The Fairy Tales and Fables series. The first issue in the new series features the story of Little Red Riding Hood
Auction Fever Does Not Appear to be Contagious
Coin dealers continue to report brisk business. However, despite this increasing demand, clients remain bearish regarding retail price increases for anything other than bullion and bullion-impacted coins. This isn’t true just for coins that are considered to be collectible yet reasonably available, but for the scarce to rare coins as well
Parker Browder American Legion 100th Anniversary
The Parker Browder American Legion Post No. 4 of Mobridge, S.D
Gold bars, Honduras coin rarity to appear in Sedwick’s November Treasure Auction
The following is distributed on behalf of Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC.
Winter Park, Florida – Oct. 2, 2019 – A large variety of gold and silver shipwreck bars as well as numismatic rarities will attract exciting bidding during Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC’s Treasure, World, U
Gold And Silver Promote Peace
No one knows for certain how the concept of “money” originated. There have been various theories posited over the centuries. The idea that I find most sensible is money was created as a means for paying mercenaries, soldiers from one land who were paid to fight for leaders of another land
Silver Dollar Expert Wayne Miller Joins Hand-Signing NGC Labels
Example of a hand-signed label by Silver dollar expert, Wayne Miller. Image courtesy of Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
In a press release from Numismatic Guaranty Corporation®, we have learned that Wayne Miller has agreed to come on board to hand-sign NGC labels
CSNA and NCNA Celebrate Coin Hobby Jointly
The California State Numismatic Association (CSNA) and the Northern California Numismatic Association (NCNA) held their first-ever joint venture, the Northern California Numismatic Forum, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Vallejo, California.
The site for this Forum was the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
Future Numismatists Converge at BSA Workshop
by Suzanne Trigonis
Cupertino Coin Club officers ran a BSA Coin Collecting Merit Badge Workshop at CoinExpo at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif., Sept. 14
Spink Slates BoE 1797 £1 #2
On Thursday, Oct. 10, Spink UK will offer Part II of the remarkable Lou Manzi and A. J
A New Mint is Born
The Philippines will be moving its mint and security printing facility from Quezon City to New Clark City in Capas in about two years.
The need for circulating coinage is being challenged by modern substitutes in many places around the world. Apparently the Philippines isn’t one of these places
The Challenge of Grading Circulating Coins
by Michael Fazzari
I once gave a presentation dealing with coin grading at a club meeting in Maryland. I thought my speech was well done and informative; yet after the question and answer period was over, a member came up to say that she was mildly disappointed as I had just skimmed over the circulated grades and focused mostly on the Uncirculated grades. She wanted an explanation of the circulated grades that she was able to collect
22 Franklin Half Dollars Offered in Dallas
Franklin half dollars, which have been unusually absent from recent auctions, will be featured at Heritage Auctions upcoming U.S. Coin Auction at their world headquarters in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, Oct
Stack’s Bowers Offers a Sneak Peek at November Baltimore Auction
While the official auction catalog has not been released at the time of this writing, Stack’s Bowers has released some press information about some of the collections that will be on the auction block during the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo in Baltimore, Maryland, Nov. 14-17, 2019
Stack’s Bowers will be offering the John W. Adams Collection of Comitia Americana on Thursday, Nov
CCAC Recommends Congressional Gold Medal Design Honoring Chinese-American Vets
Chinese-American veterans of World War II will be recognized with a congressional gold medal, according to the authorizing legislation, Public Law 115-337. According to this legislation, “Chinese Americans served in the United States in every conflict since the Civil War and distinguished themselves in World War II, serving in every theater of war and every branch of service, earning citations for their heroism and honorable service, including the Medal of Honor.” The act also indicates that as many as 20,000 Chinese-Americana served in the Armed Forces during World War II
Fed Actions and Statements This Week Indicate Major Risk of Near-Term Economic Downturn!
September 20, 2019 – Tom Coulson, Liberty Coin Service owner and CEO, terms this week’s actions and statements by Federal Reserve officials as indicating a major risk of a near-term U.S. economic downturn
ATB Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange Slated for November 5
Image courtesy of the U.S. Mint
Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative Coin Act Proposed
Paul Laurence Dunbar. (Image taken from The Booklovers Magazine, July 1903)
Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced Bill H.R
Apollo 11 Five-Ounce Proof Silver Dollar Back in Stock
On Sept. 12, the United States Mint announced that the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Five Ounce Proof Silver Dollar was back in stock. We have confirmed that the Mint’s website is continuing to take orders for this popular coin, which is struck in the Philadelphia Mint facility
Why Isn’t The U.S. Government Adding to its Gold Reserves?
I get asked a lot of great questions. Recently, a customer asked why the U.S
Silver dollars of 1794-1795 were illegal
In the 1850s, when the coin collecting hobby became a national interest, there were two areas in which collectors tended to specialize. The first was the old copper cents of 1793 to 1807, while the second was the silver dollars struck from 1794 to 1804. The fact that the first dollars of 1794-1795 were struck on an illegal standard makes them even more collectible and interesting
New November Simpsons Coin
The Perth Mint has made it through nearly every family member in the Simpson family with their Simpsons Coin Series, except one. Who could forget Maggie? Not them, that’s for sure.
The Perth Mint plans to release the new Maggie Simpson coin this November with a limited mintage of 5,000
Error Coins Showcase Some Fun Mishaps
On Sept. 10, Heritage Auctions closed their Special Offering Error Coins Online Auction 60151. It’s always fun to scan the results to see the mishaps made, and the Mint that made it, into collectors’ hands
Design for Anwar El Sadat Congressional Gold Medal Unveiled
Anwar El Sadat. (Image transferred from ar.wikipedia to Commons
New Chicxulub Crater Coin Lands
The new 2019 Chicxulub Crater Coin by NumisCollect. Images courtesy of NumisCollect
Buried beneath the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the Chicxulub crater got its name from its center being near the town of Chicxulub. It was formed by a large asteroid
Total Coin Production Dips in August
August circulating coin production dropped by 36.17 percent at the U.S
Henrik Holt Christensen Joins Stack’s Bowers Galleries as Consignment Director of Europe
by Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Santa Ana, CA – Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to announce that Henrik Holt Christensen has joined the company as Consignment Director of Europe. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, Mr. Christensen will focus on expanding Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ European network and growing the firm’s World Paper Money department
Still a Good Time to Go After Higher End Collectible Coins
By Richard Giedroyc
Wholesale coin prices dipped, then rose dramatically in the past week as prices continued to shadow the increasingly volatile gold and silver bullion markets. Retail prices for most coins held steady during the same time, including most bullion and bullion-impacted yet collectible coins. The discrepancy between the buy and sell gaps in the wholesale and retail market makes sense, considering dealers need to sell at a profit regardless of if the spot price of the intrinsic value of their stocked merchandise rises or falls
Legend Rare Coin Auctions Presents Regency Auction 34 on September 26 in Las Vegas
As always, one never knows how the auction is going to look until after it is all put together, though, prior to the consignment deadline, Legend Rare Coins is already thrilled with the coins consigned, and with the ANA show and the consignment deadline, the final offering is one for the history books. They know that there will be coins for all sorts of collectors, from type coin generalists to dedicated die variety specialists, and collectors will find something to add to their collections in this auction.
Spread throughout the sale are select type coins from THE TYPE SET, the finest ever, assembled by Oliver Jung
Heritage Hosting US Signature Auction October 17-19
Internet bidding opens on Sept. 27 with live lot viewing taking place Oct. 16-18 and the live auction taking place October 17-19
Exhibitors Honored at Chicago World’s Fair of Money®
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) presented 53 competitive exhibit awards at the 2019 World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Illinois. Winners were announced at the exhibit awards presentation and reception on Aug. 17
Veteran US Mint Official Jon Cameron Joins NGC Program of Hand-Signed Labels
Jon J. Cameron, who recently retired from his position as the U.S
London Bullion Market Association Board Member Charged With Rigging Precious Metals Prices
Photo by Joe Mabel ex. Wikimedia Commons. https://creativecommons
More Than 200 PMG-certified Notes from the Ibrahim Salem Collection Part 2 to be Sold
The following press release and images were published by Paper Money Guaranty®
The second sale of the outstanding collection of British Commonwealth notes will be held on Oct. 2, 2019.
More than 200 banknotes certified by Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) are part of the Ibrahim Salem Collection of British Commonwealth Banknotes Part 2 sale being held Oct
The Royal Australian Mint releases limited edition Wallabies coin to celebrate the Wallabies’ Road to Japan
The following press release and images are distributed on behalf of The Royal Australian Mint.
The Royal Australian Mint is showing support for the Wallabies’ bid to become World Champions, with the release of a $2 limited edition coin available in Woolworths supermarket registers from today.
The $2 Wallabies coin captures the strength and dedication of the team as they embark on their campaign in Japan this month
NGC Milestone: 10 Million Silver Eagles Certified
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has announced that it has certified more than 10 million American Silver Eagles. It is the first third-party grading service to reach this incredible milestone.
The American Silver Eagle, the official silver bullion coin of the United States, is possibly the most widely collected coin in the world today
Blockbuster Wyoming Discovery
by Peter Huntoon
Heritage Auctions is offering the monster discovery note illustrated from The First National Bank of Guernsey, Wyoming, in their 2020 FUN sale.
All 400 sheets of the $5 Guernsey notes that were printed were sent to the bank on Aug. 11, 1900
September Long Beach U.S. Coin Auction brings in $18.2 Million
Two extremely rare coins from The Poulos Family Collection – an 1876-CC twenty cent piece and a Proof 1975 dime without the S mintmark – sold for $456,000 each as Heritage’s September 4-9 numismatic auctions at the Long Beach Coin and Collectibles Expo realized well over $30 million in total. U.S
South African Mint announces public design competition for next SA25 circulation coin
The following press release and image are distributed on behalf of the South African Mint.
(Johannesburg, South Africa, 12 Sept. 2019): The South African Mint, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the South African Reserve Bank today announced a competition for the design of a new R2 circulation coin which will be issued in 2020
Chicago Coin Club Inducts Elston G. Bradfield Into its Hall of Fame
The Chicago Coin Club announced that the ninth person to be inducted into its Hall of Fame is author and editor Elston G. Bradfield.
Elston G
Record-Breaking 1975 No S Proof Dime Quickly Re-Sold For $516,00
September 16, 2019 – The most valuable United States modern coin ever sold at auction, a 1975 proof No S dime, changed hands twice in less than a week, both times for record prices.
The finer of the two known 1975 proof dimes without the San Francisco S mint mark was jointly purchased on September 6, 2019 for $456,000 by modern coin specialist Mitch Spivack along with his son, Justin, owner of MonsterCoinMart in Orange County California, and with collector Steven Heller also as a partner on the deal. They then sold it five days later through agent Nick Cascio for $516,000 to an avid Roosevelt dime collector who wants to remain anonymous
Notoriety Does Not Lead to Record Setting Prices
The price of many gold and silver business strike coins rose recently, in part due to an appreciable increase in the spot price of these metals, but more in reaction to that spot price rise. Simply put, demand for such coins, regardless of if they are of a collectible grade or not, increased.
At the moment this commentary is being written the spot price has declined once more but is remaining near the resistance levels of $1,500 per ounce for gold and $18 an ounce for silver
Clear-Cut Winner of the Ugly Coin Contest
The Low Country Coin Club introduced an interesting twist on “Show ‘n’ Tell” for their first meeting in May, an “Ugly Coin Contest,” according to a report presented in the June 2019 issue of The Scanner, the South Carolina Numismatic Association’s quarterly journal. Club members presented nine coins for consideration, with all in attendance that evening being accorded the opportunity to “examine the coins and vote for their choice” of the ugliest character depicted on a coin or currency issue. Member Zack Macauley’s “clear-cut winner” was West Germany’s 2-Mark issue minted from 1988 to 2001, depicting Chancellor Ludwig Erhard, first released in observance of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Federal Republic following World War II
Gold Ingots Draw High Bids at Long Beach
Making the top of the auction prices realized list at the recent September Long Beach Coin and Collectibles Expo auction, run by Heritage Auctions, were a pair of gold ingots. These ingots were among the treasures recovered from the wreckage of the sunken S.S
U.S. Mint Unveils 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Coin Designs
The United States Mint unveiled designs for the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Coin Program on Sept. 6 during the 2019 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall.
The designs will be featured on three dome-shaped coins: a $5 gold, a $1 silver, and a half-dollar clad
Unsurpassed 1853-D Quarter Eagle Heads to Auction
Scarce in all grades, the 1853 Dahlonega quarter eagle is rare in Mint State and unknown any finer than the MS62 level, assigned by NGC to a coin we will be offering in Heritage Auction’s Oct. 15-18 Dallas Signature auction. The latest Doug Winter reference pegs the number of surviving pieces in all grades at 85 to 105 coins — a figure echoed by PCGS CoinFacts, which suggests that under 100 pieces are known
The Short Life of the Average Fiat (Paper) Currency
Most Americans are so accustomed to spending U.S. government paper currency today that they probably assume it has always been that way in this country
Tariffs Applied to Some Chinese Collectibles
In a press release by Paper Money Guaranty, we have learned that on Sept. 1, the 15% tariff for varieties of Chinese-made items imported into the United States, went into effect. Also, among the items under this tariff are certain Chinese collectibles
30 Years of Police Remembrance Commemorated by the Royal Australian Mint
The following is distributed on behalf of the Royal Australian Mint.
The 30th anniversary of National Police Remembrance Day to honour Australia’s police forces is marked with a coloured $2 commemorative coin by the Royal Australian Mint, following the release of a circulating coin of the same design.
Royal Australian Mint CEO, Ross MacDiarmid; Police Federation of Australia CEO, Scott Weber; Royal Australian Mint coin designer, Adam Ball; and Policing Legatees, Emily O’Donohue and Jack O’Donohue, are launching the coins in a video speaking to the national significance of these coins
Don’t Be Rushed In New Gold Rush: Make Wise Choices, Veteran Bullion Dealers Caution
The consumer/investor advisory below is distributed on behalf of the Accredited Precious Metals Dealer division of the nonprofit Professional Numismatists Guild.
(Temecula, California) Sept. 9, 2019 – Investors wanting to enter the gold and silver markets or add to existing portfolios should be wary of potential counterfeits, plated “gold coins” or overpaying for any purchases
Lots of British Round Pounds Missing
The ‘round pound,’ the ‘Maggie,’ or whatever you may want to call it, Britain’s round £1 coin has been replaced by a 12-sided coin meant to deter counterfeiters. Since the round coin has been declared redundant by the Bank of England the question remains: Why are about 145 million of the older coins still outstanding?
According to the British Royal Mint, a staggering one in 30 of the round version of the denomination were counterfeits when the newer 12-sided (dodecagonal) version was introduced on March 28, 2017. This statistic sounds even worse when you consider there were about 1
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries ANA U.S. Currency Auction Realizes $5.3 Million
Santa Ana, CA – The Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official United States Currency Auction at the ANA World’s Fair of Money realized an impressive $5,320,620 in total sales from two live auction sessions and one internet-only session. In total, the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official ANA Auction that featured coins and paper money from the United States and around the world realized over $30.6 million
NGC-certified Coins Exceed $100,000 at ANA Auctions
In just two nights, 33 coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) were sold for more than $100,000 each by Heritage Auctions. The impressive results for NGC-certified coins came during the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money in Chicago on Aug. 14 and 15
Private and Territorial Coins Draw Six Figures
At the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money last month, Stack’s Bowers offered Private and Territorial gold coins from the Samuel J. Berngard Collection in the Rarities Session, bringing the evening to a close.
Lot 5462
Seated Liberty Half Dollar Struck on a Quarter Planchet
The following is released on behalf of Numismatic Guaranty Corporation®
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has certified an incredible error coin: a Seated Liberty Half Dollar struck on a quarter planchet. This stunning error is believed to be unique for the Seated Liberty Half Dollar series.
The coin was recently discovered in an old collection that had been held by the Wheeler Family of New Jersey for decades
Demand for Bullion and Bullion-Impacted Silver Coins Outstripping Supply
Silver and gold coins are looking good not only to collectors but to the public at large. The latest round of tariffs aimed primarily against China, the uncertainty of equity markets, and the uncertainty of the United States possibly being about to enter a recession are encouraging non-collectors to buy gold and silver composition coins regardless of the collectability of those coins. The spot price of these precious metals has been appreciating significantly throughout the past six weeks, with no let-up in sight
NGC Grades One of the First Morgan Dollars Struck in San Francisco
The following is distributed on behalf of Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has certified one of the first 10 Morgan Dollars struck by the San Francisco Mint. This incredible piece of numismatic history is now graded NGC SP 64.
Hundreds of millions of Morgan Dollars were struck from 1878 to 1921
Hand-crafted Ornaments from the U.S. Mint
This United States Mint introduced two ornaments this year – the 2019 United States Mint Ornament and the 2019 Mighty Minters Ornament.
Each is hand-crafted in the United States and features a vibrant design around a 2019 Kennedy Uncirculated Half Dollar, from the Pennsylvania Mint facility. The ornaments are made of solid brass and imitation rhodium to deliver a silver look
PMG-certified ‘Rainbow Note’ Realizes $180,000 at ANA Stack’s Bowers Sale
The ANA World’s Fair of Money wrapped up just a few weeks ago, but it is still worth talking about. So many auctions took place that there is new news coming out around the corner each day regarding record-breaking prices and special lots.
In a press release from Paper Money Guaranty, we learned that one of these special lots was an 1869 $50 Legal Tender “Rainbow Note” certified by Paper Money Guaranty that realized $180,000 at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries official ANA auction
Spink Slates Edward VIII Pattern Penny
Pearl-of-great-price: the sole Edward VIII pattern penny available to collectors outside that in a complete set of the uncrowned monarch’s coins. It will be offered by Spink in London on Sept. 24 as part of ‘The Waterbird Collection of English Rarities’
Are Pre-1934 US Gold Coin Prices Tracking Gold Price Increases?
From the New York COMEX closes on Dec. 28, 2018, to Sept. 3, 2019, the price of gold jumped 20
Rare Sacagawea Dollar ‘Mule’ Coming to Long Beach
In a press release distributed by Paper Money Guarantee, we have learned that a famous “mule” is coming to Long Beach as one of the consigned pieces.
For those who do not know what a “mule” is in terms of numismatics, it is “when a coin or medal is minted with an obverse and reverse design not normally seen on the same piece.”
The “mule” coming to Long Becah is the Sacagawea dollar mule which bears the obverse of a Washington quarter and the reverse of the Sacagawea dollar
Perth Mint Coins Honor a New Era of an Ancient Calendar
The following is released on behalf of the Perth Mint.
The historic Perth Mint has introduced the third series of precious metal coins celebrating the ancient lunar calendar as part of Australia’s internationally renowned bullion coin program.
From being the first major mint in the world to issue coins celebrating the animals of the Asian zodiac in 1995, The Perth Mint will strengthen its position at the fore of the global bullion coin market in 2020 by issuing Australian Lunar Series III
Six Lucky Collectors Split PCGS Bounty For First Discovery 2019-W San Antonio Quarters
The following is released on behalf of PCGS.
Six lucky collectors were the first to submit 2019-W San Antonio quarters to PCGS. Each coin now is pedigreed PCGS First Discovery 1 of 6
Rudd Offers Rare Celtic Gold
On September 15 Elizabeth Cottam of Chris Rudd will be auctioning two rare, gold, Celtic quarter staters recently unearthed south of the River Thames. Both were minted in Iron Age Britain around 55-40 BCE.
The first found near Basingstoke is a ‘Petal Saltire’ type (ABC 809)
United States Mint Unveils 2019 American Innovation $1 Coin Program Designs
The United States Mint unveiled the official designs for the four 2019 coins in their American Innovation $1 Coin Program. The unveiling took place at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Thrive and Survive: Conrad v. Tower City
by Mark Hotz
I hope you all are enjoying your summer so far. We in the East Coast have avoided virtually all of the crazy weather conditions that have plagued much of the Midwest and South. This month a new purchase and some interesting photos gave me the impetus for my current article
Rarities Headline in Heritage’s $45 Million Auctions
Great rarities from outstanding collections were the headliners as Heritage’s official auctions of the ANA World’s Fair of Money raised nearly $45.5 million, Aug. 14-18 in Chicago
There is Reason for Optimism in Precious Metals Markets
The price of gold has risen by more than 19 percent since the beginning of the year. Silver is, at the moment this is being written, flirting with $18 an ounce. Since both are denominated in U
Coin Indicates Cook Not First to Discover Australia
Captain James Cook(1728-1779). Nathaniel Dance. BHC2628
Did Columbus really discover America? A single Norse coin suggests otherwise
Heritage Offering a 1975 No S Dime at Long Beach
Listed in first place in the third edition of the 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins, the 1975 No S proof Roosevelt dime is one of the rarest issues in American coinage
French Hammer English in Morris Online Sale
Heritage Auctions has been selling the superb Morris Collection of Imperial Rome progressively throughout this past year. The coins of ancient Rome were not Morris’s sole interest. He also assembled an impressive number of historic world coins
SS Central America Sunken Treasure Gold Dust Now In Grand Format, Certified Five-Ounces Holders
Distributed on behalf of the California Gold Marketing Group
California Gold Rush gold dust housed in elegant PCGS holders
Historic sunken gold treasure, originally discovered by 49ers during the heydays of the California Gold Rush and untouched in the miners’ goldfield packets for more than 160 years, is now available in grand format PCGS-certified holders each containing five ounces of the precious metal. All of the gold dust was recovered from the fabled “Ship of Gold,” the SS Central America that sank in 1857.
One of the hand-numbered and signed grand format, 5½ by 9 inches holders housing five-ounces of California Gold Rush sunken treasure gold dust recovered from the fabled SS Central America
Coin Dealers Face Oncoming Post-Wayfair Sales Tax Compliance Nightmare
All business owners–including coin dealers–should get ready for the government paperwork nightmare resulting from last year’s Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair.
State governments are on the verge of notifying out of state businesses of the possibility that they may need to register to collect that state’s sales tax and file sales tax reports, even if no sales taxes are due
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Sets Record for Most Valuable Modern U.S. Coin
The following is released on behalf of Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Santa Ana, CA – The Stack’s Bowers Galleries official auction of the 2019 ANA World’s Fair of Money set several records for United States coinage earlier this month in Rosemont, Illinois. Among these was lot 5231 of their Rarities Night session, a 1964 Kennedy half dollar produced as part of an unreported Special Mint Set (SMS) and certified SP-68 by PCGS. After intense bidding, it sold for an astounding $156,000, setting a new record for the most valuable non-error modern United States coin ever sold at auction
Numismatic Influencers Receive Awards During World’s Fair of Money®
Distributed on behalf of the American Numismatic Association
Leaders in numismatics are essential for helping others grow within the coin collecting hobby. Whether that leadership is provided through teaching, mentoring, writing or leading conventions and shows, these activities help foster learning for all numismatists. The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) biggest numismatic leaders and influencers were recognized in August during the World’s Fair of Money in Chicago for their accomplishments
Accidental Early Release of 2019-W San Antonio Quarters Surprises Lucky Collector and PCGS
Distributed on behalf of Professional Coin Grading Service
Coin surprisingly discovered in Texas a week before the official release
Even though the 2019 America the Beautiful series San Antonio Missions National Historical Park quarter-dollars were not scheduled to be released into circulation until Aug. 26, a lucky collector in Texas unexpectedly discovered rolls of them – including two coveted West Point mintmark examples — a week early.
He submitted the 2019-W San Antonio quarters to Professional Coin Grading Service (www
Reader’s Showcase: Kinderhook-Linderpark
by Peter Huntoon
Shown is a great pair of $2 Original Series counterfeits respectively on The National Union Banks of Kinderhook, NY, and Linderpark, NY. The first is charter 929, the second a fabricated town name. Both are listed in vintage counterfeit detectors, and both are from the same plate
Newly Discovered Australian 1916 Mule Halfpenny
On Saturday, October 5 Roxburys’ Auction House in sunny Queensland will feature an example of Australia’s rarest circulation coin: a 1916 mule halfpenny (KM-30). Importantly this is not one of the previously known examples. It is a discovery coin found recently in a tin in a shed on a deceased estate
United States Mint Marks the 50th Anniversary of the Fourth Philadelphia Coining Facility
PHILADELPHIA – The United States Mint (Mint) marked a historic milestone today: the 50th anniversary of its fourth and current minting facility in Philadelphia, Pa. In celebration of this milestone, on Aug. 14, visitors will have a rare opportunity to speak directly with Mint personnel who make our nation’s coins
Farewell M.R. “Bob” Roberts
By Richard Lobel, Founder of Coincraft, London, England
Today I received the very sad news that M. R. ‘Bob’ Roberts of Sydney, Australia has passed away after a very long illness
The Royal Mint continues to capture Paddington’s™ London adventures with two new coins
by The Royal Mint
Following Paddington Bear’s debut on UK coins in 2018 to celebrate his 60th anniversary, The Royal Mint has unveiled two new 50p coins that continue to chronicle the friendly Peruvian bear’s adventures around London.
First created in 1958 by Michael Bond, Paddington Bear has captured the imagination of generations and the latest coins depict Paddington’s ventures to two of the capital’s most iconic landmarks –The Royal Mint’s former home, The Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral
Fourth-Party Certified Coins Command Significant Premiums
The recent American Numismatic Association convention is now history, but as with past ANA conventions, it has kicked off the new ‘season’ for coin collecting. Since summer’s end is at hand also, this is a time when many people interested in outdoor activities as well as coins get their chance to head back indoors to their pursuit of collecting.
Dealers declared the ANA show a success, with robust sales being assisted by the recent run-up in the spot price of gold and silver, most of this being at the expense of equity markets
Taraszka Collection of Early $10 Eagles Earns Over $3.2 Million in the Stack’s Bowers 2019 ANA Auction
By Stack’s Bowers
Santa Ana, Ca.- A milestone in early American numismatics was realized at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction at the ANA World’s Fair of Money, where the incredible Anthony J. Taraszka Collection of 1795 to 1804 $10 Gold Eagles was sold to a standing-room audience on the evening of Thursday, August 15
PCGS Launches Rarities Holder
by Professional Coin Grading Service
Showcase your outstanding rare coins in new PCGS holder
(Santa Ana, California) August 21, 2019 — Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) is now offering a striking new “Rarities” holder option at no additional fee for historic coins that merit special attention
Heritage World Coin Platinum Night Realizes $11,041,293
The world coin market is in a state of extraordinary good health. The results from Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night sale make this abundantly clear. The 1,085 lotS realized a total of $11,041,293 or over $10,000 a lot
Blanchard Built Steinbrenner Collection Results in $6.1 Million Total Sale
NEW ORLEANS, LA, August 15, 2019 – – Blanchard and Company, the nation’s leading tangible asset firm, today affirms numismatic history was made with this week’s public auction of the Joan Zieg Steinbrenner coin set, which includes some of the finest gold type coins ever assembled.
Over a 25-year period, Blanchard advised Mrs. Steinbrenner and through its deep numismatic connections sourced for her a historic collection of U
Price Sensitive But Value Foolish
At the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Illinois I had various conversations with other dealers about how some customers and potential customers are incredibly critical about small differences in prices quoted by different dealers for a particular product, but who end up purchasing an item that does not offer the best value for the purpose for which they made the purchase.
Let me share with you three real-world examples of what I mean.
The 2019 bullion gold Eagle contains one gold troy ounce and bears a $50 face value
Seminar Examines Future of Coins
Readers of this article are likely to be coin collectors, but how many times do we as coin collectors spend coins or banknotes rather than reach for some substitute such as plastic debit or credit cards, or by using an app on our phone? While we may be more conscious of what’s in our pockets and wallets, most of us can admit we normally tend to use the same shortcuts to counting out money when it comes to most daily financial transactions.
Coin collectors look over our shoulders when we think about the alternatives to physical cash now commonly in use. New forms of cyber money are being unveiled almost daily
Shekel Prize Medal Awarded to the Late Alex Abezgauz at NLG Award Luncheon
Alex Abezgauz
by Mel Wacks
The Shekel Prize Medal is awarded annually by the American Israel Numismatic Association to the author of the best book on the subject of Judaic or Holy Land numismatics. This year’s winner, Alex Abezgauz, was announced at the NLG luncheon, held at the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money convention. The late Alex Abezgauz’s prize-winning book Jewish Banknotes Based on the Collection of A
Meet the Munros: Woods and Sharing Hobby Fellowship
by Stan Turrini
The Munros, ‘Al’ and Marion, are passionate hobbyists and dedicated hobby supporters, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Married thirty years, they met when both were employed with the Canadian national/federal government though now retired. They are both Chartered Accountants, equivalent to a ‘CPA’, Certified Public Accountant, in the United States
PMG Certifies India ‘Discovery Note’ at Hong Kong Event
By Paper Money Guarantee
The 1925 banknote was not previously known to specialists.
SARASOTA, Fla. (Aug
NGC Grades Important Collection of Chinese Patterns Featuring Mao Zedong
by NGC
SARASOTA, Fla. (August 7, 2019) — Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has certified a spectacular collection of patterns featuring the likeness of Mao Zedong, the leader of the People’s Republic of China from its founding in 1949 until his death in 1976.
These 28 patterns – 14 copper and 14 aluminum – were struck in the Fen and 5 Fen denominations
What to Look for in Heritage Weekly Auctions
by Bill Brandimore
There were no big auctions in July so I focused on moderately priced notes in Heritage weekly auctions. As I mentioned a few columns ago there are good bargains to be had in this venue. One reader emailed me to say he got a good deal on a North Africa $10
Late Roman Gold Coin Found in Israel
Gold coins of Roman Emperor Theodosius II, who ruled between CE 402 and 450, are not necessarily rare, but when one of these coins is found in what is today Israel, that is another story.
On July 3 Fox News and other news agencies reported the find of a gold solidus in the Galilee region by a group of Israeli students. Further details of the context in which the coin was found were not available at the time this article was being written
Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio to Present Chinese Coins from the Famed Charles E. Tanant Collection
By Stack’s Bowers
Santa Ana, CA – Formed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Charles E. Tanant Collection contained some of the finest preserved Chinese rarities to ever enter the marketplace. While serving as an official in the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs Service, Tanant received many of the pieces in his collection as gifts from colleagues during the late Empire and into the early Republic
Coin Collecting Back on the Upswing
By Richard Giedroyc
We might all like to think the value of collectible coins is immune to outside influences. These outside influences include the stock market, international exchange rates, and the bullion spot price of precious metal. When the collectible coin market heats up this becomes especially true for the scarce to rare coin segment of coin collecting, with many other generally more available coins appreciating as well
Extraordinary Exhibit Of Historic French Coins In Tyrant Collection Long Beach Display
An exhibit of rare, historic French coins described as the best and most comprehensive ever displayed in the United States will be showcased from the extensive Tyrant Collection at the Sept. 5-7, 2019 Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp & Sports Collectible Expo.
Entitled “Tyrants of the Seine,” this will be the fifth exhibition in a multi-year series of different displays of portions of the extensive Tyrant Collection, described as the world’s most valuable rare coin collection in private hands
Authenticating a coin with an image?
Today, I’m going to answer an often-asked and discussed question. Can a coin be authenticated using images alone? The simple answer is yes, no, and sometimes. It all depends on each specific situation
Somerset Field Yields Rare Constantine Solidus
On Sept. 17 the London auction house of Dix Noonan Webb will offer a rare Roman gold solidus of Emperor Constantine I. It was found earlier this year in a field at Wanstrow in Somerset by a metal detectorist
1894-S Dime Sells for Over $1.3 Million
The Legendary 1894-S Barber dime is one of just 24 coins struck.Only nine examples are currently known.
Numismatic history was made in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction at the 2019 ANA World’s Fair of Money, where an example of the legendary 1894-S Barber dime sold for over $1
Early Days at the ANA Convention
Busy Aisles: Shortly after the bourse floor opened on Tuesday morning, the aisles were filled with dealers and collectors moving from booth to booth, some buying, some selling, and others just looking. Speaking with a few dealers on the floor after day two, the feedback was mostly positive.
Glenn Schinke booth: I stopped to snap a photo of the Glenn Schinke booth on Tuesday morning
The Failure Of The 1960s London Gold Pool
In July 1944, close to the end of World War Two, delegates from 44 allied nations gathered in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire to recreate an international financial system and establish regulations for it. Two entities were founded in this meeting—the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IRBD). After this meeting, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was later established
United States Mint Reveals Designs for the Final Coins in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program
by the United States Mint
On Aug. 13, 2019, The United States Mint (Mint) unveiled the official designs for the final six coins in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. The unveiling took place at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in the Donald E
Former Police Chief Doug Davis Named Anti-Counterfeiting Director of the ACEF
by Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation
Current Director Beth Deisher will step down in September after successful anti-counterfeiting work
(Rosemont, Illinois) August 13, 2019 – Doug Davis, founder of the Numismatic Crime Information Center and a former Police Chief of the Dallas suburb of Pantego, Texas, has been selected by the nonprofit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation to be its next Director of Anti-Counterfeiting.
Doug Davis
Davis has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and in helping to combat numismatic-related crimes. He served the past two years as Chair of the Education-Law Enforcement workgroup for the ACEF Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force
NGC Grades Rare 700-Year-Old French Coin
In a press release we received from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®), we have learned that they have just certified one of only six known examples of a Royal d’Or struck during the 1314-16 reign of Louis X of France. They graded the coin NGC AU 55.
The six known examples were discovered in France in 1861 in the Treasure of Deauville and then sold to collectors
PNG Honors Paul Nugget With 2019 Abe Kosoff Founders Award
Below is a press release distributed on behalf of the Professional Numismatists Guild.
(Rosemont, Illinois) August 12, 2019 – The Professional Numismatists Guild has honored Paul Nugget of East Meadow, New York with the PNG 2019 Abe Kosoff Founders Award for his steadfast dedication to the entire numismatic community and significant contributions to the Guild and the numismatic fraternity in general. The award is named after PNG’s Founding President who spearheaded the 1953 launch of the organization
Dennis Rodman’s North Korea Coins On Display at ANA
Back in 2017 when Dennis Rodman, famed basketball player of the NBA, visited North Korea to visit Kim Jong-un, he was gifted ten North Korean Coins. These very same coins will be on display at the ANA World’s Fair of Money. Presenting the coins will be Rodman’s friend and former NBA agent, Dwight Manley, who will be at the show Wednesday through Friday from 10am -5pm
Richard Weaver Selected As New PNG President
The following is a press release we received from PNG
(Rosemont, Illinois) August 12, 2019 – Officers of the Professional Numismatists Guild have selected Richard Weaver to be the organization’s President for the 2019–2021 term. Weaver was selected during the PNG Board of Directors meeting in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois on Aug. 11, 2019
New Homer Simpson Gold Coin from Perth Mint
If you were a big fan of the Homer Simpson coin released by the Perth Mint, they have another special surprise.
The Perth Mint is releasing a Homer Simspon 2020 1oz gold coin made of 99.99% pure gold, it is the first coin to be a part of The Simpsons series
US Proof Rarities to be Featured in the Stack’s Bowers 2019 ANA Auction
The following is a press release we received from Stack’s Bowers.
Santa Ana, CA – Stack’s Bowers Galleries is thrilled to present an impressive selection of United States Proof coinage as part of their official auction of the 2019 American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money. Featured in the sale are complete sets of Proof Shield nickels and Proof Barber half dollars, as well as a nearly complete set of Proof Trade Dollars, among many other Proof rarities
Collector Coins Continue to Lag
Bullion was impacted and bullion gold and silver coins are experiencing significant appreciation as the dollar rises on the world market and fear grips Wall Street.
The major winners are the business strike Gold and Silver American Eagle coins but the interest in any silver composition coin issued for circulation is intensifying. Gold and silver are each at a six-year high
Famous Numismatist D. Brent Pogue Dies at Age 54
D. Brent Pogue (Image courtesy of Stacks’s Bowers)
On July 29, the coin collecting community lost a well-known and respected collector, D. Brent Pogue
PCGS Team Grows with Exciting New Talent
(Santa Ana, California) August 1, 2019 – The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com) team has gained three new members bringing a wide range of numismatic knowledge and business acumen. Well-known banknote and counterfeit expert Bruce Thornton has joined as the Director of Banknote Grading, numismatic educator and vintage coin grader Steve Feltner began a role as Director of Numismatic Education and Outreach, and Michael Oviedo, business development expert, has taken on the role of Director of International Business
Show Panda Coins at ANA
If you are planning on going to the ANA World’s Fair of Money and have a soft spot for animal coins, you might want to stop by this special booth.
“Officially licensed and struck for the 128th American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) Annual World’s Fair of Money® held in Chicago, these commemorative Panda Proof issues will be released during the show.”
These pieces were minted in Shanghai, China and, depending on the piece, are struck in
BEP and US Mint to Participate in ANA World’s Fair of Money
The following is a press release we received from the BEP
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 8, 2019) – The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and the United States Mint will share booth #1825 at the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money, August 13 – 17, 2019, at the Donald E
Why Gold’s Price Is Destined To Keep Rising
A number of so-called financial experts are pretending to know why the price of gold is now up 17% and silver 15% since the end of April. Most of them don’t have a clue.
True, the price of gold can be impacted by news events such as the announcement Wednesday last week by the Federal Open Market Committee that it would lower the federal funds interest rate by
An ANA Convention Checklist
Over the past several months we’ve highlighted for you several happenings and events that will be taking place during the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money, taking place in Chicago (Rosemont), Ill., August 13-17. Now that the event is drawing closer, we thought it fitting to bring you a round up of those must-attend, must-see activities
$2.5 Million in Coins Stolen from Mexico City Mint
Never leave your vaults open. The mint in Mexico City learned this lesson the hard way. On Tuesday, during broad daylight, an estimated $2
Top 1837 Classic Head Proof Quarter Already at $120,000
The 1837 Classic Head proof quarter eagle is a true rarity, with only four examples known to numismatists today. One of those coins is in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. As part of their Signature Auction, Heritage Auctions will be offering the finest-known example of this landmark early proof rarity
Heritage Long Beach Slates NEI Rarities
The world paper money girls and boys at Heritage Auctions have been a tad busy over the last couple of months what with a major Hong Kong sale and the distractions of ANA. Nonetheless the catalog for their upcoming Long Beach auction has been slowly taking shape online.
For some weeks now the top item listed on the first webpage for that sale must have caught a few readers’ eyes
DNW Slates All-Russian Sale
On September 17 at 2 p.m. London-time, the auction-house of Dix Noonan Webb will be conducting their first-ever sale devoted entirely to Russian coins and historical medals
CCAC and CFA Make Recommendations on Basketball Coin
During its meeting on July 17, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) reviewed proposed obverse and reverse designs for the 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Program.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act, Public Law 115-343, calls for the combined production in Proof and Uncirculated versions of up to 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 dollar coins and 750,000 half dollars.
The obverse design of each coin is to be concave, while the reverse will be convex, the same treatment used for the three-coin 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Program and three-coin 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program
NGC Events at ANA World Money Fair
SARASOTA, Fla. (July 31, 2019) — If you’re attending the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Chicago August 13-17, here are five things to know from Numismatic Guaranty Corporation:
NGC is offering on-site grading and encapsulations of US coins, starting on August 13. PMG is also offering on-site grading and encapsulation for paper money
Glenn Smedley Honored by Chicago Coin Club
The Chicago Coin Club announced that the eighth person to be inducted into its Hall of Fame is Victor D. Brenner medal cataloger, author, editor, and hobby leader Glenn B. Smedley
Time to Take a More Serious Look at Platinum?
Pork may be advertised as the ‘other white meat,’ but platinum is the ‘other white metal.’ The low mintage of Platinum American Eagle coins speaks for itself, but the series has never caught on with collectors, mostly being relegated (with the exception of the proofs) to bullion trading by precious metal investors instead. Even at bullion spot prices, platinum, like gold and silver, has made a significant increase in value recently
American Numismatic Association Selects Phoenix for 2021 National Money Show®
The following is a press release received from the American Numismatic Association.
Kagin’s Selected as Official Auctioneer
The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) Board of Governors selected Phoenix, Ariz. as the host city for the 2021 National Money Show®
Silver $20 Salutes Battle of the Scheldt
On July 31 the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a silver $20 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Scheldt. For Canada this was to be one of the more costly conflicts of WWII but it would secure a vital supply line and significantly contribute not only to the liberation of the Netherlands but the eventual Allied liberation of all of Western Europe.
The battle consisted of a series of military operations from October 2 to November 8, 1944
Collecting Barber Dimes
by Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
When I started collecting coins in the mid 1950s, coins to fill contemporary sets could be acquired through change and roll searching, with an occasional purchase of a key date
Will Some Precious Metals IRA Purchases Be Subject To Sales Taxes?
There will doubtless be a number of unintended consequences arising out of the June 2018 Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. The issue in this court case was whether the South Dakota government could require some out-of-state sellers with no nexus in South Dakota to collect and remit that state’s sales taxes when making sales to state residents
Richard I Silver Penny Realizes $14,209
On July 3 Dix, Noonan & Webb’s sold Part 2 of Marvin Lessen’s remarkable North Moors Collection of Anglo-Saxon, Norman and Plantagenet hammered silver. Results were impressive.
The total realized including buyers’ premium was $425,366 with a 100% clearance rate of the 526 lots on offer, testifying to the coins’ quality and desirability, let alone rarity of many
Reader’s Showcase: IA-Macksburg
by Peter Huntoon
I’ve had reason to look into the smallest Series of 1929 issuances from Iowa lately and found that the four smallest were Montezuma (charter 2961) at 125 notes total, Keokuk (14309) at 135, Malvern (8057) at 228 and Macksburg (6852) at 336. I then checked the National Currency Foundation census to see if any survived. I hit goose eggs as I worked through this short list—not a big surprise—until I got to Macksburg
Poland Recalls Historic Silver Szóstak
On July 10 Narodowy Bank Polski [National Bank of Poland] issued a further 20 zł in its series celebrating historic Polish coins. The new 38.71 mm, 28
New Bowers-Manley Book Makes Way
Impressive book provides previously undisclosed information about fabulous Gold Rush sunken treasure of fabled “Ship of Gold”
The news release and accompanying image of the book cover are distributed on behalf of the California Gold Marketing Group.
(July 29, 2019) — Never before revealed information about the greatest American treasure ever found, the tons of California Gold Rush-era coins, ingots and gold dust recovered from the 1857 sinking of the S.S
What the Future Holds Symposium at ANA Show
The American Numismatic Association will be hosting a Future of Numismatic Symposium titled “What the Future Holds” at the ANA Show in August. A variety of speakers will present what they believe to be the future of numismatics and what factors may influence that future.
The symposium will take place Tuesday, August 13 from 4:30 p
Plated Coins on the Rise
Canada recently released a commemorative 2019 $100 gold wildlife conservation coin on which a portrait of a lion by Robert Bateman appears on the reverse. The coin is struck in proof, has a diameter of 76.2 mm and a weight of 311
Precious Metals Have Re-Awakened
The market for both bullion and collectible coins is gaining steam, with interest in coins enjoying a boost brought about by the recent gains in both gold and silver bullion prices.
Bullion coins and coins impacted directly by their intrinsic value are getting a boost, especially in lower grades where intrinsic value is everything. Here there is demand due more to investor interest than to collectors
(NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA) BATMAN!
In 1939 Batman made his first appearance in issue #27 of Detective Comics. To mark the 80th birthday of the masked avenger Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt [Royal Dutch Mint] announced in early July the impending issue of what they are calling a ‘mirror coin’.
In point of fact the piece is a 41 mm, 15 g stainless steel round
A Tribute to Benjamin Franklin’s Libertas Americana Medal Coming to ANA
Santa Ana, CA – At the upcoming American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money Convention in Rosemont, Illinois, Aug. 13-18, Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to announce it will have at their bourse table 1005 an incredible display assembled by the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation and centered around one of the most beautiful and important medals struck in American history.
Following decisive victories at Saratoga and Yorktown, Benjamin Franklin wrote to the United States Secretary of Foreign Affairs Robert Livingston: “This puts me in mind of a medal I have had a mind to strike…representing the United States by the figure of an infant Hercules in his cradle, strangling the two serpents; and France by that of Minerva, sitting by as his nurse, with her spear and helmet, and her robe specked by a few ‘fleurs-de-lis
ANA Calls for Member Support of Proposed Bill
Coin collectors soon could purchase 2021-CC Morgan and Peace silver dollars that support the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the hobby.
Legislation was introduced on July 16 (H.R
United States Mint Selects 27 Artists for Artistic Infusion Program
In a press release we received from the United States Mint, we have learned that 27 artists have been selected to participate in its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) to enrich and enhance designs on U.S. coins
Ohio Nixes Coin/Bullion Sales Tax Exemption—Reducing Future Tax Collections
The Ohio legislature, after going back and forth on the issue, sent a fiscal 2020-2021 budget bill to Governor Mike DeWine’s office that eliminates that state’s existing sales tax exemption on precious metals bullion and bullion-priced gold and silver coins, effective Oct. 1, 2019.
According to budget plans, once again imposing sales tax on such products will result in a net increase in Ohio total tax collections
Skog gets 30 months for selling counterfeit coins
Barry Ron Skog (Photo courtesy Dakota Co. (MN) Sheriff’s Office.)
Minnesota coin dealer Barry Ron Skog, 68, was sentenced July 9th to 30 months in federal prison for carrying out a counterfeit coin fraud scheme in multiple states
The 1965 Winston Churchill Commemorative Crown
By Fred Glueckstein
Sir Winston Churchill, the distinguished British statesman, army officer, orator and Nobel Prize winner, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945, when he led Britain to victory in the Second World War. From 1951 to 1955, Churchill would again serve as Prime Minister. After an extraordinary life, Churchill passed away in London on Jan
Mintmarks: Know the Style and Location
Letter mint mark as used for the New Orleans mint.
by Michael Fazarri
Readers will recall that a mintmark is a symbol, letter, or combination of these marks placed on a die to indicate the location of the facility where the coin was produced. Many foreign countries used animals or objects such as an anchor to serve this purpose
Heritage Long Beach World Coins
The Heritage Auctions ANA sales are still a month off, yet such is the way of today’s numismatic world that shortly after these concludes in mid-August Long Beach waits just around the corner.
In point of fact consignments for that Sept. 4-9 sale closed on July 5
Stack’s Offers World Paper Money Rarities
With the ANA World’s Fair of Money next month, consignments are pouring in and collectors are getting their wallets ready. Stack’s Bowers is no exception to this. For the World Paper Money session, they have dug into their treasure trove and pulled out some of the best
Heritage to Offer 1776 New Hampshire Copper
Heritage Auction’s upcoming August 13-20 ANA Signature Auction will feature, among many other highlights, an example of the 1776 New Hampshire Cast Copper, graded VG10 by PCGS. This example is plated in Crosby, in the Guide Book, and in the Whitman Colonial Encyclopedia , and likely elsewhere. Although this variety is estimated at “URS-5 or 6” in the Whitman Colonial Encyclopedia, suggesting a population in the range from nine to 32 pieces, they suspect the actual population is less than nine
June Coin Production Rebounds
May was a low month for coin production at the U.S. Mints, experiencing the lowest output in nearly five and a half years
Surge in Interest in Coins Finally at Hand
Consider it a coincidence barometer if you like, but I have recently noticed an uptick in the number of full page ads in local newspapers as well as ads on television where unnamed companies offer to purchase your coins as well as gold and silver in local hotels.
Considering the recent appreciation of gold and silver, followed by the subsequent increase in value of many intrinsic value driven coins, this suggests the surge in interest in coins many of us have been waiting for is finally at hand. These anonymous buyers, of course, offer to buy your coins at ‘up to’ some very staggering figures to encourage you to visit, but these hotel buyers are helping to draw new attention to coins
Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 Gold Medal Realizes Over $2 Million
SARASOTA, Fla. (July 18, 2019) — An extremely rare gold medal graded by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) that traveled on the Apollo 11 mission to the moon realized $2,055,000 at an auction held on the mission’s 50th anniversary. It is one of the highest prices ever paid for a medal, and it is the highest price realized to date for any item from the Armstrong Family Collection, which comprises items saved by astronaut Neil Armstrong and his immediate family members
Active Interest Media Acquires Four F+W Groups Including Numismatics
Boulder, CO: North America’s leading participant media company today announced the acquisition of four storied groups of enthusiast brands from F+W Media. “The addition of Writer’s Digest, Popular Woodworking, Horticulture, and the Collectibles Group significantly extends our footprint in passionate markets that fit Active Interest Media’s vision for future growth,” said President & CEO Andrew Clurman. “These groups bring a combined publishing history of more than 300 years and audiences that demonstrate incredible loyalty through their attendance at events, participation in online conversations, and high rates of membership and subscription renewal
$5.8 Million Sells at Summer FUN Auction in Orlando
Featured as the top lot, this 1943 Lincoln Cent struck on a bronze planchet realized $186,000. (Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions)
Heritage Auctions just concluded its July 11-14 Summer FUN Signature Auction held in conjunction with the summer Florida United Numismatists (FUN) convention and reports sales realized in excess of $5.8 million
Should The US Produce $1 & $2 Coins Or Currency?
John Glenn signed $2 bill. (Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions)
The United States government currently produces $1 and $2 Federal Reserve Notes. In the previous decade, it was issuing $1 coins for circulation
New Zealand Salutes Space Pioneers
Reverse of silver New Zealand proof dollar celebrating pioneers of space. (Image courtesy New Zealand Post)
This year numerous countries have commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing in coin.
Down-under New Zealand has chosen to issue a colored silver proof dollar celebrating Kiwis’ place among space pioneers
1804 Small Over Large 8 Half Eagle Top Pick
1804 $5 Small Over Large 8, BD-7, R.4, MS-63 PCGS. CAC
PMG and eBay Partner on Expert Review Service
Uncertified banknotes on one of the world’s largest and most vibrant marketplaces
will have a link to purchase a preliminary review by PMG experts.
Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) and eBay have partnered to launch PMG Expert Review, a low-cost service that provides a preliminary review of notes by PMG experts. The service is available for banknotes on eBay that have not been certified by a third-party grading service
“Triple Signature” $100 Gold Certificate Up for Grabs
An incredible Gold Certificate rarity, a “Triple Signature” 1882 Gold Certificate is one of just three pieces extant and the only such note remaining in private hands. The face of this note has the portrait of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton (nicknamed “Old Bullion”) to the left and the denomination in two conjoined rosettes at right. Gold overprints include “GOLD” at the top center and backgrounds to the serial numbers
Stack’s Bowers to Offer Coins from the Mas Fera Collection at August HK Sale
Stack’s Bowers has decided to clean the dust off the coins of the Mas Fera Collection, a collection that has been off the market for over 40 years. With no reserves, buyers will be sure to dig in their pockets and offer up their best.
Among these special offerings is a Long Whisker Dragon Pattern Dollar, Year 3 graded PCGS SPECIMEN-62
RCM Coin to Commemorate Apollo 11 Landing
The U.S. half dollar coin in the lower left depicts the iconic first step on the Moon’s surface with the inscription MERCURY GEMINI APOLLO
ANA Awards College Scholarships to Committed Numismatists
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has awarded 2019 college scholarships to William Cooper from Woodlands, Texas, and Isaiah Hageman from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to use toward tuition at an institution of their choice.
“The annual scholarship is an opportunity for the American Numismatic Association to expand on its core mission of education through higher learning,” said Rod Gillis, ANA education director
British Mint Issues Scarce Coins
(Image courtesy of the Royal Mint blog)
In a recent interview with The CDN Monthly Greysheeet US Mint Director David J. Ryder said, “I have to create products they [young collectors] can actually collect at a reasonable price and put in their pockets.”
Perhaps so, but any proposals for new coins need to be approved by Congress prior to commencing production
Commemorative and Collector Coins Remain Strong
The gap between buying and selling coins of intrinsic value continues to narrow as gold bullion firms up its new trading range at about $1,400 an ounce. The gap between the buy and sell on silver bullion coins remains wider, but is also narrowing. Morgan silver dollar retail prices for better grade, but less than rare dates, continue a slow decline
Stack’s Bowers To Offer 1899 Panay Centavo
Among the rarities to be offered at Stack’s Bowers World’s Fair of Money sale in Rosemont, Illinois, is an extremely rare turn-of-the-century revolutionary issue: a Philippines Panay centavo of 1899 (KM-156, Basso-100). Few examples of this coin have survived.
The rare and desirable Panay centavo of 1899 (KM-156) that will be offered by Stack’s Bowers at their August ANA sale
US Mint Artists Challenged to Think Creatively
by Donald Scarinci
The new crop of artists from the United States Mint’s artist infusion program came together at the Mint’s headquarters in Washington DC last week. They participated in a three-day intensive series of workshops that included viewing and studying Krause Publications’ Coin of the Year (COTY) award winners for tips about how to create award-winning coins.
Joseph Mena, the new Chief Engraver and David J
Rare 1854-S $5 on Display at ANA Show
Recently discovered, this fourth-known 1854-S Half Eagle will have its first public exhibition at the ANA 2019 Chicago World’s Fair of Money, August 13-17, courtesy of Brian Hendelson and Classic Coin Company. (Photo credit: Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS
Start a Creative Collection
I have known many numismatists who have gotten bored with their current collections, usually because the remaining pieces needed were too scarce and/or too expensive to obtain. Some of them have gone on to start a new collection just for the fun of the hunt. In the process, some have been quite creative with their themes
All Aboard for 90th Anniversary of the Ghan Coin and Competition
The new coin commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Ghan. (Image courtesy of the Royal Australian Mint)
In a recent press release from the Royal Australian Mint, we have learned that there is a new commemorative coin being released.
This coin celebrates the 90th anniversary of Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions’ The Ghan
Largest Solid Gold Coin to be Displayed Outside New York Stock Exchange
On July 16, Americans in New York will be treated to Australia’s “1 Tonne Australian Kangaroo.” It is the “biggest, heaviest, [and] inherently most valuable gold bullion coin on earth.” It was created by Australia’s international precious metals mint in 2011 to initially showcase the Perth Mint’s “Australian Kangaroo Gold Bullion Coin Series
Fuljenz Provides Useful Tips for Avoiding Fakes
Dr. Michael Fuljenz
(Rosemont, Illinois) July 3, 2019 – Former American Numismatic Association authenticator, grader, and instructor, Dr. Michael Fuljenz, will give expert advice about counterfeits in the marketplace during his Money Talks seminar at the ANA 2019 Chicago World’s Fair of Money® (www
Harriet Tubman Bill Delayed Until at Least 2028
As previously mentioned, there were plans to create a $20 bill with the portrait of Harriet Tubman adorning the face by 2020. New developments have occurred, however.
In May, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the design for the $20 Harriet Tubman bill would be delayed due to technical reasons for six years
Kwangtung Dragon Dollar Realizes $228,000
The world coin girls and boys at Heritage Auctions’ are likely feeling more than a little content with results of their world & ancient coin sale conducted at the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair on June 27-28.
The 1,264 lots fetched a total of $3,114,685. Importantly four took in excess of $100,000 apiece with a further 52 realizing over $10,000
RAM celebrates 100 years of the Treaty of Versailles
In a press release from the Royal Australian Mint, we learned that on June 28 they released new coins that depict the female figure of peace in commemoration of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 2019, 100 years ago exactly.
The ‘Peace Medal-Triumph of Liberty & Justice’ inspired the design. This medal was issued to schoolchildren throughout Australia to mark the end of the First World War
There’s No Place Like Home, or Kansas
by Bill Brandimore
I’m back from the Kansas City show. The most enjoyable thing for me was seeing old friends from all over the country. We picked up right where we were a year ago
CCAC Approves Designs for Gleason and Sadat Medals
At its June 18 meeting, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) reviewed and discussed designs for upcoming Congressional Gold Medals by the Mint. The medals reviewed included the Steve Gleason Congressional Gold Medal and the Anwar El Sadat Congressional Gold Medal.
Steve Gleason Congressional Gold Medal
On Dec
Morgans Appear to have Lost Some of their Luster
The spot price of gold and silver rose dramatically throughout the past week, much of this due to political and financial concerns. It appears gold may now continue to trade in the $1,400 per ounce range, while silver hopefully remains at about $15 per ounce.
In early July Kitco reported, “The safe-haven metal [gold] is seeing some renewed demand from traders and investors as their overall risk appetite is less robust
You’ll Like This PCGS Announcement About Prooflike
The news release below and attached and two accompanying illustrations are distributed by Donn Pearlman & Associates Public Relations on behalf of Professional Coin Grading Service.
Now, all qualifying mint state U.S
Harry X Boosel Honored by Chicago Coin Club
Harry X Boosel is the seventh person to be inducted into the Chicago Coin Club’s Hall of Fame. (Image courtesy of Central States Numismatic Society)
The Chicago Coin Club has announced that the seventh person to be inducted into its Hall of Fame is former author and hobby leader Harry X Boosel, “Mr. 1873
Record-breaking prices realized at Legend’s Auction
(June 28, 2019—Lincroft, NJ)— Record prices fell at Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ June 2019 Regency Auction as multiple advanced Registry Set collectors fought it out to add the finest known issues to their top ranking sets on the PCGS Registry. Besides the Finest Known coins, the action was as hot as the summer sun in the Las Vegas desert (it was a balmy 101 outside). Again, the explosive bidding activity proved that collectors of all areas were out in force to buy quality coins
The Limits Of Online Numismatic Research
The Internet is a wonderful research tool but the content is not always accurate or complete. Therefore, one needs to temper the results of a numismatic search by confirming information from other sources or thinking about what holes may exist in what is discovered.
Here’s an example
Famous 1876-CC 20-Cent Piece Coming to Auction
For a long time the 1876-CC twenty-cent piece has been recognized as one of the most famous and most desired of all American coins, and the offering of an example attracts great attention in the numismatic community. Not only is it a great rarity with fewer than 20 pieces believed to exist, but it also possesses the added romance that accompanies coins from the historic and short-lived Carson City Mint.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to announce that it will be offering a PCGS-graded Gem MS-65 1876-CC twenty-cent piece in the Rarities Night session of the firm’s Official Auction at the ANA World’s Fair of Money
Ellsworth to Become ANA’s 61st President at Chicago World’s Fair of Money®
Voting members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) have chosen five new candidates and four incumbents to the ANA Board of Governors for the 2019-21 election term. Col. Steven K
Perth Issues Further Simpsons’ Coins
For the past few months, The Perth Mint has been issuing a further series of Simpsons coins struck for Tuvalu to accompany those issued in January. Each of the new, selectively-colored, 40.60 mm, 31
East Africa, Iraq Top Knight IPMS
Lyn Knight’s June 13 IPMS auction took off with more than an average hiss and a roar. As with all top world paper auctions in recent months large sums of money are being paid for high grade rarities of most, although not all countries.
Among the 773 lots of offer two tied for the top price-realized of $38,400
Police Seize Hoard of Major Historical Significance
The British Treasure Trove laws are likely some of the fairest anywhere in the world. Despite this, there are people who will conceal a find rather than allow it to make its way through the system and likely make a profit for themselves legally.
Local police have been reluctant to give too many specific details, but on May 30 law enforcement in County Durham and Lancashire arrested “a number of people” who have been accused of dealing in what the British Broadcasting Corporation called “culturally tainted objects
US Mint’s Mutilated Coin Redemption Program Suspended
The United States Mint has temporarily ceased processing applications and material submitted to its Mutilated Coin Redemption Program pending the development of additional Program safeguards.
The Mint will post updates on the status of the Program on their website as soon as they become available. We came across this information recently when doing some research for a story we were working on
“Give Peace a Chance” Turns 50
The reverse of Canada’s silver $20 proof marking the 50th anniversary of the recording of the anti-war anthem “Give Peace a Chance” in Montreal on June 1, 1969. (Image courtesy Royal Canadian Mint)
On June 1, 1969, a hastily written and partly improvised song by John Lennon called “Give Peace a Chance” was performed by the “Plastic Ono Band”. It was recorded in Room 1742 at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal where John and Yoko were holding their famous “Bed-in for Peace” protest
San Antonio Missions Quarter Launch Planned For September 5
This image depicts the bell tower of Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Antonio, Texas. San Juan Capistrano was established in 1731 by Spanish colonist.
The United States Mint has announced that it will host the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange to commemorate the release of the 2019 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park quarter
Tone of the Current Coin Market is Optimistic
Anxiety!
The threat of a war with Iran, the Federal Reserve Bank considering lowering interest rates at its next meeting, and gold; the metal which has been quietly appreciating modestly suddenly took off as the US dollar dropped in exchange rate value on the world market.
This in turn impacted gold bullion and collectible gold coins. Silver followed the spot price of the yellow metal, although not as dramatically
ANA Volunteers Report Successful IPMS Event
The following is an open letter from John and Nancy Wilson, ANA National Volunteers that was received following their experience at the IPMS Show, June 13-16 in Kansas City, Missouri. Numismatic News is happy to share this letter at their request.
On behalf of the American Numismatic Association, we want to thank Lyn Knight and Doug Davis for providing a free table for the ANA at your 43rd Annual International Paper Money Show, on June 13 – 16, 2019, at the Sheraton Crown Center Hotel, in Kansas City, Mo
1894-S Dime Emerges from Its Sleep
Of all great American coin rarities, the 1894-S dime stands high in the front rank. The appearance of one in the marketplace is always a cause for excitement. Over a long period of years Stack’s Bowers Galleries has offered several, always to excitement and acclaim
Previously Unreported Morgan Dollars Sets Emerge As PCGS All-Time Finest
(Woodland Hills, California) June 24, 2019 — Quietly and patiently acquiring superb quality coin-after-coin over the past 14 years, an Illinois collector working with Barry Stuppler of Mint State Gold by Stuppler and Company in Woodland Hills, California has now assembled the all-time finest collection of circulation strike Morgan silver dollars.
The previously unreported collection is now listed as all-time finest in five different Morgan dollar categories in the popular PCGS Set Registry®.
Known as The Illinois Set and now insured for $12 million, its grade point average surpasses such famous Hall of Fame and previous top Morgan dollar circulation strike sets as Jack Lee, Coronet Collection, California1 and IPS
Allectus Aureus Realizes $701,648
On June 6 the London auction house of Dix Noonan Webb sold a rare Allectus aureus for $701,648 [£552,000].
This price is highest paid for any coin sold by Dix Noonan Webb, beating out the gold aureus of Augustus Caesar in September 2014 that realized $625,000 [£480,000]. It also is the highest price paid for any coin of Allectus and at any auction for any Roman coin minted in Britain
Bronze 1943 Cent Featured at FUN Auction
The Florida United Numismatists is hosting its Summer FUN Show from July 11 to 13 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando and as part of that event Heritage Auctions will be hosting the official auctions.
Perusing the auction lots for the U.S
Why Is Caesar Rodney Honored On the First US Statehood Quarter?
Caesar Rodney is depicted on the reverse of the 1999 Delaware statehood quarter. (Image courtesy of the United States Mint)
When the U.S
ANA Announces Social Events for World’s Fair of Money®
Member events and fun gatherings complement the American Numismatic Association’s educational programs at the Chicago World’s Fair of Money, Aug. 13-17, and are the perfect opportunity to socialize and network with fellow hobbyists. ANA members are encouraged to pre-register for the convention to receive admission badges in advance
Rare 1943 Lincoln Cent Made of Tin and Other Metals
M. Houston, an unsuspecting collector, found a Lincoln cent on the ground as a child. He retained this cent in his collection for 50 years or more