Reports of rare coin finds by metal detectorists in the U.K. are becoming more and more frequent
Category Archives: General News
Reader’s Showcase $5 1902 Plain Back
by Peter Huntoon
David Grant, a serious pursuer of neat varieties issued by the largest banks in the country, bought this jewel from the largest issuer of Series of 1902 notes.
It has everything wrapped into one note: (1) engraved bank signatures, (2) B-prefix bank sheet serial number—B is the highest possible, and (3) plate letter W6—from the plate with the highest possible letter/number combination and available only from this bank.
To combine all these features in one note required that he find one of the last $5 notes issued by the bank from the 1902 series, and indeed this is exactly what he did
Gem 1856-S Dime: Another Treasure from the Deep
The S.S. Central America, the famous “Ship of Gold” that sank in 1857 carrying tons of California Gold Rush-era treasure, continues to reveal astonishing numismatic surprises
Ancient Judaean Second Revolt Coin Commands $77,500 at Auction
By Mel Wacks
Goldberg Auctioneers have probably hammered down more ancient Judaean coins than anyone else. Their Pre-Long Beach Auction on June 4-5 of The Moussaief Collection Part II featured over 200 coins ranging from Alexander the Great issues struck in Judaea during his lifetime (336-323 BCE) and afterwards, to coins issued by Simon Bar Kochba during the failed Second Revolt (132-135 CE), and some Judaea City Coins made by the Romans in the following decades.
Weighing just 1
‘Una and the Lion’ DIRIGIT £5 Takes $188,667
Across the Atlantic, historic British gold continues to glisten most brightly. Its latest outing was Baldwin’s of St James’s Premier Sale conducted on June 12 in London. Here, milled gold ruled the roost
The Gold to Silver Ratio
Image courtesy of the U.S. Mint
Collectors Invited to 2019 PNG Day Show
The Professional Numismatists Guild will conduct its 2019 PNG Day show on Monday, August 12, in Hall F of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. It will be open to the public
Traversing Two Oceans and Finding Coins to Collect
by Michael S. Turrini
“I turned 18 on the Eppleton Hall, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The cook baked a cake, with our limited galley
Coins for A’s Offers Youth Free ANA Membership
Image courtesy of the American Numismatic Association (www.money.org)
As the old saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ we may also substitute in our own words and say, ‘it takes the entire hobby to cultivate new collectors
$370,000 Buys 1792 Silver Half Disme
This history of the production of the 1792 half disme is one of the most important events in the birth of our nation’s coinage. (Image courtesy of Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers)
At the conclusion of bidding at Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers’ Pre-Long Beach Auction on June 2, a PCGS graded MS-64 half disme, which was estimated to sell $350,000 sold for $370,000.
Only 1,500 of these coins were struck and it is estimated that less than 200 examples survived
Lucky Collectors Get Cash Reward For Finding “W” Guam Quarters
The thrill of the hunt and the happiness of rewards continue with three more lucky coin finders in the Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) Quarter Quest
25.18-Ounce Harris, Marchand & Co. Gold Ingot Coming to August ANA
In a recent eNewsletter from Stack’s Bowers, an article from Senior Numismatist, James McCartney, highlighted an item that Stack’s Bowers will be offering in their August ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction.
A Harris, Marchand & Company rectangular gold ingot discovered during the second exploration of the S.S
RCM Celebrates 50 Years of Official Languages Act
Ottawa, Ontario – On the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act, the Royal Canadian Mint has proudly struck a new silver collector coin celebrating the equal status of English and French in Canada.
With centuries of shared Canadian history, these two languages are represented through one of the most recognizable symbols of their linguistic duality: the bilingual lyrics to “O Canada.”
This new coin was celebrated at a special striking ceremony at the Mint’s Ottawa facility attended by the Secretary-General of La Francophonie Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie Mélanie Joly, Official Languages Commissioner Raymond Théberge and Mint President and CEO Marie Lemay
Morris Online Sale Part I Takes $215,704
The major rarities of the vast Morris Collection of Roman Imperial coins was sold by Heritage Auctions as part of their January 2019 NYINC sale. As announced at the time the remainder of the collection is to be sold through dedicated monthly internet auctions over the remainder of this year.
On May 26 Part I of the sale was completed with extremely satisfactory results
Award-Winning Joaquin Jimenez Strikes Again
For the last several years Monnaie de Paris has collaborated with distinguished French institutions to salute ‘Creations Sublimant Excellence’ [works of sublime quality] in coin. Examples to date have included Cartier and Baccarat crystal.
This year the Louvre gets the nod
Indian Peace Medals to Cross the Auction Block
Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be featuring a large collection of Indian Peace Medals at the August ANA World’s Fair of Money this August.
No one is quite sure when the practice started, but the giving of medals of a token of peace to Native American chiefs was a habit of assorted European Powers from at least the 18th century. It seems politicians in Washington, D
$50,400 Buys 1909-S VDB Cent
Finding a high-quality 1909-S VDB cent is likely on every serious collector’s wish list, however, given its scarcity, no matter your level of optimism, the likelihood of just finding one is quite low.
The original red surfaces are virtually flawless, with just a few microscopic specks of carbon on the reverse, only visible with a loupe. Vibrant mint luster radiates from both sides and overall eye appeal is terrific
Iconic 1893 Morgan Dollar Makes Reappearance
Announced last month, the Osborne Mint is offering an iconic collection of American coinage designs reinterpreted in one ounce of .999 fine silver. The first in their American Legacy series was the 1913 Buffalo nickel
Spring Cleaning Your Coin Collection (#4)
by Mike Thorne
At the end of my last column, I introduced an issue that could be summarized in the following question: If I purchase only coins certified by the major certification services, why would I need to learn how to grade coins for myself? If the grades assigned by the services are both valid (what they’re supposed to be) and reliable (the same coins receive the same grades time after time), why can’t I just depend on the certification services to get it right?
For one thing, there are many coins that will never be sent to a certification service. Given how much it costs to have a coin certified, it’s not cost effective to certify anything worth less than $100 or so. If you’re relatively new to collecting, the under $100 figure probably accounts for almost everything in your collection
Why Are Americans Dumb Precious Metals Traders?
When it comes to buying and selling physical precious metals, it seems like the majority of Americans tend to get their timing wrong.
India and China are the world’s two largest gold and silver consuming nations. Invariably, residents in those nations buy precious metals when prices are low
PCGS Certifies One of the Finest 1879 $4 Flowing Hair Stellas
A press release was shared from PCGS on May 30, 2019 announcing the certification of an 1879 flowing Hair Stella. Numismatic News will follow the status of this coin, should it come to auction in the future.
May 30, 2019: (Santa Ana, California) – One of the finest-known 1879 Four Dollar Flowing Hair Stellas is now in a Professional Coin Grading Service (www
An 1868 Proof Mule Quarter Dollar
by Greg Johnson
There is a long history of considering proof and business strike coins of the same design to be distinct sets. It has been typical for a Liberty Seated collector to focus on either one or the other, with most people who are building business strike sets not doing the same with proofs, and vice versa.
Proof Liberty Seated quarters, which seem to have declined in popularity over the past 5-10 years, look almost, but not quite exactly like their business strike counterparts
What Happens in Vegas May Not Stay in Vegas
On June 27, Legend Rare Coin Auctions will be hosting its 33rd Regency Auction at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada. While lots will be on display in the City of Lights for this event, many of the featured lots will not stay in Las Vegas, making their new homes elsewhere.
As with previous Regency Auctions, bidders can expect to see a diverse offering of high-end lots sure to create a number of bidding battles among collectors
Sweden Acknowledges Need for Physical Cash
Sweden blinked! The nation leading the cashless society charge recently acknowledged that no matter how sophisticated a system of electronic transfers becomes individuals need to keep physical currency on hand in case of an emergency.
As the May 4 London newspaper The Times put it, “Sweden, the nation that pioneered living without cash, warns: Hoard your bank notes.”
The warning bell was rung by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, an administrative authority under the Ministry of Defense
BoE £100 Realizes $82,339
Spink’s sale of the remarkable Lou Manzi and A.J. Simms collections of banknotes was held in London on May 9
Club News
60 Years Is Too Long To Be Without a Logo
A wooden nickel commemorating 60th Anniversary of the Saint John Coin Club of New Brunswick, Canada, features an image of the Marco Polo sailing ship.
The Saint John Coin Club of New Brunswick, Canada, formally celebrated the 60th anniversary of its 1959 founding at a special reception hosted on the eve of its annual coin show, which was held on May 26. Coincident with celebrating its 60th anniversary, the club had held a design contest to develop an official logo, according to the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association’s May 2019 issue of its RCNA NumisNotes monthly electronic newsletter
World famous detective Sherlock Holmes™ to be commemorated on UK coin
Image courtesy of The Royal Mint.
The Royal Mint will be commemorating 160 years since the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with a coin dedicated to his most famous creation – the detective Sherlock Holmes.
The sleuth’s profile, complete with pipe and deerstalker will appear on a 50p piece surrounded by the names of his most popular adventures
Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society Announces First Newman Grants
The Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society (EPNNES) today announced on May 25 its first set of Newman Grants, created to financially assist numismatic authors and organizations pursuing original research in American numismatics.
Newman Grants will be awarded annually and are intended to assist with direct costs of numismatic research including, but not limited to travel, photography, and graphic arts services
Collectors and dealers are in this together
Coin values continue to be a mixed bag. A surprising number of the usually popular Morgan silver dollar coin prices remain even or have declined modestly. Likewise, there have been price decreases in areas including Buffalo nickels, Barber dimes, and Walking Liberty Half dollars
Castle Collection of Indian Head Cents Could Bring Seven Figures
DALLAS, Texas (June 5, 2019) — Heritage Auctions is honored to announce it has been chosen to present The Castle Collection of Indian Cents — the world’s finest examples obtainable of this widely collected 19th century set — at the ANA’s World’s Fair of Money in August. The Castle Collection is estimated to bring seven figures when it makes its auction debut, based on its completeness and rare issues in extraordinary condition.
“In all the years I’ve seen complete sets, none compare to the standout pieces in The Castle Collection,” said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions
$50,000 for a 1959-D Lincoln Cent “Mule”
The 1959-D Lincoln cent should have the Lincoln Memorial reverse, as 1959 was the year the United States Mint retired the Wheat reverse. However, as many already know a 1959-D with the Wheat reverse has been discovered and has gone to the auction block a few times.
This 1959-D Lincoln Cent “mule” bears the 1959-D obverse paired with the 1958 Wheat reverse
Beware of Grossly Overpriced Gold Coins
In a news release received on May 28, the Professional Numismatists Guild cautions, if you’re purchasing modern precious metals coins strictly for their silver, gold or platinum content, beware of significantly overpaying simply because the coins may be housed in fancy holders or accompanied by autographs of celebrities or the coins’ designers.
“The personal finance market is filled with slick advertisements touting gold bullion coins labeled with a superb grade or in holders with decorative, autographed inserts. These may be fine collectibles for some, but you could pay more than twice the value of the precious metal content of the coin
Spring Cleaning Your Collection, Part 3
by Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
In my two previous columns, I’ve been talking about spring-cleaning your collection/accumulation of coins
What Rare Coins Will Be Popular In 100 Years?
Long-time collectors know that they will get the best results when they sell by acquiring coins and paper money that other collectors would desire. What that means is that attractive coins and currency have an edge over ones that are not. If you dig deeper, ones that are more attractive for the given grade than other pieces of the same technical condition will be easier to sell
Over $5.6 Million in U.S. Coins Sold in Baltimore
Santa Ana, CA – Collectors from across the country descended on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in the days leading up to Memorial Day, where Stack’s Bowers Galleries presented two days of exciting auction sessions in their May 2019 Official Auction of the Whitman Coins & Collectibles Summer Expo. Highlighted by the Drummer, Fairmont and Newmark Collections, over $5.6 million in United States coins and Numismatic Americana were sold, kicking off an exciting summer season of auction events for the firm
RAM Launches Apollo 11 Coins
On June 4 the Royal Australian Mint launched its long-awaited coins struck to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969. One of these coins is included in a twin pack with the U.S
Great Plane Robbery Created Australian Specimens
One lot in Queensland’s Roxburys auction house’s May sale provided the latest chapter in Australia’s 1982 Great Plane Robbery gone wrong. It consisted of an exceedingly rare Australian specimen set.
On Sept
World Artifacts realize $1.4 Million at Stephen Album Rare Coins Auction
Stephen Album Rare Coins held its Auction 34 on May 23-26, 2019 at its offices in Santa Rosa, California. The auction results exceeded expectations with total prices realized of $1.4 million (including buyer’s fees) and with 87
British Penny Future Less in Question
At one time the United Kingdom had half and third farthings, farthings, halfpennies, and pennies. As inflationary pressures mounted the lowest of these denominations became non-functional and eventually were discontinued.
The third farthing was initially issued for circulation on Malta
Iowa’s “key” to bank architecture
by Mark Hotz
Some years back I had a chance to drive through central Iowa, and I was told by several people to be sure to visit Grinnell, a town that was chock full of wonderful historic structures.
I hadn’t forgotten this advice, and so on a bright, sunny day I headed to the western edge of Poweshiek County to see historic Grinnell, Iowa. Grinnell is due east of Des Moines and is easily reached off Interstate 80 at the exit for State Route 146
Sedwick Treasure Auction 25 Posts $2.05 Million
A shipwreck-recovered early Spanish colonial gold tumbaga bar (lot 194) weighing 1.816 kilograms with a marked fineness of 5.75 karat saw heavy interest during Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC’s Treasure, World, U
Heritage Platinum Night Preview
Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night® world coin sale conducted each year at ANA’s World’s Fair of Money has become an institution in its own right. This year’s event in August is already set to match those of Platinum sales past. Given the current buoyancy of the world coin market it is to be expected that new records will be set in both total-realized and prices of individual coins
The Royal Mint celebrates the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth with a special Strike on the Day Sovereign
The special 2019 edition of the Sovereign to mark Queen Victoria’s 200th anniversary since birth. (Image courtesy of The Royal Mint.)
No Names Author
May 24 marked exactly 200 years after Queen Victoria’s birth
Famous Washington Before Boston Medal Sells for $156,000
Stack’s Bowers Galleries completed their auction at the Whitman Baltimore Spring Expo and one standout specimen from that event in a famous original Washington Before Boston Medal in silver. Labeled as “The Most Historic and Prized of American Medals,” the lot closed at $156,000 on May 24.
The medal is noted as “1776” (ca
Washington, D.C. School Trip Filled with Numismatic Discoveries
By Corinne Zielke
This past week I had the pleasure, even with two grueling eighteen-hour bus rides, of chaperoning a school trip to Washington, D.C. with seventh and eighth grade students
Coinage of Gibraltar
by Fred Glueckstein
Gibraltar is located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance to the Mediterranean. It is bordered to the north by Spain and has an area of 2.6 square miles
Spring cleaning your coin collection #2
by Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
In the previous segment, I discussed the desirability of creating an inventory of your coins if you don’t already have one
Mint Providing Replacement Sleeve for 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Proof Half Dollar Set
In a release received May 28 from Michael White at the United States Mint’s Office of Corporate Communications, we learned that all Apollo 11 50th Anniversary 2019 Proof Half Dollar Sets were assembled with an error on the product sleeve.
The back of the outside packaging sleeve incorrectly shows Gilroy Roberts as designing and engraving both the obverse (heads side) and reverse (tails side) of the Kennedy Half Dollar. Roberts designed and engraved the obverse but Frank Gasparro designed and engraved the reverse
Will A Numismatic Sales Slump Hit This Summer?
There are four factors coming together that I fear may result in an overall U.S. retail sales slump this summer
Syrian Specimens Realize $60,000
Heritage Auctions’ Central States World Currency Signature floor sale took place in Chicago on April 25. The results confirm the present healthy state of the world banknote market: the 827 lots on offer achieved $1,732,096 with 33 taking in an excess of $10,000 apiece.
Front cover and a mounted specimen page from top-selling Syrian 1920 specimen book that was bid up to $60,000
DNW appoints Antiquarian Nigel Mills
Antiquities expert Nigel Mills latest appointment to the Dix Noonan Webb auction team. Image courtesy Dix Noonan Webb.
In May the London auction house of Dix Noonan Webb announce the appointment of antiquities expert Nigel Mills
Mostly Copper
by Donald Dool
During the Napoleonic Wars the northern Italian city of Mantua was besieged twice. In 1797 the French laid siege and in 1799 they were the besieged.
The first siege began on June 4, 1796 as a move against Austria, who had joined the First Coalition against France
Iranian currency reform is at hand
It appears Iran is about to remove four zeroes from each of its bank notes in a proposed currency reform.
On April 16 the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran requested the economic committee of the cabinet (Iran has a vice president of economic affairs) put the previously proposed plan to eliminate four zeroes from the national rial currency while introducing a new currency.
The change from a system based on the rial to toman-denominate coins and bank notes was ratified by Iran’s Parliament in December 2016 by the Rouhani administration
Reader’s Showcase MN Starbuck
by Peter Huntoon
Mark Drengson submitted this spectacular serial 1-A 1902DB from Starbuck, Minnesota. Notes from this small bank are overrepresented thanks to the Ella Overby hoard discovered in 1970 in Glenwood, Minn.
The hoard was loaded with some 140 or more high-grade Starbuck notes from the bank, which was located across Lake Minnewaska from Glenwood, but this number 1 note was not among them
England’s Hundred Years’ War Hammered Gold
On June 26 Spink will herald summer with a remarkable offering of medieval English hammered gold coins. The Isladulcie Collection charts the Hundred Years’ War. This on-again, off-again conflict was fought from 1340 to 1453 by the House of Plantagenet, rulers of England, against the ruling French House of Valois
April coin production nearly doubles March
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
We’ve rounded up the latest U.S
Regency Auction 32 proves that top quality reigns supreme in the current market
Legend Rare Coin Auctions presented their 32nd Regency Auction, conducted as the official auction for the PCGS Members Show in New Orleans. Featuring over 630 lots, this auction included a separate session for silver dollars, held Wednesday, May 15, while type coins and gold were offered on Thursday, May 16. Important collections were offered, including the Pug Collection, the Issaquah Estate, selections from the Vanderbilt Collection, the Wolverine Collection, the Northern Lights Collection of Proof Buffalo Nickels, and other very impressive properties from many different consignors
Market continues to heavily favor buyer rather than seller
“I’m a buyer at these levels,” appears to be a recent frequently repeated statement at many coin shows nationwide. This reflects the lower spot price of gold and silver, which subsequently is impacting the intrinsic value of many collectible coins.
At the same time some dealers are indicating they are having a difficult time purchasing and stocking anything of significance
Japan plans new coins and banknotes
The current 500 yen is made of Copper-Nickel. Its obverse shows the number “500” surrounded by cherry blossoms. (Image courtesy of NGC
2020 U.S. Coin Digest interview with Richard Giedroyc
For nearly two decades, U.S. Coin Digest has provided a complete, comprehensive and easy-to-use, full-color guide to U
Genuine Coins Have “Style”
While it is obvious today that to authenticate a coin, you must know what the genuine coin should look like, at one time this was taken for granted. When I became an authenticator, I never saw it expressed anywhere! I am certain this primary “rule” of authentication was formalized in print and passed on during our authentication seminars starting in 1973 due to a very fortuitous event.
One day at the Certification Service, we almost returned a very worn 1915-S Pan Pac $50 (carried as a pocket piece) to a walk-in the customer as a cast counterfeit because it looked so crude under a microscope
New Kansas Bill Provides Sales Tax Exemption
On Thursday, May 16, 2019 Kansas governor Laura Kelly signed into law House Bill 2140, which provides a sales-tax exemption on sales of gold and silver coins and on all gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion.
“The outcome is not everything we started with in the original bill, but certainly better than where we were,” said Dean Schmidt (Dean Schmidt Rare Coins). The late Diane Piret, ICTA’s director of legislative affairs, would agree
The Lasting Legacy of the Roman Denarius
Money has sometimes been called the footprints of history. In the case of the ancient Roman denarius, that is certainly true.
Roman Republic C
New Floating Head Variety Discovered
User-submitted photo.
Scott and Vicki Warner of Apollo Beach Coin have discovered the new variety 2019 Floating head Lincoln cent coin. It has graded by ICG as MS65 RD Floating Head Variety
Be On the Lookout for Stolen Gold Coins
In a release received by Numismatic News on May 13, The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) has released the following information in an effort to assist a coin shop in recovering stolen coins.
On May 10, 2019 two suspects, male and female, entered Willard Coin Exchange in Mansfield, Ohio and requested to see gold coins from a showcase. While the male suspect looked at the gold, the female browsed in the shop
MdP Strikes Notre-Dame Rebuild Coins
Within days of a fire destroying a large part of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Monnaie de Paris announced the sale of two gold and one silver proof euros whose sale will contribute to the reconstruction fund of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 2019-dated coins have the same designs as those produced by MdP in 2013 to celebrate the 850th anniversary of this Gothic Cathedral. Both sides of the coin depict the gargoyles, towers and center of the rose window that are among the building’s most recognizable features
Philippines Clamps Down on Mutilating Coins
Most readers are aware the United States has laws regarding mutilated currency. These laws are outlined in Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code.
The United States is not alone in defending its currency from being intentionally defaced
United States Mint Releases War in the Pacific National Historical Park Quarter
ASAN, Guam — United States Mint (Mint) Director David J. Ryder joined an enthusiastic crowd of seven hundred to celebrate the release of the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coin honoring War in the Pacific National Historical Park. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, and site superintendent Barbara Alberti joined Mr
NLG 2019 Awards Competition
The Numismatic Literary Guild (www.NLGonline.org), a nonprofit organization composed of editors, authors and writers who cover news and feature stories about all forms of money, medals and tokens as collectibles, has announced its annual awards competition for 2019
What are the stipulations of legal coin altering?
I recently acquired a coin that has been painted. Is this legal?
Since whomever did this didn’t ‘fraudulently’ alter, deface, or mutilate the coin, painting the coin is legal. Had the person tried to alter the denomination this act would have been illegal
Knight Readies for June International Paper Money Show
The majority of currency collectors among readers are well aware of the impending International Paper Money Show. For those still catching up, the show is June 7 -10 at the Sheraton Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo.
Among regular IPMS attendees are Lyn Knight Auctions
PMG certified notes from Lou Manzi Collection dominate auction
Several of the notes from the Lou Manzi collection that were graded recently by PMG were sold rapidly at the Spink auction on Thursday May 9. The Lou Manzi collection is made up of United Kingdom banknotes, some of them dating back to the 18th century.
Besides the Lou Manzi collection, PMG has graded the Ibrahim Salem Collection of British Commonwealth Banknotes Part I and the Michel Muszynski Collection of Sub-Saharan African Notes
Gold on the rise
Gold has begun to increase in value as this commentary is being written. Fear is gripping the equity markets as stocks get smoked by the tariff war now being waged between the United States and the Peoples’ Republic of China. The question for coin collectors and tangible asset investors is the same—will this war continue and if so how many people may flee equities for the safe haven not only of bullion, but of scarce to rare coins
Great new catalog on P.O.W. camp chits
by Neil Shafer
Everyone can agree that World War II was a global tragedy. Millions were killed, suffering and despair reached new levels, and atrocities were overwhelming. Many of the components of this unforgiving time of the most devastating human degradation imaginable have become targets of detailed research through numismatic channels that teach us all about this dark episode in world history
Tyrants of the Tiber coming to June Long Beach Expo
Coin collectors interested in the “Tyrant Collection” should start booking their plane tickets now. This year, the Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp & Sports Collectible Expo will be featuring the “Tyrants of the Tiber,” which will be “the fourth exhibition in a multi-year series of different displays of portions of the extensive Tyrant Collection.” This collection is known as “the world’s most valuable rare coin collection in private hands” and is insured for more than $30 million for its inaugural debut
Apollo 11 Silver Robbins Medals Sold at Armstrong Family Collection Sale
The second sale of the Armstrong Family Collection, which was entirely certified by Collectibles Authentication Guaranty (CAG), realized more than $2.3 million at Heritage Auctions, May 9. The Armstrong Family Collection features items saved by astronaut Neil Armstrong—the first man to walk on the moon—and his immediate family members
1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella – Current Bid $85,000
In their May 2019 Baltimore – Session 2 – Rarities Night auction taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, Stack’s Bowers will be offering a classic 1879 Flowing Hair Four-Dollar Stella.
Graded PF 66 Ultra Cameo, the current bid stands at $85,000 with just a few days before bidding closes on 5/23/2019.
Classic 1879 Flowing Hair Four-Dollar Stella
Existing Coin/Bullion Sales Tax Exemptions Under Attack
Right now, five states do not impose any state sales taxes (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) and 32 have complete or partial sales tax exemptions on the in-state retail sales of precious metals bullion and rare coins.
On July 1, West Virginia’s sales tax exemption on precious metals bullion and rare coins go into effect. It is possible that, before the end of 2019, there may be another state that adopts such a sales tax exemption
Federal Reserve notes dominate Signature Currency auction
The long awaited Central States auction has come to an end this year. At its end, they reached nearly $34 million dollars in sales. Among all four sections of the auction (U
Osborne Mint Introduces the New American Legacy Collection
Osborne Mint is offering a collection of iconic American coinage designs re-interpreted in one ounce of .999 fine silver. Four classic sculpted profiles will be re-modeled using modern techniques to achieve unheard of design depth and detail
Chicago Coin Club Inducts M. Vernon Sheldon into Hall of Fame
The Chicago Coin Club announces that the fifth person to be inducted into its Hall of Fame is former ANA President and exhibit case manufacturer M. (Merrill) Vernon Sheldon.
M
Stack’s Bowers ANA preview
ANA’s World’s Fair of Money® 2019 is just a few weeks away. For the past several months auction houses across the U.S
DNW Slate Rare Allectus Aureus Find
Rare gold aureus of Allectus, Emperor of Britain 293-296 CE, found in a plowed field in March and scheduled for sale in June by DNW with an estimate c. $90,000-130,000. On the reverse is Sol Invictus with globe, whip and captives
Royal Mint Commemorates D-Day 75th Anniversary
The Royal Mint is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the remarkable D‐Day landings with a special new £2 commemorative coin.
The D-Day commemorative coins will be available in Gold and Silver Proof, Silver Proof Piedfort and Brilliant Uncirculated finishes.
On 6 June 1944, the Allies invaded Normandy in the largest amphibious assault in history
Commission of Fine Arts Makes Recommendations for Coin Designs
The Commission of Fine Arts met on April 18 for their monthly meeting. Among the agenda items was the review of the 2020 Mayflower 400th Anniversary Coin Program, which includes designs for a 24-karat gold coin and silver medal. In a letter dated April 25, 2019, to Mr
Cash is still king- for terrorists
The Rand Corporation recently released a 99-page report on three areas of terrorist financing. These address receipt, management, and spending. One of the conclusions of the report is that privacy coins are conveniently private when storing wealth
Thai Notes sell well in sunny Queensland
Historic Thai notes seldom cross the block in Brisbane, Australia. Bob and Jacquie Innes of Roxbury’s Auction House were a little perplexed when an extensive collection in three albums arrived on consignment for their May auction.
The notes had been assembled over many years
2019 Platinum Bullion Coins Sold Out
Platinum bullion Eagle coin
All 40,000 of the platinum American Eagle bullion coins for 2019 have been sold to authorized dealers and the Mint currently has no plans to strike any additional. The coins went on sale back on January 7 and sold within the first four months.
January: 27,100
February: 2,400
March 4,000
April: 6,500
Silver bullion Eagle coin
For those interested in the silver American Eagle bullion coins, after suspending sales on February 21, the Mint resumed sales on April 1
1,200+ Attend Release Event for American Memorial Park Quarter
GARAPAN, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands—United States Mint (Mint) Director David J. Ryder joined citizens of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) today to launch the new America the Beautiful Quarters® Program Coin honoring American Memorial Park.
The 133-acre park is a tribute to the thousands of American and Marianas people who perished during the Marianas Campaign of World War II
Fetching features at the Whitman 2019 Baltimore expo!
As many numismatists already know the 2019 Whitman Baltimore expo is just a few weeks away and it looks like they’re gearing up for one of the best shows yet!
Along with the Drummer, Fairmont, and Newmark collections, there are four other collections being featured, seven in total, including: the Larry L. Terrell collection, William J. Naddeo collection, Ralph A
With great power comes great responsibILTY
Australia released millions of $50 Australian dollars back in October of 2018, 46 million of which are in circulation. They called these dollars “new and improved” in that they had certain technologies to help prevent counterfeiting. What they failed to see in their mission to better the note, however, was a spelling error
The Bank of England Gold Sale Fiasco
This month marks the 20th anniversary of the decision by former British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown to sell the majority of the British government’s gold reserves, a process that took two years.
At the end of May 1999, the pound was worth about $1.61 US
Central States Auctions Close at $33.7 Million
The Central States Numismatic Society Convention in Chicago featured four distinct Heritage auctions during the period April 24-29, covering U.S. Coins, World Coins, U
PMG hires Matt Quinn as grading finalizer
Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) has hired industry veteran Matt Quinn, who joins its team of expert grading finalizers on May 1.
Quinn has been a professional numismatist for 15 years. Most recently, he operated his own paper money trading company in New Hampshire, which he closed when he accepted a position with PMG due to the company’s strict impartiality requirements
NGC Grades Gold and Palladium Rarities in Germany
The rarities graded on-site will be offered by SINCONA at auction in May.
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) graded two significant collections during its recent on-site grading event in Munich, Germany, held February 18-23, 2019. The collections were submitted by SINCONA AG, a prominent Zurich, Switzerland-based numismatic auction house
South African Mint celebrates 25 years of democracy with new commemorative
Last week the South African Mint Company released a new coin series entitled “Celebrating South Africa” in celebration of South Africa’s 25 years of democracy.
It commemorates the rights and freedoms espoused by South Africa’s Constitution.
On that week 25 years ago, South Africans went to the polls in the country’s first democratic elections following the end of Apartheid rule
Rest in Peace ‘Lincoln Cent Expert’ Sol Taylor
Sol Taylor in 2017 with his grandson while giving a presentation at VBS Day School in Encino, California.
With heavy hearts we are reporting the passing of Sol Taylor, known to many as ‘The Lincoln Cent Expert’ in the hobby.
Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1931, Sol became a collector at an early age, when he began collecting in 1937
NGC to award $20,000 in prizes
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has announced that prizes valued at more than $20,000 will be awarded for the 2019 NGC Registry awards.
The NGC Registry is a free online platform where collectors register and display their NGC-certified coins and compete against other collectors around the world for recognition and prizes. This popular resource now boasts more than 12,000 users, 110,000 registered sets and 1
Chester Krause Video Added to Newman Numismatic Portal
A video of Numismatic News Founder Chester “Chet” Krause has recently been added to the video Library in the Newman Numismatic Portal. The video is an interview from 2011, conducted at the Whitman Expo in Baltimore by David Lisot. Mr
Princeton-bound teen wins 2019 PNG YN scholarship
The Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) 2019 Young Numismatist Scholarship has been awarded to Christian Hartch, 18, of Greenwich, Connecticut
Elongated Coins Commemorate Hawaii’s Fire Fighters
To commemorate International Fire Fighters Day on May 4, Michael Mochizuki has released a new set of copper elongated cents featuring the shoulder patches of the Fire Departments of the four counties in the State of Hawaii, which includes the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Island County, Maui County and Kauai County.
HCFD – Hawaii County Fire Department, est. 1888
HFD – Honolulu Fire Department, City and County of Honolulu, est
Pleasure and Profit: 100 Lessons for Building and Selling a Collection of Rare Coins
Longtime collector Robert Shippee reveals how he carefully assembled a meaningful collection of rare coins in his newly updated edition of Pleasure and Profit: 100 Lessons for Building and Selling a Collection of Rare Coins. His Waccabuc Collection of half cents through $20 gold double eagles sold at public auction for a profitable $1.5 million
Fairmont, Drummer and Newmark Collections Coming to Auction
An outstanding example of a 1916 Standing Liberty quarter in MS-66+ FH (PCGS) CAC will be an eagerly-sought item at the Rarities Night on May 23. (Image courtesy of Stack’s Bowers)
Stack’s Bowers has announced its lineup for the 2019 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Summer Expo in Baltimore, which will include four live sessions and two Internet-only sessions.
The first three live sessions are scheduled for Thursday, May 23 with the fourth live session on Friday, May 24
1964 Kennedy Half Smashes Records
A 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar sold for a world record $108,000, making it the most expensive coin of its type, during a public auction of rare U.S. Coins held Thursday, April 25, 2019, by Heritage Auctions
Federal Reserve Prepares To Ramp Up Inflation
The Federal Reserve Building in Washington, D.C. (Photo credit www
Second 1982-D Small Date Copper Alloy Lincoln cent discovered
A second 1982-D Small Date homogenous copper alloy Lincoln cent has been discovered. Like the original discovery coin this latest find is also graded AU-58. According to the PCGS label it weighs 3
Exhibit Award Winners Announced for 2019 National Money Show
Twenty exhibitors displayed 27 impressive competitive exhibits at the 2019 National Money Show, held March 28-30 in Pittsburgh. The American Numismatic Association recognized each exhibit winner on March 30 during the Exhibit Awards Presentation & Reception, along with two noncompetitive exhibitors who also displayed material.
Michael Kodysz received the Steven J
The Capped Bust Half Dollar, 1807-1836
Today we think of the quarter dollar as the most useful coin in ordinary transactions. This was not always true and prior to 1964, and the Kennedy half dollar, the half dollar was equally popular in many parts of the United States. The mass hoarding of the Kennedy version, and the disappearance of this denomination from our pocket change, has served to make us forget the former importance of the half dollar
BoE Rarities Rule DNW Paper Results
Results from Dix Noonan Webb’s sale of British notes in late March were dominated by Bank of England rarities. There is nothing remarkable in this. Certainly, collectors of Scottish and private banks’ issue expect their moment in the sun from time to time
India struggles against fakes
You know counterfeit coins are a problem when the state archaeological department issues an advisory warning. The situation is so sufficiently serious, that India’s government has recently taken such action.
Bogus examples of popularly collected 17th to 19th century copper shivrai coins issued during the rule of the Marathas are being sold “in the market through portals,” according to several sources
Designs Being Considered for Mayflower Commemorative
Image copyright Getty Images.
The United States Mint, in accordance with The Mayflower Commemorative Coin Act (Bills S.1715 and H
Attendance Tops 3,000 at National Money Show ®
The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2019 National Money Show® in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, welcomed a total of 3,002 people to the three-day event, held March 28-30 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. “The Pittsburgh convention was very successful thanks to the combined efforts of the great ANA staff and the tremendous support provided by PAN [Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists] and its volunteers,” said ANA President Gary Adkins
Is the glass half full or half empty?
The roller coaster US coin market of recent months continues. A dealer’s recent post reading, “I don’t know how you bullion guys do it…rough market out there. Where is the bottom?” recently posted at Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers on Facebook appears to sum it up
Coin Celebrant
By Michael S. Turrini
“Want to go to a coin show?” was the opening question suggested to Donald L. Hill, back in 1968 when he was on active duty stationed at Wiesbaden Air Force Base, in then West Germany
Canada circulates equality dollar
On April 23 the Royal Canadian Mint placed into circulation a one-dollar coin commemorating 50 years of progress in recognizing the rights of LGBTQ2 Canadians. In 1969 the Canadian Parliament decriminalized homosexual acts between consenting people of 21 years or older. Fifty years-on the reverse of the coin bears both the 1969 and 2019 dates along with the words EQUALITY / ÉGALITÉ
Internet drives strong bidding on errors
by Bill Brandimore
First, I need to correct a mistake on the history of Currency Auctions of America and Heritage Currency Auctions. Len Glazer and Allen Mincho corrected me on my history recollections at the PCDA convention in Rosemont, Illinois. CAA started in 1990 and connected with Heritage in 2001
Musings on a guide book of Lincoln cents
by Dennis Tucker
In the United States today the Lincoln cent is the most popular “classic” collector coin. Uniquely, it holds that position while also being one of the most popular modern coins.
To call the Lincoln cent a classic American coin is to group it with Buffalo nickels, Mercury dimes, Standing Liberty quarters, Liberty Walking half dollars, and Saint-Gaudens double eagles—all well-loved series that were born in the “Renaissance” era of U
Learning to recognize friction
Some of you know that ICG has moved into a larger building. After the move, while setting up my library, I came across a small pamphlet that had a profound influence on me decades ago while implementing the “Technical Grading System” we used to identify coins for our internal records at the ANA’s Certification Service in Washington, D.C
The Conundrum of Classic U.S. commemoratives
Shown here is a group of three Commemorative U.S. Coins
14 vie for 9 seats on ANA member board
It’s election season, and not just for state primaries, but for the American Numismatics Association as well. This year the terms of all nine officers expire, which means all nine spots are available. According to the ANA, those elected will be installed at the ANA’s 128th Anniversary Convention in Chicago, Illinois on Aug
Actor finds valuable 2019 “W” quarter
The first 2019-W quarter certified by NGC was graded NGC MS 67 and notes that it was the first certified in the Great American Coin Hunt. (Image courtesy of NGC.)
The first 2019-W Quarter certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) was found by actor Shawn Pyfrom, best known for his recurring role on ABC’s popular “Desperate Housewives” series
Check Your Pocket Change During the Great American Coin Hunt
In an effort to create excitement in coin collecting, hundreds of rare coin dealers across the country are participating in the “Great American Coin Hunt” (www.GreatAmericanCoinHunt.com), just one of the activities planned during the 96th annual National Coin Week (www
Spink Claims Hong Kong $84,084 record
That incandescent dragon that Chinese paper money has become continues to roar mightily in Hong Kong. Anyone with remaining doubts in this matter need only scan the results of Spink China’s three-day sale in late March.
Day one of the sale concerned the banknotes of Macau and Hong Kong
Dr. Miller’s 37 Crowns realize $606,728
In an apt piece of historic irony Charles II beat-out Cromwell’s Commonwealth at Spink’s late March sale of the fabled Miller Collection of English silver crowns.
Mere adjectives do not do justice to the collection of Dr. Erik Miller
Is Online Collecting Next?
Coin collectors are used to being able to see, touch, and examine their coins. They can share their coins with others. They can belong to clubs
Morgan Dollars Headline Heritage Platinum Night at Central States
A total of 58 lots will be offered in “The Perfection Collection of DMPL/Prooflike Morgan Dollars” during Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night on April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Central States Numismatic Society Show in Schaumburg, Illinois
$10 War of 1812 Treasury note claims top sale at ANA money show
Bidders’ remorse does not apply to this top sale item! At the Kagin’s Auction ANA annual money show this year in Pittsburgh, Pa, the $10 U.S. Treasury Note of the War of 1812 brought home the top sale of $336,000, which included the buyer’s premium
Scope of numismatic hobby is changing
The overall direction of the market for collectible coins continues to be unfolding. The recent Pittsburgh National Money Show auction realized more than was anticipated, but a closer examination of the highlighted coins indicates most hammer prices when compared to the overall market were stagnant.
The trending value of Indian cents and Morgan silver dollars, both perennially popular with collectors, has been generally in decline
NSI Points to an Attractive Investment
It is always challenging to estimate how well coin dealers are doing. Most dealers are small enterprises, many of them composed of ‘Mom and Pop,’ but unlikely to have many employees. Even many of the larger companies such as Heritage, Goldberg, Kagins, SilverTowne and the like are privately held companies whose performance can only be evaluated if auction hammer prices are available
Crown of Thorns cast for new bullion coin
(Image courtesy of the Scottsdale Mint.)
This year as part of their annual installment of the Biblical Silver Coin Series, the Scottsdale mint is releasing a Crown of Thorns 2oz Antique-Proof Silver coin. The obverse of the coin shows the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse shows a crowd of people huddled near Jesus
Spink slates BoE 1797 £1 #2
All those interested in British paper need to put a large red circle around Thursday, May 9. On that day Spink UK will offer two collections that epitomize the very best of English banknote collecting: those of Lou Manzi and A.J
Two Split $5,000 Reward for Lowell ‘W’ Quarter Finds
Ted Robinson: PCGS Grader Ted Robinson verifying the grade of one of the two PCGS First Discovery 2019-W Lowell quarters. (Photo courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS
Spring 2019 Baltimore auction totals over $21 million
The Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring Expo gathered collectors from all over the country to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor for the first of three exciting Expo auctions in 2019. This event met with resounding success, with over $10.3 million in United States coins sold out of $20,848,000 in overall prices realized
You should be an exhibit judge
Most decent size coin shows have a section of the floor devoted to exhibits. While they may not involve items for sale or purchase, I try to make time at such shows to tour the variety of interesting displays that often enhance my numismatic knowledge.
Several years ago, I decided that my experience could be put to use as an exhibit judge
Hong kong auction realizes nearly $7 million
Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio have announced the results of their Spring 2019 auction presented in conjunction with the 6th Hong Kong Coin Show held at the Mira Hotel. The vibrant market, aided by an impressive and dynamic offering of desirable rarities, helped the sale exceed expectations, with total prices realized of $6,969,395 (all prices reported include the standard buyer’s premium). Complete prices realized can be found in the Stack’s Bowers Auction Archives
Proof of the Month: 1869 Treasury Note
By Peter Huntoon
Shown is a $50 Series of 1869 Treasury Note proof (top) of a design in the rainbow series that was not used. Instead the adopted design (Fr.151) features the portrait of Henry Clay (bottom)
American Buffalo Proof 1 Oz. gold released
The United States Mint released the new American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Proof coin on April 12. The American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin is the first 24-karat gold proof coin ever struck by the U.S
An outstanding offering at the 80th Anniversary Central States Auction
1805 Half dollar: This 1805/4 O-101 Draped Bust Half Dollar, MS65, is arguably the finest known. It recently brought $111,625 as part of the D. Brent Pogue Collection in May, 2015, certified MS65 PCGS
Lichtenstein marks 300th anniversary
Lichtenstein’s gold 100-franken (above) and silver 5-franken (lower left) commemoratives struck to mark the 300th anniversary of the creation on the Principality of Lichtenstein. (Images courtesy and © Coin Invest Trust.)
On Jan
Serial number creates VICTORY series mystery
By Neil Shafer
The U.S.-Philippine 500-pesos note of the VICTORY series has turned out to be something of a real mystery
New Zealand honors cultural heroes
Over the past two years, New Zealand has issued a series of gold and silver coins to celebrate the great Māori cultural hero Māui-tikitiki. In February, two gold $10s and silver $1s were released. These tell the story of how Māui brought fire to the world
Grand Gorge note recalls railroad history
By Peter Huntoon
Lee Lofthus was surprised and delighted to win this gorgeous note in the 2018 Heritage FUN sale from a small unincorporated hamlet within Roxbury Township on the west edge of the Catskill Mountains in New York state.
Grand Gorge is situated in a wide gentle valley through which Bear Kill flows southward toward its junction with the East Branch of the Delaware River. The town was named for the Grand Gorge Rail Station, which in turn was named for a 40-foot or so deep railroad cut through a nearby hill along what became the Ulster & Delaware Railroad
Serious interest focused on specialty areas
The question of whether coins are an investment or a store of value can be debated, but neither of these addresses the paramount issue of pride in ownership. Each individual must decide for himself if this is a hobby or an investment.
(Image courtesy of www
Legendary Canadian collection heading to auction
The world’s most comprehensive and complete collection of Canadian coins ever assembled – including Canada’s 1911 Silver Dollar and the finest known 1936 Dot Cent – is heading to auction (and into Canadian history) later this year.
Featured in the auction is a George V one dollar 1911 Specimen Ex. Belzberg
PNG strengthens anti-counterfeiting bylaws
As part of the organization’s anti-counterfeiting efforts, the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) added additional conduct restrictions last month to its Code of Ethics regarding involvement with fakes
Revolutionary medal at Whitman Summer Expo
From the estate of Alfred B. Carb, The Washington before Boston medal in silver will be presented in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Summer Expo from May 22-24 in Baltimore, Md.
The “1776” (1790) Washington Before Boston Medal, Silver, 68mm, Musante GW-09-P1, Baker-47, Adams & Bentley-3, Betts-542, Julian MI-1, PCGS graded Specimen-61
NGC grades mistakenly released Reverse Proof Cent
Close-up view of the 2019-W Reverse Proof Lincoln Cent obverse, which was mistakenly released early by the U.S. Mint
Founding Fathers 2019 Currency Set sells out
Released on Feb. 19, the America’s Founding Fathers 2019 Currency Set appeared to be an instant hit with collectors. In fact, all 5,000 that were available were sold out in less than a week!
Shown is the America’s Founding Fathers 2019 Currency Set featuring the two notes with matching beginning serial numbers ‘2019
‘W’ mint quarters could create new collectors
New “W”-mintmarked quarters from the U.S. Mint will be released randomly into circulation
Smithsonian acquire BCA coin trio
The surcharge on sales from this $5 pink gold coin went to fund research by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the United States and abroad. (Image courtesy of Smithsonian, photo by Hugh Talman.)
On March 19, three coins from the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program were added to the Smithsonian’s National Philanthropy Collection, including the first ever pink-hued gold coin
Smithsonian acquires BCA coin trio
The surcharge on sales from this $5 pink gold coin went to fund research by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the United States and abroad. (Image courtesy of Smithsonian, photo by Hugh Talman.)
On March 19, three coins from the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program were added to the Smithsonian’s National Philanthropy Collection, including the first ever pink-hued gold coin
New edition on the ‘King of American Coins’
The Morgan silver dollar is considered the “King of American Coins,” named after their designer, “the English-born engraver George T. Morgan.” It is “linked historically to the U
Large size notes command top dollar
The results are in from the Spring 2019 Baltimore Stack’s Bowers auction, and the large size notes demanded collectors’ attention. This was especially true of Lot 4037, which was the “only privately held 1891 $1000 ‘Marcy’ Silver Certificate.” Known as “The King of Silver Certificates,” it was PCGS graded VF25
Canada’s Voyageur silver dollar design revisited
The design of the reverse of this large silver 2019 25 cents is based on preliminary sketches of Emanuel Hahn for his Voyageur silver dollar of 1935. (Image courtesy of Royal Canadian Mint)
Recent years have seen several world mints revisit classic designs of former coins. The Royal Canadian Mint is no exception
World rarities crown April Spink sale
A major treat awaits collectors of world paper come mid-April. The contents of four major collections provide the focus of Spink London’s Apr. 17-18 sale
CCAC chair Thomas J. Uram to speak April 11 in Michigan
Thomas J. Uram
On Thursday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m
Royal Mint issues first Matt-finish sovereign
This year’s matt finish BRM sovereign. (mage courtesy & © 2019 The Royal Mint)
Earlier this year, Britain’s Royal Mint announced the launch of the first BU sovereign having “a special Matt finish,” as opposed to the traditional Proof finish.
The reverse of the 2019-dated, 22
Market lacks consistent overall direction
The scorecard appears to read: “scarce to rare coins up, bullion impacted coins down.” So goes the state of the current market for both collectible and for bullion coins.
Auction houses and high-end coin dealers continue to report strong sales
West Virginia to end sales taxation on gold and silver
Many argue that purchasing bullion coins, like this $50 gold Buffalo, is no different than “purchasing” two ten dollar bills with a twenty dollar bill at the bank. (Image courtesy of The United States Mint)
By unanimous vote on March 8, the West Virginia Legislature approved Senate Bill 502, originally introduced by Sen. Craig Blaire (R-Martinsburg), which called for the exemption of taxation on sales of investment metal bullion and investment coins
Five-ounce silver honors WWII Marianas Campaign
The American Memorial Park uncirculated five-ounce is the second released in 2019 as part of the America the Beautiful program.
The United States Mint is now accepting orders for the newest 2019 America the Beautiful five-ounce silver uncirculated coin. This coin honors the American Memorial Park in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which is located in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean
Heritage offers beautifully textured 1914 half eagle
As part of Heritage Auctions’ Central States U.S. Coins Signature Auction, April 25-28, a 1914 half eagle, PR67 NGC, JD-1, Low R
Argentina gold tops Sedwick’s May auction
Argentina (River Plate Provinces), 8 escudos, 1832/1P, La Rioja mint, NGC MS 62.
A rare early Argentinean gold coin in a remarkably high grade is coming up for auction May 2-3 as part of Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC’s Treasure, World, U.S
2020 ‘Red Book’ reports dramatic changes
The newest edition of the coin hobby’s annual Guide Book of United States Coins (popularly known as the “Red Book”) debuted on April 9. The 73rd edition (with a cover date of 2020) features extensively updated pricing and auction data reflecting the current market for collectible coins, which has seen dramatic ups and downs in the past year.
According to senior editor Jeff Garrett, “The 2020 edition reflects many changes in pricing and discoveries in numismatic scholarship made over the past year
The negatives of Precious Metals IRAs
Over the past 15 years or so, I have written about the risks and limitations when using a self-directed Precious Metals Individual Retirement Account (IRA) as a means for owning physical precious metals. It has now been enough years since I last did so that it makes sense to again review the negatives.
1
Silver miniature €200 from Dutch Mint
In late January, Koninklijke Neder-landse Munt (Royal Dutch Mint) announced release of a miniature silver version of the €200 bank note, the highest euro denomination currently in circulation. This follows the successful issue of a similar silver €500 last year.
Face of the miniature silver €200 recently issued by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt
Medal honors Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise
The Jewish-American Hall of Fame series of medals was launched 50 years ago under the direction of Mel Wacks, who continues to guide what is now the longest continuing series of art medals in the United States and perhaps the world. These medals were created by renowned medalists, such as Eugene Daub, designer of a dozen issues including the latest honoring Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise (1819-1900).
The 2-inch diameter Isaac Mayer Wise art medals are limited to no more than 150 bronze, 75 pure silver (3 oz
ANA preparing for 2019 National Coin Week
A 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary five-ounce proof silver dollar will be awarded as the grand prize during a National Coin Week contest sponsored by the American Numismatic Association. Currently unavailable for purchase at the Mint’s website, the coin was offered for $229.95
Of coins and chronograms
Reverse of Nürnberg 8 ducat whose 1721 date is shown as the chronogram MDCCVVVVI in the reverse legend. (Image courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
The top-selling lot at Stack’s Bowers’ NYINC world coin sale back in January had its date woven into its reverse legend as a chronogram. Whether or not this aspect of the coin contributed to the U
DNW offers Indian Haj Pilgrimage Rs100 pair
Among the many world rarities that will be offered in Dix Noonan Webb’s world paper April 16 sale will be an extremely rare consecutive pair of Reserve Bank of India Haj Pilgrimage Rs100 (P-R6).
The pair of Reserve Bank of India Haj Rs100 that will be sold separately in April by DNW in PMG30 VF, with estimates of $40,000-46,000 apiece. (Photos courtesy DNW)
The paper of the two notes, HA 020594 and HA 020595, is in excellent condition and lacks any graffiti
Woodland Spirits series features fairy-tale hero
The obverse (top) depicts a forest scene in the background and, in the front, the emblem of the central bank of Mongolia below in Cyrillic lettering and 500 Togrog in Latin lettering MONGOLIA 1 oz .999 SILVER. The reverse (bottom) features the slightly left-facing portrait of a rabbit hiding in a field of flowers
‘Curious Currency’ tells story of money
On March 12, Whitman Publishing debuted the second edition of Robert D. Leonard Jr.’s Curious Currency: The Story of Money from the Stone Age to the Internet Age
Morgan prices suggest collector interests are shifting
There may be more of a shift in the market for coins than is being recognized. While the more highly desirable Morgan silver dollars (date or condition rarities) continue to hold their value, there are few that have increased significantly in value recently. The market for all other Morgan silver dollars remains weak, with some price declines appearing regularly
ATB uncirculated set available
(Image courtesy www.usmint.gov)
Collectors can now purchase an America the Beautiful Quarters 2019 Uncirculated Coin Set from the United States Mint for $13
February coin production down overall
February production totals are in and are down 251,200,000, or 16.67%, from January. While this may seem like a significant drop, it is important to consider that January’s production totals had increased over December’s by a whopping 169%
Bowers & Merena catalogs added to Newman portal
Professional Coin Grading Service and Newman Numismatic Portal announce the full-view availability of Bowers & Merena (and predecessor) auction sale catalogs on NNP.
PCGS holds electronic rights to Bowers & Merena publications prior to February 2004 and is making this content available to NNP on a non-exclusive basis. The series consists of approximately 200 auction sale catalogs from 1972 to 2004, featuring legendary collections such as Garrett, Norweb, Eliasberg, and Bass
Rarities bring fabulous prices for Legend
Taking top honors in the auction was this 1795 $10 gold piece, graded MS64+ by PCGS. Winning bid was $822,500. (Images courtesy Legend Rare Coin Auctions)
In a fantastic sale featuring 497 hand-selected coins from several amazing cabinets, Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ 32nd Regency Auction set many records, as an extremely active room and internet bidding drove prices up
Radiating ‘Sunburst Variety’ discovery
By Michael S. Fey and Yosef Baker
This is to report the discovery of a new kind of die variety that we are calling the “Sunburst Variety.” It has multiple radiating die stress cracks or incised lines extending from Lady Liberty’s shoulder and arm
Chinese proof brings $240,000 for Stack’s Bowers
A 1975 2-yuan proof note from China was the star of Stack’s Bowers’ paper money auction held March 25 in Hong Kong.
“Iron Man” Wang Jinxi, regarded as a hero in the People’s Republic of China for his work in 1960 at the Daqing Oil Field, appears on the front of this 1975 2-yuan proof note from China. It sold for $240,000 in Stack’s Bowers’ March 25 paper money auction held in Hong Kong
Federal Reserve capitulates again
Seal of the United States Federal Reserve System.
On Sept. 20, 2017, the Federal Open Market Committee announcement included an unusual statement in its next-to-last paragraph: “In October the Committee will initiate the balance sheet normalization process described in June 2017 Addendum to the Committee’s Policy Normalization Principles and Plans
Great British Coin Hunt 2019 underway
Last year, Britain’s Royal Mint sparked a nationwide coin hunt. It put into circulation 26 new 10-pence coins. Each bore a different letter of the alphabet accompanied by an appropriate A-Z design
Spring cleaning your coin collection
A basic inventory of the items in your collection should be a top priority.
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D
War of 1812 notes coming to auction
On March 29 in Pittsburgh, Pa., Kagin’s Auctions will offer notes from the War of 1812 from the Joel R. Anderson collection as a part of the annual ANA National Money Show auction
Note varieties can be spice of life
By Neil Shafer
It is generally acknowledged that the main difference between a collector and a student of numismatics is the emphasis placed on the multitude of major (and often minor) variations as opposed to the simple amassing of any given collection, often by main type. Obviously, it is a lot easier to collect by type, as then you are interested in acquiring only a single example representing quite possibly hundreds of all kinds of variations.’
Here are two different printings of the Veracruz issue 2 pesos, both dated Feb
Queen Anne 5 guineas takes record $1.1 million
The rare Queen Anne VIGO 5 guineas of 1703 (KM-520.1; S-3561) that realized $1,080,000 at Baldwins of St. James’s New York Premier Sale – a world record price for a British coin
Report on making currency in 1877
A remarkable report documents the steps involved in handling currency sheets as they passed through the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in 1877 on their way to becoming notes. The value of this report is twofold. First, it precisely lays out the order in which the various items were printed on the sheets
Monnaie de Paris celebrates fall of Berlin Wall
This Nov. 9 marks the 30th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. To commemorate the historic occasion, Monnaie de Paris has issued a spectacular group of three gold and three silver euros
Distinct segments determine market
(Image courtesy of www.kitco.com)
There is no singular coin market
Fligel launches bullion, rare coins firm
Robert Fligel
Robert Fligel, prominent New York City and former Big 4 Certified Public Accountant and CPA firm advisor, has opened a rare coins and precious metals consulting company, RF Precious Metals, LLC, to assist collectors, investors, financial planners, and asset and estate managers with buying and selling of rare coins and bullion coins.
Based in Greenwich, Conn., the company is a Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) Authorized Dealer and offers advice on IRA and other strategies in the acquisition and disposition of bullion and coins, as well as assistance with insurance and storage
Canadian coin marks province anniversary
A new silver $1 Canadian commemorative marks the 70th anniversary of Newfoundland & Labrador’s transformation from a British colony to Canada’s newest province.
A new silver $1 coin from the Royal Canadian Mint recaptures the design of the 1949 silver dollar marking Newfoundland and Labrador’s transformation from a British colony to Canada’s newest province.
This coin’s reverse features the Matthew, the sailing vessel that intrepid European explorer John Cabot sailed to Newfoundland’s shores in 1497
Launch events set for new quarters
The latest additions to the America the Beautiful quarter series will be coins depicting the American Memorial Park (top), which pays tribute to the sacrifices made by American troops and residents of Saipan during the Marianas Campaign of World War II, and War in the Pacific (bottom), which honors the men and women who participated in Pacific Theater campaigns during the same conflict.
A pair of two-day events will mark the launch of the newest America the Beautiful quarters from the U.S
Treasury Notes of the War of 1812
Author Donald H. Kagin, Ph.D
New ‘100 Greatest Ancient Coins’ edition out
“100 Greatest Ancient Coins, Second Edition” by Harlan J. Berk
A new and expanded second edition of 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, authored by noted historian and professional coin dealer Harlan J. Berk, debuted on March 12 from Whitman Publishing
Dealer paperwork burdens are soaring
The U.S. Supreme Court decision last June in South Dakota v
Johnston named VP at Heritage Auctions
Dustin Johnston (Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions)
At the end of January, Heritage Auctions announced that Dustin Johnston has been promoted to Vice President.
Now in his 20th year with the firm, Johnston has been active in just about every aspect of the business.
Most recently, as Director of the Heritage Auctions Currency department, he oversaw all aspects of the department, including consignment acquisitions, purchasing, catalogs, and inventory management
Aethelstan and Matlida lead Williams IV sale
Spink’s sale of Allan Williams’ remarkable collection of Anglo-Saxon and Norman coins was completed on Jan. 29 when the fourth and final tranche was offered. This comprised some 180 coins of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Kent, Mercia, East-Anglia, and Wessex plus numerous pennies of the Anglo-Saxon kings of all England
Libertas Americana medal realizes $17,435
Top billing at DNW’s February coin and medal sale: 1781 Libertas Americana medal, designed by Benjamin Franklin and Esprit-Antoine Gibelin and engraved by Augustin Dupré, which took $17,435 in PCGS MS62 BN. (Images courtesy and © DNW, London)
The American War of Independence achieved top-billing at Dix Noonan Webb’s late February coin and medal sale.
On offer was a 47 mm bronze medal engraved by Augustin Dupré celebrating the impending independence of the United States
DNW sells historic Amalia Island medal
Green Cross of Florida, Amalia Island medal in copper that sold at Dix Noonan Webb’s January sale for $4,986. (Images courtesy DNW)
Tucked away towards the back of DNW’s recent coin and medal catalog was a noteworthy historic piece with strong U.S
Attractive notes from rural Kansas
By Mark Hotz
February was quite the cold and snowy month across much of the country. While we in Baltimore shivered at temperatures below 20 degrees, much of the country suffered much worse. One can hardly imagine living in Iowa with temperatures below -20 degrees Fahrenheit
China honors new HZM Bridge
A stunning perspective view of parts of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge features on the reverse of the silver 10 yuan struck to mark the opening of world’s longest sea crossing. (Image courtesy China Gold)
The longest sea crossing and the longest fixed link on the planet, the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge, was opened to the public last October.
To commemorate the event, the People’s Bank of China has issued a 40 mm, 30 g,
Goldfield notes never circulated
By Peter Huntoon
I profiled the 150 sheets of 10-10-10-20 brown backs sent to The First National Bank of Goldfield, Iowa – the only notes the bankers received – in my April 2018 “Proof of the Month” column because those 600 notes represented the fifth-smallest total sent to an Iowa bank during the note-issuing era and because Goldfield is such an unexpected town name for Iowa.
Steve Sweeney, co-author of Iowa National Bank Notes, advised that he thought none of the notes were put into circulation. I dug out the ledger page for the bank at the National Archives and confirmed that he was correct
Bullion settles into newer, higher trading range
by Richard Giedroyc
It appears gold and silver have each recently settled into a new and higher trading range. It is challenging to get a fix on how this has impacted the sale of bullion coins, but we know the U.S
Heritage Auctions reports another successful year
Heritage Auctions reports that the firm’s auction sales of U.S. rare coins climbed by 11 percent, from $169,101,766 to $187,825,708, between 2017 and 2018
Gold coins take center stage in Baltimore sale
The top two lots in Stack’s Bowers’ recent Baltimore Spring Expo sale.
At the Stack’s Bowers auction hosted during the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Spring Expo, three gold coins rose to the top of the list.
An 1879 $4 Flowing Hair Stella graded NGC PF65 Ultra Cameo took top honors, closing at $240,000
Rare 1877 gold $50 pattern up for bid
(Images courtesy Kagin’s Auctions)
A rare and impressive 1877 $50 Half Union Pattern (J-1547) will be included in Kagin’s ANA National Money Show Auction, set for Mar. 28-29 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Among the most celebrated of U
Rocketship set launches near sellout
The Mint’s new Rocketship set. (Image courtesy www.usmint
Update on coins, precious metals sales tax exemptions
As of right now, 37 states have either no state sales taxes at all (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon) or have complete or partial sales tax exemptions on the in-state retail sales of coins and precious metals bullion. That may soon change.
All ten of the most populous states and 17 of the 20 most populous have such exemptions, so that well over 80% of the nation’s residents have such an exemption where they live
Yutzy joins David Lawrence Rare Coins
Brian Yutzy
David Lawrence Rare Coins recently announced that Brian Yutzy has joined the Virginia Beach office as a Senior Numismatist and Buyer.
He will be serving his existing clients as well as helping DLRC serve a wider base of customers throughout the country.
Yutzy comes to DLRC after spending over 30 years in the coin business, most recently for Heritage Auctions
Texas ‘Coin Nerds’ celebrate fifth year
Al Stern (far left) and the Texas “Coin Nerds” study group.
Five years ago, Al Stern – an award-winning, professional ASA-certified numismatic appraiser – decided to open his gallery office to a regular monthly evening for Houston area collectors.
Stern started his teaching of various numismatic topics in 1983
U.S. Mint recognizes Women’s History Month
Since 1988, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women’s History Month
Rare 1905 tael fronts Spink HK sale
Rare Honan Yu Chuan Official Bank 1 tael of 1905 (PNL; SM-Y20) to be offered by Spink China in their March sale graded PMG 30 Very Fine (Annotations) with an estimate of $85,000-150,000. Those “annotations” in the right margin provide the anti-counterfeiting clause. (Image courtesy and © Spink China)
Spink China’s first Numismatic Collector’s Series sale of the year is scheduled for Mar
Canada coin pair recalls D-Day landing
TOP: Reverse of a Canadian $100 gold proof remembering the landing of 14,000 Canadian troops at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944. BOTTOM: An apprehensive young Canadian soldier pauses momentarily on the reverse of a 2019 silver dollar before leaping into the surf to make his contribution to the D-Day landings. (Images courtesy Royal Canadian Mint)
Seventy-five years ago on Tuesday, June 6, 1944, the largest seaborne invasion in history took place when Allied troops stormed ashore in Normandy
Highest-rated condition rarity shines
By Neil Shafer
This 50 centavos Revolution issue from Yucatan is one of the highest-rated condition rarities I have ever encountered. In every other instance where I have seen any example, the back design and, most assuredly, any text of any kind is practically indecipherable.
The note shown here is the single piece in uncirculated condition that I have ever come across
Domed silver $5 shows sun
Obverse and reverse of the latest domed RAM silver $5 that celebrates our life-giving sun, as well as an edge-on view. (Images courtesy & © RAM)
The latest 39.62 mm, 1 oz
New clients needed to kick market into high gear
The recent vertical trend for the price of gold and silver bullion, as well as in bullion and in bullion-impacted coins, took a breather as this commentary is being written. There have been a few naysayers who are calling this noticeable price decline a correction, but that is doubtful since the metals appear to be performing in tandem to the ups and downs of our currently volatile stock market.
Are the values of coins now tied to the stock market? That is doubtful, but since most collectible coins are purchased with discretionary rather than with investment money, the changes in coin values can’t be viewed in a vacuum, either
Heritage spotlights Lake Country Collection
Heritage’s upcoming Central States World Coins Signature Auction, scheduled for Apr. 25-30, will be loaded with outstanding material, with an especially strong selection of British coins.
One of the featured offerings in the sale will be The Lake Country Collection, a privately assembled group of nearly 300 coins, mostly British
Centennial Collection highlights Kagin’s sale
1839 No Drapery Seated Liberty half dollar (Images courtesy Kagin’s Auctions)
Nearly 300 lots of U.S. copper, silver, and gold coins from the decades-old Centennial Collection are part of the Kagin’s Auctions ANA National Money Show sale, session one, set for Thursday, Mar
Legend offers ‘Supernova’ double eagle
This spectacular 1857-S double eagle, recovered in 2014 from the fabled S.S. Central America and now nicknamed “Supernova” because of its amazing and unique natural toning, will be offered to the public for the first time through Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Everhart featured in ANA Legacy Series
Don Everhart
Multifaceted artist and former U.S. Mint Engraver Don Everhart will be featured as part of the most recent ANA Legacy Series, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, at 3 p
New edition of ‘Barber Silver Coins’ available
By Dennis Tucker
The silver coins of U.S. Mint chief engraver Charles Barber have enjoyed a rise in popularity in recent decades, and aficionados are now able to enjoy a new second edition of the popular reference A Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins
Why you want lower gold and silver prices
I advocate that the prudent person should allocate a minor percentage of their investment portfolio or net worth to the ownership of bullion-priced physical gold and silver. In my mind, this is buying “wealth insurance.”
The concept behind doing so is that the value of gold and silver tends to move counter to the changing values of paper assets such as stocks, bonds, and paper currencies
PNG prepares to recognize achievements
The Professional Numismatists Guild is now is accepting nominations for its 2019 awards, according to Executive Director Robert Brueggeman and President Barry Stuppler.
“Each year, PNG publicly recognizes outstanding achievements in the hobby and the profession by honoring deserving recipients with awards in a half-dozen categories,” said Brueggeman.
“We cordially welcome and strongly encourage nominations from all collectors and dealers
Nominations sought for Kreuzer Award
The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) is seeking nominees for its third annual Alan Kreuzer Memorial Award.
This award recognizes vigorous anti-counterfeiting efforts of collectors, dealers, law enforcement agents, or others diligently trying to protect the numismatic marketplace from counterfeit coins and bank notes, as well as fake third-party encapsulation holders, during the past year.
“Previous recipients have included individuals who helped catch counterfeiters or identified suspects selling fakes, or significantly helped combat counterfeiting by generously donating to the foundation,” explained ACEF Executive Director Robert Brueggeman
IPMS seeks speakers for upcoming event
The International Paper Money Show is seeking speakers for its annual summer gathering, scheduled for June 13-16 in Kansas City, Kan.
Now in its 43rd year, IPMS is the leading educational paper money event of the year. The group is seeking presentations on any fiscal paper or fiscal paper tie-in topic and is always looking for new speakers with new topics
Britain’s 50-pence coin turns 50
Fifty years ago, the Great British heptagonal cupro-nickel 50 pence arrived in pockets, purses, and wallets throughout the United Kingdom.
To celebrate the anniversary, Britain’s Royal Mint has announced the striking of a set of five commemorative coins. The five subjects are those that have proved most popular among collectors over the past five decades: Britannia, Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and Kew Gardens
Bi-color rotary unit led to note error
By Peter Huntoon
How did this strange misaligned overprint error occur where the green Treasury seal landed on the same spot as the right serial number?
A logical assumption would be that the green elements are printed on one mono-color unit in the overprinting press and the black on another, thus making this error impossible.
This note was overprinted on a COPE numbering and sealing press. An interesting characteristic of the COPE machine that overprinted this note is that the seals and district identifiers were printed from one rotary unit in the machine and the serial numbers from a second unit
‘Fraternity’ closes Marianne trilogy
Obverses of gold 250 euro (top) and silver 100 euro (center) “Marianne 2019” coins, along with silver reverse (bottom). (Images courtesy Monnaie de Paris)
Since 2008, Monnaie de Paris has revisited a number of historic French numismatic themes.
Two years ago, it commenced a trilogy paying tribute to Marianne, whose face first appeared on a French coin in 1871, a 5 centime (KM-821
Queens confused on Costa Rican notes
For reasons best known to the issuing banks, several early Costa Rican bank notes show vignettes of one and possibly two British Queens – although one was merely a Princess at time of issue.
Not Queen Victoria: The El Banco Anglo-Costa-Ricense 50 pesos specimen of 1 January 1864 (P-S110s) sold at Spink’s NYINC sale with its central vignette showing Princess Alexandra of Wales. (Image courtesy and © Spink)
One such note formed part of the “The Ibrahim Salem Collection of South America” offered by Spink in their Jan
Bullion uptick earns collector, speculator attention
The market continues to move in several directions, with well-focused specialists enjoying reasonable priced coins that appear to have future upside potential. Those people interested in bullion and bullion-impacted yet collectible coins are enjoying noticeable price appreciation, much of this based on the increased value of the U.S
Scottsdale Mint series features Samson
Now in its fifth year, the Biblical Silver Coin Series from Scottsdale Mint features the theme “Samson Slays the Lion” on its first 2019 installment.
Reverse (left) and obverse (right) of Scottsdale Mint’s “Samson Slays the Lion” silver $2 coin for 2019.
The
2019 Proof Sets offered
The U.S. Mint began accepting orders for its 2019 Proof Sets on March 1
CSNS announces new Bowers Award
The Central States Numismatic Society has announced the creation of the Q. David Bowers Award in recognition of lifetime achievement by a numismatic professional.
This award is designed to recognize the unselfish devotion, scholarly contributions, and investments of time and resources made by a numismatic professional to the hobby
Another rare 1943 copper cent slabbed
(Image courtesy NGC)
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation has certified another 1943 copper cent, one that was found in a gumball machine decades ago.
The 1943 copper cent is generally regarded as the most famous of all mint errors. As most collectors know, all 1943 cents were supposed to have been struck in zinc-coated steel so that copper could be conserved for more important uses during World War II
Temporary sellout of silver bullion Eagles
(Image courtesy www.usmint.gov)
The big news this week from the U
What monetary system would you create?
I recently returned from attending the Anarchopulco 2019 conference in Acapulco, Mexico. One of the sessions discussed the wide range of options available to a newly established homestead positioned in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Thailand far enough offshore that it is beyond the jurisdiction of any government. The company that manufactured this home, which has a planned life of more than a century, hopes to soon have a community of at least 20 such autonomous residences in this neighborhood
Star notes up and down from auction to auction
By Bill Brandimore
I thought I’d start my column with an interesting quote. I am preparing an exhibit of (gasp) coins for the Michigan State show in April. It will be on large cents, so the quote is from The Cent Book, 1816-1839
Heritage sells rare off-metal gold patterns
There is just one word to describe the results of Heritage’s NYINC world coins sale. That word is, “Wow!”
The total realized for the Jan. 6-7 rostrum auction was $15,280,183
Historic German gold tops Stack’s sale
When the dust settled at Stack’s Bowers’ NYINC world coin sale, ten of the top twelve items came from Germany or Britain. Six of those ten consisted of historic German gold.
Extremely rare gold Nürnberg 8 ducat of 1721-PGN (KM-287; Fr-1904) that sold for $78,000 at Stack’s Bowers’ NYINC sale in January
Zanzibar note tops FUN World Currency sale
Heritage Auctions’ paper money team should be more than content with the results of their Jan. 9-15 FUN World Currency Signature sale in Orlando At hammer fall, the total realized had achieved a most satisfactory $2,042,662, with 32 lots fetching in excess of $10,000.
Two major collections contributed to the majority of top prices: The Minot Collection and Yuri Solovey Collection of Canada
CNG’s Triton XXII realizes $10.5 million
Masterwork: Kimon’s rendering of the nymph Arethousa dominates this Sicilian silver tetradrachm of the Second Democracy c. 406-405 BCE. The quality of this piece caused the CNG cataloger to wax poetic: “The composition’s beautiful three-dimensional perspective is augmented by a fluid style that effectively conveys the natural motion of the nymph’s hair in her liquid environment
Canada leads Stack’s Bowers at NYINC
High-grade Canadian notes took first, second, and third top prices at Stack’s Bowers’ NYINC World Paper Money Sale in early January.
A young George V features on the top-selling Government of Newfoundland 1920 1 dollar (NF-12d) from Stack’s Bowers’ NYINC sale in January. The note took $26,400 in fabulous PCGS Gem New 66 PPQ condition
Spink sells rare gold in superior grade
A number of rare gold 10 ducats in superior grade provided a highlight of Spink’s NYINC Numismatic Collector’s Sale held over Jan. 13-17.
Top-selling Transylvanian 10 ducat issue of Leopold I struck at the Klausenburg [Cluj] mint 1696
Spotty appreciation at top of the food chain
Minor-denomination coins are usually the realm of the specialist. Prices for these areas remain primarily dormant, with some modest reductions in value. Having said that, those same coins that are certified to be at the top of the food chain are showing what I would term “spotty” areas of appreciation, suggesting the major interest in these areas is focused at the top
Bradford launches Legacy Currency Grading service
Jason W. Bradford
Well-known paper money authentication expert Jason W. Bradford has launched a new paper money grading and authentication service, Legacy Currency Grading
Native American $1 celebrates contributions to Space Program
In February, the United States Mint released the 2019 Native American $1 coin. Its reverse pays homage to the contributions of Native Americans to the nation’s Space Program.
The design shows mathematician and engineer Mary Golda Ross writing calculations
Jimenez earns COTY Lifetime Achievement Award
Joaquin Jimenez
On Feb. 2, 2019, at the Thirty-Sixth Annual Coin of the Year Awards Ceremony in Berlin, Germany, Joaquin Jimenez had the honor of winning the 2019 Lifetime Achievement in Coin Design Award.
Jimenez began his career working for several private medal editors
Gold ingot tops Heritage’s Long Beach sale
California Gold Rush-era relics from the shipwreck of the S.S. Central America were among the top sellers in Heritage’s Jan
Central America lock box gives glimpse of ship commerce
Historic silver and gold coins discovered in the purser’s lock box from the fabled “Ship of Gold,” the S.S. Central America, are finally coming to market, according to the California Gold Marketing Group LLC of Brea, Calif
How fast will U.S. dollar sink?
(Image courtesy www.forexlive.com)
According to current U
Stater promotes lively sale
Gold stater (ABC 1444) sold by Chris Rudd in January for $4,322. One of c.90 found at Freckenham in 1885
IDS expands metal depository
To accommodate increased storage demand for precious metals, International Depository Services of Texas (a privately-owned division of Dillon Gage Metals) has constructed a tailor-made facility in Dallas.
As IDS Group’s third depository location, the new site stores physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products; rare and certified coins; and wallets containing cryptocurrency assets such as bitcoin, bitcoin cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple.
It is the only depository in Texas that offers cold storage for cryptocurrency wallets
Market is on the move but at glacial speed
It appears gold and silver have each recently settled into a new and higher trading range. It is challenging to get a fix on how this has impacted the sale of bullion coins, but we know the U.S
Expectations beyond potential for Sesquicentennial $2.50
Although certainly more popular in terms of sales when compared to any other gold commemoratives up to that time, a high mintage for the 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence gold $2.50 made those sales look like a failure.
In 1926, the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was observed
Monnaie de Paris takes top COTY honors
Tom Michael (Photo ©WMF/Andreas Schoelzel.)
By Tom Michael
Our Thirty-Sixth Annual Coin of the Year Awards Ceremony took place Feb. 2 in Berlin at the World Money Fair
Spectacular $20 Original Series Proof
by Peter Huntoon
Lot 40260 in the Stack’s Bowers August 2015 ANA sale was the newly discovered $20 Original Series proof shown here for The First National Bank of Philadelphia, the first bank chartered in the country.
Newly discovered Original Series $20 proof lifted from a 20-20-50-100 Original Series plate made for Charter 1 by the American Bank Note Company. (Scan courtesy of Stack’s Bowers Auctions)
All Original Series proofs are rare, but this one has particular charm being from the nation’s first national bank
Exceptional Henry III double penny for sale
Obverse and reverse of a possibly unique double silver penny of Henry III that is being offered for sale by Coincraft for £24,500 [$32,120]. (Images courtesy Coincraft.)Coincraft have announced an extraordinary silver double penny of King Henry III for sale
Notes reflect small-town Ohio history
By Mark Hotz
I hope everyone is enjoying a pleasant beginning to 2019. For this month’s column, we’re going to visit Ohio, one of the so-called “rustbelt” states where many small towns have fallen on hard times.
Amesville, Ohio, is a village in Athens County in south central Ohio, about 10 miles northeast of Athens, the home of Ohio University
Mint statistics hint at number of new collectors
(Image courtesy www.pcgs.com)
The aftermarket for collectible coins is always difficult to access
NGC certifies rare 1839 British proof set
The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation recently certified a rare complete 1839 proof set from Great Britain.
Highlighting the 1839 rare proof set recently certified by NGC is this Una and the Lion gold five sovereign graded PF63+ Ultra Cameo.
It was submitted for grading by Taisei Coins, a prominent Japanese firm that plans to offer the set at auction during the Tokyo International Coin Convention (TICC) in April
U.S., Australia to release joint Apollo 11 set
(Image courtesy usmint.gov)
In January, the U.S
January coin production picks up
Monthly coin production at the U.S. Mint increased significantly from December
Coin of the Year awards given in Berlin
Tom Michael (Photo ©WMF/Andreas Schoelzel.)
By Tom Michael
Our Thirty-Sixth Annual Coin of the Year Awards Ceremony took place Feb. 2 in Berlin at the World Money Fair
Lowell National Historical Park quarter launched
(Image courtesy U.S. Mint)
On Feb
Coin dealers need to serve their customers
(Image courtesy apmddealers.org)
It may seem that with the use of the internet that almost anyone can be a coin dealer today. Well, yes — and no
How collectors get started nowadays
by Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
When I started collecting coins in the 1950s, I bought a couple of Lincoln cent albums
Dragon egg from Palau
(Image courtesy Coin Invest Trust)
Liechtenstein’s Coin Invest Trust has shown a penchant for producing egg-shaped coins struck in silver for Cook Islands and in gold for Palau.
The latest addition to the series is a minature 9.7×13
California clubs to host joint event
On Sunday, April 7, the Fairfield Coin Club and Vallejo Numismatic Society will host a joint event offering fun and fellowship to California collectors.
With the theme “Commemorating and Continuing Together,” the day will mark the Fairfield Coin Club’s 500th meeting and the Vallejo Numismatic Society’s 65th anniversary.
Doors open at 11 a
Four coin designs honor Tower of London
Britain’s new one-ounce silver proof £5s celebrating aspects of the historic Tower of London. From top: Legend of the Ravens, the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders, and the Ceremony of the Keys. Note the Tower “mintmark” towards the left or right base of the design
DNW offers British paper money rarities
Dix Noonan Webb’s next sale of British and world bank notes is scheduled for April 16 in their London premises, 16 Bolton Street.
This will be DNW’s second auction to be orchestrated by their new paper money team of Andrew Pattison and Thomasina Smith.
The catalog was a work in progress at the time of writing, but a number of rarities had already made their appearance for collectors of world paper
Dutch Mint celebrates its 10 cents
The Kingdom of the Netherlands came into being in 1815 following the defeat of Napoleon. It readopted the guilder as its primary unit of currency.
In 1817, the guilder was decimalized and the first coins issued, a copper 1 cent (KM-47) and a silver 3 guilders (KM-40)
Research pioneer’s signature on New Jersey note
By Peter Huntoon
New Jersey resident William H. Dillistin (1886-1964) was the leading pioneer national bank note researcher who wrote A Descriptive History of National Bank Notes, 1863-1935, 55 pages, privately published in 1956. His Bank Note Reporters and Counterfeit Detectors, 1826-1866, published as American Numismatic Society monograph 114, 175 pages, in 1949 is still cited by academics as the authoritative work on that topic
Gold finally breaks through resistance level
Gold coins suddenly have more luster than they’ve had in years. Gold has now followed silver’s example, gold having broken through its resistance level. In the case of gold, that level is $1,300 an ounce
CCC celebrates 100th anniversary
The Chicago Coin Club recently celebrated a momentous occasion with the club’s 1200th meeting. This milestone was the first celebratory event to be hosted as the club celebrates its 100th year anniversary.
Founded in 1919 by a collective group of numismatists from both the Chicago Numismatic Society and the American Numismatic Association (A
JAHF medal book free on Newman portal
Medal collectors, American history buffs, and those interested in Judaica can now read Jewish-American Hall of Fame Medals 1969-2019 by Mel Wacks on the Newman Numismatic Portal.
Readers can find the book at https://nnp.wustl
Discovering prizes in junk boxes
You never know what you will find in a junk box. Coins, tokens, stuff that can’t be organized. Items that no one has time to identify
Doubloon inspires 60-pound wine bottle
This mega-size bottle of wine was created by Arrow&Branch Estate Vineyard, whose name was inspired by the design of the fabled 1787 Brasher Doubloon.
A Napa Valley wine company, whose name was inspired by the design of the fabled 1787 Brasher Doubloon once owned by the vineyard proprietor, has created a mega-size bottle of fine wine standing over 2-1/2 feet tall and weighing about 60 pounds.
It was purchased by another numismatist, who took delivery of the huge bottle at the January-February 2019 Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp and Sports Collectibles Expo
New So-Called Dollar book available
‘So-Called Dollars from the Pacific Coast Expositions’ by Jeff Shevlin and William D. Hyder
So-Called Dollar dealer Jeff Shevlin and William D. Hyder have announced the release of their new book, So-Called Dollars from the Pacific Coast Expositions
Federal Reserve capitulates
(Image courtesy www.thebalance.com)
Thirty-seven months ago, the Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds interest rate from zero to one-fourth of a percent, the first rate change in seven years
Proof of the Month: Hancock signature
By Peter Huntoon
There was a national bank on practically every street corner in Boston prior to 1898 when a massive consolidation of its national banks occurred. There were 84 banks chartered in Boston during the national bank note era, but only six survived through the small note era. You will be forgiven if you don’t remember the names of all of them
Two more Looney Tunes designs
Porky, Bugs, and Lola disport on the reverses of the latest Tuvaluan silver dollars. (Images courtesy and © The Perth Mint. LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements © & Warner Bros
Coin Finds: Silver bonanza
We recently asked you, our readers, to share your best numismatic finds with us. Based on the long-running “Coin Finds” column in Coins magazine, which will continue to appear in print, this online version will give additional exposure to the thrill of the hunt.
Send your “Coin Finds” to numismatics@fwmedia
Notes celebrate Lunar New Year
For over thirty years, mints around the globe have welcomed each Lunar New Year with gold and silver coins. These lunar issues are now the largest annual numismatic program on the planet.
In recent years, coins have been joined by Lunar New Year bank notes produced by a small number of countries
Year of the Pig brings plenty of coins
On solar date Feb. 5, 2019, a new lunar year dawns. It is the start of Year of the Pig [YoP], or the Year of the Boar [YoB], or the Year of the Swine [YoS], or whatever your preferred porcine fancy might be
New reference released on POW chits
The Coin & Currency Institute has announced the release of a groundbreaking new book on the money used by World War II prisoners of war in the United States.
Titled The Complete Book of World War II USA POW & Internment Camp Chits, the volume details an often forgotten piece of World War II history.
Between 1942 and 1946, some 425,000 German, Italian, and even some Japanese prisoners of war were held at 700 POW camps in 46 U
Royal Mint conducts Trial of the Pyx
Two of the 2017 coins subjected to the Trial of the Pyx and now offered for sale by the British Royal Mint. At top, bimetallic 12-sided £1 gold proof reverse; at bottom, obverse platinum wedding £20 silver with conjoined portraits of Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip. (Images courtesy & © The Royal Mint)
In December, the British Royal Mint announced that it is offering the public the opportunity to purchase a limited selection of coins that have been through the Trial of the Pyx
Gold makes large gains since summertime
The spot price of gold has jumped 12 percent since last August. That grabs headlines. Silver established itself in a new trading range above the $15-an-ounce level several weeks ago
Gold tops Regency sale results
A record price of $329,000 was paid for this1909-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle that was once part of the Eliasberg collection.(Image courtesy legendauctions.hibid
Write essay, win scholarship
Applications for a Young Numismatist scholarship to the American Numismatic Association Summer Seminar are being taken by the Professional Numismatists Guild.
Those hobbyists 13 to 22 years old are eligible.
They are asked to write a short essay outlining why they should be chosen as this year’s scholarship recipient
Apollo half dollar set sleeve misprinted
The United States Mint says there is a clerical error in the packaging for the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Half Dollar Set.
The Mint statement said the back of the outer sleeve lists Gilroy Roberts as the designer/engraver for both the obverse and reverse of the Kennedy half dollar. Roberts designed/engraved the obverse and Frank Gasparro designed/engraved the reverse
No sellout first day of Apollo offers
Two things are certain this morning (Jan. 25) regarding the Apollo 11 commemorative coin program sales, which began yesterday.
1
Mint offers Thomas Jefferson medal
If this were a new silver coin, demand from collectors would probably be five or 10 times what it will be for this medal.
The third Presidential silver medal was put on sale Friday by the U.S
View auction lots to learn grading
One way to learn a lot about coin and paper currency grading is to closely examine a number of coins and notes. Most coin dealers would be worried about the security risk if they let customers scrutinize a wide swath of their inventory. But there is one place you can do so – viewing coins being offered at major numismatic auctions
Separate coin values from conditions
(Image courtesy https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com)
Change is inevitable
Silver Dollar Roundtable gives awards
National Silver Dollar Roundtable President Jeff Wuller gave the NSDR President’s Award to, left to right, Debbie Lovell, Brian Cushing, John Highfill, and Mike Faraone.
LEFT: Don Rinkor was given the NSDR Man of the Year Award by Wuller. RIGHT: Videographer David Lisot was given the NSDR Lifetime Achievement Award by emcee Harry Miller
Present prices present opportunities
(Image courtesy http://moneysoldiers.com)
If you are a coin dealer, you’ve taken your lumps over the past two years. Bullion gold and silver prices have remained relatively flat
Australia adopts bushranger theme
Reverse design of this year’s Bushrangers’ gold $25 as well as silver and aluminum-bronze dollars. All images show the “C” mintmark. (Images courtesy & © RAM)
In recent years, each New Year’s Day has seen The Royal Australian Mint release a distinctive commemorative dollar with various versions of the coin issued throughout the year
‘Big Roman’ note realizes $119.465
Spink China welcomed 2019 with more than the average bang. Their Jan. 4-5 sale demonstrated that the Chinese paper market is not only alive and well but positively thriving in Hong Kong
Halfcrowns strong in DNW auction
Five special collections constituted the bulk of the catalog for Dix Noonan Webb’s last 2018 sale of British coins. Among these, one was pre-eminent – “The ‘Welsh Marches’ Collection.”
This consisted largely of English hammered silver from Aethelred II to Charles I with a few early milled silver pieces rounding out this section of the catalog
Goldsmith Receipts tell interesting tale
By Neil Shafer
Well-known collector and researcher Ruth Hill had a marvelous collection that included a group of Goldsmith Receipts from England. They represented a special kind of emergency circulation during the later 18th century. This piece was from her collection, and it came with the following information
New signs point to improving market
The glimmers of a more dynamic market ahead for the business of coins continue to peak through the clouds. During January, a copper composition 1943 Lincoln cent sold for $204,000 against an estimate of $170,000 to $200,000. An incorrect estimate of $1
ICTA honors Darby for service
Industry Council for Tangible Assets chief operating officer David Crenshaw, left, and ICTA treasurer Patrick Heller, right, present Phil Darby with the organization’s Diane Piret Memorial Outstanding Service Award.
Alabama coin dealers who spearheaded the effort to win a sales tax exemption in Alabama were recognized Jan. 9 in Orlando, Fla
Apply now for research grant
The Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society invites applications for its Newman Grant program.
These grants are intended to assist numismatic authors and organizations pursuing original research in American numismatics
NGC debuts its new two-coin slab
The arrival of two-coin slabs has been announced by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
NGC said the new holder provides a visually appealing and convenient display option for two-coin sets or matched pairs, such as the 2012-S San Francisco silver Eagle set or a 2018 Mint State silver Eagle and a 2018-W proof silver Eagle.
It is made of the same material as a standard slab and includes the same security devices
Could doubled die be intentional?
The 1995-D doubled-die cent might have been made on purpose!
Yes, you read that right. It is possible that the Denver Mint struck the not-so-well-known but very rare 1995-D doubled-die Lincoln cent on purpose.
Let me relate this story
Eagles gain as 2019 sales strong
Do statistics soothe your nerves?
Diving into some numbers and figuring out their significance can distract me from a crazy day in the office.
I took a look at the Mint’s sales report of bullion American Eagles.
The results should soothe the nerves of gold and silver investors
Lack of mines to squeeze supply
(Image courtesy www.barrick.com)
What a difference a decade makes! Ten years ago, gold and silver prices were on a roll
Wealth of information exists online
By Bill Brandimore
Are you up to date on the computer, or at least able to look up internet postings? Have you been taking advantage of all the information on the internet? If not, here are some places you should visit.
Heritage Auctions (www.ha
Overstrike silver kurush sells for $10,200
Heritage Auctions’ November sale of the Dr. Hans Wilski Ottoman Collection included a most desirable rarity: a 41 mm, 26.72 g reform kurush overstruck on a Dutch lion daalder at the Constantinople Mint
Some coins might have gotten away
Did a rare coin like a 1972 doubled-die cent get away from you before you were checking your change regularly?
Every collector has a story about the choice coin that got away. Maybe the collector couldn’t afford the coin at the time, or he didn’t recognize its value and rarity, or she figured she could buy the coin at a later date but never saw it again.
But who can tell how many valuable and interesting coins were spent, or overlooked in a junk box, or were passed in circulation?
Many collectors begin at a young age, 10 or so, and begin checking their change for wanted pieces
Signature combination creates flaming rarity
By Peter Huntoon
Brian Lavin made an extraordinary purchase when he bought this Series of 1875 note and then carefully checked it out. It bears Tillman-Morgan Treasury signatures, making it a Fr. 423a, which is a rarity
Canada does double concave silver
Innovation is the name of the game at the Royal Canadian Mint. A spate of advanced testing at the mint’s R&D lab has seen the RCM boldly go where no mint has gone before.
In December, it launched a massive 60 mm, 311
Original Series charter number over seal varieties
By Peter Huntoon
An increasing number of collectors appear to be aware of the charter number over seal variety on Original Series $1 and $2 notes based on inquiries that I have received. The variety was produced for about two and a half months in 1874 and traces its origin to a hue and cry over the wretched condition of National Bank Notes in circulation and legislation proposed to remedy the problem.
This Original Series $1 Laramie note was printed in 1873, without charter numbers
Spink to auction Anglo-Saxon coins
The fourth and final sale of Allan Williams’ remarkable collection of Anglo-Saxon and Norman coins will take place Jan. 29 at Spink’s London rooms in Bloomsbury.
To be offered will be a further 180 coins
Certain coins hint at better things to come
Has the long crawl back begun? It depends on what you consider to be the goal post. As much as most collectors don’t like to associate the spot price of precious metals with that of collectible coins, the fact is coins and metals often follow closely in tandem. Right now, the spot price of gold continues to trade in a very tight range that comes near but fails to challenge the $1,300 an ounce resistance level, while silver surpassed $15 an ounce several weeks ago and has continued to hold its ground ever since
FUN gives Ambassador Awards
Five Numismatic Ambassador Awards were given by the Florida United Numismatists Jan. 11 at the group’s fourth annual Ambassador Breakfast in Orlando.
From left to right, newly minted Numismatic Ambassadors Tony Bonaro, Mike Ellis, Rod Gillis, Brett Irick, and David Lisot
Cash awards for top exhibits
Exhibitors will compete for cash prizes at the International Paper Money Show June 13-16 in Kansas City, Mo.
Top prize will be $250 for the Best of Show. Winners in each of five classes will receive $100
December coin production drops
Monthly coin production at the U.S. Mint ended on a weak note
Rarities shine at FUN auction
After it was sold at a Heritage auction, this 1885 Trade dollar was moved to a PCGS holder.
Billionaire Dell Loy Hansen took another step on his Eliasberg quest to assemble a complete set of U.S
Dealers catch the FUN show express
Both candidates for president of the American Numismatic Association had tables on the bourse floor of the Florida United Numismatists Convention Jan. 10-13 in Orlando.
Both joined the vast majority of dealers who said they had good commercial results
Will online sales tax hit you?
Dealers and collectors who attended the huge Florida United Numismatists show in Orlando last week had the opportunity to learn more about the coming impact to numismatics and precious metals from the actions of the states and federal government resulting from last June’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in South Dakota versus Wayfair
Chinese rarities in Hong Kong sale
The Chinese coin market is healthy. Heritage Auctions’ December sale in Hong Kong proved it. Of the 1,349 lots cataloged, four took in excess of $100,000 apiece and 50 between $10,000 and $99,999
Gold starts year strong
A strong start to the year for gold is forecast by Barry Stuppler, a Woodland Hills, Calif., coin dealer.
“Gold is starting 2019 with increasing price support and growing demand
French jewelry merges with coins
Monnaie de Paris, the French mint, and the jewelry company Boucheron are cooperating on very limited edition coins that double as jewelry.
Designing coins is a craft. So is designing jewelry
From Iowa Nationals to Matchstick Masterpieces
This photo shows the 12 boys from Bayard, Iowa, who found the “Boys’ Hidden Treasure,” from where the author’s tattered Gladbrook note hailed.
By Mark Hotz
I found myself flipping through my Nationals collection the other week, and I came across a few Iowa notes that reminded me of visits I had made to their towns more than a decade ago. I thought it would be fun to revisit those towns since they were pretty interesting
Pair of Dutch Caribbean coins announced
Two additional commemorative coins for the year were announced at the end of 2018 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt for the Dutch Caribbean territories.
First up was a 29 mm, 11.9 g,
Have you ever heard of Deltiology?
By Neil Shafer
It amazes me how very vast the field of “exographica” really is. In case you are not familiar with this term, it is the exact counterpart to “exonumia” in coins, except that it encompasses just about every fiscally-related item printed as long as it is not regularly-issued paper currency. Thus, it includes the great paper periphery – pieces like checks, bonds and stock certificates, political and propaganda notes, scrip of all kinds, local issues, ad notes, stamp money, receipts, postal money orders, lottery tickets, and a host of other issues including the subject of this month’s article: the use of currency images on post cards of the world
Coins look healthy compared to stocks
Collectible coins continue to trade where prices make an almost uninterrupted straight horizontal line. They are unchanged. The same can’t be said for anything impacted by the spot price of gold or silver
Legend slates Jan. 27 Beverly Hills auction
Buffalo nickels from the Maybach Collection will highlight the 30th Regency Auction’s first “stand alone” sale.
It will be conducted by Legend Rare Coin Auctions Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Beverly Hills Marriott Hotel (the former Crowne Plaza, site of many numismatic auctions over the years)
Nugget joins David Lawrence Rare Coins
(Image courtesy www.davidlawrence.com)
Gold coin specialist Paul Nugget has joined David Lawrence Rare Coins as a new affiliate
Coin show returns to Sunnyvale
A coin show is returning to Sunnyvale, Calif., after a one-year absence. The show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, 2019, at the Domain Hotel, 1085 East El Camino Real
Reagan plain edge found
A plain edge error 2016 Ronald Reagan Presidential dollar coin is featured in an online auction being called by GreatCollections.com.
The first known Ronald Reagan plain edge dollar error is featured in a GreatCollections
First Eagle sales bode well for 2019
(Image courtesy www.apmex.com)
American Eagle bullion coins went on sale Jan
Palladium star performer in 2018
(Image courtesy internationalbanker.com)
For all the news coverage about strong U.S
Counterfeits get better and better
Counterfeits have been around since the beginning of coinage and I suspect the beginning of other things as well. Today, we have to watch for counterfeit purses, watches, car parts and blue jeans to name a few. It is human nature to want something for nothing, or to go for an easy profit
Card shows note made due to War of 1812
By Neil Shafer
Here is an oversize numismatic card sent out in 2006 by a company in California. The note image it contains is a United States interest-bearing Treasury $20 made because of the War of 1812.
Five issues were made between 1810 and 1815 in various denominations due to the fighting with Great Britain
Favorite Buffaloes for coin buyers
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
For historians, 1913 produced a number of momentous events
Heritage offers Canadian rarities at FUN
High-grade Canadian paper will provide a major highlight at Heritage Auctions’ 2019 FUN World Currency Signature sale slated for Jan. 9-15 in Orlando at the Florida United Numismatists convention. The catalog contains something for all serious collectors of Canada’s currency
Spink NYINC event strong in South America
For some months, Spink’s London and New York offices have been in close cahoots over the company’s Jan. 11 NYINC bank note auction, set to take place during the New York International Numismatic Convention. One result should see South American collectors spending considerable time mulling over the catalog
Colorized snowman on coin from UK
(Image courtesy British Royal Mint)
In 1978, English author Raymond Briggs published his children’s picture book “The Snowman”. This story of a boy’s snowman that came to life was told through pictures and proved an instant hit.
Five years later, the storyline was adapted into a 26-minute animated television special
Bullion rally gives welcome boost to coin prices
Gold and silver are rallying, as are bullion and bullion-impacted coins. Blame the recent stock market turmoil if you like, but this time it appears the metals may be moving higher on their own. Stock markets are fueled by greed or fear
Stack’s Bowers offers world coins
World coins and paper money as well as ancient coins will be put on the block by Stack’s Bowers Galleries Jan. 11-12 in New York City.
A highlight will be an issue from the short-lived Republic of South Peru
Ripstra first in new Hall of Fame
The Chicago Coin Club celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2019.
As part of the celebration, it has created its own Hall of Fame.
The first member to be inducted is medalist and hobby leader J
New 2019 $1 reverse debuts
Who is that peering at us from the 1 o’clock position on the new 2019 Native American dollar coin?
A slightly quirky design with an astronaut nearly upside down honors American Indians in the U.S. space program on the 2019 Native American dollar, according to the U
Col. Steven Ellsworth in it to win it
Col. Steven Ellsworth
It’s definite. Col
Coin of the Year nominees announced
The following nominations kicked off the 2019 Coin of the Year competition. Ten category winners will be chosen to vie for the top award, and all winners will be recognized on Feb. 2 at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany
Canada leads Coin of the Year nominations
Powerhouses or up-and-comers? Who should get the lion’s share of attention as the 100 nominations for Coin of the Year are discussed?
Perennial powerhouse Canada came away with nine nominations on the list that begins the competition to determine the winner of the 2019 Coin of the Year Award, which is sponsored by World Coin News, sister publication to Numismatic News.
It was followed by eight nominations for Australia and six for the People’s Republic of China.
Other historically strong contenders Finland, France, and South Africa registered five nominations each
Assess dealers before you buy metals
(Image courtesy online.kitco.com)
In last week’s column, I listed some background information for beginning the decision process on purchasing physical precious metals
Pair of Icelandic notes share Knight sale spotlight
Lyn Knight’s recent Kansas world auction came heavily seasoned with an assortment of rarities from around the globe.
Top-equal price of $10,800 was paid for this Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea 100 gulden of 8 December 1954 (P-16a) at Knight’s November sale. (Image courtesy Lyn Knight Auctions)
Top-equal price in the mid-November sale went to a Nederlands Nieuw-Guinea 100 gulden of 8 December 1954 (P-16a)
Online surprises in Roman auction
A second tranche of The Michael Kelly Collection of Roman Coins was recently sold by Spink via e-Auction. Some 683 lots were involved.
Silver denarius of Marcus Junius Brutus (Crawford 433/1; Sydenham 906) that realized $3,136, or 40 times upper estimate, in EF at Spink’s e-Sale of the Michael Kelly Collection
Curry on Carson City medal
Abraham Curry (Image courtesy Nevada Historical Society [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)The most recent monthly public medal striking at the Nevada State Museum in the old Carson City Mint was held Dec. 28, 2018.
On the medal is a portrait of Abraham Curry, who founded and was the first superintendent of the CC Mint in 1870
Classical figures adorn Spink highlights
The first few weeks of the new year see a spate of world paper money auctions around the globe. One of the first will be Spink China with their sale of Bank Notes, Bonds & Shares, and Coins of China and Hong Kong, which is scheduled for Jan. 4-5
Celtic gold looking for next owner
Top, gold stater (ABC 1444) to be offered in the Chris Rudd sale in January. One of c.90 found at Freckenham, Suffolk, in 1885
El Paso club gives notes to ship
A donation of World War II paper money has been made by the International Coin Club of El Paso, Texas, to the USS Lexingon Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Notes displayed at the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas, were donated by the International Coin Club of El Paso.
This occurred at the suggestion of club president Jason Elwell
Summer of Love on Palau’s coins
Reverses of Palau’s silver $5 and gold $1 celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original Summer of Love. (Images courtesy CIT)
November saw Liechtenstein’s Coin Invest Trust bring fond memories to those of us who experienced that 1967 “Summer of Love” in our teens and twenties.
While the occasion may have been centered on San Francisco and being “Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair,” the countercultural phenomenon spread throughout North America and across the seas
Buyers not bidding coins to new levels
In general, 2018 was a quiet year for the collectible coin market. Scarce to rare coins continued to sell well, but few were setting new records. Auction sales results suggest there is a hungry market of collectors and dealers interested in these coins, but it also suggests these buyers are not comfortable in bidding these collectibles to new levels
Rare Trade dollar in auction
Appearing at public auction for the first time since 1997 is one of five examples of the 1885 Trade dollar that will be offered by Heritage Auctions Jan. 11, 2019, at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando.
How many millions of dollars will it take for a buyer to walk away on Jan
Three BEP prints mark Apollo 11
With a significant anniversary coming up, it is not surprising that everybody wants to get in on the act.
The anniversary is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
The new entrant commemorating this historical milestone is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
NGC begins slabbing coin dies
1. Canceled – Defaced NGC Certification Fee: $20 Defaced dies have had their designs completely removed. While the design has been destroyed, it is usually possible to determine the denomination of the die by the diameter of the face and markings on the shaft or base
Fistful of affordable gold is within reach
By Mark Benvenuto
When it comes to serious coin collecting, and assembling collections that ought to go up in value over the course of years and decades, many collectors think of gold. There are certainly some beautiful pieces and beautiful series that have been struck in gold. The metal takes a design very well and often strikes up easily with sharp details
A Medal For “Old Ironsides”
William Bainbridge
One of the most famous ships of the American navy is the USS Constitution. Long called “Old Ironsides,” it is a major tourist attraction at its berth in Boston harbor. It is little known among the general public, however, that the United States Congress awarded her captain a gold medal for the action in which she received the famous nickname
Deciding to own physical precious metals
There are a number of speakers and writers who make a solid case for the value of owning some bullion-priced physical precious metals. But once someone has made the judgment that they should acquire some, there is a dearth of information on what to do to actually acquire some.
Those just starting out want to know where they can go, who they should trust, how much should they pay, and what kinds of products they should purchase
Gold Goose dollar brings $22,188
Rare gold Mezaros pattern Australian “Goose dollar” of 1967 that was sold recently for $22,188 by Roxbury’s Queensland auction house. (Images courtesy & © Roxburys)
Among Australia’s most sought-after decimal coins are the unofficial 1967 silver and gold dollar patterns of Andor Mezaros showing a Black Swan in flight. These coins have long been dubbed simply as Goose dollars by collectors
New Eagles go on sale Jan. 7
(Image courtesy www.apmex.com)
Great news from the U
More million dollar rarities in 2018
An example of the 1804 dollar sold for $2.64 million at a June Heritage auction.
By Mike Thorne, Ph
Coin Finds: Luck plays a part
We recently asked you, our readers, to share your best numismatic finds with us. Based on the long-running “Coin Finds” column in Coins magazine, which will continue to appear in print, this online version will give additional exposure to the thrill of the hunt.
Send your “Coin Finds” to numismatics@fwmedia
Coins of Christmas present
Back in September, it seemed the world’s mints might be issuing a smaller number of coins to mark the 2018 Christmas/Holiday Season than last year. Come October, the situation changed rapidly. Those looking for a Christmas gift for the numismatist in their life will find they are spoiled for choice whether their preference is religious, secular, or Disneyfied
Mormon church issued money substitute scrip
By Neil Shafer
The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the state of Utah very hard, causing social and economic upheavals all over the state. One effort in trying to assist the population came in the form of money substitute scrip issued by the Mormon Church in 1933. It was called Guaranteed Emergency Certificate; each was hand signed by a bishop from one of Salt Lake City’s wards
Coins of U.S. Christmas Past
One of Walter Breen’s Christmas stocking stuffers: Gorgeous Numismatic Guaranty Corporation Proof-64 1880 Trade dollar. (Image courtesy Stack’s-Bowers)
Coins, medals and tokens have long been given as Christmas gifts. For some, the origin of the custom lies with the gifts the Magi brought to newborn Baby Jesus
Bullion spot prices have been quietly appreciating
(Image courtesy www.heraeus.com)
Are we finally off our “lows” but we don’t know it? Gold has yet to challenge the $1,300 level
First strikes come off coin presses
At top, David J. Ryder holds up a new Apollo II commemorative after striking it. Below that in the center row are the obverse and reverse designs for the silver dollar
Billion coins struck in November
Another month, another billion coins at the U.S. Mint
PCGS shows off Brasher doubloon
EB on wing 1787 Brasher Doubloon: The discovery specimen for the legendary 1787 gold Brasher doubloons will be displayed by PCGS along with historic New York copper coins at the Long Beach Expo, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2019
Minor errors plague Block Island quarters
Arrows point to areas of raised metal on the wings of the bird on the Block Island quarter. Metal flows into recessed areas in a die as the planchet is struck under great pressure. When a die chips or breaks, the affected area allows planchet metal to flow into the newly created space, leaving odd extra raised areas like these on the finished coin
Former U.S. Treasurer signs slabbed coins
Grading labels on Numismatic Guaranty Corporation slabs will now be autographed by Anna Escobedo Cabral, who served as the 42nd Treasurer of the United States.
Holders of the office have the honor of seeing their signatures on America’s paper money.
With these slabs, Cabral will associate her signature with coins struck during her 2005-2009 tenure
Singapore, Indonesia offer monetary adventures
(Image courtesy www.directferries.com)
I spent much of the previous two weeks in Singapore, with a day trip to Batam Centre, Indonesia
Anderson sale results rewrite prices
By Bill Brandimore
An interesting look at the fabulous Anderson collection auctioned off at Baltimore in late October resulted in about half of the multi-thousand-dollar-priced notes selling for less than catalog prices. A few sold for much more, and a few sold for somewhat more. Is this a reflection on a slowing down in the ultra-rare segment of the market? Overall, the sale was mixed with some real bargains in small-size notes
Foreign hobby stocks higher than U.S.
Stocks are down. Coins are stable. Shouldn’t we be celebrating? The price of coins, be they of gold, silver, or other compositions, became one of the few stable commodities or investments during November and December
Charville takes charge at PCGS
Brett Charville
A new president has taken the helm at the Professional Coin Grading Service.
Brett Charville succeeds Don Willis.
“Brett Charville is a respected and hard-working individual who has clearly established himself in the coin industry
Hot British coins pace DNW sale
Top-priced lot of the November DNW sale: proof George IV 5 pounds of 1826 (KM-702; S-3797) that took $84,812. (Images courtesy DNW)
British coins are hot. And it is not just the rare gold and proof sets that are setting the pace
Town names inserted on National Currency
By Peter Huntoon
The Comptroller of the Currency in 1895 directed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to insert the name of the town above the will-pay line in title blocks on new plates when it wasn’t clear where the bank was located. This situation could develop if the town wasn’t part of the formal bank title as submitted by the bankers on their organization certificate.
The result was the bold “Gloversville” that appears on the middle proof in this trio, which is a Series of 1882 proof lifted from the second $5 plate that was made for the bank in 1901
Soviet ruble of 1958 nears $10,000
Obverse and reverse of the rare Soviet 1958 cupronickel ruble that fetched $9,486 in aUNC at Noble Numismatics’ November sale. (Images courtesy Noble Numismatics)
In late November, Australia’s Sydney-based Noble Numismatics sold a cupro-nickel USSR ruble of 1958 (KM-134) for $9,486 [AUD13,147]. It may have been a steal at that price
Exotic title block layouts are appealing
By Peter Huntoon
Gary Parietti likes Series of 1882 $5s with exotic title block layouts, so he was ecstatic when he obtained this jewel from Bel Air, Md. A Series of 1882 $5 from the bank previously was unreported.
The bank was chartered Oct
Coppers solid in uncertain market
Few coins may be appreciating in value, but both the business and hobby of coin collecting remain steady while equities and precious metals continue their roller-coaster ride. The U.S
Get a free book when joining TAMS
A free book for joining the Token and Medal Society is a new membership offer being made in 2019.
Regular dues are $30 annually.
In return, members receive six issues of the TAMS Journal, get access to the extensive TAMS library, and discounts on other TAMS-sponsored publications
1870 offers rarities, odd denominations
An 1870 gold piece from Philadelphia has a retail price in XF40 of around $1,800, not that much more than gold value. An 1870 two-cent piece lists for $115. An 1870 Seated Liberty dollar is $912
Finest proof Morgans on display
The finest proof Morgan dollar collection in the PCGS Set Registry®, including this 1889 silver dollar graded PCGS PR68CAM, will be displayed at the 2019 FUN convention. (Photos courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service, www.PCGS
Something seems missing on $1 coin
The obverse design of the American Innovators dollar coin (top) looks kind of empty.
Ready for another dateless dollar coin?
How about one without a mintmark or “E Pluribus Unum?”
This is not going to happen, but some collectors might think it has when they first see the new 2018 American Innovators dollar coin that went on sale Dec. 14
Silver dollars stopped in 1904; why?
In American history, when the production of a series of coins ended, there usually was a changeover to a different design in the same or next year. In other instances, the denomination went out of production (e.g
Online database of national bank presidents, cashiers debuts
Andrew PollockBy Peter Huntoon
The August 26, 2018, issue of The E-Sylum, the online weekly publication of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society edited by Wayne Homren, contained an announcement from Newman Numismatic Portal project coordinator Len Augsburger that the portal had just received a huge accession from Andrew Pollock III pertaining to National Bank Notes.
The announcement revealed that Pollock had compiled a complete yearly listing of the bank presidents and cashiers that he abstracted from the annual reports of the Comptroller of the Currency for all 14,348 national banks chartered through 1935.
Whoa, this was beyond belief! National Bank Note collectors have been dreaming about a compilation of that data for decades, but the task was so huge that it had never been accomplished
Poland discovery 1,000 years old
(Image courtesy Karte: NordNordWest, Lizenz: Creative Commons by-sa-3.0 de, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons
Mega Red 4th Edition a must-have
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
To say that the book I’m going to review in this column is gargantuan is an understatement
Series 2017 $1 notes slow to appear
(Image courtesy www.bloomberg.com / Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)
Have you found a series 2017 $1 Federal Reserve Note in circulation yet?
These are the new notes with the facsimile signature of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin printed rather than in cursive
Roman coins star in January sale
One of numerous mint state Roman Imperial aurei to be offered by Heritage Auctions at NYINC in January: choice Maximian (286-310 C.E.) first reign aureus (Calicó 4661)
Stack’s Bowers offers Straits Settlement rarities
These days, rarities sprout at NYINC sales like mushrooms after autumn rain. For collectors of sought-after Asian rarities, Stack’s Bowers world paper sale on Jan. 11-12 demands their attention
Pope Joan tale depends on coins
Coins of Pope John VIII are being used as evidence by a researcher to argue a Pope Joan existed during the 9th century C.E. (Photos courtesy of Classical Numismatic Group)
A Flinders University archaeologist in South Australia is using medieval coins as evidence the otherwise debunked story of an alleged female Roman Catholic pope might actually be true
Sideways we will go with U.S. gold coins
(Image courtesy www.kitco.com)
The spot price of gold ended the month of November almost where it had begun
Collector finds 1983 copper alloy cent
ANACS has certified its second 1983 Lincoln cent struck in a copper alloy. The coin, which weighs 3.08 grams, is described on the holder as being struck on a bronze blank and struck through grease
Chicago sets up Hall of Fame
A Hall of Fame is being created by the Chicago Coin Club to mark its 100th anniversary in 2019.
Next year, 12 individuals will be inducted to the HOF, one per month, by the club.
The club has had many a prominent numismatist as member, and it will be interesting to see who will make it into the top dozen
ANA offers seminar scholarships
Attendees of a previous ANA Summer Seminar paused for a photo. (Image courtesy www.money
Lucky Money for Chinese New Year
A Lucky Money Note for the Year of the Pig will go on sale at the Mint’s website Dec. 18, 2018. Price is $5
PNG leads fight against counterfeits
Just how good fakes, Chinese and otherwise, are getting could be seen in a five-case display at the American Numismatic Association convention in August.
When the going gets tough, the Professional Numismatists Guild steps up and gets going.
It has taken over a foundation to fight counterfeits flooding into the United States
Give coin gift with a good story
Now that many of us are actively buying gifts for others, take a moment to consider how a numismatic present could end up creating a new collector.
Gifts of coins, precious metals, and paper currency (other than the spending kind) tend to have enduring value. They won’t be consumed and quickly gone
Elongated marks Hawaii Christmas
A special Christmas elongated from Hawaii is available.
An elongated cent celebrates Christmas Hawaiian style.
“Mele Kalikimaka” is the Hawaiian phrase meaning “Merry Christmas
State Department wins court case
A test case pitting the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild against the United States State Department has ended in a decision favoring the seizure by the government of ancient coins being imported by the ACCG.
On Oct. 15, Kate FitzGibbon of the Committee for Cultural Policy reported the U
ANA’s National Coin Week theme chosen
Dennis Tucker, publisher of the Red Book, has won the competition to determine the theme for National Coin Week in 2019.
“Discover the past, envision the future” was his winning suggestion.
Prize was a one-ounce 2018 silver American Eagle proof
Spanish silver filled Queen Anne’s coffers
Queen Anne
1702 Coronation medal for Anne. The reverse shows the Queen hurling thunderbolts at former King James II and his French ally, Louis XIV. (Images courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
1702 shilling with VIGO on obverse
Chinese rarities to dominate Heritage Hong Kong
One side effect of the great buoyancy of the present Chinese bank note market is the ongoing stream of seldom-seen Chinese rarities emerging from the wainscoting. This is clearly apparent in the Heritage catalog for their Dec. 5-7 HKINF World Currency Signature Auction
Second penguin series completed
In August, Pobjoy Mint launched a second five-coin series celebrating the penguins of the Falkland Islands – the penguin capital of the world.
Since then, one coin has been released each month. The series is now complete
A ghost town worth visiting
Entering Brownsville’s abandoned center on Market Street, the forlorn Second National Bank is the first building on the left; to the right is the Flatiron Building that houses exhibits on Brownsville’s history.
By Mark Hotz
For quite some time, I have wanted to visit Brownsville, Pa., located about 40 miles south of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River
Lower prices good for long-term buyer
A well-known financial commentator recently summarized the current stock market situation as a bear market rather than as a correction. That economic diagnosis can set anyone with a retirement plan on edge.
The coin market has been both in a correction and an ensuing bear market for some time
Viewpoint: Reform Mint approach to customers
By Charlie Ross
I have been a coin collector for more than 50 years and collect U.S., ancient Greek, and ancient Roman coins
$100,000 given to fight fakes
A donation of $100,000 to the Professional Numismatists Guild will go entirely to the hobby’s effort to fight fakes.
Half of the money came from Wayde Milas, RARCOA Chief Executive Officer in Willowbrook, Ill.
Half came from Standard Numismatics LLC President Brett Charville
Ostromecki leads YN show activities
A family meets with ANA Past President Walt Ostromecki to learn about the free 10-coin Treasure Hunt. (Photo courtesy of Phil Vitale)
All visitors who attended the Nov. 9-11 Albuquerque Coin Club Fall Show held at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in New Mexico were greeted with a special numismatic salute honoring military veterans conducted by Capt
Don’t take Washingtons for granted
The 1936-D quarters were fairly easy to find in change in the circulation finds era, but the top-grade pieces are much rarer.
The best coin I ever found in change was a well-worn 1932-D Washington quarter. This was in the late 1960s, when the old silver and new clad circulated side by side
Doubled-die cents found by newcomer
While thousands of dreamers are checking change for a small-date 1982-D copper cent, a new collector in Georgia repeatedly found examples of a 1995-D doubled-die cent and profited accordingly.
Doubling shows very clearly in all letters of the word TRUST on the 1995-D doubled-die cent. New collector Dilenia Fiore found seven of these in uncirculated rolls of the coins that she purchased online
Fake fight moves from ICTA to foundation
Organized numismatics’ Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force has been transferred from the Industry Council for Tangible Assets to the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation.
This change was effective Nov. 15
Why I am not a gold bug
I periodically remind readers and listeners that they need to own a small percentage of their net worth or investment portfolio in bullion-priced physical gold and silver.
I consider this allocation to be “wealth insurance” against the risk of a major decline in the value of paper assets such as stocks, bonds, and paper currencies.
In making this recommendation, I have to tell you I am not described as a “gold bug
Collect all 17 U.S. cent types
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
How do you feel about the lowly cent? Is it a coin you have so little use for that you won’t stoop to pluck one from the ground? After all, a cent by itself won’t buy anything anymore, and I suspect most people just throw any they acquire into a large jar as soon as they get home
PMG slabs pre-star replacement notes
Replacement notes from before the star note system was adopted by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing can now be identified.
The Paper Money Guaranty® began a new service Nov. 15 to attribute “Pre-Star Replacement Notes” for large-size National Bank Notes, small-size National Bank Notes, and large-size type notes (such as Legal Tender, Silver and Gold Certificates, and Federal Reserve Notes
British Royal Mint commemoratives thrive
Perhaps the number of coins needed in circulation is declining, but as this proves to be true, the British Royal Mint is using its otherwise unused capacity to increase the number of commemorative coins it produces.
There has been a notable shift in where the BRM is putting its focus. Not all of its efforts are being directed solely on coins
First lunar landing celebrated by RAM
Reverse designs of the commemorative 5 cents and dollar coins from the 2019 proof sets showing the landing site of the Lunar Lander “Eagle” and the control room of Australia’s Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station that broadcast the 1969 first step to the world. (Images courtesy & © RAM)
The 50th anniversary of Lunar Module Eagle’s landing on the Moon is just a few short months away on July 20, 2019. Already commemorative coins are sprouting like mushrooms after rain
Fill your Christmas list with paper money books
By Bill Brandimore
If you’d like books for Christmas, show this to your significant other. If you like Obsolete notes, Don Kelly has published a book this year, Obsolete Paper Money: A Guide with Prices, which covers all the states in the union. Another of his books, National Bank Notes: A Guide with Prices, seems to be the standard since the last issue of Hickman Oakes a number of years ago
Rare Dutch trade daalder sold crosses block
Obverse and reverse of a probably unique Dutch East Indies 7 shahis trade lion daalder dated 1634, ex. Dr. Hans Wilski Collection
Bullion’s shadow hangs over market
Collectible and bullion impacted coins continue to sell in a tight range as this market commentary is being written. Gold bullion is trying to hold above $1,200 while silver is making its goal line stand at $14.
There has been some uptick in activity in gold coins that appears to originate from stock market investors looking to cushion their now increasingly vulnerable stock and bond portfolios
October coin production soars
The United States Mint revved up circulating coin production in October. The monthly total of 1,382,180,000 is 41 percent higher than the September monthly figure.
There were increases in the denominations cents through quarters from both the Philadelphia and Denver minting facilities
PCGS slabs 40 million coins
Slabbing 40 million coins is no easy task.
That milestone has been reached by the Professional Coin Grading Service, which was founded in 1986.
The pioneer of third-party commercial grading firms reports that a Kano Natsuo 1 yen has been graded PCGS SP64 and now has a distinctive certification number of 40000000 on the insert label
Key year for coin collectors is 1893
The key to the Morgan silver dollar series is a product of 1893. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and only 100,000 were made.
The closing of an historical minting facility, two commemorative issues, and the mintage of two popular Morgan dollars make 1893 a unique and special year for numismatists
Sedwick auction brings $3.1 million
Recovered Spanish silver bars and coins performed well in the latest Sedwick auction.
What do you imagine when you think about treasure recovered from sunken Spanish galleons?
Silver bars? Pieces of eight?
Many coin collectors dream of these.
Imagine making them the basis of your business
Coin production says buy stocks?
With the stock market acting wobbly in October and November, coin collectors can offer a small bit of reassurance to nervous investors.
The latest U.S
Greedy states exaggerate tax yield
Last week, I traveled to another state to meet, along with some of that state’s coin dealers, with revenue and tax officials. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the impact on state tax collections should a rare coins, precious metals, and paper currency sales tax exemption be adopted by the state in 2019. Currently, only 13 states and the District of Columbia that impose a sales tax do not have a complete or partial sales tax exemption for rare coins, precious metals bullion, and currency
Perth Mint app trades gold
In early October, Western Australia’s Perth Mint announced a new smartphone app – GoldPass. At the touch of a smartphone screen, the app allows retail investors to securely buy, store, and sell gold via digital certificates. It also provides for the instantaneous transfer of gold to other approved GoldPass users
Roman dig crowd-funded on website
Social networks, crowd funding, archaeology, and numismatics all rolled into one? It appears numismatic study may not only be going high tech but it is also going mainstream courtesy of DigVentures.com.
Crowd-funded archaeologists in northern Yorkshire, England, are now studying one of the oldest Roman settlement sites in the region, the dig site including a significant find of Roman silver coins
Will paper money be treated like gold?
It has been a couple of months since the United States Mint website on Aug. 31 took over marketing paper money collectible products from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
I expect this has improved both paper visibility and sales
Few ‘shirt money’ issues survive today
By Neil Shafer
The note shown here is an example of the famous and very rare “shirt money” issued by the Border Scouts based at Upington, South Africa, during the Boer War of 1900-03. Upington is 300 miles southwest of Mafeking, on the Orange River.
A Major John Birbeck of the 4th Scottish Rifles organized the Scouts, reaching a force of 786 by early 1901
World War I guns fell silent in 1918
Acceptance of the inevitable. By late 1918, Goetz had recognized that the allies were winning on all fronts. On the obverse he shows a triumphant French rooster atop Allied flags IM SIEGESTAUMEL [In the flush of victory] while a banner on a town hall hails Allied Commander Foch
The Rate of Discovery of National Bank Notes
By Peter Huntoon
Lee Lofthus’ important article “Are there more nationals to find?” in the December 2012 Bank Note Reporter ignited interest in what remains in the weeds. His calculations indicated that depending on how you cook the numbers, between 10 and 25 percent of the outstanding nationals based on Treasury estimates had been reported in the National Currency Foundation census by 2012. He was basing that estimate on the fact that 245,919 notes had been recorded in the census as of August 2012
Tiny coins desirable even damaged
By Donald H. Dool
Thanks to a bit of a buying spree and some good fortune, our trip across southern Europe is off on a detour that takes us to Germany and Namur in the southern Netherlands.
The city of Überlingen lies on the north shore of Lake Constance bordering Switzerland
Morgan silver dollars fluctuate only sideways
The ups and downs of the coin market continue. If Morgan silver dollars are any collectible coin market coincidence barometer, it suggests little if any appreciation is taking place. A number of common to scarce Morgan dollar dates, especially in Mint State 64 to 66, continue to decline
Interest grows for quarters minted from 1796 to 1807
The United States quarter dollar was based on the Spanish coin of 2 reales.
With the introduction in 1999 of the State quarter dollars and the later America the Beautiful series, there has been a gradual but continuing growth of interest in the earlier dates of this denomination. The fine series of Seated Liberty quarters has always created interest, but at present this increased demand is more focused on the earlier pieces, dating back to the first quarter dollars of 1796
Two members join coinage panel
Two vacancies on the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee have been filled by the United States Mint.
Samuel H. Gill will represent the interests of the general public
$12.7 million in U.S. coins sell
The unique 1792 Birch cent with a plain edge (Judd-3) that took the top price of $660,000 in a recent Stack’s Bowers sale.
Early American coinage highlighted an auction by Stack’s Bowers Galleries conducted in late October during the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Winter Expo.
Over $12
Doubled-die found on the sidewalk
Doubling on this 1977-D doubled-die cent is best seen in the letters of LIBERTY. However, even with extreme magnification, it is difficult to see and might be confused with machine doubling damage.
By Ron Brown
I like the United States cent coin
Dateless quarter inspired collector
The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter is the key date. This and the 1917 Type I have the undraped bosom and no stars under the eagle on the reverse.
That poor old coin was barely recognizable as a quarter
Stored bullion might be taken from you
For greater security, many owners of physical precious metals store some or all of their holdings in bank vaults or in bank safe deposit boxes. In general, this would tend to be safer than hiding them or putting them in a safe at home or a workplace.
But will you continue to have the ability to withdraw your physical precious metals from bank storage or bank safe deposit boxes at your discretion? There are some signs that the security of your precious metals stored at banks may not be as secure in the future as you might think
Marshall Islands okays crypto-coin
If you can’t beat ’em, why not beat ’em anyway? That appears to be the attitude of the Marshall Islands towards what is legal tender on the Micronesian island archipelago situated in the Pacific Ocean.
The Marshall Islands was the easternmost part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands until in 1986 the islands became independent under a Compact of Free Association. The Marshall Islands has been churning out non-circulating legal tender coins since 1986, almost none of which feature anything to do with the islands
Bowers’ Guide Book features Liberty Seated silver coins
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
I have before me a massive guide book entitled A Guide Book of Liberty Seated Silver Coins
Bring on the Small Cent
By Mark Benvenuto
From the beginning of our new coinage system in the 1790s, all the way up to the 1850s, the United States Mint did a fair job of producing one-cent coins. The first few years saw some extremely large copper pieces, and indeed, after a couple of years of production, the weight was reduced. But still, these earliest coppers earned the name “large cents
Queen Elizabeth II gets updated portrait
A new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II (top) appears with the design now being phased out (bottom) on a new Australian dollar coin.
The queen isn’t in the altogether. Not that the portraits of Queen Elizabeth II gracing Australia’s past coinage have ever been risqué, but the coins about to be introduced will depict Her Majesty with her shoulders covered
Deep South home to historical banks
By Mark Hotz
I found myself flipping through my National Currency collection the other week, and I came across a few Georgia notes that reminded me of visits I had made to their towns more than a decade ago. I thought it would be fun to revisit those towns since I rarely have a chance to do articles on towns in the Deep South. So this month, let’s take a hop over to rural Sparta and Greensboro, Georgia
English trade coin failed to satisfy
Queen Elizabeth I
Collectors in the United States are well aware of the Trade dollar that was first issued in 1873. There was too much silver being mined in the American West, and this coinage was an attempt to send the surplus silver to the Orient, especially China.
Within a few years, the British and Japanese governments also issued trade dollars
Newly discovered note with 14000-charter number
By Peter Huntoon
Cory Williams, who logs notes into the National Currency Foundation census, alerted me to this newly discovered note with a 14000-charter number from a previously unreported bank. Any time one of these discoveries comes along, it creates excitement.
A very popular pursuit by collectors for as long as I have been around is to obtain a note from all the issuing 14000-charter numbered banks
Market shifts necessary but not dramatic
Gold and silver took a hit as soon as these page files were compiled. Gold dropped by $10 to the $1,212 area. Silver declined by 20 cents to $14
Coin Finds: Welcome the unexpected
Based on the long-running “Coin Finds” column in Coins Magazine, which will continue to appear in print, this online version will give additional exposure to the thrill of the hunt.
Submit your own discoveries via email to David C. Harper at david
British penny finds some defenders
Could the credit card be making the British penny irrelevant? According to a Bank of England analysis of the lowly denomination, the answer is yes.
The bank also noted there has also been a decline in the number of items priced ending in 99 pence.
Bank of England economists recently released a statement reading, “As inflation steadily erodes the purchasing power of low denomination coinage, the case for its removal becomes stronger
NGC grades Newman Continental
Another 137 coins, medals, and tokens from the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society have been slabbed by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
They were on their way to be sold Nov
Note sells for over $2 million
Stack’s Bowers demonstrated Oct. 25 that some paper money beats inflation better than any silver or gold could.
A Series 1890 $1,000 Treasury Note sold for $2
Coins of Judaea in Goldberg auction
Judaean rarities will be featured in a Jan. 8-10, 2019, New York City sale conducted by Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers.
In the spotlight will be the Palm Desert Collection and the collection of Sholomo Moussaieff consisting of over 150 extremely rare Judaean and Judaean-related Roman Coins
Old silver bars might be collectible
Perhaps the dream of every numismatist and precious metals investor is the opportunity to purchase something at face value or a bullion-related price that can later be sold at a collector premium.
Such instances occur more often than most people realize. In some instances, once information about low mintages becomes known, there tends to be a surge in buying interest
New medal for AINA membership
All members of the American Israel Numismatic Association (AINA) who have paid their 2019 dues will receive a free membership medal commemorating the centennial of Magen David Adom (meaning Red Shield of David).
The Magen David Adom appears on this year’s AINA membership medal. They are brilliant uncirculated brass, 30mm, produced by The Highland Mint
Several ways to collect Walkers
Walking Liberty half dollars could still be found in change as late as 1966. The oldest half dollar I received in change was a 1943-D, still in nice condition. Once the Kennedy half dollar was introduced in 1964, half dollars all but disappeared from circulation
Small mark looks huge on cent
By F. Michael Fazzari
I keep topics, ideas, and drafts in a folder for possible future columns. I just found a copy of a published column with the promise to write more on the subject next time
Spain marks passing of escudos
It is 150 years since Spain abandoned the escudo as part of a total makeover of the nation’s currency. To mark the anniversary of the last escudo, Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre – Real Casa de la Moneda [Royal Mint of Spain] – has produced a series of replica escudos stuck as .999 fine gold euros that trace the history of this historic gold coin
Australia releases new $50
On Sep. 5, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia announced that the country’s new $50 note would go into general circulation on Oct. 18
End of road for Japan’s 1-yen coin
Japan’s 1-yen coin appears to be on its way out permanently.
Could Japan’s 1-yen coin or ¥1 be ready to join what appears to be a continuing pattern of low-denomination coins being dropped from circulation worldwide?
It certainly appears so. The Japanese government has set a goal of increasing all cashless financial transactions to 40 percent by 2025 in an effort to reduce transportation and storage costs linked to using physical cash
Engraving mistake remained uncorrected
By Peter Huntoon and Doug Murray
While perusing the scans of the proofs on the Smithsonian website, Doug Murray spotted an extraordinary situation. Every Series of 1882 $1,000 gold certificate proof, including the countersigned Fr.1218a variety, utilized a misspelled Thousand in the central banner; specifically, “One Thonsand Dollars
Feeling good about buying what we need now
Gold and silver prices are virtually identical to what they were a week ago. However, the October downturn in the stock market averages appear to place the metals in a more favorable position than they have been in for some time.
Always remember the importance of market psychology
Bargains to be found in Federal Reserve Notes
By Bill Brandimore
Colonial and Continental notes were strong at Long Beach with the presence of a number of notes slabbed in attractive grades. This is a very interesting area to collect with some historic signatures and many patriotic themes.
Fractionals were also stronger, although a sheet of three-cent notes sold cheap, along with other sheets
Hutt River gets new prince
On Feb. 11, 2017, Prince Leonard abdicated as sovereign of the Principality of Hutt River in favor of his youngest son, Prince Graeme, Duke of Gilboa and Earl of Canan. Prince Leonard had served 46 years since founding the principality in 1970
Buffalo nickels bring back memories
Even with the date worn off, collectors can identify the mound type Buffalo nickel struck only in the first year of 1913.
Assembling a collection of Buffalo nickels years ago was not hard. Many were still found in change
Mint forum hears new coin ideas
Treasurer of the United States Jovita Carranza welcomes everyone to the third Numismatic Forum held by the Mint. (U.S
Buyers return to gold coin market
Many classic American gold coins can be purchased for little more than bullion melt value in current market conditions. These coins combine bullion investment and numismatic interest.
When the price of gold vaulted over $1,200, it sparked a return to the physical gold market of former customers along with new retail buyers, according to officials of the Professional Numismatists Guild
CCAC sends views to Treasury
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee had a busy day Oct. 16 in reviewing designs for multiple coin and medallic issues.
Preferences expressed at the meeting were transmitted to the Treasury secretary, who makes the final decision
Ten best buys in pre-1933 gold
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
Do you remember the first U
Eight amazing pieces of silver
By Mark Benvenuto
Throughout the entire collector community, it’s fair to say we all like hefty silver coins. It appears to be part of virtually every collector’s passion, and that desire can burn pretty brightly in many of us. Whether it is classic silver dollars or the big silver of foreign countries, these coins are those that are usually in the spotlight and always in collectors’ hearts
Get busy, get active at current prices
Both buyers and sellers appear to be pleased with the current market, unless that seller has a collection he salted away years ago and now plans to liquidate. The market is like the old gray mare; she “ain’t what she used to be many long years ago.” In this situation, however, consider this a renaissance for the persistent collector, even if it is on a smaller scale than just a few years ago
East African notes bring $491,112
The opening volley of London’s post-Maastricht paper money auctions was fired by Spink on Oct. 3 with sale of the superb Alan Pickering collection of East Africa.
As Spink’s Barnaby Faul commented, “The collection is remarkable given the scarcity of these notes on the market
Lyall Collection realizes $800,000
By any standard, the Dix Noonan Webb sale of the Lyall Collection of cut and countermarked coins on Sept. 25 was an outstanding success.
Too often in recent years the sales of specialized collections have failed to live up to their pre-sale hype
Australia, Canada top Long Beach sale
Heritage Auctions’ Long Beach World Currency Signature sale on Sep. 6-10 was a $2 million event. When the dust settled at sale’s end, Australian notes not only occupied the top four spots but accounted for 14 out of the 22 notes that had taken in excess of $10,000
Tasmanian Devil last in Looney Tunes series
Looney Tunes’ Taz features on a Tuvaluan silver 50 cents, the fifth coin and last coin in this series. (Image courtesy The Perth Mint: TM & © WBEI [s18])The fifth and final release of Perth Mint’s Looney Tunes’ 50 cents occurred in early October. This time around, the star is Warner Bros’ short-fused Tasmanian Devil – better known as “Taz
Scared buyers become good buyers
A plunge in the stock market scared the price of bullion higher. Precious-metal impacted collectible and bullion coins have taken advantage of that unexpected boost as the spot price of gold and silver reacted favorably to the recent stock market pullback. The question is how long can this new situation last
Oregon club gives education a push
All visitors who attended the third annual Polk County Coin Club Show in Rickreall, Ore., on Oct. 7 were treated to an all-day, fun-filled numismatic learning experience complete with hands-on games and activities focused on attracting youth and families into the coin hobby and, ultimately, club membership
Legend plans six 2019 sales
Legend Rare Coin Auctions will hold six Regency Auctions in 2019.
One of them will be the first stand-alone sale not associated with a show.
The other five auctions will be held in conjunction with the PCGS Members Shows
ANA seeks theme
Win a proof 2018 silver American Eagle from the American Numismatic Association if you suggest the theme for National Coin Week, which will occur April 21-27, 2019.
The week will focus on discovery, invention, and innovation. Can you turn that idea into a snappy theme?
Send your suggestion by Nov
Rare $5 National in auction
A rare and previously unknown National Bank Note has been found by Scotsman Auction Company.
The firm will offer it for sale Nov. 2 at the Silver Dollar and Rare Coin Expo at the St
High Wire Rim dime found in set
A nifty dime error has been reported by Numismatic News reader Rob Garfinkle.
It was found in a 2018-S silver reverse proof set.
It is visually quite striking, don’t you think?
The high wire rim that is seen especially at the right side of the photograph is also called finning, as the coin was struck under higher-than-normal pressure with a die that was slightly tilted out of place
Both parties benefit in silver sale
In a free market, when a transaction occurs, both parties expect that what they receive will exceed their subjective valuation of what they give up. When a consumer buys a loaf of bread, he or she values the bread more than the funds used to pay for it.
At the same time, the business selling the bread values the payment received more than the bread traded away
Hawaii slates state show Nov. 30
Over 50 dealers are expected for the Hawaii State Numismatic Association 55th coin show from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2018, at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu
Heritage sale brings nearly $6 million
At top, reverse of the rare and top-selling 1917 Great British sovereign that realized $28,800 at Heritage’s successful Long Beach sale. At bottom, obverse of 6th issue hammered Elizabeth I gold pound struck at Tower Mint, which sold for $21,600 in AU55 NGC. (Image courtesy www
Vichy Malagasy 5,000F realizes $25,180
For collectors of WWII paper, one note in Spink’s Oct. 3 catalog of the Ibrahim Salem Collection stood out: a specimen Banque de Madagascar 5,000 francs dated 30 April 1942 and drawn on Tananarive [Antananarivo] (P-44; S&B-612s).
Extremely rare WWII Banque de Madagascar 5000 francs specimen of April 1942 (P-44; S&B-612s) that realized $25,180 in PCGS 35 Very Fine at Spink’s October sale of the Ibrahim Salem Collection
Celtic gold in November sale
A metal detectorist in Britain has unearthed a 2,000-year-old coin error. It occurs on a rare Iron Age gold stater of King Tasciovanos (“Badger-Killer”). He ruled the Catuvellauni of Hertfordshire around 25 B
Rarities come from colorful banks
By Mark Hotz
For this month, I chose two unrelated towns based on interesting notes in my collection of National Currency. Accordingly, we will be visiting two of these towns, one in Ohio and one in West Virginia.
Our first visit will be to Belmont, Ohio, a village located in Belmont County, Ohio, approximately 20 miles west southwest of Wheeling, W
Perth Mint reveals 2019 coinage
Reverses of The Perth Mint’s 2019 silver Koala, silver Kookaburra, and gold Kangaroo bullion coins. (Images courtesy & © The Perth Mint)
On Sept. 3, The Perth Mint launched its 2019 bullion coin program
New Friedberg number will be tough to get
By Peter Huntoon
A new Friedberg number has been discovered, but one that you probably won’t have the pleasure of owning. The find is a $1,000 Series of 1880 Tillman-Roberts Legal Tender Note issue that Doug Murray discovered by observing a proof with that signature combination.
After seeing the proof, he found from a BEP annual report that one printing of 4,000 notes had been delivered from the plate in fiscal year 1898
Many coins too closely tied to bullion moves
Gold bullion and modern coins including American Eagles and First Spouse issues continue to sell at values near the spot price of gold. This is a thinly traded market. Gold continues to slide along just below $1,200
10 billion coins struck in 2018
The United States Mint has struck just over 10 billion coins in the first nine months of the calendar year.
Comprising nearly 60 percent of the total are cents at 6,018,000,000 pieces produced by Philadelphia and Denver combined.
Philadelphia has struck slightly more than half the total
New medal for AINA membership
The Magen David Adom appears on this year’s AINA membership medal. They are brilliant uncirculated brass, 30mm, produced by The Highland Mint.
All members of the American Israel Numismatic Association (AINA) who have paid their 2019 dues will receive a free membership medal commemorating the centennial of Magen David Adom (meaning Red Shield of David)
‘Shish-Kebab’ error discovered
By Rick DeSanctis
My name is Rick DeSanctis with Numismatic Classics in Fort Myers, Fla. I am a collector and dealer who enjoys properly attributing his coins.
I am just contacting you to send you some pictures of something new that I discovered recently that will be of interest to many collectors
Community Voice Responses (October 30, 2018)
From the Sept. 28 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:
Will the American Innovators dollar coin series be better than Presidential dollars?
Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.
I don’t see how they can be
Apollo 11 design introduced
Leaving a footprint on the Moon was a major achievement 50 years ago when Neil Armstrong became the first person to do so after he stepped off the lunar lander.
The Apollo 11 commemorative coin designs for 2019 were officially unveiled Oct. 11 at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D
Do you have a $10,000 edge error?
2007-S proof Jefferson dollar
Would you check the edge of your 2007-S proof Jefferson dollars if you knew it meant you could be up to tens of thousands of dollars richer?
While I cannot state with any certainty what the Out-Of-Sequence Edge Motto error dollars would sell for, I can say that the original finder – Mesa, Ariz., collector Vitto Pierri – was asking tens of thousands of dollars for his discovery sets when he first found four of the errors and had them confirmed by Coin World and then the United States Mint.
Instead of correctly reading: “2007 S – E PLURIBUS UNUM – IN GOD WE TRUST,” the edges on the error dollars read, “2007 S – IN GOD WE TRUST – E PLURIBUS UNUM
What would you tell the Mint?
On Oct. 17, the U.S
Utah token supplement now available
A Utah token supplement has been published by H. Robert Campbell.
If you want to find a niche that is not buffeted by trends in the world’s financial centers, H
France starts 2019 program
On Sept. 5, Aurélien Rousseau, Président-directeur général de Monnaie de Paris, launched the mint’s 2019 program.
Heading the announcement and #1 item in MdP’s “Histoire de l’humanité” series was the news that a commemorative will be struck to mark the 50th anniversary of “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind
Doctor’s short life was long on accomplishments
In his day, Dr. Thomas Anthony Dooley III was one of the most admired men in America, yet at the present time he is almost forgotten. If by some miracle he was alive today, he would doubtless still be doing those deeds for which he was so justly recognized
Coin Finds: If you want it, you can find it
Based on the long-running “Coin Finds” column in Coins Magazine, which will continue to appear in print, this online version will give additional exposure to the thrill of the hunt.
Submit your own discoveries via email to David C. Harper at david
Arizona Territory Red Seal $5 found
By Peter Huntoon
Feast your eyes on this fabulous note that just came in from the cold from Arizona territory! This $5 Series of 1902 Red Seal from The Globe National Bank is huge news because it is the very first $5 Red Seal reported from the Territory of Arizona from the only bank that issued them.
Sensational first-reported $5 Series of 1902 Red Seal from the Territory of Arizona. This Globe note was shipped to the bank from the Comptroller of the Currency’s office on March 16, 1907, in the first shipment of $5s consisting of 5-5-5-5 sheets 1 through 830
Second penguin series begins
Reverse of the first coin in a second Falkland Islands’ 50p Penguin Series showing the head of a Macaroni Penguin. (Image courtesy Pobjoy Mint)
In early August, Pobjoy Mint announced a second five-coin series celebrating the penguins of the Falkland Islands, long known as the penguin capital of the world.
As with the 2017 series, five seven-sided, 27
China now largest printer of notes
The stately headquarters of the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation in Beijing. (Image courtesy Shizhao, Wikimedia Commons)
In the bank note printing game, one company rules them all: China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPM).
With well over 18,000 employees spread over 10 large, secure paper money factories, this state-owned operation is the biggest security printer in the world
New grading idea creates uncertainty
(Image courtesy www.usmoneyreserve.com)
Uncertainty is just as unhealthy for the coin market as is it for that of stocks
Birch cent on Stack’s Bowers block
A 1792 Birch cent is expected to bring $1 million at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction Oct. 24-26 at the Whitman Expo in Baltimore.
Birch cents were minted as an example of what the newly formed U
ANS buys medal archive
Archives of the Medallic Art Company have been purchased by the American Numismatic Society.
More than 50,000 individual items such as medals, dies, galvanos, plaques, and paper and digital archives were sold to ANS for $420,000 in bankruptcy proceedings of the Northwest Territorial Mint in a Seattle court.
Medallic Art Company archives have been purchased by the American Numismatic Society
1958 Franklin realizes $129,500
A world record for Franklin half dollars was set at the end of September during a Legend Rare Coins Auction by this “monster toned” 1958 example graded PCGS MS67+ Full Bell Lines.
Half dollars brought big dollars at the Legend Rare Coins Auction held at the PCGS Members Only Show Sept. 26-27 in Las Vegas, according to Laura Sperber
Kagin’s strikes gold in latest auction
It did not bring the highest price realized in Kagin’s million dollar auction Sept. 21, but an Emperor Norton I 50-cent bond sold for $12,600.
An Emperor Norton I bond sold for $12,600 at Kagin’s Auctions’ latest sale
Dollar designs given nod by CCAC
This American Innovators dollar design pair made the cut at a review Sept. 27 by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
A second try for a decent pair of designs for the 2018 American Innovators dollar coin was taken Sept
Price bounce for gold ounce
From the New York COMEX close on Sept. 14, 2018, to early morning U.S
Note of the Month: Unique food stamp change strip
By Neil Shafer
This time, we are looking at a four-subject sheet, probably unique, of Phase 2 food stamp change scrip from Bohack in the Bronx.
The manager made such scrip, as he had learned about such issues from his service during World War II.
Bohack ceased operations about 1973
This article was originally printed in Bank Note Reporter
Chinese tariffs affect coin business
Tariffs on China are in the news. Recently released Docket Number USTR-2018-0026 of the Office of the United States Trade Representative is titled “Request for Comments, Concerning Proposed Modification of Action Pursuant in Section 301: China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology, Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation.” The document is a request for comments and notice of a public hearing
Review of the 2019 Blue Book and Red Book
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
When I started collecting coins in the 1950s, the Handbook of United States Coins (the Blue Book) and the Guide Book of United States Coins (the Red Book) were widely used for pricing U
Gadoury sale packed with rarities
One of three known Type II scudi d’oro of Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy struck in 1610 at Turin. In NGC MS60, it will be offered at Victor Gadoury’s November sale with an estimate of 200,000 euro. (Images courtesy Éditions Victor Gadoury)
Each annual sale of Éditions Victor Gadoury in Monaco provides a top-drawer event for collectors across the globe
Czech note tops Stack’s Bowers auction
Stack’s Bowers’ world paper money sale at the ANA convention consisted of both live and Internet sales for both general world paper and the final tranche of the Eldorado collection of Colombia.
Desirable Czechoslovakian 500 korun of 1923, P-18a, that sold for four times upper estimate, or $40,800, in a remarkable PMG About Uncirculated 55. (Image courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
Top-selling lot was a remarkable Czechoslovakian 500 korun of 1923, P-18a
France celebrates Renoir and Rodin
Renoir’s “Le bal du Moulin de la Galette” (top) and Rodin’s sculpture “Le Baiser” (bottom) feature on the reverses of this year’s silver 10 euro pair struck by Monnaie de Paris as part of its series honoring great works of French art. (Images courtesy Monnaie de Paris)
Last year, Monnaie de Paris introduced a new coin series honoring France’s great wealth of pictorial art.
The series continues this year and pays homage to Renoir’s “Le bal du Moulin de la Galette” [The ball of the Moulin de la Galette] that hangs in Musée d’Orsay and Rodin’s sculpture “Le Baiser” [The Kiss] that can be found in Musée Rodin
World notes sell for $1.3 million
World currency sales were alive and well and thriving at the ANA convention.
Results from Heritage Auctions’ World Currency Platinum Night sale held on Aug. 17 are impressive
Ignore crisis, sleep well with coins
They say hindsight is 20/20.
Is it?
We passed the 10th anniversary date of the bankruptcy of the Wall Street firm of Lehman Brothers on Sept. 15, 2008
Viewpoint: New grading might bring in investors
By Dominc Cicio
I wasn’t going to respond but decided hey, I can give an opinion. I am sure Mr. Guth has the hobby interest at heart and will be honored to have a grading scale be referred to as the “Guth scale” for the next 50 years or so
Vallejo seminar called great success
Prefect weather, an enthused audience, great presentations, and related activities combined to create an outstanding James H. Laird Memorial Seminar Sept. 15 in Vallejo, Calif
CWTS scholarship honors Trasks
(Image courtesy www.cwtsociety.com)
The Civil War Token Society (CWTS) has created a scholarship to honor dealers Susan Trask and her late husband, Frank
Eagle sales come on strong
(Image courtesy usmint.gov)
Don’t read too much into this, but silver American Eagle bullion coins have had their best September sales figure since the record-setting year of 2015.
Back in 2015, the U
Amazing half disme nears $2 million
The finest-known 1792 half disme, graded PCGS MS68 and formerly owned by the first United States Mint Director David Rittenhouse, has been sold for a record of nearly $2 million by Brian Hendelson of Classic Coin Company. (Photo credit: Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS
Rainbow pound sells for $88,070
The recent sale of an Australian “Rainbow Pound” (P-2a) at Noble Numismatics’ August sale in Sydney was a noteworthy event. The lot realized U.S
Quarters offer a great series
By Mark Benvenuto
Quarters have been a mainstay of small change and small cash transactions for so long now that it’s tough to imagine a time when the 25-cent piece was not used and seen just about everywhere.
Since the Mint began changing the reverse of the quarter back in 1999 at the direction of Congress, it seems like a river of quarters has come out every year, often sporting some beautiful artwork.
It’s tough to think that there was a time when quarters were scarce
New DNW department sells paper
Oct. 2 will see Dix Noonan Webb’s first paper money sale of the company’s new stand-alone bank notes department. To celebrate the occasion, the catalog features a large swathe of rarities from across the globe
Heritage auction brings $9 million
Obverse and reverse of the Mexico City Mint Carlos & Joanna 8 reales of 1538 that realized $528,000 at Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night Sale during ANA’s World’s Fair of Money in August. The sale catalog points out that this and other early pieces of the Mexico City Mint were produced by native New World workers. This is demonstrated by the illiteracy of the legends that are also crudely blundered in numerous places
Spink sees strong bids for Chinese notes
Spink China’s August numismatic sale was the largest the company has held in Hong Kong in terms of volume. Despite some recent turbulence in the market, many high-value lots sold well above pre-sale expectations. These were predominantly historic Chinese items
British gold tops at Stack’s Bowers
Obverse of the choice “Una and the Lion” 5 pounds from the 15-piece 1839 proof set that fetched $432,000 or well over upper estimate at Stack’s Bowers ANA world & ancient coin sale. (Image courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
For collectors of historic British gold, Stack’s Bowers’ ANA Ancients & World Coin sale saw all their birthdays come at once. The top-selling seven world coins were all British
Coin market joins Malcolm in the middle
The business of coins is difficult to monitor since there are few industry statistics available. The Numismatic Stock Index is one of them. The NSI indicates U
Modern coins popular in Britain
Interest in new issues is alive and well in the United Kingdom. The Kew Gardens 50p is worth about $65.
Can you imagine purchasing a coin from a dealer, then having the dealer contact you to see if you would be willing to sell it back to him for a lot more money soon afterward?
Hattons of London is actually asking collectors if they would be willing to part with either of two 2018 coins issued in June, the coin dealer being quite willing to pay a substantial premium for either
Arkin wins AINA’s Shekel Prize
Prize winner Yigal Arkin as photographed by Howard Berlin.
The winner of the 2018 Shekel Prize for the best work published in 2017 on the subject of Judaean, Jewish or Holy Land numismatics is Yigal Arkin, for his book “Money Time, 70 Years of Currency in Israel.”
The announcement was made by the American Israel Numismatic Association
Hard to take advantage of $14 silver
Silver is trading around $14 an ounce, but buyers are not getting the advantage of a cheaper metal price.
As recently as June, silver was trading at $17. Now it is about 18 percent lower
100-point grading scale proposed by Ron Guth
Ron Guth
Ever find yourself wishing for more coin grades to learn?
If you have, Ron Guth is the numismatic authority for you.
He has created the Guth 100 Point Coin Grading ScaleSM.
There are 20 more points added to Mint State and proof grades
Coin production slides in August
August circulating coin production dropped by 41 percent at the U.S. Mint’s two production facilities
Silver swap sounds good but tax hits
In recent weeks, the silver/gold ratio has at times exceeded 85:1. That means one ounce of gold is worth 85 ounces of silver, or that the current gold price is more than 85 times that of the silver price. Analysts and investors track this ratio to help determine whether gold or silver reflects the better current value
Progress made in gold coin theft
(Image courtesy Marcel Mettelsiefen/European Pressphoto Agency)
An organized crime family might have been responsible for the theft of a massive 100 kilogram Canadian gold Maple Leaf coin from the Bode Museum in Berlin, Germany, according to the Berlin prosecutor’s office.
The $1 million face value coin is dated 2007. It has a diameter of 50 centimeters, is 3 centimeters thick, and has a purity of 0
Maryland collectors made day trip to ANA show
The Maryland State Numismatic Association coordinated and completed a day trip to the American Numismatic Association convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia on Friday, Aug. 17.
A rented passenger van filled with Maryland coin club members who signed up for the ANA trip left several pickup points in Montgomery County and Baltimore County early Friday and returned Friday evening
Active collectors chase what they need
(Image courtesy www.triplemint.com)
The current buyer’s market continues to roar
Tesla honored by Serbian series
The first in a planned series of Tesla coins features an alternating current electric motor.
Nikola Tesla, electrical engineer, physicist and inventor extraordinaire, is to be honored on a series of one-ounce .999 fine silver 100 dinara to be released by the National Bank of Serbia
New volumes on Scotland, Leith commems
By Neil Shafer
Paper Money of Scotland, by Jonathan Callaway and Dave Murphy. Two volumes, hardcover, large octavo, 1,140 pages (both books), illustrations in color. Available from the publisher, Pam West, P
Skull coins made for Day of the Dead
Skull coins struck by Lichtenstein’s Coin Invest Trust for the Republic of Palau have proved highly popular. Two new issues were announced at The American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in August in Philadelphia. Both commemorate October’s El Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead: a 25
Silver Eagles signal possible renewed growth
Analysts at Commerzbank recently described the August U.S. Mint report for gold coin products as being subdued, yet on Sept
Scouts crowd California program
The Numismatic Association of Southern California, in conjunction with the sponsorship of the American Numismatic Association, hosted its ninth annual Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge Workshop on Aug. 25 at the Golden State Coin Show in Arcadia, Calif.
Fifty-four scouts (both boys and girls) from eleven districts in southern California participated in the event
Supplies of Lamarr medal dwindle
Hedy Lamarr appears on the obverse of the new Jewish-American Hall of Fame medal by Eugene Daub. The reverse shows a portion of her patent. (Photos courtesy of Eugene Daub)
Supplies of the 49th medal in a series issued by the Jewish-American Hall of Fame depicting legendary 1940s Hollywood movie star Hedy Lamarr are running out
Eagle sales stopped temporarily
It is catch-up time at the U.S. Mint
Gold leads Heritage results
Selling for $90,000 in the latest Heritage auction was this 1915-S octagonal $50 Panama-Pacific commemorative coin.
Results achieved by Heritage Auctions for its Sept. 6-9 Signature Sale of U
Make coin collecting tax free?
Should the profits that go to coin collectors when they sell their collections be tax free?
Should coin dealers be exempted from paying income tax?
I ask these questions after I received a press release about U.S. Representative Alex Mooney, R-W
Calm worries with gold
Prudent people need to acquire a permanent wealth insurance position of bullion-priced physical gold and silver coins and ingots.
I’m getting nervous about the U.S
Confusion surrounds 1798 shilling
George III 1798 6.00 g shilling (KM-607.3, S-3747, ESC-2139) as sold by Spink in March
Coins survive from erased people
Cover of the reprinted edition of Norman Rybot’s classic Armorican Art. (Image courtesy Celtic Coins)
There are abundant numismatic classics out there, but too many are out of print. It is always a delight to see one reprinted
Cumberland quarter’s day arrives
At top, Mint Acting Deputy Director David Croft and Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Gary Ingram participate in the ceremonial coin pour during the Cumberland Island National Seashore launch ceremony Aug. 30 in Kingsland, Ga. (U
Cut, countermarked coins in sale
The only known example of an Essequibo & Demerara 22 guilders countermarked under the Ordinance of August 1798 (Pridmore 1; cf. KM-3). The host VF coin is a counterfeit 6,400 réis of Joseph I dated 1771
Obsolete currency note linked to Scotland
By Neil Shafer
It appears that an obsolete currency note from Massachusetts turns out to be an important piece for more than one reason.
Its relevance to Scottish notes is seen in its back design. Apparently Sir William Congreve, who fashioned complex revenue stamp designs used for the backs of Scottish and other notes in the earlier 19th century, must have done some work on back designs of several (?) obsolete notes
Alligator bite makes unusual coin
Palau has recently released a 38.61mm, 1 oz .999 fine silver $5 proof showing the imprint of an Alligator’s bite
Clutier, Ia., claims smallest number of sheets
By Peter Huntoon
The First National Bank of Clutier, Iowa, charter 5366, holds the distinction, thanks to a liquidation on Oct. 12, 1908, of having issued the smallest number of sheets in Iowa of any plate combination in the Series of 1882 date backs; specifically, 10 sheets of 10-10-10-20s.
Only 20 sheets of its 1882 date back $5s were issued
American Legion looks at 2019 commems
Mint Director David Ryder and American Legion National Commander Denise Rohan appear on stage at the commemorative coin design unveiling event Aug. 29, 2018, in Minneapolis, Minn.
Two Legion members not identified look at the half dollar reverse
CCAC explains coin design process
By Dennis Tucker
On Aug. 16, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee gave a special two-hour presentation and panel discussion at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia. The title of the “Money Talks” presentation was, “Why Did They Do That? – An In-Depth Discussion of the Interaction Between the CCAC, Congress and the United States Mint
World shows new interest in coins
Whenever there is a major change in coins or currency in circulation in the United States, there has been a spark of new collecting interest.
Personally, I was brought into the hobby along with much of my extended family when the Kennedy half dollar debuted in 1964. This coin was considered to be almost a commemorative of the recently assassinated president
Fun with the euro on trip to Italy
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
As I write this, my wife and I are still recovering from nagging coughs we picked up on our 17-day trip to Italy in July
Note lurked in someone’s collection for years
By Peter Huntoon
This $20 Series of 1934C has a back printed from late-finished macro plate 204. It is the first reported 1934C with such a back and went by unsold in a Heritage Auctions last year.
Plate 204 has been reported on the $20s from several districts in the 1934, 1934A and 1934B as well as the 1934 and 1934A San Francisco Hawaii series
FUN honors Numismatic Ambassadors
The Numismatic Ambassador Award has been honoring the volunteers that make the coin hobby tick for 44 years.
Making this ongoing effort possible is the Florida United Numismatists organization.
FUN took over responsibility for the award after Numismatic News bowed out with the winners of 2014
East African rarities in Spink sale
In early October, world paper collectors will be spoiled for choice in London-town. Leading the charge are three major sales at Spink.
Oct
Calligraphy celebrated on proofs
Calligraphy is a vital part of Chinese culture. It is traditionally regarded as an art form, referred to as Shufa [way/method/rule of writing]. Many individual characters in use today can be traced back to 4,000 B
Notes of scenic Susquehanna towns
By Mark Hotz
I had the opportunity recently to make a trip up the Susquehanna River to Selins Grove, Pa. Along the way, I passed several towns that had note-issuing national banks. Many were quite picturesque, so I decided to include two of them, Liverpool and Halifax, for this month’s article
Gold bullion bounces higher but can it last?
Gold is back over $1,200. Silver tried to stay at $15. Metals are off their lows
Smith joins Stack’s Bowers
Bruce Smith
Bruce Smith has joined Stack’s Bowers Galleries at the firm’s South California headquarters in Santa Ana.
The 20-year veteran in numismatics takes the position of director of client placement and acquisitions.
The firm said Smith focuses on developing portfolios of noteworthy rare coin properties and precious metals for his clients
Output passes 8 billion
July circulating coin production at the U.S. Mint pushed 2018 output past the 8 billion mark
ICTA gives awards to three
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Nicholas L. Tranchitella, Delaware Valley Rare Coins President Richard Weaver, and NCIC President Doug Davis were awarded ACTF’s 2018 Al Kreuzer Memorial Award for outstanding work in combatting counterfeiters and those who traffic in counterfeit coins and currency in the United States. (ICTA image by David Crenshaw)
The Industry Council for Tangible Assets recognized three individuals Aug
Quality makes average coins super
Gold coin results in the latest GreatCollections.com auction showed that quality and time lead to great investment results as 27 coins from the Ruth Weinberg estate were sold Aug. 26
NLG names Guth executive director
Ron Guth
Ron Guth takes charge of the Numismatic Literary Guild Sept. 1.
He succeeds Donn Pearlman, who served as interim executive director since the death of Ed Reiter in August 2017
Gold rebounds from lows
From June 14, 2018, when the price of gold closed on the New York COMEX at $1,304 and silver finished at $17.22, their prices fell all the way down to $1,187 and $14.53, respectively, at the COMEX close on Aug
Stamp website expands into coins
Can a website catering to stamp collectors break into the new issue coin market?
Moreover, can a foreign website appeal to coin collectors in the American market?
Those are the two key questions facing a website called WOPA+ at https://www.wopa-plus.com
Historic Washington gold auctioned
A 1792 gold piece bearing the portrait of George Washington was sold by Heritage Auctions for $1.74 million Aug. 16 in Philadelphia
Deep Space Nine next for Canada
Obverse and reverse of Canada’s innovative and highly detailed silver proof $20 that celebrates the 25th anniversary of “Deep Space Nine.” (Image courtesy & © Royal Canadian Mint)
Twenty-five years ago in 1993, “Deep Space Nine” (DS9) debuted on American television. To mark this year’s anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint has produced a selectively colored 36
Scarce 200 gulden brings $12,000
Face of Netherlands Indies 200 gulden that realized $12,000 in VF at Knight’s World Live Auction. (Image courtesy Lyn Knight Auctions)
One intriguing lot in Lyn Knight’s World Live Sale held on July 30-31 was a Netherlands Indies De Javasche Bank 200 gulden, P-83.
Dated 23 May 1938, this attractive piece is perhaps the scarcest denomination of the NEI dancer series, especially in collectable grade
Buyers waking up to ‘cheap’ bullion
You can look at current coin market conditions as a glass being half full or half empty. Regardless of your perception, the market is half something. Several dealers with whom I’ve recently spoken admit to paying cutthroat low prices for inventory
Cindy Wibker receives Zerbe Award
Cindy Wibker (Image courtesy www.funtopics.com)
Florida United Numismatists’ Cindy Wibker was given the American Numismatic Association’s top award Aug
Reverse proof set sells out slowly
Roughly a month after the 2018 San Francisco Reverse Proof Sets went on sale, the 200,000 available were sold out.
The sellout was not instantaneous, but it was fast enough for there to be some excitement on the secondary market.
A set with all the coins slabbed by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and graded Proof-70 First Day of Issue can be purchased on eBay for $474
Gasvoda buys ancient coin dealership
Michael S. Gasvoda
Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., of Lancaster, Pa
Liberty nickel sells for $4.56 million
Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctioned this 1913 Liberty Head nickel for $4.56 million.
Have major American coin rarities stopped appreciating in value?
You be the judge
Van Ryzin research wins NLG award
Retired “Coins” Magazine editor did double duty Aug. 16 at the NLG Bash. His original research into how the 1913 Liberty Head nickel became known to the hobby earned him the James L
Ready for state tax attacks?
For businesses in general, including those who purchase and sell rare coins and precious metals to earn income, complying with government regulation and taxation can be intimidating and financially costly. This is one reason that trade associations exist – they are able to identify and pass along important news on a timely basis on these subjects where the costs are divided among the membership.
Right now, more than ever, the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA) can provide rare coins and precious metals dealers with guidance on the impact of the recent U
Heritage adds ancients database
Collectors of ancient coins will be delighted with the latest addition to Heritage’s www.ha.com website
Cacao bean use as money traced
Chocolates are made to mimic coins. Some of us have even tried to collect them. Good luck
Common silver dollars lead market strength
(Image courtesy www.apmex.com)
Sales of relatively common date Morgan and Peace silver dollars remain brisk unless these dates are encountered in significantly less common and much superior conditions
Former Treasurer Cabral to sign PMG labels
Anna Escobedo Cabral, the 42nd Treasurer of the United States, will individually hand-sign certification labels exclusively for Paper Money Guaranty®, the firm has announced.
Hand-signed labels featuring the signature of Anna Escobedo Cabral, the 42nd Treasurer of the United States, will soon be available from Paper Money Guaranty. (Images courtesy PMG®)
As Treasurer of the United States, Cabral advised the Directors of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which prints U
Third Tyrant display at Long Beach
A rare doppio ducat of French King Louis XII as the Duke of Milan (1499-1512) is one of the many highlights of the $8 million “Tyrants of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas” exhibit at the September 2018 Long Beach Expo. (Photo courtesy Lyle Engleson/Goldberg Coins & Collectibles)
More gold and silver coins from the Tyrant Collection – ranging from Gelon, tyrant of the cities of Gela and Syracuse in 485 B.C
Heritage slates Dauer Australian notes
An entire session of Heritage Auctions’ Sept. 5-11 Long Beach World Currency Signature Auction will be devoted to the sale of Drs. Joanne and Edward Dauer’s bank note collection of the Commonwealth of Australia
Sylvester earns place on Tuvalu coin
Sylvester J. Pussycat Sr. features on a Tuvaluan silver 50 cents, the fourth coin in Perth’s Looney Tunes series
Bullion moving fast in wrong direction
(Image courtesy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eknvVambBw)
Bullion prices were falling faster than this page could be updated
Knight prices offer more ups than downs
By Bill Brandimore
I had more fun at the Higgins Museum seminar than probably is allowed by law. I drove over with Cliff Mishler and we had a nice ride, along with chewing over the latest events in numismatics.
I participated with Mark Anderson in giving a talk on German American National Banks in Wisconsin
Silver pennies bring $645,374 at Spink
The July 3 sale of the second tranche of Anglo-Saxon and Viking coins from the Williams collection was another triumph for Spink. These were the coins of Alfred the Great, Aethelred the Unready, Eric Bloodaxe and Harold Bluetooth, among others. Quality was to the fore, and the 253 lots realized a total of $645,374 [£486,696], or $2,551 a coin
Kagin seeks ANA post
Donald H. Kagin (Image courtesy www.money
Error cent slabbed for upcoming sale
First found the year it was struck, but until now never seen in public or sold, the Lutes 1943 bronze cent has been slabbed by NGC. It will be sold by Heritage Auctions. (Photos courtesy of NGC
PNG honors Pearlman’s career
Donn Pearlman, left, receives the Lifetime Achievement Award plaque from Bob Brueggeman, PNG executive director.
Congratulations to Donn Pearlman.
The Professional Numismatists Guild bestowed its Lifetime Achievement Award on him Aug
Money takes many forms
A bundle of kissi pennies at the Brooklyn Museum. (Image courtesy Brooklyn Museum [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons
New Perth Mint tour begins
Mine to Mint Tours Launch at The Perth Mint. From left: Premier McGowan, Perth Mint CEO Richard Hayes, Go West Tours GM David Haoust and Newmont Boddington Mine GM Jim Cooper. (Image courtesy & © The Perth Mint; Photo Ross Swanborough 240718)
In late July, Western Australia’s Perth Mint announced something a little different for gold coin collectors: “Mine to Mint” tours
Stack’s Bowers sells solid 8 trio for $12,000
Stack’s-Bowers’ Hong Kong sale was a work in progress as the most recent issue of Bank Note Reporter went to press.
Results from Aug. 6 included several lots offering groups of Federal Reserve Notes, all of which carried the coveted SOLID EIGHTS serial number: 88888888
‘Boaty McBoatface’ arrives
“Boaty McBoatface” has a penguin escort as it explores icebergs in Antarctic waters on the reverse of this first-ever BAT 50 pence. (Image courtesy Pobjoy Mint)
The British public has long been known for its puckish sense of humor. Two years ago, an online poll was conducted to choose a name for a new British Antarctic Survey research vessel
Britannia gets new look on proof bullion
Common reverses of Britain’s 2018 Britannia gold and silver proofs by David Lawrence. (Images courtesy & © The Royal Mint)
In early July, Britain’s Royal Mint announced this year’s Britannia proof issues.
The reverse design for 2018 comes from sculptor David Lawrence, who presents a fresh new take on behelmed Britannia
Archivist turns up counterfeit $100 tale
By Peter Huntoon and Eric Head
Occasionally large size U.S. counterfeits turn up, but usually virtually nothing is known about them
Meteorite fragment part of design
Reverse of Canada’s proof $20 celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Note fragment of Campo del Cielo iron. (Image courtesy Royal Canadian Mint)
This year marks the 150th anniversary of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Altered check made into emergency note
By Neil Shafer
Shown below is face and back of an altered check form made into an emergency 1000 francs note by Banque de la Guadeloupe.
The issue date is 27 January 1942. The back has a stamping from the Banque de France with date of 16 June 1942 and the word VICHY underneath
With investors away, collectors play
Coin dealers might not like it, but the spot price of gold and silver continues to impact values for a large portion of the collectible coins on the market today. The same is true for bullion coins, but that is to be expected except during the unusual occasions of buyer panic. Then even the premiums on bullion coins soar
Reverse proof error found
The fields of the error 2018-S half dollar are not frosted as they are supposed to be.
A new error has been reported. Everyone who has ordered a 2018 San Francisco Silver Reverse Proof Set has a chance to get one
Club gives Syd Kass cake for No. 98
Longtime coin collector Syd Kass celebrated his 98th birthday with his friends Aug. 3 at a meeting of the Delta Coin Club at the Stockton, Calif., Eagles Hall
CCAC rejects signature $1 designs
Coin collectors might consider multiple ways of highlighting the signature of George Washington as the opposite of innovation, but variations on this theme were reviewed and rejected July 31 by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee as the American Innovators dollar coin.
A 2018 coin could kick off a series of four coins a year running until 2033 that will allow all 56 states, territories and District of Columbia to have their place on the honor roll of American Innovation.
Which would you choose? The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee rejected all eight signature obverse designs above
1878-S dollar gets ‘Specimen’ grade
Submitted by an East Coast collector, this specimen 1878-S silver dollar has been authenticated and certified PCGS SP65 and is the earliest-known specially struck branch mint Morgan dollar. (Photo courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS
World War I sets back on sale
Shown above is the World War I Centennial 2018 Silver Dollar and Army Medal Set. Returns of this item, along with its Air Service, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard counterpart sets, are currently being offered by the U.S
Gold price set by China?
From June 14 through Aug. 7, the price of gold, as measured in U.S
Franklin’s Libertas Americana medal carries depth of meaning
The Libertas Americana medal served multiple meaningful purposes when Benjamin Franklin commissioned artist/engraver Augustin Dupré to create the design. (Image courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
There is little doubt that the most admired medal in American numismatic history is the one commissioned by Benjamin Franklin in 1782. Although the Revolutionary War was not yet over, the end of this long struggle was in sight with the victory over the British at Yorktown in October 1781
Finding notes and coins fascinating
A group of children excited by their introduction to numismatics.
By Antoinette (Toni) Rahn
I’m sure you’ve come across people, as I have, who do not understand the fascination with notes and coins. I’ve heard more than a few people attempt to explain the many appealing aspects of collecting and studying the various elements of numismatics
50 years of memories in Kennedy
The 50th anniversary of the Kennedy half dollar was celebrated with a three-quarter ounce gold version.
The approach to collecting Kennedy half dollars is different from other series. Searching through change will not produce any results; half dollars disappeared from circulation decades ago
Award-winning medal honors Death March victims
Mel Wacks Judaica Art Medal Award obverse design by Israeli artist David Fisher. Sponsored by the Jewish-American Hall of Fame.
The newly established Mel Wacks Judaica Art Medal Award was presented at the 2018 XXXV FIDEM Art Medal Congress awards banquet in Ottawa on June 3
Montana enjoys legacy of unique banks
The vintage photo postcard view at top shows the First National Bank of Valier, Mont., as it was nearing completion in 1910. Compare this view to how the bank appears today (bottom)
Coins honor Lawrence of Arabia
Reverses of the new British gold and silver £5 pieces paying tribute to Thomas Edward Lawrence. (Images courtesy & © The Royal Mint)
Among the millions who participated in World War I, a few names live in history. The Red Baron is one
Unusual name for note-issuing berg
By Peter Huntoon
Ducktown is located in the southeast corner of Tennessee in what became known as Copper Basin. The name of the town is one of the most unusual for a Tennessee note-issuing berg but, according to the National Currency Foundation census, no notes are reported from The First National Bank that operated there.
Proof $10 note from the First National Bank of Ducktown, Tenn
Finest coins counter slow market conditions
It is a typical slow summer day as this column is being prepared. The prices of any coins impacted by their intrinsic value continues to flatline as gold and silver meander at recent lower levels.
The autumn season for coin collectors typically kicks off with the American Numismatic Association convention each August
Silver medal tells story of war hero
World War I war hero and Medal of Honor winner Sgt. Henry Johnson has been honored by a new silver medal that debuted June 27 at the Palace Theatre in Albany, N.Y
TAMS slates meeting, banquet at ANA
(Image courtesy http://www.tokenandmedal.org/)
The Tokan and Medal Society will hold a general membership meeting and a banquet during the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia
Silver dollars excite Regency sale
The RanJack Collection of Morgan silver dollars was the headline performer in the July Regency Auction July 26.
Held in conjunction with the PCGS Members Only Show in Las Vegas, the 604-lot sale was called by Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
Lot 1 was an 1878 7 Tail Feather, Reverse of 1878 graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service as MS66+ CAC
Coin dealer’s Mom was buying gold
(Image courtesy www.GreatCollections.com)
If you want to know what a professional coin dealer would sell his own mother, you have that chance thanks to a www
Who has hunger for the new MacCoins?
Five designs of MacCoins marking the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac have been announced by the McDonalds’s corporation.(Image courtesy http://news.mcdonalds
New dollar, same old mistakes
(Image courtesy www.usmint.gov)
On Oct
CSNS gives $2,167 to ICTA
The Central States Numismatic Society renewed its commitment to the Industry Council for Tangible Assets in April by giving $2,167 – $1 for each member – to the group at its 79th Anniversary Convention.
CSNS President Mitch Ernst said, “As the leading hobby organization in the Midwest, Central States feels a deep responsibility to the collector community to support ICTA in its fight to remove burdensome sales taxes on numismatic and bullion items, combat counterfeiting and educate the public.”
Convention Chairman Kevin Foley said, “This organization is at the forefront of defending the interests of the entire numismatic community
TEC rolls out its new elongateds
The Elongated Collectors organization will be present at the ANA convention with special elongateds. Some will be given away and others sold. Attend the show or visit the website mentioned in the story
George VI rules IPMS auction
Lyn Knight’s Jun. 7 sale at the International Paper Money Show in Kansas City was a tour de force for George VI. Issues bearing the portrait of the last Emperor of India were strong across the board, with estimates of the rarer notes proving to be more than somewhat conservative
Australian rarities in September auction
On Sept. 23, Australia’s International Auction Galleries will offer the finest-known New South Wales Holey Dollar of 1813 (KM-2) and the finest-known South Australia Type II Adelaide Pound of 1852 (KM-2). They come from a collection that consists of just these two coins!
The finest-known New South Wales holey dollar of 1813 to be sold in September by International Auction Galleries in UNC condition
Scarce 5 pesos gold certificate turns up
Recently, PMG was entrusted to authenticate and grade an astonishing Colombian 5 pesos gold certificate of deposit issued by the Casa de Moneda de Medellin. It is the only known example of this note type and is unlisted in Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Specialized Issues.
Specialized collectors of Colombian paper money are no doubt familiar with these gold certificates of deposit
Sauna theme for new Finnish coins
Obverse and reverse of silver 10 euro celebrating the sauna in Finland’s culture. (Images courtesy Suomen Rahapaja)
The sauna has been part of Finnish culture for over 2,000 years. Today, the country of seven million people has at least two million saunas
CBC 1 Yuan tops Hong Kong Fair sale
The Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair in late June saw Heritage Auctions offer a wide range of world paper money in its Signature Auction. When the dust settled on Jun. 29, the sale had realized a most satisfactory grand total of $1,329,564, with 20 lots securing prices in excess of $10,000
First Spouse not first in buyers’ hearts
2016 First Spouse gold coin featuring Nancy Reagan (Image courtesy usmint.gov)
Ugly is the way one collector recently viewed the First Spouse gold $10 market. These are the companion pieces issued along with Presidential dollars 2007-2016
Four speakers explain importance of blogs
(Image courtesy www.nlgonline.org)
Four speakers will appear at the Numismatic Literary Guild Symposium at 10 a
Heritage calls $2.6 million auction
The Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair in late June saw Heritage Auctions offer both world and ancient coins in its Signature sale. When the dust settled on June 29, the sale had realized a total of $2,609,235 for a clearance rate of 95.7 percent
‘SOLID EIGHTS’ set coming to auction
With the annual American Numismatic Association looming on the horizon, collectors should not overlook Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Auction. The date is Aug. 6-9, just a week before ANA, and the catalog is not all about world coins or notes
Perth Mint strikes gold
(Image courtesy and © The Perth Mint)
The Perth Mint has issued Australia’s first double sovereign.
In 2009, Perth introduced a reprise of the original Australian gold sovereign of 1853. It was denominated as $25
Rare WWII Fiji note headlines August event
World War II paper money aficionados need to check out Spink’s catalog for its Hong Kong Collectors’ sale scheduled for Aug. 8-9. On offer will be one of the great rarities of the war: a Government of Fiji overprint on a Reserve Bank of New Zealand £5 note (P-46b)
Poland marks great victory
Silver proof 20 zlotych struck to commemorate the victory of a small Polish cavalry unit over a large force of Muslim invaders in 1694. (Images courtesy Narodowy Bank Polski)
On June 5, Narodowy Bank Polski released a 38.61 mm, 28
Gold buyer frenzy, but no sellout
(Image courtesy usmint.gov)
When the 2018-W uncirculated one-ounce gold American Eagle coin went on sale July 12, it went on backorder within a minute or two.
Collectors might be forgiven for thinking the offering sold out
New reference delivers five centuries of British coin details and pricing
British coins are a fascinating lot.
Standard Catalog of Great Britain Coins digital reference is priced at $40 and available exclusively at ShopNumismaster.com
NGC slabs silver dollar hoard
One of the newly slabbed silver dollars from the New York Bank Hoard is shown in its slab.
A hoard of 16,000 pristine Morgan silver dollars stored in a New York City bank vault since 1964 have been graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
That fact alone is amazing
Seven new faces of Charles Barber
By John Frost
Charles E. Barber, best known for his Liberty Head or Barber dimes, quarters and half dollars, as well as the Liberty Head nickel, was Chief Engraver of the U.S
Gold worth $8 trillion
According to the World Gold Council (WGC), at the end of 2017 there are about 6.1 billion ounces of physical gold extant in the world. This does not count gold still in the ground or in the water waiting to be mined or extracted
Colorado show works for youth
Four Young Numismatists look over ANA Money Display in Kid’s Zone at June 2018 Colorado Springs Coin Show.
Youth and their families hunted for numismatic treasure at the Colorado Springs, Colo., Coin, Currency and Collectibles Show June 21-23
British proof sets top DNW bidding
Hammered gold sovereign of Elizabeth I c. 1583-1600, that fetched $17,556 in Dix Noonan Webb’s June sale. (Images courtesy DNW)
For a long time now, historic proof sets have been blazing a white-hot trail across the British numismatic landscape
Dave Michaels joins CNG
Dave Michaels
Ancient coin specialist David S. “Dave” Michaels returned to Classical Numismatic Group as of July 1.
Michaels, who previously worked for the Lancaster, Pa
Gold aureus tops Goldberg bidding
A mint state gold aureus of Emperor Trajan Decius fetched $15,000 at Goldbergs’ pre-Long Beach sale. (Images courtesy Goldberg)
A gold aureus of Roman Emperor Trajan Decius (RIC 22; Calicó 3297) was the top-selling ancient at Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers’ pre-Long Beach sale conducted June 10-13.
It was a superb mint state lustrous piece
Rare promissory note in Regina
By George Manz
An extremely rare Hudson’s Bay Company £1 1870 promissory note issued at Fort Garry during the Red River Rebellion will be on display at the Regina Coin Club Show and Sale in October.
A rare Hudson’s Bay Company promissory note will be displayed in Canada in October at the Regina Coin Club Show and Sale.
In 1869, the newly formed Government of Canada purchased Rupert’s Land from the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)
Third scarab coin series released
In June, Lichtenstein’s Coin Invest Trust (CIT) released the third set of a major coin series celebrating ancient Egypt’s scarab.
The first coins in the series were introduced last year and proved instant sellouts helped, no doubt, by their simple yet powerful designs. The continuing quality of the third set indicates it is likely to do likewise
Town name changes on Series 1929 Nationals
By Peter Huntoon
Out of all the 6,996 banks that issued Series of 1929 notes, only 18 experienced town name changes during the 1929 era and issued notes with both names.
We are going to be very liberal here in our admission criteria to this small club. We’ll define a change in town name to include any difference including spelling, presentation and even one misspelling! To do otherwise would make our list so short, it hardly would be viable!
Table 1 is a listing of these notes, along with an explanation for the changes
Take advantage of quiet to buy, or take vacation
The coin market remains relatively steady, which is often all that can be asked for during the summer. The normal seasonal pattern is a slowdown for collectors and dealers to slip away for vacations.
Let’s look at a larger developing pattern
Top commem set at ANA convention
The all-time finest set of classic U.S. commemoratives struck between 1892 and 1954 will be displayed Aug
Dimes, quarters jump over 1 billion
Dimes and quarters mintages jumped over the one billion mark for the first six months of calendar year 2018.
As of the end of June, Denver and Philadelphia had produced a combined 1,021,000,000 dimes and 1,085,114,000 quarters.
As large as those numbers might seem, cent production at 4,212,800,000 during the first half leaves the other two denominations in the dust
NGC safeguards product from fakes
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) reports that a seller of counterfeit coins in counterfeit NGC holders has pleaded guilty to importing counterfeit coins and bars into the United States.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
NGC first became aware that Jonathan Kirschner of Moorestown, N
Do you own silver or paper?
When a COMEX gold or silver futures contract matures, the party that holds the long side may choose to sell off the contract, to trade it for a contract that matures further in the future, or may demand delivery of the underlying metal.
If the holder of a maturing long contract specifies that they want delivery of the underlying metal, it used to be that there were three standard forms of settlement – 1) delivery of the actual metal out of registered COMEX inventories, 2) payment in cash, or 3) payment in the form of an equivalent number of shares in a gold or silver exchange traded fund. Although the party on the short side of the contract theoretically could specify how they wanted to settle their obligation, the long side party also had some influence on how settlements were made
Seated Liberty design types help frame half dollar collection
By Mike Thorne, Ph.D.
For most coin collectors, the best approach to take when collecting 19th century series is the type approach
NGC grades rare pattern
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation has graded the third known example of a pattern 1916 Standing Liberty quarter.
At left, pattern olive branch through the “L.” At right, standard issue olive branch brushes bottom of “L
‘Central America’ coins selling fast
Slabbed with a pinch of gold, this 1857-S double eagle is graded MS-65 by PCGS.
The “Ship of Gold” is sailing quickly. A total of 2,935 U
Notes spark exploration of Red Hook history
By Mark Hotz
I hope you all enjoyed the past several months of articles on interesting historical currency items from my personal collections. I find the idea of placing a piece of currency in a particular place on a particular date, or in the hands of a celebrity, to really make this area of numismatics come alive. I also have a similar collection of coins of this nature, including two coins that were in the pockets of persons rescued from the Johnstown Flood
Notes spark exploration of Red Hook history
By Mark Hotz
I hope you all enjoyed the past several months of articles on interesting historical currency items from my personal collections. I find the idea of placing a piece of currency in a particular place on a particular date, or in the hands of a celebrity, to really make this area of numismatics come alive. I also have a similar collection of coins of this nature, including two coins that were in the pockets of persons rescued from the Johnstown Flood
Rare 1809 Gerona issue has rich history
Struck by a local silversmith under the order of the Governor in the city of Gerona, Spain, in 1809, this silver five pesetas bears a stern military bust of Ferdinand VII on the obverse and the crowned arms of Castile and Leon on the reverse. (Image courtesy https://live.cayon
Rare 1809 Gerona issue has rich history
Struck by a local silversmith under the order of the Governor in the city of Gerona, Spain, in 1809, this silver five pesetas bears a stern military bust of Ferdinand VII on the obverse and the crowned arms of Castile and Leon on the reverse. (Image courtesy https://live.cayon
Star orientation documented for Dallas, San Francisco notes
By Peter Huntoon
The first runs of Series of 1928 Dallas and San Francisco $100 star notes were numbered on the same 12-subject overprinting and separating press on November 22, 1929. Both press runs were 1,000 sheets each bearing serials 1 through 12,000. The sequence of numbers on the left sides differed from those on the right by 6,000 for both press runs
Star orientation documented for Dallas, San Francisco notes
By Peter Huntoon
The first runs of Series of 1928 Dallas and San Francisco $100 star notes were numbered on the same 12-subject overprinting and separating press on November 22, 1929. Both press runs were 1,000 sheets each bearing serials 1 through 12,000. The sequence of numbers on the left sides differed from those on the right by 6,000 for both press runs
Disastrous wars led to coin trickery
The silver 2 mark was the workhorse coin for most of the 18th century. On this one, we see King Charles XII at age 24, who died in battle at age 36. Actual diameter 30 mm
Disastrous wars led to coin trickery
The silver 2 mark was the workhorse coin for most of the 18th century. On this one, we see King Charles XII at age 24, who died in battle at age 36. Actual diameter 30 mm
Eye appeal now of even more importance
Eye appeal is a critical factor when buying coins. This becomes even more important as the summer market loses momentum. Coins with eye appeal will sell quicker and be less likely to require a discount to move out the door
Eye appeal now of even more importance
Eye appeal is a critical factor when buying coins. This becomes even more important as the summer market loses momentum. Coins with eye appeal will sell quicker and be less likely to require a discount to move out the door
Lipton to display Nova Constellatio
The only complete four-denomination set of the USA’s first proposed coins, the 1783 Nova Constellatio patterns, along with the finest-known 1792 Birch cent and the only privately owned 1792 Eagle-on-Globe copper pattern quarter dollar, will be publicly displayed for the first time together in their “birthplace,” Philadelphia.
The only complete four-coin set of 1783 Nova Constellatio patterns will be at the August ANA convention in Philadelphia. (Photos courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service www
Lipton to display Nova Constellatio
The only complete four-denomination set of the USA’s first proposed coins, the 1783 Nova Constellatio patterns, along with the finest-known 1792 Birch cent and the only privately owned 1792 Eagle-on-Globe copper pattern quarter dollar, will be publicly displayed for the first time together in their “birthplace,” Philadelphia.
The only complete four-coin set of 1783 Nova Constellatio patterns will be at the August ANA convention in Philadelphia. (Photos courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service www
Tiny treasures part of gold recovery
A rare Peacock variety 50-cent gold coin (BG-302), graded PCGS MS-64, was among the 112 historic California fractional gold coins recovered in the last sunken treasure expedition to the “SS Central America.” (Photo courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS
Tiny treasures part of gold recovery
A rare Peacock variety 50-cent gold coin (BG-302), graded PCGS MS-64, was among the 112 historic California fractional gold coins recovered in the last sunken treasure expedition to the “SS Central America.” (Photo courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS
PCGS overdate discovery exciting
If this 1853 gold $10 were yours, would you have spotted the overdate shown?
It is a circulation find when a collector finds something of value in change.
What do you call a find by a third-party grading service among coins submitted to it?
Whatever you call it, it is both newsworthy and exciting.
It is also another manifestation of value added by third-party grading services
PCGS overdate discovery exciting
If this 1853 gold $10 were yours, would you have spotted the overdate shown?
It is a circulation find when a collector finds something of value in change.
What do you call a find by a third-party grading service among coins submitted to it?
Whatever you call it, it is both newsworthy and exciting.
It is also another manifestation of value added by third-party grading services
Finest gold part of treasure
The finest-known 1855 Sydney Mint Australian sovereign. The sovereign had a face value of one British pound and contains nearly a quarter ounce of gold. (Photo courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service www
Mercury series popular with many
The 1916-D Mercury dime with a mintage of just 264,000 is the key to the series. This has made it a target for counterfeiters. Adding a “D” mintmark to a genine Philadelphia coin has been a popular scam
Taxers out to get you
For decades, the law has been that if a business sold goods in a state where it did not have a physical presence, it was not required to charge, collect, and remit that state’s sales tax from sales to customers in that state. Instead, it was the responsibility of the purchaser to report such purchases to their state treasury and pay an equivalent use tax.
In practice, virtually no residents paid this use tax
Summer gold list issued
Steinberg’s Inc. has issued its sizzling summer 2018 world gold price list.
All of the pieces offered have been certified by either the Professional Coin Grading Service or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
Mighty MLB gold medal found among ‘coins’
A rendition of the Baseball Treasure gold coin.
by Bert Lehman
Editor’s Note: This feature originally appeared in our sister publication, Sports Collectors Digest, and is being reprinted with permission.
Less than a month after Baseball Treasure announced the release of its collectible baseball coins, the redemption for one of the 15 Aaron Judge gold coins inserted into packs has been found
Coin Finds: Aim to be alert
Based on the long-running “Coin Finds” column in Coins Magazine, which will continue to appear in print, this online version will give additional exposure to the thrill of the hunt.
Submit your own discoveries via email to Coins Magazine editor Antoinette (Toni) Rahn at toni.rahn@fwmedia
Classic Dutch ducat design updated
Obverses of the 2017 and 2018 ducats compared. From top: 2017 bicentennial ducat showing the original 1817 design; 2017 bicentennial double ducat showing modern design used from 1986-2017; 2018 ducat. Note the change in the mintmaster marks
Unreported $2 found by Liberty
Acquisition of the only known “Lazy Deuce” $2 National Bank Note from the Second National Bank of Lansing, Mich., has been reported by Thomas Coulson, Liberty Coin Service CEO and general manager, and Paul Manderscheid, the Lansing, Mich., firm’s inventory manager
Tokelau begins owl series
Reverse view of Tokelaun silver $5 showing the stylized Scops Owl, the first coin in a new series. (Image courtesy Treasures of Oz)
The Pacific island state of Tokelau recently announced a planned series of sixteen $5 coins celebrating “The Wonder of Owls.” Each of the 65 mm, 31
Coin collectors with cash to spend are kings
(Image courtesy http://money.cnn.com)
Gold’s down
Setting one’s sights on shows
(Image courtesy http://seattlebecc.org)
by Antoinette (Toni) Rahn
One of the many things that continue to impress me about the numismatics community is the number, frequency, and organization of shows that take place. I know there are many reasons why coins and notes are considered among, if not the, oldest collecting interest, but I think part of the longevity has to do with the camaraderie shared by collectors
Token guide published
By Howard A. Daniel III
French Southeast Asia Coins & Tokens, Lansen, A.J
CCAC recommends quarter designs
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee met June 12 in Washington, D.C., to choose designs for the 2020 and 2021 America the Beautiful quarters to recommend to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin
1804 dollar stars in Heritage auction
Topping the bidding at the Long Beach Sale was this 1804 dollar. (Image courtesy Heritage)
The King of American coins was the star at Heritage Auctions’ Long Beach sale held June 14-17.
Bringing $2
Need help? Ask a coin dealer
Most people who hold themselves out as coin dealers – no matter whether they operate a store or office, are a vest pocket dealer, trade at coin shows, or only buy and sell by mail or the Internet – probably think of their career in terms of what it does for them.
However, if they ever stop to think in terms of how their customers perceive what they do, they would realize that coin dealers are in the business of helping people. Here are some examples of the ways we help people at the store where I work
Wrong letter rolled in on 1875 $20 proof
The error on this 10-10-10-20 Series of 1875 proof from The Annville National Bank, PA, charter 2384, was spotted by Doug Murray. Notice that the siderographer rolled in the letter D instead of A in the righthand position on the $20.
The proof carries a certification date of May 27, 1878
Celtic gold stater tops at Rudd sale
Selling for $10,166 was a gold stater of the Iceni, Talbot Type. (Images courtesy & © Celtic Coins)
The market for Celtic coins is alive, well and vibrant in Merrie England. Results are in for the latest sale from Chris Rudd’s “Celtic Coins
Enjoying the opportunity to observe
Figure 1. Familiar view of the exterior of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C
Beach blankets offer more appeal than coins
The annual summer slowdown appears to be upon us, a time of year when many collectors pay more attention to seasonal outdoor activities and family than to their hobby. A number of dealers have admitted that although they believe they have priced their inventory properly for the current market, they have been forced to sell some coins at bargain levels to raise much-needed cash. Cash flow, after all, is the name of the game in keeping businesses going
Coin output up
If May’s matching mintage numbers in Philadelphia and Denver throw you, you are not alone.
I thought I was in the wrong column as cents, dimes and nickel output numbers at both mints kept coming up the same.
Only when the Denver quarter number came out a little bit differently did I realize that the Mint must have had a new policy this month
Saltus Award given at FIDEM
Geer Steyn, left, is presented with the J. Sanford Saltus Award by Donald Scarinci, right, chairman of the American Numismatic Society’s Saltus Award Committee. (Image courtesy http://donaldscarinci
ANA redesigns reverse
Redesigned ANA convention medal features a William Penn obverse and a love token reverse.
A redesign of the reverse of the Philadelphia convention medal to be issued by the American Numismatic Association was announced by the organization.
The original reverse was too similar to a famous “Love” graphic that has come to symbolize the city, ANA said, and ownership questions could have resulted from the use of the original design
Missing top layer makes quarter rare
Two areas show a missing top layer of nickel alloy. The larger one at the bottom fell off after the strike. This is indicated by the reverse
Medals celebrate Singapore summit
Nuclear summit medal.
The administration of President Donald Trump is becoming an amazingly numismatic one.
It began slowly by ignoring the issuance of traditional inaugural medals that would have been sold to the public in bronze, silver and gold
Coins merit national tax exemption
By definition, sales and use taxes are called “consumption taxes” because they are imposed on items that are consumed or used up. Some states (Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon) do not assess any sales or use taxes. Most of the rest of the states have complete or partial sales tax exemptions on the in-state retail sales of rare coins and precious metals
Morgans, I have known; have you?
Much of the 1885-CC mintage remained in storage, leaving few to circulate.
Collectors of Morgan dollars have a lifetime of pursuit awaiting them. The face value of a date and mintmark set is over one hundred dollars
Finest World War I general honored
The RAM’s numismatic tribute to General Sir John Monash GCMG, KCB, VD: a $5 silver proof. (Image courtesy & © RAM)
In World War I, the Western Front shredded commanders’ reputations as readily as it did the bodies of their troops. Come Nov
Program helps boost memberships
All visitors who attended the 61st Annual Santa Maria Coin Show in California May 5 were treated to an all-day, fun-filled, hands-on program about the coin collecting hobby.
Father and sons attending the Santa Maria Coin Show May 5 search for “P” and “S” mintmarked America the Beautiful quarters.
Called “The Changing Faces of Money,” the program was conducted by Walt Ostromecki, past ANA president
Coronation anniversary celebrated
On Jun. 2, 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned sovereign of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon at Westminster Abbey. She was the sixth queen regnant to be crowned in that historic church
Blanks filled in for first $1 pedigree
by Peter Huntoon
I figured I had run out of leads when I finished my February BNR article on the provenances of the three notes that Salmon P. Chase saved while serving as Lincoln’s Secretary of the Treasury.
The notes under the glass are the following:
• $10 Demand Note, Act of July 17, 1861, serial number 1, plate position A
Convict roots theme of Australian coin
Sydney Royal Easter Show ‘S’ counterstamp “Rascals & Ratbags” aluminum-bronze dollar brought to you by Esther Abrahams Johnston, First Fleet convict-extraordinaire. (Image courtesy & © RAM)
In the late 18th century, some studied carelessness on the part of George III’s ministers saw Britain lose many of its North American colonies. One consequence was an urgent need to find a new dumping ground for the country’s convicts
Marveling over unconventional notes
by Mark Hotz
Last month, I concluded my multi-part series on inscribed currency, including notes from the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, and the ubiquitous short snorters of World War II. The last installment included miscellany. For this month, I am including a potpourri of oddball notes that round out my collection
Gold regains sparkle in buyers’ eyes
Somebody got the message. The U.S
Adams Library in July book auction
Auction catalogs from the library of noted numismatist John W. Adams will be sold July 14 by Kolbe & Fanning Numismatic Booksellers in the firm’s Sale 150.
The Adams Library includes one of the finest collections of American numismatic auction catalogs ever assembled, according to the firm
YNs turn out in record numbers
A record turnout of Young Numismatists participated at the 54th Georgia Numismatic Association Coin Show April 13-15 at the Dalton, Ga., Convention Center.
Bob Hartje was the chairman of the program that attracted 63 YNs accompanied by their parents
ANA Summer Seminar gets $50,000
A $50,000 donation to support its Summer Seminar has been announced by the American Numismatic Association.
Donor is the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society
Prize medal sells for $187,500
A Nobel Prize gold medal in economic sciences was sold for $187,500 May 31 by Nate D. Sanders Auctions in Los Angeles.
It was awarded in 2005 to Thomas C
Send in your nominee for Ambassador
Organized numismatics could not exist without volunteers to do the work. That is a fact.
Another fact is that these volunteers do not get enough recognition
Don’t place short-term metal bets
Several years ago, a customer visited my store asking to purchase some bullion-priced silver products. It was early in the calendar year. He stated that his plan was to sell the silver in late summer to use the proceeds to pay for a child’s college tuition
Early traveling money revisited by book
by Neil Shafer
Issues from an organization established in 1873 and titled American Exchange in Europe are included a new book, Catalogue of Circular Notes and Circular Letters of Credit, by Ilkka Makiie.
As stated in the opening text of a four-page explanatory pamphlet, its purpose was “….for the convenience and profit of American Travelers to Europe, and for the furtherance and development of Financial, Commercial, and Social Relations between Europe and the United States
Poland celebrates independence
A number of significant events occurred on Nov. 11 one hundred years ago. One that may have flown under many peoples’ radar was the assumption of power in Poland by Marshal Józef Piłsudski
Pobjoy issues colored titanium coins
Reverses of Pobjoy Mint’s latest £2 titanium coins. Top from left: Manta Ray and Coconut Crab (BIOT). Bottom from left: Blue Petrel (BAT) and Leopard Seal (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands)
Coin Finds: Supermarket visits deliver Wheat pennies, Mercury dimes
Based on the long-running “Coin Finds” column in Coins Magazine, which will continue to appear in print, this online version will give additional exposure to the thrill of the hunt.
Submit your own discoveries via email to Coins Magazine editor Antoinette (Toni) Rahn at toni.rahn@fwmedia
Last of Eldorado collection on offer
The final installment of the remarkable “Eldorado Collection of the Paper Money of Colombia” is to be offered as part of Stack’s Bowers’ contribution to the American Numismatic Association’s World Fair of Money in August.
The collection was 50 years in the making. Its aim was to achieve the finest and most complete collection of Colombian coins and currency ever assembled
Boar appears on Mongolian coin pair
The reverses of this year’s Mongolian Wildlife Protection silver 500 togrog (top) and gold 1,000 togrog (bottom) feature the Wild Boar. (Images courtesy Coin Invest Trust, Lichtenstein)
The latest issue in the Mongolian Wildlife Protection series is now out. This year, the coins feature Sus scrofa, commonly known as the Wild Boar, Wild Swine or Eurasian Wild Pig
Non-standard ‘C’ oddity spotted on note
By Peter Huntoon
Tom Conklin spotted the non-standard ‘C’ in the right serial number on this Series of 1929 note owned by Matt Draiss from The First National Bank of Windham, N.Y., charter 12164
Hunting for trophy coins can prove rewarding
There are men who have what some people call trophy wives. Another coin dealer recently pointed out to me that some coin collectors own what we could call trophy coins. These coins, of course, are the more desirable scarce or rare pieces many of us only dream of owning
New dealer insurance from PNG
A new insurance program has been set up by the Professional Numismatists Guild.
The enhanced plan is available to current and new PNG members.
It is underwritten by Willis Towers Watson, a global leader in coin, paper currency and precious metals insurance brokerage, according to PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman
Coppers in Goldberg sale
Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers will conduct the firm’s Pre-Long Beach Coin Auction June 10-13.
Highlights will include the Ora Eads collection of odd and curious money, world and ancient coins.
For U
Branch proofs mysterious and valuable
An 1838-O reeeded-edge half dollar struck as a branch mint proof sold for $444,000 at the beginning of the year at a Florida United Numismatists auction called by Heritage. It was graded Proof-63. (Image courtesy Heritage Auctions)
By Ginger Rapsus
Specially struck coins for special occasions
Baseball medals go on sale
At top, Mookie Betts appears on a copper medal, one of a set of 30, that is now available. At bottom, Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros has a medal in the set as well.
When I was a kid back in the 1960s, I collected coins
Stack’s Bowers to auction gold
Double eagles begin with the 1850 in Stack’s Bowers Baltimore auction.
A collection of about 220 $20 gold pieces will open the Stack’s Bowers auction of the Beasley and Fairmont Collections and other important properties June 21, 22, 25 and 26.
This is the official auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Expo in Baltimore
Hand them something strange
What U.S. legal tender coins and paper currency could be spent and possibly spark enough interest to encourage a new numismatist?
Over the past several months, I have aggressively spent $2 Federal Reserve Notes when paying for purchases
Celtic hoard to be sold June 4
Coins from the Quidenham Treasure hoard, Norfolk, 2014. (Image courtesy and © Chris Rudd)
Britain’s “Celtic Coins,” a.k
Dollar Day opens May Regency sale
Legend’s 26th Regency Auction in May was a two-day event held May 16-17 in New Orleans that used the first day to offer 237 silver dollars.
The first day’s offerings were anchored by the P.F
New signature for BoE notes
Sarah John, the Bank of England’s new Chief Cashier, whose signature will occur on all future issues of the bank, including the new Turner £20. (Image courtesy and © Bank of England)
On the last day of April, the Governor of the Bank of England announced the appointment of a new Chief Cashier and Director of Notes: Sarah John. She will take up the role on June 1
Tokyo sale garners top bids for gold
The first joint auction conducted by Spink and Taisei Coins in some decades took place in Tokyo on April 29. The sale brought a great fillip to the Tokyo International Coin Convention. Coins from Asia, Britain and across the globe all featured among top sellers
Uncommon Canadian note brings $22,800
Canadian rarities proved popular at Heritage’s CSNS World Currency Signature Auction held April 26-30 in Chicago.
Prices realized were headed by a charming French text, Canadian commemorative $25 of 1935. This is the note with vignettes of King George V & Queen Mary in their coronation robes (P-15)
Starship on Canadian $10
Missing mintmark error discovered
Graded SP 69 by NGC, the coin shown at top is one of the five newly discovered No “P” 5-ounce silver America the Beautiful collector coins. Note the vapor-blasted surface. At center is a U
Mel Wacks tells Berlin medal story
The Congressional Gold Medal honoring Irving Berlin can now be seen because of research by Mel Wacks. © 2018 Jewish-American Hall of Fame. Prepared by Mel Wacks NLG
Dollar pushes gold around
(Image courtesy www.intelligencesquaredus.org)
On May 15, the price of gold hit its lowest COMEX close since Dec
Tibet, Nepal win big in Spink sale
A major portion of Spink’s Hong Kong auction in early April spotlighted coins from the exceptional Nicholas Rhodes Collection of Tibetan and Nepalese coins and bank notes – 241 lots in all.
This was one of the most comprehensive numismatic collections of Tibet and Nepal ever assembled. It included world-class items from the Haplert, Gabrisch, Valdettaro and Richardson collections
Exhibiters win gold at CSNS convention
Mack Martin won the Leon and Hamie Hendrickson Best-in-Show Award for the second year in a row with his exhibit at the Central States Numismatic Society’s 79th Anniversary Convention in Schaumburg, Ill., in late April.
His exhibit, “Georgia’s Civil War Treasury History 1861-1865,” detailed the Confederate state’s issuance of treasury bonds and notes, including change bills in denominations as small as five cents between 1861 and 1865
China copper sizzles in sale
The sale of Q. David Bowers’ magnificent collection of Chinese copper coins was the undoubted highlight of a coin- and bank note-filled Hong Kong week that ran from April 2 to April 5. The 427 lots realized a remarkable total of $4,146,840 for $9,711 per lot
New eagle from Perth Mint
(Image courtesy and © The Perth Mint)
On April 3, Australia’s Perth Mint released the first coin of a third John M. Mercanti rendering of Australia’s Wedge-tailed Eagle.
The reverse of the 36
Nearly 500 New Zealand notes on offer
Nearly 500 bank note lots will headline a combined notes, coins, tokens, errors and medals auction on offer from Mowbray Collectables May 25-26.
Among the 920 lots in the catalog are Chinese, Scottish, English, and United States notes.
During a past auction presented by Mowbray Collectables, this 50-pound issue of The Reserve Bank of New Zeland sold for $24,154
Palau issues totem pole coin
Palau’s new 2 oz silver $10 is shaped as a traditional totem pole. (Image courtesy and © Numiscollect)
Among the more popular coins attracting attention at Berlin’s World Money Fair earlier this year was a silver $10 shaped as a Pacific Northwest totem pole. The coin has been struck using Smartminting® technology to give a spectacular 3D ultrahigh relief
Scarce $50 note claims record
Aficionados of Asian paper money could perhaps consider taking time out to scan the results of Spink China’s latest collectors’ sale in Hong Kong. The early April auction saw some fascinating prices realized. At the very least, these suggest increases in insured values of existing collections are required
Which way will stable market jump?
Individuals who invest in coins first, collecting them being secondary, have been switching to secondary market coins, according to the World Gold Council, rather than buying brand new from mints or distributors.
While the WGC monitors just gold consumption, the same conclusion can be drawn for virtually all bullion and collector-oriented coins no matter what they might be made of.
The U
Medalists to get Saltus Award
Bogomil Nikolov of Bulgaria will receive the 2017 J. Sanford Saltus Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Art of the Medal, while Geer Steyn of the Netherlands will be given the 2018 Saltus Award, the American Numismatic Society has announced.
The award medals will be presented to the artists by Donald Scarinci, who chairs the Saltus Award Committee