Although it had an extremely low mintage, hoarding of the 1880 gold Indian Head dollar led to numerous Mint State examples becoming available and remaining at very reasonable prices.
It should be elusive, if not rare. But it is not
Category Archives: Features
Die gouge on dollar looks like spitting eagle
(Images courtesy www.apmex.com)
How did the 1891-CC Spitting Eagle silver dollar come to have a spitting eagle?
The die variety is the result of a die gouge
Viewpoint: Local interest motivates coin legislation
By Mark Weller
Today, countries around the world are concerned about the cost of producing quality circulation coins, especially when the cost to produce their coins approaches or exceeds the face value of the coin. But the solution proposed by S.759, the Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act of 2017, and endorsed by William Tuttle in his Viewpoint editorial (Numismatic News, June 13) misses the mark completely and would move the country in exactly the wrong direction
On my wet toes about ‘No S’ proof
I have experienced cloudbursts before, but never has any managed to get my toes wet in the office. But now it has happened.
Water was coming off the roof so fast as these pages were being assembled that the drains of the F+W Media building fell behind
Mint Statistics: Weather more interesting than numbers
There were more thunderstorms moving through Iola, Wis., this week than certain coins sold by the United States Mint. While it is rather slow, there are a few sales figures that are worthy of attention
Design change led to 1867 Shield nickel pair
The 1867 shield nickel (obverse at center) has two reverse designs: the earlier with rays (top) and the later without rays (bottom). The lower mintage of the former makes it the better date.
For whatever reason, we do not seem to pay a lot of attention to Shield nickels
Viewpoint: Collector leaving hobby shares advice
By Jim Klein
I recently liquidated my lifetime coin collection at age 77 rather than leave a complicated investment to my daughters, who are neither interested in nor knowledgeable about numismatics. It was a difficult decision for me but one that needed to be made at this time. I leave the hobby with the following suggestions that may aid others who are still collecting coins in their retirement years:
• Get a copy and read the Whitman guidebook entitled, Collecting Coins in Retirement: An Action Guide and Estate Advice for Hobbyists and Their Families, by Tom Billota
• Do not purchase anything from the United States Mint
• The U
I’m not in favor of zombie issues
Have you noticed that when someone in Washington, D.C., suggests doing away with a current denomination, a promise goes with it that they will continue to be made for collectors?
If you are going to have $1 bills taken away from you, will it matter at all to know that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will still print a few and sell them for many multiples of face value?
How about the U
Mint Statistics: Little numbers tell the tale of the week
If you believe a lot of little numbers add up to something big, this is the week for you. There are numerous small changes. Start with bullion gold coins
Icebreaker appears on Finnish coin
Is there a coin with an icebreaker on it?
Beginning in 1972, on the old Finnish 5 markka appears just such a vessel. It is the icebreaker “Varma.”
Supposedly there is a Canada dollar that was boycotted by the Indians
Shed a tear for end of mail orders?
The Mint is closing a chapter in its history. It will no longer accept orders by mail as of Oct. 1
Mint Statistics: Interest in bullion coins rises in May
Silver American Eagles were putting in a respectable showing as the month of May was coming to an end. Sales stand at 2,455,000. This figure beats sales for every month this year except January
Prices suggest 1893 Morgan is obtainable
While pricing for lower-grade examples of the 1893 Morgan dollar reflects its small mintage, Mint State coins are priced more moderately than many Morgans considering the number struck.
There is no such thing as a readily available 1893 Morgan dollar. By that time, vaults at the Treasury were already bulging with silver dollars
Morgan $1 once known as ‘Bland’
I understand at one time the Morgan silver dollar was referred to as a Bland dollar. Where did this come from?
The name is derived from the Bland-Allison Act, through which the U.S
Viewpoint: Get rid of cent, paper dollar for good
By William B. Tuttle
I received (sort of) good news in my mailbox yesterday. It was the latest issue of Numismatic News (May 9)
Paquet $20s rare from Philadelphia
Can you explain what a Paquet coin is and how often such coins were struck?
United States Mint Assistant Engraver Anthony Paquet used the font now bearing his name on some of his 1860 $20 double eagle gold coin patterns. The Paquet font uses tall, thick vertical and diagonal lettering with thin horizontal and serif characteristics. Philadelphia Mint double eagle coins using this font were never released, with just two examples extant in collector hands
Viewpoint: Mishler gets it wrong in response
By Ronald Brown
I was not going to reply to Clifford Mishler’s comments about me or my letter to the editor, but misstatements/misquotes must be corrected for accuracy to be heard.
Let the record state, I have no reason to think that Mr. Mishler is anything but an honest man and one of integratory; however, that is not necessarily said of all current or past board members of the American Numismatic Association
Good old 8894 most numerous fake
I have an old note, serial number 8894, but it is $10,000 rather than $1,000.
You have an alteration of a copy. No
FUN show bus program worthy one
Is this a news story? Is this a column? It’s both. I just had a email from Tony Swicer. He wants to remind all Florida clubs about the Florida United Numismatists bus program
Mint Statistics: Clad proof sets make Eagles look good
Let’s jump right into May’s bullion Eagle figures. They are nothing to right home about – yet. While it is possible May sales numbers will remain below April’s, it is not likely
Mintage misleading for 1923-S Peace dollar
Although more than 19 million 1923-S Peace dollars were struck, very few were saved by collectors who thought it was common.
It hardly seems possible that sleepers can still be found for any type of silver dollar. Along with its popularity have come articles, books and all the information we could seemingly absorb, including which dates are tougher in certain grades
Coin prices vary for many reasons
I recently attempted to price coins in specific grades I planned to purchase. I found different prices depending on whether the coin was certified or not, and by whom it was certified. Can you explain these differences?
Prices do indeed vary from raw to slabbed to most popular slabs
Viewpoint: Kid-centered Coin Week display a success
By Bernie Malis
Wow! That’s the closest word in my vocabulary that can fully describe the generosity of our Bay Cities Coin Club members in supplying coins and tokens for our National Coin Week’s display at our local library. Some were donations for the kids and some to put out on display. The target of our display was to mainly show children how interesting coin and currency collecting can be
Plan for 125 years of Lincoln cent?
There’s life in the old Lincoln cent yet.
Our front page story this weeks shows that collectors are hot on the trail of the Small-Date 1982-D copper cent.
Only one is presently known and that was just reported in the Jan
Mint Statistics: Going backwards not what Mint wants
What can we make of silver American Eagle collector coin sales going backwards? The 2016-W proof number went down by 2,522 to 554,993. The 2016-W uncirculated coin dropped by 2,699 to 193,649. The darndest one of all was the 2017-W proof fell by a whopping 18,820 and now stands at 243,763
Recent appreciation for 1965 Kennedy half
Having been ignored when it was first released, then melted in large numbers when silver jumped to $50 an ounce, the 1965 Kennedy half dollar is tough to find in Mint State. (Image courtesy www.usacoinbook
Small coins less sought than large
Maybe it’s my imagination, but Barber dimes appear to be modestly priced compared to other Barber and other U.S. coins
Viewpoint: PNG members bring expertise to ANA
By Clifford Mishler
I would like to register some constructive words, along with a few that are critical, in rebuttal of Ronald Brown’s “Blurring of lines between ANA, PNG raises concerns” assertions in his “Letters” submission published in the April 4, 2017, edition of Numismatic News.
As a former board member (2007-2013) and past president (2009-2011) of the American Numismatic Association, and having since 1950 been continuously exposed to and involved in the hobby, business and politics of our community, I roundly reject Brown’s assertion that “any person running for office in the ANA must pledge their allegiance to the ANA and void any other membership activity.” Most of us are not possessed of singular involvements
Legislation shows loyalty to copper
Is Sen. John McCain trying to have his political cake and eat it to? His legislation calling for a 10-year suspension in the production of the cent outwardly appears to be an attempt to put an end to our lowest denomination because it costs too much. But is it?
Because the legislation calls for cent demand to be met by existing supplies, he clearly is assuming that cents will continue to be used in commerce
Mint Statistics: Two weeks’ sales don’t add up to much
The “Mint Statistics” pages are back after missing last week. The Mint is reworking its website and a casualty was updated figures last week. Even this week, the bullion coin sales numbers are only updated as of April 12 while the collector coin figures are updated through April 16
Maine Centennial half missed celebration
The 1920 Maine Centennial half dollar was successfully sold by the office of the state treasurer after it failed to be ready in time for the statehood celebration that year in Portland.
One would think that something like a statehood centennial half dollar would be a relatively straightforward commemorative. But considering what happened with the Maine Centennial half, one can see the potential for problems with later issues
Countermarks inspire theory
There is mention of 1815 quarters countermarked “E” or “L” in a Feb. 28 “Numismatic News” article by R.W
Support organizations fighting for you
Editor’s Note: The following was taken by permission from the Spring 2017 issue of The Centinel, the quarterly publication of the Central States Numismatic Society.
By Kevin Foley
Probably everyone who has been past the fourth grade has heard of Andrew Carnegie, the one-time richest man in the world. How many of you, however, can remember the actual name of the company that was his vehicle to accumulate all this wealth, or even name the field in which he operated? I’ll wager not as many who have heard of and admire the Carnegie Foundation or the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Quick answer from Mint fills stat gap
I was anxiously awaiting the weekly Mint Statistics this week to monitor results for the 225th Anniversary one-ounce $100 gold coin showing Miss Liberty as an African-American.
I had recently blogged that I did not see how coin collectors could come up with sufficient cash to buy more than 40,000 of the possible 100,000 maximum mintage set by the U.S
More than one issue price for coins
Why don’t you include the issue prices in the Coin Market listings for the commemoratives? It would be helpful at tax time.
We do get an occasional call for issue prices, but most collectors are aware of the IRS regulations and keep the price lists that come with the coin order forms. The IRS requires that you keep receipts and other records of what you paid for coins so that when you sell them you can deduct the purchase price from any profit
Future where only -70s will matter
How will a hobby without a majority that remembers circulation finds look?
I am an optimist. Coin collecting will always exist. Something that we can trace to Renaissance princes 700 years ago who started with ancient Roman coins to celebrate their ancestors is not going to disappear
Mint Statistics: Eagles hog the limelight in early April
In the opening days of April the Mint sold 255,000 silver American Eagle bullion coins, a figure that is nothing to write home about. Complete March figures are below, as well as the numbers for 2017 through April 5.
For gold, the March numbers appear first below, and the running tally is further down the page
1875 a key date for Trade dollar short set
Trade dollars struck in Philadelphia are regularly outshined by examples from Carson City.
Finding better-than-average Trade dollars is not an easy thing, especially ones in top grades. The situation is compounded for Philadelphia coins, since the toughest Trade dollars have been from Carson City
Two Franklin types puzzle reader
I have two 1956 Franklin half dollar. I have both Type 1 and 2, but my program doesn’t tell me which is which. All it says is that one is the reverse of 1950-1955 and the two is from 1957-1963, I have looked in all my books but I can’t find any reference that tells me what each should look like
Make a deal to get cheaper bullion
Dealers can easily find “any date” (meaning that is the choice of the wholesaler selling it rather than the coin dealer purchasing it) American gold and silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leaves, South African Krugerrands, Austria Philharmonics and the like at these bargain rates. (Images courtesy www.libertycoinservice
Liberty design makes medal popular
If the 1977 Liberty dollar medal on the cover two weeks ago appealed to you, join the club. Many readers found it so and hurried to order one for themselves.
I had an email from Jared Grove of Grove Minting Company as I was preparing to write this column
Mint Statistics: 2017 proof Eagle has landed on the page
Proof silver American Eagles have landed below. The first number is 233,010 sold in the first three days of availability. The 2017 issue has the traditional reeded edge, unlike last year’s edge letting to mark the 30th anniversary of the silver Eagle
Paper money’s start came in 1690
When was the first paper money issued in what is now the United States?
The Massachusetts General Court issued the first paper money in the colonies in 1690. The U.S
If avoiding loss is goal, choose gold
Many coin collectors are dismayed to discover that they have coins they purchased years ago that have lost value. That is not pleasant. But nobody promised that every coin would rise in value over time
Mint Statistics: More proof gold sold than bullion versions
Bullion sales began slowly in March. In fact, the pace is so lackadaisical that no gold Buffalo coins have yet been sold this month. I have left February numbers in the space
1967 Kennedy half price on the rise
Even a high mintage was not enough to guarantee a large supply of the 1967 Kennedy half dollar. Saved examples were often turned in for melting, putting a premium on those that did survive.
The 1967 Kennedy half dollar marks the last in a series of three years when the coin was struck without mintmarks
Congressman revived commems
(Image courtesy http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com)
What was the motivation to resurrect our commemorative coin issues in 1982?
President Dwight D
Exhibits serve as entrée into hobby
(Image courtesy www.money.org)
By Dr
New directory brings us together
I remember watching television as a kid. At the end of a segment, an announcer’s voice would say, “And now a word from our sponsor.”
Advertising paid the bills then
Bullion buyers turn up noses at gold Eagles
Bullion Eagles are crashing. February sales took a sharp fall. Silver American Eagles in the month saw sales drop by 75 percent from February 2016
Any tampering was counterfeiting
Did our early laws make a distinction between counterfeit coins and altered coins?
The attitude of early lawmakers seemed to be that any spurious pieces of whatever ilk were bad. Accordingly, the law as laid down in Massachusetts in 1786 described the coloring or gilding of coins (to make silver coins look like gold or copper coins resemble either silver or gold) by whatever means as subjecting the maker to the full limit of the law as a counterfeiter and forger.
I have a Chinese bank note that has the wording in the Chinese and English languages
Are Eagle sales sending us a signal?
Silver and gold buyers probably remember the year 2016 as the year of two markets. The first half of the year saw precious metals go up and up. They had racked up huge gains by the beginning of July
Flood of commemoratives hurt Roanoke half sales
Following the release of numerous commemorative half dollars in 1936, the 1937 half marking the 350th Anniversary of the Colonization of Roanoke Island, N.C., did not grab collector interest
Metal prices affect common dates
What is the true impact of the spot price of precious metals on the value of our previously circulating silver and gold coins?
A majority of the circulation strike gold and silver coins are common, due either to their date and mintmark, or due to the condition in which they have survived. Most of these coins will follow the spot price of their metal composition, possibly having some minor additional collector value. Coins that are scarce to rare due to their mintages, or the condition in which they have survived, are impacted as well, but not as much
Questions posed to ANA candidates
By Robert Matitia
At the American Numismatic Association’s candidate forum March 10 at the National Money Show in Orlando, Fla., I would direct the following questions.
To Mike Ellis, I would ask:
What is your beef with PNG? It seems as if that is the platform that you are running on … Don’t you think that the numismatic community needs to partner more and build bridges with each other in order for it to grow? Putting up dividing walls and infighting will not do the hobby any good, and it certainly wont do the ANA any good either
Anyone buying circulated Mercs?
This week’s letter section has a submission from a reader suggesting that the 1916-D Mercury dime is an overvalued coin. I look forward to seeing how readers react to this opinion.
In circulated grades, it certainly might be
Mint Stats: Snooze fest only term for this week’s sales
What do you make of a week when the most exciting sales number at the U.S. Mint is the 3,698 additional 2016 uncirculated coin sets that were sold? Dull, right? Nevertheless, there simply was not much excitement
1869-S dimes possess interesting past
Struck in small numbers, the 1869-S Seated Liberty dime has a proportionally high population of Mint State examples. Did these coins all originate from a small hoard discovered in Europe?
It’s amazing to consider how many stories there are regarding lost or missing coins. There are also numerous stories about coins that suddenly appear in places where they should not be
West Point called Fort Knox of silver
The U.S. Mint facility at West Point is recognized today as an official U
Enjoy numismatics for what it is: a hobby
By Richard Giedroyc
Former Krause Publications President and past American Numismatic Association President Clifford Mishler published an outstanding article in the Jan. 24 issue of Numismatic News addressing if collecting is an investment or speculation.
Within the article Mishler says, “The acquisition of a coin by a collector can never be an investment, in my opinion
Nickel-plated zinc in our coin future?
Image courtesy http://jardenzinc.com.
Whether the United States ever changes the composition of its nickel, dime, quarter and half dollar is something that none of us can know
Mint Stats: Old programs slow to make room for new
With the accounting pinball machine bouncing numbers around, programs that have ended I am reluctant to remove from this report. Therefore, the 2017 Lions silver dollar has been put below the Mark Twain and National Park Service figures. In the past two weeks, just 11,179 additional proofs have been sold and 2,940 uncirculateds
Gold coin denominations strange
Please settle an argument. Is the “eagle” a real denomination for U.S
Compare yourself to reader profile
I wrote a blog the other day on a topic that I think is important enough to repeat. I have put the complete blog text here:
Trying to figure out what is important to readers is based in part on learning about the readers themselves.
Our latest reader survey for Numismatic News shows that the average reader is 63
1913-S Barber dime a low-grade sleeper
A surprising number of 1913-S Barber dimes exist in Mint State given its low mintage. Low-grade examples can be challenging to find but are often reasonably priced at less than $40.
Everyone loves sleepers
History reason for early copper popularity
(Image courtesy http://eacs.org/)
By Bill Eckberg
Not sure how I feel about perpetuating the discussion with Blaine Buckman, but if you want to do so …
Mr. Buckman’s letter about early coppers has some misleading and incorrect information
Nickels were last hurrah for finds
The 1950-D Jefferson nickel taught the author a lesson. If collectors lose interest in a series, even the key date will suffer a loss of value. (Images courtesy https://www
Mint Stats: Platinum Eagle sales already equal 2016
(Image courtesy http://www.kitco.com)
If there was any excitement in bullion Eagle sales this week it was probably due to the platinum version
1918-D half tough to find in top grades
Limited collector interest at the time of its release now causes the 1918-D Walking Liberty half dollar to command a modern-day premium price, particulariy in higher Mint State grades.
Ever since we changed to a grading system with a number of different Mint State grades, we have been learning a lot about Walking Liberty half dollars.
Prior to grading them MS-65 and better, few would have thought that a 1919-D Walking Liberty half might be worth tens of thousands of dollars more than a 1921-S or a 1921-D
Keep corroded coppers separately
As I was going through a container of pre-1983 Lincoln cents, several had green corrosion (verdigris?). Does this contaminate the other cents in the container? Should they be quarantined?
In my experience green corrosion on Lincoln cents and other denominations is often caused by the coins having been stored in a leather wallet. This is only one contaminant that may have come in contact with the coins
Amass relationships along with coins
Join a club and form some relationships with people that have a common interest. (Image courtesy http://pancoins.org/coin-clubs/)
By Bernie Malis
I was somewhat saddened by Mr
Letters to the Editor (February 7, 2017)
‘Average’ collector values history, geography in coins
Reading Dave Harper’s editorial and the Viewpoint of the Jan. 3 issue I’m responding to both giving my collection preferences and my general agreement with the Viewpoint column. I collected coins as a child with my father and probably stopped in high school and didn’t start again until I was a young man seeing the 1986 Statue of Liberty commemorative coin being issued
Mint Stats: Bullion coin sales keep pace with 2016
Bullion is moving this week. It is about the only thing that is. Looking at the other sales numbers might put you to sleep
Ike dollar $10 issue price too high
Wasn’t there a scandal years ago in connection with the U.S. Mint profiteering on Eisenhower proofs and special uncirculated strikes?
It wasn’t so much a scandal as it was a black eye for the Mint
e-letters (January 31, 2017)
We asked: Do you feel threatened by counterfeit coins?
Shown here is a real British pound coin on top of a fake.
I cannot know how it would feel to find out that I purchased a counterfeit coin. Other than the expense, I imagine that the disappointment would be a great concern
No official inaugural medal – sad
While at the Florida United Numismatists convention Jan. 5-8 I learned from retired congressman Jimmy Hayes that there will be no official inaugural medal for President Donald Trump. I had been hoping against hope that the low-key approach to inaugural medals taken by the two Barack Obama inaugural committees in 2009 and 2013 would be improved upon this year
Mint Stats: National Parks see last-minute rush
Was there any evidence of end-of-year cherry-picking of new issues going off sale that might prove to be scarce? Indeed there was. The National Park Service commemoratives saw interest in two pieces. Sales of the uncirculated gold $5 jumped by 739 to reach a final sales number of 5,198
Gold never existed?
When central banks own physical gold reserves, that means they own coins and/or bars. Mostly they own bars, which have hallmarks of the manufacturer, serial numbers and the weights and purity of each piece punched right into the surface. The central bank should have comprehensive ledgers with these details to make it possible to verify such gold really exists
1924-S becoming Peace dollar sleeper
Released in large numbers only sporadically, the 1924-S Peace dollar never received much notice.
The 1924-S Peace dollar does not get a great deal of attention. Perhaps many collectors assume that better dates in the series come from its later years
Taking time to learn enhances hobby
Numismatics is a diverse and fascinating field. Only you can decide the extent of personal involvement. This paper is read by people of all skill levels
Composition changes to win war
What was the motivation to choose a copper-silver-manganese alloy for the so-called war nickels of 1942 to 1945?
Since nickel was a critical war materiel, Congress didn’t want it being used to strike coins. The choice of the three-metal alloy made sense since it ensured adjustments would not be needed for the coins to be accepted in vending machines without tripping counterfeit detectors.
Is there an unwritten rule that coins purchased at coin shows are not returnable?
Coins proved to be fakes at some later date should always be returnable without any time limit
Gold rich in history
The March 2017 issue of Coins magazine focuses heavily on U.S. gold coins
Is collecting an investment or speculation?
Having enjoyed the coin collecting hobby for more than 66 years, I’ve done my share of buying … and some selling. Over that time, I believe I can state with certainty, there was only one instance when I purchased something as an “investment.” In truth, that was a “speculation” acquisition; however, one that in short order provided a profitable return on the purchase that I’d made
2016 forecasts better than my 2015’s
I did better with my annual forecasts for 2016 than I did for the year before. But I feel worse. I relapsed into getting gold and silver wrong again
Latest copper 1983-D cent a mystery
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of Sarasota, Fla., authenticated and graded a 1983-D Lincoln cent as being struck on a brass planchet of a composition of 98 percent copper and 2 percent zinc that weighs 3.0 grams
Seated collectors warn of fake
Counterfeit 1872-S Liberty Seated Half (Courtesy Liberty Seated Collectors Club)
By John Frost with Dick Osburn and Bill Bugert
(Jan. 1 warning emailed by the Liberty Seated Collectors Club to its members.)
Be on the lookout! New dangerous counterfeit 1872-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar
At the recently concluded Houston Money Show, we confirmed the existence of a new and extremely deceptive 1872-S Liberty Seated half dollar
Do you own metal or paper?
In years past, trading contracts of precious metals in the London Bullion Market Association was supposed to be backed 100 percent by physical metals in London vaults. Similarly, New York COMEX futures contracts for the spot month could be purchased to request delivery of the physical metal.
London trading has largely evolved to be a paper market
Mint struck $4.5 billion in gold coins
What was the grand total of gold coinage struck by the U.S. Mint prior to 1934?
Between 1795 and 1933 the Mint struck $4,526,218,477
e-letters (January 17, 2017)
We asked: Do you think Christmas demand pushes up collector coin prices?
Yes, as in most retail settings, holding firm on most prices are common. I had been in a number of aspects (pharmacy, big box, restaurants), all of which hold “premium” items from sale. Yes, if it hasn’t moved, sales can be had, but not necessarily
Cashless society makes advances
I bought a soda in the break room before I sat down to write this column. I do not do this very often, but I had a hankering for a Coke. I had two $1 bills in my hand
Burger of Operation Bernhard dies
Adolf Burger at the premier of “The Counterfeiters” in Paris in 2008—clutching one of the Operation Bernhard fake five-pound notes and a copy of his book, “The Commando of Counterfeiters.” (Image Thierry Caro, Wikimedia Commons)
On Dec. 6 Adolf Burger died in Prague
Economic rising tide to lift all notes?
Estimated at $175,000 to $225,000 in Heritage Auctions’ upcoming FUN Currency Signature Auction is this 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note, Fr. 2221-G, graded PMG Choice Uncirculated-64. The sale will take place Jan
Mint Stats: Give back those gold Mercury dimes
With the United States Mint’s weekly sales period ending on Christmas Day, you can imagine how slow this week’s sales have been. In fact, the total for the gold Mercury dime actually went backwards by 35. The sales figure now stands at 124,915
Congress not required for Peace $1
Could you please give me the name and date of the legislation that authorized the production of the Peace dollar?
This might be a surprise, but there never was a specific law passed to authorize the Peace dollar. A bill was introduced in 1920, but it was killed when it was discovered that the provisions of the Pittman Act of April 23, 1918, still applied. This meant the design change could be made based on approval by the Commission of Fine Arts and the President
Mint Stats: Holidays put traditional gifts in play
Holiday sales numbers are washing over these pages. Traditional Christmas purchases are pushing up numbers for proof sets and mint sets.
The clad 2016 proof set jumped by 27,844 to 534,258
Creator of written Cherokee on $1
In 1821 Sequoyah’s syllabary made writing possible in the language of the Cherokee Nation.
The Presidential dollar coin series has ended. Only the Native American series will remain active in 2017 for base metal dollar coins
Who’s afraid of gold and silver?
Only a tiny percentage of American adults own physical gold or silver for investment. The estimates I have seen range from one to three percent. From my more than 50 years of personally owning such items or trading them as a dealer I have identified several mental challenges that people need to overcome before they will consider purchasing bullion-priced precious metals coins or ingots
Reader’s Showcase
by Peter Huntoon
Jess Lipka sent in this eyebrow-raising, self-explanatory note.
Written in the top selvage is: “The first bill signed by my father as v. pres
Market makes AU coins uncirculated
Change of color and hairlines from wear especially evident on the hair over the eye under “LIB.” Many of these coins are “market acceptable” uncirculated coins.
Uncirculated or About Uncirculated? Next to authenticity, that may be one of the most important things to consider when buying a coin
Steel cents disliked
During World War II, rationing of metal in the United States for the war effort impacted everyday life. For the nation’s coinage, two well known changes were put into place—the 1942-1945 war nickels and the 1943 steel cent.
The new cents, which were of zinc-coated steel, would save on copper
How to start a collection
Three attractive America the Beautiful quarter designs include those for the 2014 Everglades National Park (top), the 2015 Louisiana, Kisatachie National Forest (center) and the 2015 Delaware, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (bottom).
by Dr. R
Don’t overlook 1921-S Walking Liberty
“Close but no cigar” describes how the 1921-S Walking Liberty half dollar ranks among the key dates of the Walking Liberty half dollar set. While near the top of virtually every grade, it is almost never the key date.
That might mean it is a bit overlooked, as people tend to focus on the key dates
Forlorn lover, ‘Old Patch,’ and beer
According to the Bank of England’s website, a new structure designed by Sir Herbert Baker extended to seven stories above ground and three stories below.
I was looking through some old newspaper articles on the Internet and came across an interesting full-page feature in the Charlotte (N.C
Proof dies employed for circulation strikes
(Image courtesy WashingtonType-B.com)
The 1956-1964 Washington quarters from Philadelphia, not Denver, display a small percentage of the population as the Type [Variety] B or proof reverse on the circulation coins. Your publication on Nov
Note of the Month
by Neil Shafer
The VICTORY series of U.S.-Philippine notes was brought into the country by Gen
Letters to the Editor (December 20, 2016)
Guide books suggest elitism exists in hobby
The letter I wrote a few weeks ago was not intended to be an insult to anyone but were merely examples of my experience with both coin and stamp collecting. It was meant to be a general discussion about the hobby abroad, not simply about one denomination out of many. I do believe there is elitism in any pursuit, and philately and numismatics are no exceptions
Do your part to help save our hobby
By Richard D. Fee
I read with sadness the various letters on the subject of the future of the hobby and wonder why no one looked at what can be done to help.
So, with my eyes failing, meaning my collecting days are ending, let me offer a few items:
1
Shake hands, have a conversation
Plan to go to a coin show in 2017. Pick one. It will do you good
Mint Stats: Another strong month for gold Eagles
Gold bullion American Eagles are still hot as pistols. The one-ounce had its best month of sales in 2016 in November. It beat the previous high in October by 9,500 to reach 110,000 pieces
Collectible classics: Early commems offer value
by Mark Benvenuto
One of the amazing aspects of our hobby is that it is large and varied enough that every now and again a series that was once hot has cooled off, and thus deserves a second look. Those among us who remember the buzz surrounding classic commemorative coins back in the 1980s might just be wondering where they all are now and what sort of prices they command. There are certainly too many classic commemorative coins to pore over in a single article, but let’s see if there might be a handful that now qualify as a tad undervalued
e-letters (December 13, 2016)
We asked: Are million dollar rarities overhyped?
While the vast majority of collectors will never own a million-dollar coin – including me! – all of us can admire, appreciate and, yes, envy the stratosphere in which those historic coins orbit the hobby. Most of the time, news about the sale of seven-figure rarities generate headlines in mainstream news media, such as the recent Pogue and Newman collections auctions. And that’s good for the overall coin market
Collectors share a beautiful mind
Sixty years ago, a carpenter named Chet Krause was publishing “Numismatic News” from Iola, Wis.
After I write this column, I will get in a car and travel to the Michigan State Numismatic Society convention in Warren to help celebrate the organization’s 60th anniversary.
I was invited to be the after-dinner speaker at the banquet
More than one Trumbull painting
Is the design on the 1976 $2 note the same as the Trumbull painting in the Capitol?
Trumbull’s 1817 painting hangs in the Capitol Rotunda. In that painting some of the signers were left out. As a result, the design on the note more closely matches an earlier Trumbull painting hung in the gallery of Yale University
Hobby is thriving, if you know where to look
Millennials spend a ton of free time on their mobile devices and social media. In the digital age, this is where the youth of the hobby is, and it is thriving!
By Matthew Andrews
In the recent issues of Numismatic News, there have been many articles expressing views of the state of the coin collecting hobby. All have been depressing, to say the least
Doubled large cent not listed anywhere
I want to know if there is any precedent for an 1818 Coronet Head cent with a doubled die at the reverse on AMERICA. I found one on a coin I bought a couple of months ago. I can’t find any variety in this year with a doubled die
Why not prize for best VF Buffalo set?
Let me take a step back from the debate about how to bring more coin collectors into the hobby.
To even begin that discussion, you have to assume that there are people who know what coins are.
Now I am not trying to be funny, but coins are having less and less impact in our daily lives even among collectors
Mintage doesn’t tell full 1878-S story
Just when you think you have rare coin pricing all figured out, along comes the 1878-S Seated Liberty half dollar to throw you a curve. Actually, it is not certain whether the 1878-S is the half dollar with the unusual price, or the dates around it with similar mintages are not correctly valued.
For those who like answers for everything, this might not be the place to find one
Mint Stats: Collector favorites get sales boost
Demand generated by the Mint’s holiday gift catalog seems to be increasing sales numbers this week for traditional collector favorites.
The 2016-W proof silver American Eagle moved ahead by 10,703 to reach 451,641. The 2016 silver proof set increased by 4,623 to 306,838
Hoodoo half dollar
I like World’s Columbian Exposition collectibles, including the glassware, plated, ribbons, etc., and, of course, the coins. I knew also that after the expo ended, large numbers of unsold Columbian Expo half dollars were placed into circulation
Shipwreck carried money for slaves
I recently read that a large number of manilas were recovered from the wreck of the English schooner “Douro” during the 1970s. What was the function of a manila as money?
The “Douro” sank after hitting the Great Crebawethan rock off the isles of Scilly in 1843, the ship carrying thousands of bronze manilas manufactured in Birmingham, England, for use in purchasing slaves in West Africa. These bracelet-shaped 2
Early copper stereotypes debunked
By Bill Eckberg
The Nov. 8 Viewpoint raises the old – and very wrong – stereotype that early copper collectors are “elitists.” Members of our Early American Coppers (EAC) club include people from all social-political-religious-ethnic-gender groups
GSA sales make 1885-CC unusual $1
Sometimes truly remarkable things happen to a coin and that is the case with the 1885-CC Morgan silver dollar. This makes it one of the most interesting dollars in the series. That is no small accomplishment
New Mint director after six years?
United States Mint principal deputy director Rhett Jeppson
There might be a new Mint director in office in 2017. Technically it has been vacant since Edmund C. Moy left office in 2011
Mint Stats: Silver bullion Eagle coins get the blahs
The election is over. Is demand for bullion coins over, too? November sales numbers have not had a strong start, particularly for silver bullion American Eagles. What’s with just 370,000 so far in November? But then looking at the total for the year of less than 35 million, you know there is no chance to equal last year’s figure of 47 million
Rare 1916 caused no stir when issued
The new 2016 gold Standing Liberty quarter is a reminder that collectors have been finding treasure in the 1916 silver version for many years.
For the Standing Liberty series, the 1916 is the key date. It also is the first date of issue
Joining ANA a personal decision
If Beyonce said join the American Numismatic Association, would you? How about Garth Brooks or Carrie Underwood?
I cannot think of a single celebrity who could promote ANA membership in an effective way.
I have nothing against stars or star power. However, my thinking is simply a reflection of who coin collectors are
Mint Stats: Gold bullion coins stay in the spotlight
October gold bullion coin demand was very strong. The front page story lays out the particulars for the one-ounce Eagle, but the monthly chart below spells out the sales figures for the tenth-, quarter- and half-ounce sizes as well. Total sales for all sizes so far in 2016 appear on the opposite page
Denver’s first nickel
By Tom LaMarre
The Wild West era may have ended, but you would never have guessed it reading the “Little Colorado Items” column in the Jan. 26, 1912, Yuma, Col., Pioneer
Field honored for transatlantic cable
At the present time, in this age of the Internet, we think nothing of contacting a person halfway around the world or visiting a website in some remote country. Yet, it is only in the past few decades that this remarkable change has come about. The revolution in communications, however, began more than 150 years ago…
Perhaps nothing so excited Americans in the 1840s as the telegraph, invented by Samuel Morse
Why aren’t all varieties in price guide?
There are several varieties of the 2009 Formative Years cent, these being the number of fingers showing on Lincoln’s hand on the reverse. Why is it that these varieties aren’t listed in price guides?
There are varieties of many coins that are not listed in general price guides. Some of these varieties simply aren’t famous enough for most collectors to attach any additional value to them
Dateless nickels, timeless memory
Did you enjoy the Page 1 story about Buffalo nickels as much as I did?
Kids, coins and Nic-A-Date went together when I was a new collector a half century ago.
How well I remember.
Puzzling over dateless Buffalo nickels was more than I could bear
Uplifting experience at Mint forum
By Michael Fuljenz
The U.S. Mint’s Principal Deputy Director, Rhett Jeppson, invited me and over 50 public members to attend a Numismatic Forum on Oct
Letters to the Editor (November 15, 2016)
Couple errors appear in Draped Bust half feature
There is one very important error in Bob Julian’s otherwise nice article on Draped Bust half cents in the Oct. 18 issue of Numismatic News. He says of the 1805s, “one variety is missing the stems and specimens bring high prices, $6,000 in Very Fine being the book value
Mint Stats: Demand high for gold American Eagles
Demand for gold American Eagles is on fire. For the one-ounce bullion Eagle, it will take sales of just 3,500 more in the last few days of October to equal the top selling month of the year, which was April. In all likelihood, the October number will beat April
Confederate $20 tells interesting tale
A weak date might mean the coin was struck while the Confederacy contolled the New Orleans Mint.
To be a great coin, it does not have to be rare and worth millions of dollars. A high price certainly helps, but there are other great coins that while not common are at least possible for many collectors to afford
Pay up for quality or ignore 1911-D $5
Few 1911-D gold $5 coins have survived in Mint State grades, leading to very high MS prices.
The Indian Head half eagle is a much tougher set than many realize, especially if the goal is assembling it in MS-65. In fact, such a high grade set might be impossible unless you have an unlimited budget
Mint Stats: Silver bullion Eagle sales glide lower
Can you believe it? For a third month in a row, sales of silver bullion American Eagles declined. Admittedly, the decline is small, just 90,000 pieces. The Mint sold 1,280,000 coins in August to its Authorized Purchasers, compared to 1,370,000 in July
Adjustment mark can lower price
World Coin Clinic
By Richard Giedroyc
• Can you explain what an adjustment mark is?
Adjustment marks are visible scrapes on the planchet made prior to the coin being struck on that planchet. They were made to reduce the weight of the planchet. These scrapes were made deliberately at the mint to adjust the weight of the coin to regulation
Mint Stats: Medals sell out, but watch those 9s
Until precise numbers are offered by the Mint, I provisionally have put sales numbers for the “S” and “W” silver Liberty medals at 12,500 each on the opposite page. As the front page explains, they sold out in less than five minutes.Ever watch your automobile odometer roll over to a nice round number? If you like that sort of thing, cast your eyes on the sales numbers for the National Park Service silver dollar and gold $5 proofs
Mint Stats: Buyers snooze except for gold Eagles
Europeans take the month of August for vacation. Perhaps silver bullion American Eagle buyers do something similar. Sales in the first half of the month have reached only 380,000 pieces, down substantially from even July’s torpid pace
Mint Stats: It’s official: July silver sales stink
Just when you think summertime sales can’t get any drowsier, they do. The Mint closed out the month of July with just 25,000 more one-ounce silver bullion American Eagles sold, making July the month of lowest sales by far in 2016. With 1,370,000 million taken by Authorized Purchasers, July results were just 23 percent of the year’s top sales month
Mint Stats: Low numbers everywhere you look
Perhaps silver bullion coin buyers do go on vacation. Sales of the one-ounce silver American Eagles hardly budged. They were up by 150,000 in the last week to reach 1,345,000
Doubled die on Cumberland quarter
Variety hunter Alfonso Lopez has garnered credit for finding the first reported Doubled Die Reverse on a 2016-P Kentucky Cumberland Gap America The Beautiful quarter. The doubling is easily seen with the naked eye (for some of us) or under low magnification and is a variety worth looking for to add to your collection. Several other minor doubled die reverses have been found for this type since this initial find
Reagan, Currency set limits gone
The United States Mint has removed household order limits for the 2016-W Nancy Reagan gold First Spouse coins. Both uncirculated and proof Reagan coins had limits of one coin per finish. As of July 17, collectors ordered 1,291 uncirculated and 2,166 proof Reagan First Spouse coins of a combined 15,000 mintage limit
1876-CC prices, grades range wide
If you had been handed a Trade dollar back in 1877, you might have been unsure how to handle it as it just had had its legal-tender status revoked. Some were saying they were silver dollars and worth as much while others correctly said they were worth their silver value. At the time, their silver value was declining to where they were worth less than a dollar
Summer focus is not at the beach
At this time of year, Americans tend to want to take some time off to get away on vacation, or put meat on the grill and relax.Silver hit a high in April last year. Where will 2016 end up?The markets are not cooperating
Coins struck over others unusual
Have U.S. coins ever been used as the host blank for a foreign coin?Get the newest U
Random coin stampings untraceable
I have a French coin with a large “S” punched in horizontally across the bust. Who put it on the coin?The countermark on your coin is something that could have been added at any time from when the coin was minted to right now, so there is no way of tracing it or attributing it to anyone. Such markings usually lower the value of the host coin
Bullion no longer just our secret
For many years the bullion coin business has been a profitable cash flow machine for the numismatic business. I remember the days of coin counting machines clanking away on the bourse floor. When bullion was frisky, conventions were noisy
Ronald, Nancy Reagan coins arrive
Just like the 1984 presidential election, the Reagans are back in by a landslide. The United States Mint opened sales for the Ronald Reagan Presidential dollar and the Nancy Reagan First Spouse gold coin on July 1. As of July 4, over 2
Chet Krause taught by example
I am the longest-serving employee still working for the firm that Chet Krause founded. I arrived in 1978. Susie Melum followed a few weeks after me as a full-time hire
Big sales for Nixon, Ford coins
Someone’s betting big on Nixon and Ford Presidential dollar coins. From June 19 to 26, the United States Mint reports selling 1,416 Nixon and 1,407 Ford 100-coin bags of Philadephia-minted Presidential dollar coins. That amounts to $282,300 in face value
Low quantities for 1871-CC quarter
Carson City has a well-deserved reputation for very tough coins. The origin of the Carson City reputation is silver dollars. Thanks to Carson City Morgan dollars discovered in Treasury vaults and sold to the public, the coins that created the reputation are not all scarce
Tracking prices not an easy thing
Could the trend of the coin market be tracked by following the results of a weekly or monthly local coin show?View of the Central States show bourse floor.It would be necessary to have all the dealers at that show share their invoices to track the transactions reliably. There are still the problems of the quality of grading of what has been sold and how much or little “fresh” merchandise is available each time
Hold on to ‘circs’ for better return in future
Thank you for writing your recent blog of May 23 and publishing it in the June 14 Numismatic News, comparing the increases of value in $1 of circulated silver coins (you got) 51 years ago, from 1965 to 2016.Find out why Morgan dollars have a good track record in growing demand and value.Then, you compared them to a savings bond and concluded that (before taxes on the interest) both $1 of silver coins circulated and $1 of the savings bond yielded about the same, approximately 11 times their initial $1 of value
Gold half ounce not cutting it?
Is gold Eagle buyer interest shifting towards the one- and tenth-ounce sizes? From May 18 to 25, the Mint reported a net return of 5,000 half-ounce gold Eagles. At the same time, the Authorized Purchasers ordered 17,000 one-, 8,000 quarter- and 35,000 tenth-ounce gold Eagles.Orders began for the 2016 uncirculated mint set on May 18
Gold Mercury dime orders drop
After the 2016-W gold Centennial Mercury dime had a stunning sellout April 21 within an hour, the Mint has since audited sales and the total orders have dropped.As of May 1, 119,920 coins were reported sold. In its previous report April 24, the Mint indicated 122,510 coins went out to collectors
Gold collector, bullion coins hot
Two highly anticipated Mint products arrived the week of April 18 to 22 and sales data shows collectors were buying gold coins in earnest.The 2016 silver proof set went on sale April 18. As a cornerstone of the set collecting lineup for the year, collectors always look forward to this release
Mint releases plethora of product
A number of new coins and coin sets have arrived at the U.S. Mint
Nixon First Spouse gold coin arrives
The 2016 Patricia Nixon First Spouse gold coin began sales Feb. 18. The United State Mint reports 686 uncirculated and 1,159 proof coins were purchased by collectors from release to Feb
Go with higher grade 1870 3-cent
The silver three-cent piece was on its way out by 1870. The idea of a silver three-cent piece had been an interesting one based not on need but rather finding some coin which could circulate. This was due to some rather unusual circumstances
Copies and fakes create problems
By Richard GiedroycWhy was the Hobby Protection Act enacted?Replica coins and bank notes are not meant to deceive, but to be sold as souvenirs or examples. Too many entry-level collectors were purchasing these without understanding these replicas are not original. A counterfeiter will ignore the requirements of the Hobby Protection Act to mark a replica coin as a copy
Add another fan of keeping the cent
By Robert MatitiaIt has been interesting to read about the almost exhausting debate that has been featured in the pages of many numismatic periodicals, including Numismatic News, regarding the conundrum of whether “to abolish the cent or not to abolish the cent… that is the question!”What does the future hold for the one cent coin?Until now, I have not noticed any “official” opinions regarding this matter. Even the most recent September 2014 Biennual Report of the U.S
Rooting for the U.S. team in Berlin
It was good to see U.S. Mint staff in Berlin to attend the World Money Fair
Fort Knox gold arrived in 1937
By Richard GiedroycWhen was the original gold deposit placed in Fort Knox?The U.S. Gold Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Ky
Full split bands lead to full headache
Nobody likes to think about tax time, but if you are expecting a refund, the earlier you wade through the process the better.I know someone is thinking this way because I received an email from an individual who said he had purchased a coin from an advertiser about 25 years ago. He had a problem
Nixon’s back – on a dollar coin, that is
President Richard Nixon is now on the dollar as the Mint released his Presidential dollar coin Feb. 3. As of Feb
Don’t overlook potential in 1871 cent
We already know the 1871 Indian Head cent may well be one of the best Indian Head cents in MS-65, but the possibility exists that it is even better than we already suspect.The 1871 Indian Head cent is among the elite coins of the series in Mint State-65.The situation back in 1871 was a complicated one, but it’s worth understanding as it almost certainly played a role in making the 1871 as tough as it is to find in Mint State today
Mark Twain silver dollar coins released
The 2016 Mark Twain silver dollar coins have finally arrived as orders began Feb. 1. The Mint estimates around 23,900 proof and 9,600 uncirculated coins were purchased in the first day of sales
GAO leaves coin questions to Mint
If you are like me, you often find yourself listening to an oldies radio station that replays the hits of half a century ago.Both the Mint and GAO ruled out a change in the cent’s composition, which currently costs around 41 percent of the cent’s face value, according to www.coinflation
2016 Eagle bullion start best since 2013
2016 gold and silver Eagle bullion coin sales at United States Mint have seen their best showing in January since 2013 in total ounces.As of Jan. 27, gold Eagle sales amounted to a total of 124,000 ounces sold across 293,000 coins
End for silver Eagles, commems, sets
From Dec. 21 to Dec. 31, a total of 22 U
Big changes for Mint bullion coin sales
The Saratoga 5-ounce silver bullion coin sold out just one day after its release on Nov. 30. Authorized Purchasers ordered the entire supply of 45,000 coins by Dec
Kennedy set boosts Roosevelt sales
The United States Mint released the third 2015 Coin and Chronicles set, this one featuring John F. Kennedy, on Sept. 16
Latest enhanced unc. dollar on sale
Even with a higher mintage of 90,000 and a $1 price increase, buyers proved their enhanced uncirculated coin enthusiasm by buying 51,605 2015 Coin and Currency sets featuring a 2015-W enhanced uncirculated Native American dollar and a Series 2013 $1 note since its release on Aug. 24.The 2015-W Lady Bird Johnson gold coin, last of the 2015 First Spouse coins, went on sale Aug
Johnson Presidential dollar releases
The final Presidential dollar for 2015, the Lyndon B. Johnson dollar coin, was released Aug. 18
High Relief not an instant sellout
Despite much anticipation for the 2015 gold American Liberty High Relief coin, it was not an instant sellout. Released on July 30, first day sales amounted to 36,686 coins. By Aug
July gold sales double previous best
The Mint was on a tear as July ended. It sold 46,000 ounces of gold in a week to Authorized Purchasers to reach a monthly total of 164,500 ounces by July 29. This is more than double the amount for the previous best sales month, January, which saw 81,000 ounces sold
Jackie Kennedy, gold prove popular
The 2015-W Jacqueline Kennedy First Spouse gold coin was released by the United States Mint on June 25 to much anticipation. Collectors purchased 4,072 uncirculated and 7,936 proof coins by June 28, placing them on back order. These numbers are much higher than the 1,380 uncirculated and 1,980 proof coins sold for the previous release, the Mamie Eisenhower First Spouse coin
Mint releases Kennedy dollar coin
John F. Kennedy is now on another denomination: the dollar coin. The United States Mint began accepting orders for the John F
May worst month for silver Eagles yet
The United States Mint has reported it sold just 2,023,500 one-ounce silver American Eagles in May. This amounts to a 29 percent decrease in sales from April, the previous worst month in 2015 for sales of the coin.Gold American Eagles fared better, selling 6,500 total ounces in just four days to avoid becoming the worst month
Bullion sales continue to slump
May could become the worst month of the year for bullion coin sales. As of May 27, Authorized Purchasers had ordered just 9,500 one-ounce, 2,000 half-ounce, 6,000 quarter- ounce and 30,000 tenth-ounce gold American Eagles. They also acquired 7,000 one-ounce gold American Buffaloes and 1,648,500 one- ounce silver American Eagles
2015 uncirculated coin set available
The United States Mint began sales of the 2015 uncirculated coin set April 27, with 144,137 sets sold between its release and the May 3 deadline of this reporting period.The Kisatchie 5-ounce silver collector’s coin went on sale April 28. Collectors have bought 15,622 of the P-mint coins so far
Kisatchie coins prove to be popular
The United States Mint reported it has temporarily sold out of the Kisatchie 5-ounce silver bullion coin. Going on sale mid-April, Authorized Purchasers have already ordered 30,000 coins with more available on May 4.Rolls and bags of the Kisatchie quarter went on sale April 20
April bullion sales start off light
Authorized Purchasers aren’t in any rush to buy bullion coins from the United States Mint at the start of April. From April 1 to April 7, just 1,000 half-ounce and 10,000 tenth-ounce gold Eagles were sold. In addition, only 1,500 gold Buffaloes and 783,000 silver Eagles were purchased
Poll question puts a reader on edge
Our weekly online poll questions have become a popular addition to the pages of Numismatic News in recent years.Sometimes we ask questions that everyone has an opinion on and we get numerous responses. Some weeks we ask a question and all I hear are the crickets chirping
1853-O half dime rarer than thought
Some coins are better than their mintages suggest and that is almost certainly the case with the 1853-O half dime. In fact, there are two 1853-O half dimes: ones with arrows at the date and one without the arrows and it is that latter which is potentially much better than its mintage totals suggest.The 1853-O half dime with arrows can be bought for only $20
Coin Clinic: what’s a pennyweight?
By Richard GiedroycCan you explain how pennyweight fits into this weight and purity system for gold?It takes 20 pennyweight to equal one troy ounce of gold. Another way to express this is one pennyweight being equal to 24 grains. Pennyweight is a weight unit primarily used in the United States
Coin themes should be more current
By Richard GiedroycThe April 7 issue of Numismatic News has a Page 1 story about celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with proposed commemorative coins. Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee Chairman Gary Marks is quoted as saying, “I think this is a no-brainer.”Both the Eisenhower and Susan B
March gold Eagle sales beat last year’s
High demand for gold American Eagles in March of 2015 led sales to more than double compared to orders in March of 2014.In 2014, March saw 21,000 total ounces sold. In 2015, the same month saw Authorized Purchasers order 46,500 ounces
2014 Limited Edition proof set finally released
After a long delay, the United States Mint began sales of the 2014 Limited Edition silver proof set on March 17. A press release from the Mint cited packaging changes as the reason for the wait. By March 22, buyers had taken 20,529 sets
March bullion sales tiptoe ahead
March bullion sales as of March 5 stand at 2,250 one-ounce, 2,000 half-ounce, 2,000 quarter-ounce and 10,000 tenth-ounce gold Eagles. Authorized Purchasers also ordered 587,000 silver Eagles and 1,500 gold Buffaloes.The U
2015 ATB silver proof set on sale
The United States Mint opened sales for the 2015 America the Beautiful quarters silver proof set on Feb. 20 and buyers were excited. The Mint reported 46,681 sets were ordered by Feb
Use new Mint techniques regularly
What have we learned from last year’s successful Kennedy half dollar 50th anniversary coin program?No, this is not a column about crowd control at the American Numismatic Association convention. It is about what appeals to 21st century collectors.I think one lesson that can be drawn is that a significant number of hobbyists find special annual sets appealing
Rare 1909-O half eagle isn’t cheap
The 1909-O Indian Head half eagle is a very underrated coin. In fact, the 1909-O, at least in MS-65, is a significant rarity ranking among the most difficult gold coins in top grade of the past century. It is not that available in any grade and while not well known by most, if you attempt a set of Indian Head half eagles, you will learn to respect the 1909-O very quickly
How long since you last took a look?
How many incomplete sets of coins do you own? In my time in the hobby I have owned plenty. Some I still have. Some I sold off at points in my life when I needed money
Collectors ignored 1973-S silver Ike
Three years of high issue prices for the 40 percent silver proof Eisenhower dollars left collectors sour to the series at the time, making a Prf-65 1973-S silver proof $45 today.The 1973-S Eisenhower dollar was the result of a pattern from the first couple of years of Eisenhower dollars. It had been decided that there would be 40 percent silver Eisenhower dollars that were offered in proof and brilliant uncirculated to collectors
Viewpoint: Want new coin designs? Tell Congress
By Erik N. JansenThanks to Bob Olekson!I saw the “Viewpoint” article you published by Bob Olekson and found myself nodding in agreement again and again.[In that article Olekson, said that “to revitalize the hobby we need new themes and new designs on all our coins and paper money
Truman, 2015 quarters released
The first Presidential coin of 2015, the Harry S. Truman dollar, was released Feb. 5
Coin Clinic: Why should collectors learn to grade coins?
By Richard GiedorycYou have warned collectors to use their own grading skills when evaluating coins for purchase. Does that mean we cannot rely on third-party grading services?No. But it is important to point out that there are likely too many people who are collecting the encapsulation rather than the coin
Marshals commemoratives released
The 2015 U.S. Marshals Service commemorative coins released Jan
Love lost for collector’s ATB 5 oz.
It seems that collectors are losing interest in the America the Beautiful collector’s 5 oz. silver coin series. The latest two issues, Great Sand Dunes and Everglades, saw sales of only 26 and 191 coins, respectively, between Jan
Mint releases Birth, Birthday sets
The 2015 Birth and Happy Birthday sets were released by the United States Mint on Jan. 13. Both sets contain a 2015 Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Kennedy half and an America the Beautiful quarter
Mint sells out 2013 sets – finally
The United States Mint has removed the rest of 2013’s mint and proof sets. Buyers purchased 128,377 America the Beautiful clad quarter sets and 138,451 silver quarter proof sets, as well as 266,729 Presidential dollar proof sets. As for the standard uncirculated coin set, collectors ordered 376,844 2013 sets before sell out
Viewpoint: Best year ever for annual forecasts
By Dave HarperI did it. My forecasts for events of 2014 were my best ever. I have been doing these since the early days of the 21st century when all I had to do was forecast gold and silver would go up from their extreme lows of 2001
Proof Silver Eagle starts new year
The Mint began sales of the first collector’s coin for the new year, the 2015 proof Silver Eagle, on Jan. 2. Buyers purchased 262,377 coins in just two days of being on sale
Bullion Silver Eagle breaks record
More products are off sale as both the Mint and collectors look to the 2015 coin releases.The silver American Eagle bullion coin set a record year again on Dec. 31, finally selling out at 44,006,000 coins sold, up 130,500 coins since Dec
Mint reopens Baseball dollar sales
In a suprise move Dec. 16, the Mint reopened sales of the 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame silver dollar since its sellout in early April. The Mint said that some 3,500 were available across the uncirculated and proof options
Coins go off sale as year wraps up
The year is coming to a close and the Mint is closing out sales on many coins and sets.Most notably, the Baseball Hall of Fame clad proof half dollar is sold out, with 249,049 coins taken since its release.The Arches National Park 5-ounce silver collector’s coin is also gone, with buyers purchasing 28,179 coins
Viewpoint: Issue color commemorative notes
By Curt WoodGood ideas rarely gain immediate acceptance. New schemes such as the telephone and the automobile and space travel, and yes, even Disneyland, were once scorned by timid skeptics who just couldn’t see their way past the status quo.In that vein I propose what I call the latest good idea: U
Holiday buying lifts Mint product sales
Holiday gift buying is likely pushing up sales of traditional collector favorites like proof sets. This week, the 2014 clad sales number rose by 20,653 to reach 580,325.The 2014 Presidential dollar proof set added another 6,375 to its running total to vault over the 200,000 mark, settling at 203,926
Marketing sold Stone Mountain half
The Stone Mountain Memorial half dollar is a coin that might very well not get approved today. It was a different era and people viewed things differently than we do today. That is not to excuse anything, or to draw any conclusions except to suggest that the idea of a half dollar to help pay for the carving of Confederate leaders and soldiers into a mountain in Georgia is probably today a non-starter when it comes to ideas
Viewpoint: Honor Apollo 11 landing with coin
By Michael A. OlsonThe 50th anniversary of the July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 lunar landing will occur in 2019.At the time of this writing, Congress has not passed legislation for either of the two open commemorative coin programs for 2019
Rationed silver Eagles return to market
As rationing silver American Eagles begins again, the Mint has managed to sell a small amount. On Nov. 17 and Nov
Vote online for the Coin of the Year
Have you ever wondered how you would perform as a member of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee selecting designs for use on American coinage? Would your opinions match those of other experts? Would you find yourself alone in your opinions?The second round of voting in the Coin of the Year awards is underway.I think every collector has asked those questions of himself. I know I do every time we get another batch of designs from the CCAC or the Commission of Fine Arts with their official opinions expressed
Most 1929 half eagles melted down
If you go back to 1929, you find that the 1929 Indian Head half eagle had a fairly large 662,000 mintage. Under normal conditions, that would make its VF-20 prices today about $390. After all, since 1908, there were 17 dates with lower mintages
Coin Clinic: Bicentennial Lincolns missing ‘VDB’ initials
By Richard GiedroycFive years later it is unusual to find any 2009 Lincoln cent coins. On the lower right shoulder of the 2009 Formative Years standard front [obverse] Lincoln cent is VDB. Is this common? I cannot find the VDB on the other 2009 series
Viewpoint: Kids can collect circulating coins
By Mark JohnsonPatrick Montrose makes some good points in his “Viewpoint” column regarding the graying of our hobby. I too see more gray hairs at our coin club meetings and wonder how to get kids interested. I believe there are many positive steps we can take to rejuvenate our hobby
Commemorate Apollo 11 moon landing
On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 lunar module touched down on the moon, putting mankind on its surface. A short time later, astronaut Neil Armstrong took those first steps onto its surface, saying, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.”In 2019, the 50th anniversary of that landing will occur and such an event has to be commemorated on a coin
Everglades ATB quarter released Nov. 3
The Everglades National Park quarter, the final America the Beautiful quarter for 2014, released Nov. 3.As of Nov
Everglades bullion 5-ounce sells 22,000
The first weekly sales report of the 2014 Everglades 5-ounce silver bullion coin indicates that 22,000 have been purchased. This places the coin well over sales of the previous release, the Great Sand Dunes, currently at 16,400. Sales of the Everglades coin were probably spurred on by lower silver prices
Ban unnecessary, probably eternal
Eight years ago a coin shortage became a serious possibility as the prices of copper, nickel and zinc were soaring.The public would have found it profitable to melt nickels. Zinc cents looked like they wouldn’t be far behind
Roosevelt dollar and medal set released
Sales of the Roosevelt Presidential Dollar and First Spouse Medal Set began Oct. 21, with buyers purchasing 1,464 sets as of Oct. 26
Arches 5-ounce outsells Shenandoah
The U.S. Mint reports that as of Oct
Viewpoint: It’s OK if Mint loses money on cent, nickel
By John EspositoIt has recently occurred to me that by being a coin collector, I am a member of a schizophrenic community. For every voice ranting about fiat money there is another voice saying we should stop minting the cent and the nickel. While you may think these issues unrelated, they definitely are not
Harding $250 coin boxes are sold out
The Mint has reported that the Harding $250 Presidential dollar Philadelphia box is sold out and the Denver box may soon follow.Read the Oct. 28 issue of Numismatic News Express now!From its release to its reported off sale date, buyers purchased 6,995 units
Coin Clinic: First Washington quarters rationed
By Richard GiedroycWas there any public interest in the 1932 Washington quarters when they were released?The public announcement of the coins as commemoratives set off a buying boom. When they were issued on Aug 1, 1932, the banks found it necessary to ration the coins, selling just one to a customer. This occurred despite the gloom of the Great Depression
October bullion sales start off big
October’s bullion sales in just the first week are impressive after a strong showing in September.Silver American Eagles saw purchases in the first week of October at 2,250,000, well over half the total September sales amount of 4,140,000.Gold American Eagle bullion coins saw good sales as well with 21,000 1-ounce, 4,000 half-ounce, 4,000 quarter-ounce and 10,000 tenth-ounce coins going out the Mint’s doors as of Oct
Ready to buy or sell on 2016 date?
Some collectors are already anticipating the prospects of 2016 U.S. Mint reproductions of 1916 designs
Potential seen in 1935 Peace dollar
Normally speaking, there would not be a lot of attention paid to the 1935 Peace dollar. In fact, the main claim to fame of the 1935 Peace dollar is that it, along with the 1935-S, were the last Peace dollars to reach circulation. We have to be careful as they were not the last Peace dollars to be produced
Coin Clinic: Plastic coin issue might be first – or not
By Richard GiedroycTransdniester recently issued coins made of plastic. Are they really the first government to issue coins of this material as they claim to be?When you say “first government,” that becomes questionable. Keeling Cocos was established by two gentlemen in the 19th century
Viewpoint: Mint sales at show created interest
By Bruce R. FrohmanThe U.S
September bullion sales second best
September platinum, silver and gold bullion sales were the second best this year so far in terms of ounces sold.Platinum American Eagles, facing weak sales and a sales cut-off date of Oct. 1, had 2,700 ounces sold in September
Designs give reviewers a workout
If you do not believe the nation’s coin artists are busy, perhaps this issue of Numismatic News will persuade you otherwise.Pages are chock full of potential and recommended coin and medal designs as reviewed by the Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee at their September meetings.Unfortunately, there were so many images, there was no possibility of all of them being published within these pages
Collectors overlook 1918-D Buffalo
It is definitely easy to overlook the 1918-D Buffalo nickel simply because a small number of its mintage were the famous 1918/17-D overdate. Of course, back in 1918, no one noticed and decades later when the 1918/17-D was discovered, it was really too late to find them in top grades. In MS-65, if you can locate a dealer with one, the 1918/17-D would be close to $300,000
Coin Clinic: Coins wear in owners’ pockets
By Richard GiedroycOne recent question asked in your column is how long it takes for coins to wear. In 1982, when the new George Washington commemorative half dollar came out in silver I decided to carry one of these in my pocket for 10 years because I had not carried silver coins in my pocket in decades and I wanted to see how it wore.Two different Washington half dollars were each carried as a pocket piece for 10 years
Viewpoint: Dime find was recorded by camera
By Curt WoodA few old-timers can tell you something of what it was like to be a 10-year-old Young Numismatist in 1953, and I’m one of them. But I think it likely that I’m quite literally the only such ancient YN who can actually show you a photograph of what it was like to be a budding numismatist on Aug. 14, 1953
Bullion sales up with low metal prices
Authorized Purchasers are placing more bullion orders from the U.S. Mint as precious metals prices go lower and lower
Platinum Eagle cutoff meets apathy
Despite an announcement from the Mint Sept. 8 that it would end sales of the 2014 platinum American Eagle bullion coin on Oct. 1, buyers only purchased 200 coins since the announcement
How about making a fresh start?
If you could start coin collecting all over again, what would you do differently?Another way of putting this question is: if you were completely free to collect anything that appeals to you, what would it be?Too many of us are trapped by our first choices. I began collecting Lincoln cents when I was 8 years old. Does that decision irrevocably tie me to Lincoln cents?I began buying modern proof sets from the U
Bagmarks spoil Illinois half dollars
It’s technically the Illinois Centennial half dollar but it is Abraham Lincoln who dominates the design and is known to many as the Lincoln-Illinois Centennial half dollar. The fact that the Illinois Centennial half dollar was dated 1918 should give some clue as to its real original intent as 1918 was the centennial of the admission of the state of Illinois to the Union.Back in 1918, well before the glut of commemoratives, the Illinois Centennial half dollar might have seemed unusual
Coin Clinic: Emotion sells coins
By Richard GiedroycIn the Sept. 9 issue someone inquired about 9-11 memorial coins. What I have falls into the bullion type coin
Viewpoint: Magic of collecting extols diversity
By Mark A. BrownI had an eye-opening experience recently. A friend and fellow collector invited me over to see his several coin collections including, as it turned out, a collection of colorized silver eagles
Gold Eagle starts strong in September
It’s a roller coaster ride when it comes to Mint bullion sales. Sales are up at the start of September for the American Eagle one-ounce gold bullion coin with 15,500 purchased as of Sept. 9
First clad, then gold and finally silver
Are you ready for next month’s offering of a set of four 50th anniversary Kennedy half dollar coins?Like a movie trilogy, we fans are waiting for the next installment of a popular franchise.The Mint will put the silver set on sale Oct. 28
1893-CC last of Carson City dollars
The 1893-CC Morgan dollar has the special distinction of being the last of the Carson City Morgan dollars – and one that is expensive and rare in upper grades.Even before 1893, there were clear signs that the Carson City Mint was not working out. Morgan dollars had been produced there through 1885 and then production stopped only to resume again in 1889 before coming to an end in 1893
Coin Clinic: State map on cent puzzles reader
I recently came across this penny in change and wondered what the imprinted image was. I am guessing that it was some type of promotion for the State of New York, as the outline appears to be that of the state. Have you any idea what it could be?There was a set of Lincoln cents on which one of each of the 50 states was countermarked, I believe during the mid-1970s and again later
Viewpoint: It’s all about the coin, not the label
By Pete AcamporaWhat if they threw a party and no one came? Or worse; what if they threw a party and everybody not invited came? Or, as we saw in Chicago, what if they threw a party and everyone was welcome but the onslaught of those wanting to attend created massive problems?Such was the JFK $5 gold release.I must admit that when the news of a JFK 50th anniversary gold coin was announced, I wanted one. However, this gold 50-cent piece confused me just a bit
Cash in your forgotten coin stash
The Great Recession made all Americans more frugal. Coin collectors are no exception.Several years ago when silver was approaching its 2011 peak of almost $50 an ounce I suggested that collectors sell off coins made of silver that they might have lost interest in, particularly commems and 40 percent silver Ike dollars
Coin Clinic: Kennedy half collected most at release
By Richard GiedroycThe statement was made some time ago that the Kennedy half is the “most collected coin in the world.” Is this still true?This was probably around the time the Kennedy half dollar was first released and people went mad for it around the world. But most of that activity could be classed as hoarding, rather than collecting
Viewpoint: Gold Kennedy half won’t be rare
By William H. BrownsteinThe 2015 North American Coins & Prices is the perfect all-in-one guide for the coin collector, dealer and enthusiast.Purchase your copy here!Reference is made to my Viewpoint article published in the July 2, 2013 edition of Numismatic News, in which I opined that off-metal strikes and piedfort issues of regular issues should be made available for the public to enjoy
August gold, silver bullion sales low
August sales of bullion from the Mint were mediocre at best, despite low prices for precious metals.Gold American Buffalo bullion saw its second-lowest month at 8,000 coins sold, platinum American Eagle bullion had its fourth-lowest month at 700 coins sold and all forms of gold American Eagle bullion experienced their second-lowest month with 25,000 total ounces sold.The Mint released the Great Sand Dunes National Park quarter on Aug
Know what Roosevelt looked like?
All coin collectors are art critics. I am one as well. The art that we like to criticize is that which appears on coins, or is art proposed for use on future coins
1922 Grant gold dollar sales mystery
You just can’t do enough to commemorate Ulysses S. Grant was the slogan in the early 1900s. As the victorious Union General in the Civil War this was natural although Grant’s time as president was a good deal less worthy of commemoration
Coin Clinic: Lettered edges can face up or down
By Richard GiedroycThe 2015 North American Coins & Prices is the perfect all-in-one guide for the coin collector, dealer and enthusiast.Purchase your copy here!The lettered edge, when present, on our current golden dollar coins can face either towards the obverse or the reverse. Is this true of all lettered edge coins, or are there coins where the lettered edge consistently faces one side of a coin?The edge lettering on our current dollar coins is applied in a separate step from the step in which the obverse and reverse impressions are added to the coinage blank
Viewpoint: Standing in line paid off in gold
By Karl HindsMy son-in-law Del and I attended the American Numismatic Association convention in Chicago last month with our main focus on buying a couple of gold Kennedy half dollars.We left my house 300 miles southwest of Chicago at 1 a.m
Proof Eagles in shadow of baseball
Kick-start your collection with the Fundamentals of Coin Collecting set of essential resources and tools. Get yours today! The baseball silver dollar has sold out, so the sales numbers on this page are now simply curiosities compiled by the Mint on April 6. Only the clad half dollar remains available to collectors
Viewpoint: 50th anniversary Kennedy bad idea
By William H. BrownsteinIn my opinion a 50th anniversary of the Kennedy half dollar commemorative issue would be meaningless.I come to that conclusion because the fact that its issuance date of 1964, which is the first year that the Kennedy half dollar was minted, means nothing and has no historic significance other than it was the year that the Franklin half dollar was eliminated and replaced with the Kennedy half dollar in commemoration of his assassination the prior year
Mint Stats: Buyers find gold in baseball offering
Kick-start your collection with the Fundamentals of Coin Collecting set of essential resources and tools. Get yours today! The gold baseball coins sold out the day after they went on sale. The silver dollars are more than half gone, but there are plenty of clad half dollars to go around
Coin Clinic: Open roll if you want to know the date
By Richard GiedroycKick-start your collection with the Fundamentals of Coin Collecting set of essential resources and tools. Get yours today! How can I determine the date of the coins in my Brilliant Uncirculated bank roll if the reverse is what is showing on the end coins?I know you don’t want to hear this, but you will need to unwrap the coins to determine their date. The only exception would be coins with a unique reverse, such as the 2009 Lincoln Centennial cents, 2004 to 2005 Westward nickels, or statehood quarters
Put 1914-D cent in its rightful place
It seems like the 1914-D is a very different coin to place correctly in its right place as an important Lincoln cent. I still have grave doubts that we have the 1914-D where it ought to be in terms of price and importance.Back in the 1950s, if a Lincoln cent was not from San Francisco it was hard for it to get much attention
Surcharges add up to one big gift
Learn the hobby and build an impressive collection. Check out Coin Collecting 101 today! Half a billion dollars is a lot of money. Wouldn’t you agree?Anyone or any group of someones who would donate such a large amount of money would have to be generous
5-ounce ATB sales make good start
Followers of silver bullion coins will note that the Mint has sold 4,330,000 American Eagles in March, a figure that beats the February total of 3,750,000.They should also note that the Mint began selling the 2014 5-ounce America the Beautiful silver bullion coins. The Great Smoky Mountains design has gone on sale and the initial sales figure is 12,200
Low-mintage 1889-S not really scarce
Probably the best thing about Morgan dollars is that they are all different and you really can make no assumptions based on their mintages as to whether one is available or not. There are just always surprises lurking as some Morgans got saved and others were melted, but mintages do not tell you what happened to any particular date once they left the Mint.The 1889-S is a good example of this situation
Presidential dollars get personal
U.S. Coin Digest is the most complete and comprehensive color guide to all U
Where coins went not always known
Where did some of the best U.S. coins ever made go? We have in many cases mintage totals, but in many of those cases totals seem to suggest that more coins of many dates and types should be available than is actually the case
Mint Stats: Silver Eagle shows off its stamina
The 2014-W proof silver American Eagle seems to have the stamina of a long-distance runner. This week it raced through the 400,000 level, reaching 410,103. That is up by 24,058 for the week, a rate of gain that grew from last week’s pace
Coin Clinic: Plastic coin issue might be first – or not
By Richard GiedroycTransdniester recently issued coins made of plastic. Are they really the first government to issue coins of this material as they claim to be?When you say “first government,” that becomes questionable. Keeling Cocos was established by two gentlemen in the 19th century