A PCGS AU-53 pewter 1776 Continental dollar with CURRENCY spelling on obverse. Newman 2-C (R.3), will be put on the block at Kagin’s March 9-10 auction
Category Archives: General News
Gold passes money test
I bet that if you asked people if the coins and paper currency they have and the account balances in their bank and credit union accounts were money, almost all of them would say “yes.”
And, technically, they would be wrong.
The government-created currencies in use today are all temporary substitutes for money
Free seminar trip offered by PNG
(Image courtesy www.money.org/)
How badly you want it is a question often asked of star atheletes in famous competitions like the Super Bowl
Proof of the Month
By Peter Huntoon
The smallest number of any large-size sheet combination issued in Tennessee was 32 1902 Date Back 10-10-10-20s to Lynnville.
The reason for such a short Date Back issue was that the bank was liquidated in 1911 to be succeeded by the Bank of Lynnville under a less restrictive state charter.
The bankers there also used handfuls of 1902 Red Seal $5, $10, $20 and Date Back $5 notes
Victorian issues barely beat Otto’s
Queen Victoria ruled at Dix Noonan Webb’s Dec. 12-13 sale. One of her 1893 proof sets made top price of $41,681 [£33,600]
Want to train to be a coin dealer?
An internship program run by the Professional Numismatists Guild is looking for people who want to be a coin dealer.
PNG is accepting applications for its next group of young men and women who want to participate in the Promoting Numismatic Growth Internship Program (http://pngdealers.org/education/png-internship-programhttp://pngdealers
Effigy Mounds quarter debuts
Nearly 2,000 people were on hand Feb. 7 for the launch in Waukon, Iowa, of the first quarter design of 2017.
Over 450 people joined 1,250 students for the ceremonial introduction of the Effigy Mounds National Monument quarter
Royal Dutch Mint sold to Belgian firm
The Netherlands recently sold its government-owned mint to a private company.
The Royal Dutch Mint (KNM) has been sold.
The Belgian investment company Groep Heylen was recently selected from a field of 20 companies that initially registered themselves as interested in acquiring the Netherlands government-owned mint
Former editor Bob Lemke passes
Robert F. Lemke
Robert F. Lemke, 65, a pioneering figure in the paper money field, and an early editor of Bank Note Reporter, died of congestive heart failure on Jan
Littleton now ESOP
Employees of Littleton Coin Company are now owners of the business.
Effective Jan. 1, the company became 100 percent employee owned as David Sundman and his family sold all of the stock to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Russian medal stirs controversy
Donald Trump is honored on a recently issued Russian medal. The reverse legend reads, “In Trump We Trust.”
“From Russia with Love” is a popular movie title that reminds us all of the Cold War, but “In Trump we trust” – also originating from Russia?
That is the spin the Art-Grani metal working company in Zlatoust in the Chelyabinsk region in south central Russia has put on a new medal that the company is now promoting
Old errors lurk in your cent change
A 1960-D Small Date over Large Date is $50 or more in circulated grade.
For the first time in history the United States Mint has put a “P” mintmark on Lincoln cents. While searching change for the new cents from Philadelphia, remember the denomination also has many error coins that can still be found in circulation
Two COTY trophies for U.S. Mint
From left, David C. Harper awards the Coin of the Year globe trophy Feb. 4 to Bruno Scarpellini and Maria Carmela Colaneri
Artist Yu Min honored for life’s work
The Lifetime Achievement Award in Coin Design was given to Yu Min, who was unable to be present Feb. 4 for the award ceremony in Berlin, Germany.
A Lifetime Achievement Award in Coin Design was given to Yu Min of the Shanghai Mint Co
Gold’s got secrets
Prices for precious metals, along with just about everything else, depend on the relative levels of supply and demand plus available inventories.
In judging where gold and silver prices are likely to trend, investors and numismatists alike have an interest in knowing if there are current and likely future supply shortages or surpluses. Two consultancies that produce the most widely cited analyses of precious metals markets are GFMS (formerly called Gold Fields Mineral Services) and CPM Group (headed by Jeffrey Christian)
Gold worries: ‘Shaving’ and wear were once a concern
(Image courtesy Getty Images)
In the early 20th century, when gold coins were still in regular circulation, it was a much different world in making change. Though perhaps not widespread, there was always the chance your gold coin had been “shaved” of some its gold content by the unscrupulous.
This was apparently the case in 1906, when a story datelined to Seattle, in the Oct
Three receive ICTA Service Award
Recipients of ICTA’s annual Diane Piret Memorial Outstanding Service Award are organization chairman Philip Diehl and board member Greg Allen (left), as well as board member Gary Adkins (right). (Images courtesy http://www.ictaonline
PNG warns of Trump fakes
So-called “Trump coins” are being offered for sale, but in many cases should not be mistaken for rare coins, cautions the Professional Numismatists Guild. In some cases, the items being offered are not even actually coins despite how they’re advertised, according to the PNG.
“Buyers today may be bitterly disappointed tomorrow if they mistakenly thought these kinds of souvenir items would be great investments,” stated PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman
Martha starred on the first $1 SC
First Lady Martha Washington graced the face of the first $1 Silver Certificate.
By Tom LaMarre
More than 80 years after she died, Martha Washington starred on the first $1 Silver Certificate. To this day, she is the only real-life woman depicted on U
Coin technology sees improvement
Palau’s skull-shaped $1 and $5 coins. (Images courtesy Coin Invest Trust)
Improvements to bank note technology are well recognized as central banks continue to try to stay one step ahead of the counterfeiters. Changes in coin technology that can serve the same purpose often go under-recognized
Artist Boggs leaves storied legacy
Artist J.S.G
Roman bronze to star in DNW sale
Superb rarity: posthumous sestertius of Divus Titus showing the newly completed Coliseum. The coin returns to the market for the first time since 1939. Graded VF, it is estimated at $75,000- $100,000
ICTA forms anti-fake force
Beth Deisher
The Industry Council for Tangible Assets board of directors approved at its Jan. 4 board meeting the formation of an Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force committee to mobilize law enforcement resources to protect the integrity of U.S
Design winners named
With his design, “Liberty Alive,” graphic artist and illustrator Chris Costello has been named the winner of the first ANA auction catalog cover design competition sponsored by Kagin’s Auctions.
An independent panel of judges chose the winner from more than 130 designs submitted by more than 50 artists ranging from amateur Young Numismatists to professional artists.
At left is Chris Costello’s winning catalog cover design, “Liberty Alive,” in the Kagin’s competition
World auction ‘hides’ valuable U.S.
The extremely rare variety of Augustus Humbert 1852 $50, K-13 sold for $172,600 graded PCGS MS-62. (Image courtesy & © Spink New York)
Two choice U.S
Filed die makes rare gold even rarer
The 1922-S Saint-Gaudens is already a rare date. The File Die variety adds another scarcity factor. (Photo courtesy Heritage Auctions, HA
Gold beats them all
While much attention is now focused on U.S. stock indices reaching record levels, only a handful of people are aware that precious metals, on average, have outperformed U
Old AU coins make Mint State today
Imagine learning to drive on the right side of the road and then moving away from the city and high into the mountains with no paved roads or cars. Then, coming down 40 years later to find that everyone is driving on the left. Ideas, standards and terms have changed like this in numismatics
Adkins declares for ANA presidency
Gary Adkins
A second candidate has declared for the presidency of the American Numismatic Association.
ANA Vice President Gary Adkins made it official on Friday.
Two weeks early former board member Mike Ellis had announced his intention to seek the top ANA office
Canada celebrates its abolished cent
Rose gold plating enhances the original 1908 design of the Edward VII Canadian cent.
It no longer exists, but that hasn’t stopped the Royal Canadian Mint celebrating the history of its one-cent coin.
A five-coin
Rare chits attract attention at FUN
Stars of the show: the four Gilbert & Ellice Islands World War II chits that took $56,400 on a $25,000-35,000 estimate at Heritage Auctions January FUN sale in Fort Lauderdale.
Heritage Auctions Jan. 5-9 FUN World Currency Signature Auction opened 2017 on a red hot note
Cygnus final RAM sky dome coin
Reverse of the third and last colorized domed silver dollar. It celebrates the constellation of Cygnus. (Image courtesy RAM)
The third and final coin in the Royal Australian Mint’s northern sky domed coin series has been released
Pen-signed Bank of Italy discovery
Pen-signed Bank of Italy note with the signatures of Arnold J. Mount, vice president, and R. B
New SCWPM available
The 16th edition of the popular Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, General Issues, 1368-1960 is now available.
With input from nearly 100 worldwide contributors and auction houses, it again proves to be the best single-source volume for listings, identification and values of nationally circulated bank notes.
The 1,328-page paperback tome is edited by Tracy L
Platinum next step for Britain
British Royal Mint announced a partnership Dec. 15 with the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) to launch a range of platinum bullion coins and bars throughout 2017. The move into platinum marks the first for the BRM
Lions dollar gets slow start
Collectors were lukewarm toward the Lions commemorative silver dollar on its first day of sales.
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On Jan. 18 the U
Fit gold to your needs
Would-be bullion buyers need to do their homework and identify which factors are most important for their own circumstances. Illustrated here are just two of the many different bullion options available.
While old hands at physical precious metals might take it for granted, I have found a significant information gap for would-be buyers
Dealers can’t find enough material
Collectors and dealers often move in their own separate universes. Collectors collect. Sometimes they speculate
Interest-bearing $100 leads
Top-priced lot of AIA’s December sale came from its U.S. section with this unused U
Coin marks Shackleton rescue
One hundred years ago one of the greatest survival stories in exploration concluded with the rescue of the remaining members of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands have marked the centenary by striking a sterling silver proof £2.
His ship, Endurance, is on the reverse
Proof of the Month
By Peter Huntoon
You might wonder why I am illustrating a note from a prominent bank in Eau Claire, Wis., from which plenty of notes are reported.
The charm of this proof is that it is from the 50-100 1902 Red Seal face plate made for the bank in 1906 that was used only once to print 60 sheets
Mint’s coin production drops in 2016
United States Mint circulating coin output fell to the lowest monthly total of the year 2016 in the month of December.
Only 696.8 million coins came off the presses at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints
BEP to attend Denver show
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has announced its intention to participate in this year’s American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money. The show is slated for Aug. 1-5 at Colorado Convention Center in Denver
Treasures abound in AIA sale
More than 1,400 lots of world bank notes, scripophily (stock and bond certificates), coins and security printing ephemera will be sold at a two-session public auction Feb. 7-8 in the offices of Archives International Auctions at 1580 Lemoine Avenue (Suite 7) in Fort Lee, N.J
World coins mark lunar Year of Rooster
On solar date Jan. 28, 2017, the lunar Year of the Rooster dawned. Specifically, it is a Ding You or Fire Rooster year
Binion rarity leads FUN auction
This PCGS Gem New 65-graded ex-Binion Hoard 1934 $10,000 went for $158,675 in Heritage Auctions’ sale at the FUN show.
A 1934 $5,000, Fr. 2221-G, graded PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ sold for $146,875
Pandas tiny and large
Pandas are popular. Odd-shaped coins are popular. Liechtenstein’s Coin Invest Trust has brought both together to produce a couple of cute Brilliant Uncirculated Pacific island coins
Rare dollar in Stack’s Bowers sale
AN AU-58 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar will be featured in a Stack’s Bowers auction March 29-31 in Baltimore.
A 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar is part of a collection that Stack’s Bowers Galleries will put on the auction block March 29-31 in Baltimore.
The Blue Moon Collection was begun over 50 years ago and features coins purchased from major Stack’s auctions of the 1970s and 1980s
‘P’ mintmark on cent
(Image courtesy www.phillyvoice.com)
Collectors were surprised in mid-January by the release of 2017 Philadelphia cents with a “P” mintmark
Taxers get more aggressive
In 2010, the state of Colorado enacted a law that required out-of-state merchants who made sales to Colorado residents to either collect and remit the applicable Colorado sales tax on the purchase, or if no such taxes were collected, to file an end-of-year report with the Colorado tax authorities showing the details of such sales that were made to Colorado residents.
Enforcement of this law was stayed while the constitutionality of such a law made its way through the courts.
On Dec
Basketball legend joins CCAC
NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 22, 2016 in Washington D.C. Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jon SooHoo/NBAE via Getty Images)
Retired basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been appointed to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee
Ambassador Awards given by FUN
From left, Tony Swicer (accepting for Ann Bobrofsky), Bryce Doxzon, Mary Sauvain, Mike Fuljenz and Brad Karoleff (accepting for David G. Heinrich).
Five Numismatic Ambassador Awards were given by the Florida United Numismatists Jan
New Miss Liberty on gold $100
A new gold $100 coin with Miss Liberty as African-American will be issued April 6. It is the first in a biennial series that will depict Miss Liberty to reflect the ethnic diversity of the United States.
A new High-Relief Liberty Head $100 gold coin will be issued April 6, 2017, to mark the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint
Collectors see better purchase opportunities
(Image courtesy www.funtopics.com)
The recent modest gains gold has realized are based on the dollar losing some of its value on the world market, not on speculation, or on supply and demand
Budget approved by ANA board
American Numismatic Association announced its board of governors in late December passed a $5.5 million budget for the fiscal year that began Nov. 1
Jefferson City a tale of two cities
By Mark Hotz
This year marks what I believe is my 20th year of writing articles and columns for Bank Note Reporter. Over the years, the topics of my articles have ranged from interesting items in my own collection, to Brown Back $5 layouts among the proof sheets held in the National Numismatic Collections of the Smithsonian Institution, to what eventually became this regular column, “Hotz Off the Press.” The proof sheets have since been sorted and organized by Peter Huntoon and his cohorts, and are now being digitized for everyone to view and enjoy on line
Auction reflects state of Australian market
Readers are probably aware that the market for Australian notes has been somewhat subdued for several years. Prices realized have provided a sharp contrast to the heady days of the previous decade. Noble Numismatics’ last sale of 2016 in November provided an opportunity to take the current Aussie paper money market’s temperature
Mike Ellis to run for ANA president
Mike Ellis
Former American Numismatic Association board member Mike Ellis announced his intention to run for ANA president Jan. 6, 2017, during the Florida United Numismatists convention in Fort Lauderdale.
He is attempting a comeback
Business year begins at FUN show
The bourse floor was busy. There was a buzz in the air. Results at the Florida United Numismatists convention Jan
Glass trumps gold for attention
Selling for $70,500 was this unique unbroken experimental glass cent of 1942.
It wasn’t the most expensive lot in Heritage’s $42 million Florida United Numismatists auction of U.S
Italy wins Coin of the Year trophy
An Italian silver 10-euro coin has won the Coin of the Year Award to be presented Feb. 4 at the World Money Fair in Berlin.
Italy has won the 2017 Coin of the Year Award
Gold and silver start strong in 2017
Bullion buyers gave the United States Mint a strong start to 2017.
First day sales of the ever popular silver American Eagle totaled 3,747,500 coins on Jan. 9
Gold never existed?
When central banks own physical gold reserves, that means they own coins and/or bars. Mostly they own bars, which have hallmarks of the manufacturer, serial numbers and the weights and purity of each piece punched right into the surface. The central bank should have comprehensive ledgers with these details to make it possible to verify such gold really exists
Mother Russia or Father Lenin?
A Russian legislator’s proposal that coins depicting Communist icon Vladimir Lenin be issued is likely politically motivated. Shown is a previous Soviet coin on which Lenin appears.
Should Vladimir Lenin be remembered as the founder of modern Russia? Valery Rashkin, Communist Party member of Parliament, thinks so
Club honors Alaska purchase
A logo from Alaska’s Sesquicentennial Commemoration website (https://alaska150.com/)
The 2017 Fairbanks Coin Club membership token honors the Sesquicentennial of the Purchase of Alaska from Russia.
Its obverse features the simple legend “Fairbanks Coin Club” with the member’s number counterstamped in the center
Patron Saint of hobby recalled
“The Legend of Saint Eligius and Saint Godeberta,” by Petrus Christus.
The feast day of St. Eligius, Patron Saint of numismatists, goldsmiths, farriers, jewelers, metalworkers, craftsmen, veterinarians and harness makers, was observed on Dec
Gold rich in history
The March 2017 issue of Coins magazine focuses heavily on U.S. gold coins
World paper a draw in PCDA sale
The set of eight, high grade, 1965 Bahamas notes that realized top price of $26,437.50 at Lyn Knight’s fall PCDA sale.
Lyn Knight’s fall PCDA sale occupied Nov
Lions first commemorative to roar in 2017
First commemoratives of 2017 will honor the 100th anniversary of Lions Club International.
The silver dollar will go on sale at noon Eastern Time Jan. 18 on the United States Mint website
Latest copper 1983-D cent a mystery
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of Sarasota, Fla., authenticated and graded a 1983-D Lincoln cent as being struck on a brass planchet of a composition of 98 percent copper and 2 percent zinc that weighs 3.0 grams
Third quarter design gets top mintage
The United States Mint continued its recent pattern of giving the third America the Beautiful quarter design in each year the highest mintage.
Output in 2016 saw the Shawnee National Forest quarter at 307.40 million, the Cumberland Gap at 438
Seated collectors warn of fake
Counterfeit 1872-S Liberty Seated Half (Courtesy Liberty Seated Collectors Club)
By John Frost with Dick Osburn and Bill Bugert
(Jan. 1 warning emailed by the Liberty Seated Collectors Club to its members.)
Be on the lookout! New dangerous counterfeit 1872-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar
At the recently concluded Houston Money Show, we confirmed the existence of a new and extremely deceptive 1872-S Liberty Seated half dollar
Do you own metal or paper?
In years past, trading contracts of precious metals in the London Bullion Market Association was supposed to be backed 100 percent by physical metals in London vaults. Similarly, New York COMEX futures contracts for the spot month could be purchased to request delivery of the physical metal.
London trading has largely evolved to be a paper market
Reagan leads in 2016 totals
Ronald Reagan led the 2016 Presidential mintage totals with 13.02 million pieces, while Gerald Ford followed with 10.5 million and Richard Nixon with 9
Market perks up at close of 2016
Top price in 2016 public auctions was the almost $2 million needed to buy this 1894-S Barber dime.
Optimism that disposable income may increase with the election of Donald Trump lifted the United States rare coin market in the last two months of 2016, according to the Professional Numismatists Guild.
However, the gain was not enough to reverse a general retrenchment in the $4 billion rare coin market
Thian’s Master Album featured
An almost discarded example of Raphael Thian’s Master Album of Confederate notes is up for auction.
A rare copy of Raphael Thian’s “The Currency of the Confederate States of America: Its Issues, Types and Series” is expected to bring in excess of $50,000 in Kolbe & Fanning’s 2017 New York Book Auction. The sale will be held on Jan
Spink readies for New York sale
Jan. 13 finds Spink conducting a major bank note sale in New York at the Waldorf Astoria. Cataloging was far from complete at the time of writing
Cromwell patterns dazzle in New York
Cromwell patterns from the Michael Druck Collection will be among the highlights of the Stack’s Bowers Galleries NYINC auction.
World coins, world paper money and ancient coins will be auctioned Jan. 12-14 by Stack’s Bowers Galleries at the Waldorf Astoria during the New York International Numismatic Convention
Toman notes mark first public offering
World note collectors will be excited by the first public auction offering of a pair of rare early 20th-century Imperial Bank of Persia notes. To be sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries as part of its Jan. 12, 2017 New York International Numismatic Convention World Paper Money auction, at the Waldorf Astoria, are an April 2, 1919 50 tomans and a June 1, 1923 100 tomans
Burger of Operation Bernhard dies
Adolf Burger at the premier of “The Counterfeiters” in Paris in 2008—clutching one of the Operation Bernhard fake five-pound notes and a copy of his book, “The Commando of Counterfeiters.” (Image Thierry Caro, Wikimedia Commons)
On Dec. 6 Adolf Burger died in Prague
Economic rising tide to lift all notes?
Estimated at $175,000 to $225,000 in Heritage Auctions’ upcoming FUN Currency Signature Auction is this 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note, Fr. 2221-G, graded PMG Choice Uncirculated-64. The sale will take place Jan
Classical to call New York sale
Triton XX, a sale to be held Jan. 10-11, 2017, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel during the New York International Numismatic Convention, will feature 1,696 lots of ancient Greek, Celtic, Oriental Greek, Central Asian, Roman Provincial, Roman Republican, and Roman Imperial coinage.
The sale will be conducted by Classical Numismatic Group of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and London, England
Japanese proofs in Heritage sale
A significant Japanese proof coin collection will be put on the auction block Jan. 8-9 by Heritage Auctions.
The sale will occur at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel during the New York International Numismatic Convention
High grade, high rarity 1934 FRN
A top-of-the-population 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note is expected to be lead most it not all lots in Heritage Auctions’ FUN Currency Signature Auction, Jan. 4-10. The sale is at the Fort Lauderdale (Fla
Heritage offers rare gold error
It’s what’s inside that counts.
Heritage Auctions will put a one-ounce gold American Eagle on the block that is struck on the wrong planchet.
Instead of the standard
Mint output under one billion
November circulating coin production at the U.S. Mint fell to levels not seen since February
Quality rewarded at Las Vegas sale
Pristine quality made a huge difference in price Dec. 15 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ 19th Regency Sale in Las Vegas at the Professional Coin Grading Services Members Only Show.
Top grade multiplies value by almost 200 times for a Type II 1913 Buffalo nickel in Legend’s latest auction
Mint Stats: Give back those gold Mercury dimes
With the United States Mint’s weekly sales period ending on Christmas Day, you can imagine how slow this week’s sales have been. In fact, the total for the gold Mercury dime actually went backwards by 35. The sales figure now stands at 124,915
Treasure hunters find gold prize
Justin, left, and Ryan Sloan, both second graders and Young Numismatists, hold up the McKinley gold dollar at the mailbox under which it was hidden.
A father and his two young sons won a treasure hunt Dec. 17 that was sponsored by Bonanza Coins of Silver Spring, Md
Mint Stats: Holidays put traditional gifts in play
Holiday sales numbers are washing over these pages. Traditional Christmas purchases are pushing up numbers for proof sets and mint sets.
The clad 2016 proof set jumped by 27,844 to 534,258
Creator of written Cherokee on $1
In 1821 Sequoyah’s syllabary made writing possible in the language of the Cherokee Nation.
The Presidential dollar coin series has ended. Only the Native American series will remain active in 2017 for base metal dollar coins
Gold eagles soar while silver dips
Gold American Eagle bullion coin sales jumped higher by 30 percent in 2016 at the U.S. Mint
Who’s afraid of gold and silver?
Only a tiny percentage of American adults own physical gold or silver for investment. The estimates I have seen range from one to three percent. From my more than 50 years of personally owning such items or trading them as a dealer I have identified several mental challenges that people need to overcome before they will consider purchasing bullion-priced precious metals coins or ingots
Reader’s Showcase
by Peter Huntoon
Jess Lipka sent in this eyebrow-raising, self-explanatory note.
Written in the top selvage is: “The first bill signed by my father as v. pres
Market makes AU coins uncirculated
Change of color and hairlines from wear especially evident on the hair over the eye under “LIB.” Many of these coins are “market acceptable” uncirculated coins.
Uncirculated or About Uncirculated? Next to authenticity, that may be one of the most important things to consider when buying a coin
Steel cents disliked
During World War II, rationing of metal in the United States for the war effort impacted everyday life. For the nation’s coinage, two well known changes were put into place—the 1942-1945 war nickels and the 1943 steel cent.
The new cents, which were of zinc-coated steel, would save on copper
How to start a collection
Three attractive America the Beautiful quarter designs include those for the 2014 Everglades National Park (top), the 2015 Louisiana, Kisatachie National Forest (center) and the 2015 Delaware, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (bottom).
by Dr. R
Share your “Coin Finds” with us!
If you collect, a major part of the thrill is the hunt. This is true of any collecting field and is especially so with coin and paper money collecting. I regularly watch my change and sometimes pull a silver coin or a wheat cent from it, or a modern quarter I need
Irish pattern coin in December sale
London-based Dix Noonan Webb announced that its Dec. 12-13 sale will contain an extremely rare 1985 Irish 20 pence.
Ireland introduced its 20p in October 1986
New Zealand puts kiwi on coins
Reverse of New Zealand’s gold $10 & silver $1 proofs celebrating the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi, Rakiura Tokoeka. (Images courtesy New Zealand Post)
For each of the past two years New Zealand has issued coins depicting one of five species of the country’s national bird, the flightless kiwi. In 2017 the third coins in the series features the Rakiura Tokoeka or, if you prefer, Apteryx australis lawryi
Forlorn lover, ‘Old Patch,’ and beer
According to the Bank of England’s website, a new structure designed by Sir Herbert Baker extended to seven stories above ground and three stories below.
I was looking through some old newspaper articles on the Internet and came across an interesting full-page feature in the Charlotte (N.C
Note of the Month
by Neil Shafer
The VICTORY series of U.S.-Philippine notes was brought into the country by Gen
Jan. 9 sales begin
The Mint will begin taking orders for 2017 gold American Eagle and Buffalo coins and silver Eagles on Jan. 9, 2017.
These coins will be offered to Authorized Purchasers without restriction
Bobrofsky new Ambassador
Ann Bobrofsky was given a “Good For” certificate in lieu of a Numismatic Ambassador plaque by Dave Harper. (ANA President Jeff Garrett is in background.)
Ann Bobrofsky was given a 2017 Numismatic Ambassador Award a month early at the 60th anniversary dinner of the Michigan State Numismatic Society
Fort Moultrie quarter attracts crowd
Alex Gilchrist of the Low Country Coin Club dressed as Uncle Sam for the quarter introduction.
by Lowell Knouff
The United States Mint wrapped up the 2016 America the Beautiful quarter program with the Nov. 17 launch of the Fort Moultrie quarter on the grounds of the 240-year-old Fort Moultrie facing the Charleston, S
Autumn market picks up in Michigan
Paper money was in demand at the Michigan State Numismatic Society convention held Nov. 25-27 in Warren.
Minnesota dealer Ed Rothberg said, “I’d say it’s been brisk,” how his results were after the first day
Reverse proof might not be one
Readers be warned! If you are offered an 2004 (or any date) silver American Eagle that appears at first glance to be a reverse proof, it might be a post-mint alteration of a genuine coin.
At the Michigan State Numismatic Society Fall Convention held Nov. 25-27 at the Macomb Community College, local dealer John Mason of S & G Coins & Jewelry in Highland, Mich
India stampedes into bullion
Jewelry stores in India were besieged with customers seeking to spend 500- and 1,000-rupee notes to buy physical gold bullion and jewelry.
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi announced on live television Nov. 8 that the government would immediately begin withdrawing the 500- and 1,000-rupee notes from circulation
Mint Stats: Another strong month for gold Eagles
Gold bullion American Eagles are still hot as pistols. The one-ounce had its best month of sales in 2016 in November. It beat the previous high in October by 9,500 to reach 110,000 pieces
‘Jefferson Head’ rarity
The 1795 “Jefferson Head” cent by John Harper.
On rare occasion one sees a 1795 “Jefferson” cent offered for sale and, in fact, the head of Liberty on the coin does look like Thomas Jefferson. It is not that president, however, and the background of this piece is one of the most interesting in American numismatics
Collectible classics: Early commems offer value
by Mark Benvenuto
One of the amazing aspects of our hobby is that it is large and varied enough that every now and again a series that was once hot has cooled off, and thus deserves a second look. Those among us who remember the buzz surrounding classic commemorative coins back in the 1980s might just be wondering where they all are now and what sort of prices they command. There are certainly too many classic commemorative coins to pore over in a single article, but let’s see if there might be a handful that now qualify as a tad undervalued
British pocket change worth collecting
Where’s the date? This mule 20-pence coin can still be found in circulation in Great Britain.
Collectors in the United States often complain there is nothing worth collecting in our pocket change. Not so, if you happen to be in Great Britain!
Some so-called small change is bringing big money in merry old England
Knox-signed New Ulm note found
By R. Shawn Hewitt
Newly discovered $1 The Central Bank of New Ulm, Minn., note with Santa vignette
Silver denarius in New York sale
(Images courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
A most desirable denarius of that ultimate backstabber, Marcus Junius Brutus, will feature in Stack’s Bowers’ New York International Numismatic Convention Auction in January.
The coin is a stunning piece of history struck during the last campaign conducted by the forces of Lepidus, Marc Antony and Caesar Octavian against the assassins of Julius Caesar.
The obverse displays the head of Apollo wearing a laurel crown surrounded by the legend: LEG – COSTA
Interest-bearing rarity highlights AIA auction
More than 1,100 lots will be on offer in Archives International Auctions’ December sale. The first session held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, will comprise near 600 lots of U
Palau strikes skull coins
Palau’s new, startling, skull-shaped $1 and $5 coins. (Image courtesy Coin Invest Trust.)
Two skull-shaped coins have been issued by Palau
Valuable cent found by 8-year-old in change
Image courtesy Lincoln Cents Online & Heritage Auction Galleries
A mother of a rather excited 8-year-old budding collector brought his prize cent to me recently. I anticipated it would be common. What she brought was an Extremely Fine 1969-S doubled-die Lincoln cent, which he had picked from her change
Two ANA coin courses at FUN
Two courses will be offered to collectors by the American Numismatic Association just ahead of the Florida United Numismatists convention in Fort Lauderdale.
“Fundamentals of Grading U.S
ANS slates award gala
The American Numismatic Society will hold a gala dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Jan. 12, 2017 in New York City, to award honors and to raise funds.
Anthony J
Buy gold and silver now
Beyond the question on whether it is sensible to acquire physical precious metals, I am most often asked when someone needs to have such assets purchased.
The correct conceptual answer is that you need to acquire them before they protect you as a form of wealth insurance – against the risk of declining values in paper assets such as stocks, bonds and paper currencies.
However, that is not the answer to the question that such people are asking
First Lions dollar comes off press
Lions founder Melvin Jones appears on obverse while a family of lions appear on reverse of the 2017 Lions silver dollar.
The 2017 Lions Clubs International commemorative silver dollar was introduced at a special striking ceremony at the Philadelphia Mint Nov. 9
Mint strikes fewer coins in October
Output of the circulating coin denominations, cent through quarter, fell across the board in the month of October from the levels of one month before.
The only increase came in the Presidential dollar coin column for the Denver Mint, which struck 420,000 coins compared to zero the month before.
Cent production dropped the least
Size varies, but gold content same
Slightly different in size, these two coins have the same half-ounce gold weight.
Can coins of two different sizes contain the same half-ounce of gold?
When it comes to First Spouse coins and the new gold Walking Liberty half dollar, the Mint says the answer is yes.
The question cropped up when Numismatic News reader Fred Korr sent this inquiry:
“There is a notable inconsistency in the gold content of the two 99
Hobby is thriving, if you know where to look
Millennials spend a ton of free time on their mobile devices and social media. In the digital age, this is where the youth of the hobby is, and it is thriving!
By Matthew Andrews
In the recent issues of Numismatic News, there have been many articles expressing views of the state of the coin collecting hobby. All have been depressing, to say the least
Camel caravan, orchid notes to top auction
A 1951 China People’s Republic 10,000 yuan, Pick 858a, is expected to take top price in Heritage’s Dec. 7-9 World Currency Signature Auction. The sale is slated in conjunction with the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair at The Mira Hong Kong
China marks Long March anniversary
Reverses of the People’s Bank of China gold ¥100 and silver ¥10 commemorating the Long March. (Image courtesy China Gold)
This past October saw the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s Long March. This is one of the most significant events in modern Chinese history
New pound resists faking
In March Britain’s 30-year-old round pound will be on the way out, its place taken by a new, secure, bimetallic dodecagonal (12-sided) pound.
On Nov. 1 the British Treasury launched a campaign to support retailers and other businesses in preparing for the historic changeover
Proof of the Month
The First National Bank of Cannon Falls, Minn., charter 2387, lasted less than three years between 1878 and 1881 before being converted into the Citizens Bank under a state charter. During its brief existence the bankers used only $5s which consisted of a modest quantity of these superior looking Series of 1875 notes
Thai coins to mark king’s death
Coins will be issued by Thailand to mark the cremation ceremony of King Rama IX, a popular monarch who died recently.
Thailand announced Oct. 18 that it will follow a time-honored tradition by issuing commemorative coins to mark the cremation ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died earlier in October
Hanging subject of engraved medal
The possibly unique, hand-engraved, Wiltshire token piece that records the hanging of John Curtis in a gibbet cage in 1768. (Image courtesy Woolley & Wallis.)
On Oct
Copper pushes up melt values
You can’t get rich hoarding pre-1982 copper cents, but melt value has been rising in recent weeks.
At $2.45 a pound, copper is up 29 cents from Aug
Buy the gold price dip
The financial news has been strange since it became clear last week that Donald Trump was the surprise winner to become the next U.S. President
Astronauts support Apollo 11 coins
The Apollo 11 lunar mission patch (top) inspired the reverse design of the Eisenhower dollar 1971-1978 (bottom). Will it also inspire a 2019 commemorative coin program?
Apollo 11 astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins have joined supporters calling for a 2019 coin program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their mission to the moon.
The two sent letters to members of both houses of Congress to urge support
Mint Stats: Collector favorites get sales boost
Demand generated by the Mint’s holiday gift catalog seems to be increasing sales numbers this week for traditional collector favorites.
The 2016-W proof silver American Eagle moved ahead by 10,703 to reach 451,641. The 2016 silver proof set increased by 4,623 to 306,838
Anniversary Eagle sale Dec. 1
Edge lettering, shown here on the proof version of the 30th anniversary silver one-ounce American Eagle coin, will also appear on the uncirculated version out Dec. 1.
The uncirculated version of the 30th anniversary silver one-ounce American Eagle coin will go on sale Dec
Hoodoo half dollar
I like World’s Columbian Exposition collectibles, including the glassware, plated, ribbons, etc., and, of course, the coins. I knew also that after the expo ended, large numbers of unsold Columbian Expo half dollars were placed into circulation
Spink celebrates with world sales
In 2016 the House of Spink celebrates 350 years in business.
The year 1666 was an extraordinary moment in history. England’s monarchy had been restored just six years earlier
Child’s toy money really gold rarity
(Image courtesy Boningtons, Epping.)
A child’s treasure turns out to be real treasure.
On Nov
Heritage sells gold bar for $39,950
Rare “Finger Gold” piece sold by Heritage at Long Beach for $39,950. Note the four fineness stamps. (Images courtesy www
British Virgin Islands decry ‘fakes’
Government of the British Virgin Islands says supposed BVI coins featuring the Sibir Hockey Club in Russia are not theirs. (Images courtesy Government of the British Virgin Islands.)
The Government of the British Virgin Islands has issued a warning to the public in general and coin collectors in particular that some BVI coins being offered for sale are in fact not authorized by the government, nor are they copies of authorized issues
Guidelines for documenting ancient coins proposed
The United Kingdom has the Treasure Act and the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Collectors and coin dealers in the United States are seeking common ground for collectible coins with the U.S
Banshee on Canadian 25 cents
The third and final coin in the Royal Canadian Mint’s “Haunted Canada Series” has been released. The 35 mm, plated steel 25 cents celebrates the legendary Ghost of Bell Island. Mintage is 20,000
New names on notes
Currently Rosa Gumataotao Rios and Jack Lew share the signature duties on Series 2013 notes.
New signatures are on the way for the paper money of the United States.
When President Donald Trump takes the oath of office Jan
GSA sales make 1885-CC unusual $1
Sometimes truly remarkable things happen to a coin and that is the case with the 1885-CC Morgan silver dollar. This makes it one of the most interesting dollars in the series. That is no small accomplishment
Silver advances boost demand
Silver has a number of properties that can make it useful in a wide variety of industrial applications.
More than 50 years ago, the use of silver to strike coins was a major industrial use of the metal. Before the widespread use of digital photography and x-rays, the uses of silver in those applications were also among the highest industrial usages for the metal
Veterans remembered with coin
Since 2012 Alderney has issued a £5 Remembrance Day coin marking the end of World War I on Nov. 11. Each has featured the poppy of Flanders’ Fields that has become a widely recognized symbol of remembrance of the many service personnel who gave their lives in war
New Mint director after six years?
United States Mint principal deputy director Rhett Jeppson
There might be a new Mint director in office in 2017. Technically it has been vacant since Edmund C. Moy left office in 2011
Mint Stats: Silver bullion Eagle coins get the blahs
The election is over. Is demand for bullion coins over, too? November sales numbers have not had a strong start, particularly for silver bullion American Eagles. What’s with just 370,000 so far in November? But then looking at the total for the year of less than 35 million, you know there is no chance to equal last year’s figure of 47 million
BEP 8888 notes
Year of the Rooster is the theme of the latest Lucky Money Collection issue of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
According to BEP, the product features an uncirculated, $1 Federal Reserve Note with a serial number beginning with “8888.”
The Year of the Rooster 2017 represents good fortune and prosperity, signifying success in the New Year, the BEP said
Two rarities star in Heritage sale
A $12 million Heritage auction starred two major rarities Oct. 31 to Nov. 2
Gold Walker out on Nov. 17
Release date of the Walking Liberty Centennial gold half dollar has been set for Nov. 17 by the U.S
Rare 1916 caused no stir when issued
The new 2016 gold Standing Liberty quarter is a reminder that collectors have been finding treasure in the 1916 silver version for many years.
For the Standing Liberty series, the 1916 is the key date. It also is the first date of issue
Canadian coins, notes to carry ads
Coins have almost always been a vehicle for self-promotion. One of the earliest circulating commemorative coins marked the 490 B.C
Hastings battle changed history
Nine hundred and fifty years ago one of the most significant battles in history took place in southern England. Less than 20,000 combatants were involved but at the end of the day, Oct. 14, 1066, the power balance in Western Europe had shifted forever
Top notes stay strong, others weaken
By Bill Brandimore
The market seems mixed based on the Heritage auction results. Some notes are up a bit, others down a bit.
The lack of EPQ or PPQ on a third-party grading certainly is discernible
Sale demonstrates market strength
The strength of the Asian bank note market was clearly demonstrated at Dix Noonan Webb’s Oct. 3 paper money sale. Notes from China, Malaya, Hong Kong and Singapore led the way in an auction that totaled $500,373 [£397,122]
NYINC plans 2018 relocation
The New York International Numismatic Convention has nailed down locations and show dates through the year 2022.
Bourse chairman Kevin Foley said, “As probably everyone knows who has a smart phone, reads the newspapers or watches television news broadcasts, our home since 2012, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, has been purchased by the Anbang Insurance Company, a risk management firm located in China.
“The acquisition price was $1
Dutch movie employs rare U.S. $100
(Image courtesy National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History, Wikipedia.org.)
By Robert R
ANA seeks nominations for its annual awards
Who should 2017 American Numismatic Association awards be given to?
The answer to that question depends on your willingness to make nominations.
ANA is asking that you submit your choices for its top awards.
Deadline is Jan
Gold Eagle demand soars
Rip-roaring gold demand made October the best sales month for one-ounce gold American Eagles since July 2015.
A total of 100,500 of these investment bullion coins were sold by the United States Mint, according to its website.
The running sales total for these coins for the first 10 months of calendar year 2016 is 665,500
Canal medal $135,000
A very rare gold medal is being offered for sale by Jeff Shevlin for $135,000.
The So-Called Dollar Guy says he is “excited to be offering for sale one of the only two known gold Erie Canal Completion So-Called Dollars.”
It is HK 1001 and certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation as XF-45
Yuan use, prestige rise
What was perhaps the most important news development in the last week that will impact precious metals prices in the long run?
No, I don’t think it had anything to do with the U.S. presidential elections
Study: physical cash increasing worldwide
The future of banking, especially tellers inside bank lobbies, is changing. So is the future of cash, this being coins and bank notes. The big question for those interested in numismatics is if the days are numbered for physical currency
British notes highlight at Spink
Five days of frenetic auction action for Spink’s bank note team culminated in sale of 613 lots of British paper on Oct. 4.
The auction room presented a replay of the previous four days: a packed, hungry bear pit with Internet and telephones adding to the buzz
Field honored for transatlantic cable
At the present time, in this age of the Internet, we think nothing of contacting a person halfway around the world or visiting a website in some remote country. Yet, it is only in the past few decades that this remarkable change has come about. The revolution in communications, however, began more than 150 years ago…
Perhaps nothing so excited Americans in the 1840s as the telegraph, invented by Samuel Morse
Perth releases 2017 bullion coins
Australia’s Perth Mint 2017 bullion issue relases began with the annual lunar gold and silver bullion on Sept. 12, gold Kangaroos and silver Kookaburras made it out on Oct. 10, the silver Kangaroo will debut on Nov
Nicknamed dinosaur gets own medal
News junkies among readers may be aware that in late August KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) flew a very special passenger to The Netherlands from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. It was Trix, a 6-ton, 43- foot, partially mounted skeleton of a 66 million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex.
Trix came with her own passport complete with head shot and signature, the latter consisting of two claw strokes
Family ruble tops bidding at Spink
Spink’s main autumn coin auction was conducted Sept. 26-27 in London around sales of the Stewartby, Rhodes and Taugourdeau collections. The Spink staff had been concerned that the results of these three specialist sales might overshadow the general Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals event
Latvia commem mimics fine China
Let’s just call this the “I think I’ve finally seen it all” department. In recent years there have been non-circulating legal tender coins shaped as ingots, sharks, baseball gloves, maps and just about everything imaginable other than flying saucers. Well, perhaps this saucer isn’t flying, but Latvia has recently issued a commemorative Baltars Porcelain 5-euro coin shaped as either a saucer or a plate
Vote and hold gold
In the second half of summer, trading volume in physical precious metals declined significantly.
Then, following the significant price drops on Oct. 4, there was a jump in buying demand
Changes, innovations at BEP
Fig. 1. Note from the top right corner of a 50-subject LEPE sheet
Acid date collectible?
Remember dateless Buffalo nickels?
If you are of a certain age, you can recall encountering many of them in change.
Though they did nothing to help fill a Whitman album in the circulation finds era, they often sparked daydreams as collectors wondered what dates might have been on them.
If this describes your early days as a coin collector, a “Numismatic News” reader who does not want to be identified has suggested that the many dateless Buffalo coins that are still around can take coin collectors down memory lane
Heated bidding for Mexican scrip
Two battered pieces of Mexican scrip, a five centavos and a 10 centavos, were responsible for some heated bidding at the 2016 Summer Knight Live Auction. Both hailed from Santa Rosalia, a small town in Baja, Calif. Both carried the text, “Tienda de Santa Rosalia / Entréguese al Portador / En Mercancías [Store of Santa Rosalia pay the bearer [x] centavos in goods]
Plaque marks Krause’s start
Numismatic News’ first permanent home was recognized at the unveiling Oct. 13 of an historical marker by John Gillespie, left, and Clifford Mishler. It stands in front of a building that was built by Chet Krause in 1957 to house his growing publishing business
Gold half limits set
The U.S. Mint has announced mintage and ordering limits for the gold Centennial Walking Liberty half dollar
This Tombstone note is to die for
T. R. Brandt, whose vanity signature as cashier graces this wonderful Arizona territorial note, was not the type of man to hand over the bank’s till to a two-bit gun-toting robber in 1917
Roman gold coin helps date site
An ancient Roman gold aureus of the Emperor Nero was recently discovered at an archaeological site in Jerusalem.
Coins can serve the same purpose as can an index fossil. Coins can help date an archaeological dig site in a similar fashion as can a fossil help date the strata in which that fossil is found
Two-headed gold ‘dollar’ star of sale
The unique gold 1804 double obverse George III pattern dollar struck by W.J. Taylor fetched $171,600 at DNW’s September sale
Mint holds forum
On Oct. 13, the U.S
Cent production up
The Mint ramped up cent production in September after a bit of a lull in August.
The 891.6 million coins comprised 56
Market strong for world paper
Star of the show: Irish Currency Commission £10 of May 6, 1929issued by Northern Bank Limited, P-34. In PMG Very Fine 30 it realized $32,900.
The results of Heritage’s Sept
Gold ancient coins top $3.4 million CNG auction
Unique gold oktadrachm of Antiochos III circa 197-192/0 B.C.E
India threatens legal action if coin is refused
False rumors persist that India’s 10-rupee coin has been demonetized.
The U.S
Gold treasure coins go on market
NGC has created special insert labels for the 1715 Plate Fleet coins recovered on the 300th anniversary, such as this Charles II type (1694–1713) gold 2 escudos struck in Colombia graded NGC MS-65. (Photos courtesy NGC .)
More than $1 million worth of Spanish treasure coins will be sold by Blanchard and Company and Monaco Rare Coins
Bullion drop sparks shortages
Last week, the price of gold dropped almost five percent, silver was down almost 10 percent, platinum fell nearly seven percent, and palladium was off close to eight percent. Are precious metals crashing?
Yet, at last Friday’s closes, gold’s price was up almost 18 percent year-to-date, while silver had climbed more than 25 percent. Platinum had risen almost eight percent thus far this year and palladium was up over 18 percent
Bitcoins are not money?
Want to avoid being charged with money laundering? All you have to do is trade in Bitcoins – as long as you use them in the United States, according to a circuit court judge.
In one of the most unusual numismatic-related decisions handed down by a court in recent years it was ruled that Bitcoins are not money. The ruling was made by Miami-based 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida Judge Teresa Pooler in an eight-page opinion in July, the report having been made available through the Miami Herald newspaper
Auctions worth attending in person
By Bill Brandimore
The markets seem to be more positive based on results out of the American Numismatic Association convention auctions. I do note weaker PMG and PCGS realized values for 65 graded notes. 66 graded notes seem to be the normal expectation now for Gems
Chinese in Bowker sale
This China-Kweichow 1928 auto dollar spurred a bidding battle whose outcome resulted in a record price of $115,000. (Images courtesy Champion Auctions.)
Selections from the Howard Franklin Bowker East Asian Collection brought high prices at the Champion Auction Aug
Two rarities top Heritage auction
Graded NGC XF-40, this 1870-S silver dollar is one of just nine known.
One of just nine known 1870-S silver dollars and the third finest known 1920-S gold $20 will highlight a New York City auction to be called by Heritage Oct. 31 to Nov
Design contest to award $5,000 prize
A chance to win $5,000 is being offered by Kagin’s, Inc., in a contest to choose the auction catalog cover for the official American Numismatic Association National Money Show Sale, which will be held March 9-11, 2017, in Orlando, Fla.
Kagin’s was awarded the auction rights by the ANA board of governors in August
Ask public for quarter design ideas
The process by which the U.S. Mint comes up with the designs for the series of America the Beautiful Quarters does not include any input from the general public
German coins, notes still honored
Legal tender or not, Germans still like their German rather than their euro coins.
By Richard Giedroyc
It’s been 14 years since Germany joined the European Union’s currency union.
German bank notes in circulation at the end of 2001 on the eve of joining the currency union were valued at about 76
British £5 polymer bank note released
Britain’s new £5 note, first issued Tuesday Sept. 13. Images courtesy & © Bank of England
Perched eagle on bimetal coin
A perched eagle designed by John Mercanti appears on new Perth Mint coin issues.
John M. Mercanti, 12th chief engraver of the U
Large cent rarity offered in Baltimore auction
A Condition Census 1798 S-166 Draped Bust large cent is among the rarities to cross the block.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries will offer many high-powered numismatic treasures at its Official Baltimore Auction Nov. 2-4 at the Whitman Expo in the city’s convention center
Michigan celebrates ANA’s birthday
Michigan State Senator Steve Bieda presents a framed resolution of the Michigan State Senate to former American Numismatic Association President Tom Hallenbeck.
The 125th anniversary of the American Numismatic Association was marked by the Michigan State Senate by formal resolution.
Introduced by State Senator Steve Bieda, the resolution passed Sept
Swiss stars at Heritage
Superb Swiss ‘Stirnlocke-Vreneli’ pattern 20 francs of 1897-B showing the “frivolous” forelock realized $105,750. Image courtesy www.ha
CCAC reviews platinum Eagle designs
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” How these concepts are best represented on three platinum coin designs was the task at hand when the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee met Sept. 16
Output slides in month of August
August monthly output at the U.S. Mint’s circulating coin production facilities dropped by 28 percent from the prior month
Gray areas in tax exemption law
Earlier this year, Ohio Governor Kasich signed into law Senate Bill 172. This law adds provision 54 in Section 1 to establish a sales and use tax exemption on the retail sales of “investment metal bullion” and “investment coins,” which becomes effective as of Jan. 1, 2016
Stack’s Bowers: $4.1 million
A 20-ounce 1,500 yuan coin marking the 40th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China brought $131,450. (Images courtesy Stack’s Bowers Galleries.)
Over $4
Gold coin counterfeits cause for concern
By Richard Giedroyc
Counterfeit gold coins are becoming an increasing concern, many of them originating from China.
All that glitters is not necessarily gold. The current surge in the spot price of the yellow metal may have brought out investors, but it has also brought out the counterfeiters
Key rarity: Iraq 100 dinars to cross block
By Kerry Rodgers
It may have had a hard life but this Iraq 100 dinars of King Faisal I from 1931, P-6, is super rare as an issued note.
Spink’s next world paper sale will take place at the company’s London offices on Sept. 28-29
Quick delivery for gold
Deliveries have started as sales stall.
It might no longer be a sellout possibility, but collectors who ordered the 47,884 gold Standing Liberty quarters on the first day they were available are impressed by their quality.
One individual who telephoned Numismatic News Sept
Gold variety identified
Given the identification number BG-529a, the $1 California gold piece was clearly struck with the BG-529 reverse die, but the obverse shows marked differences in placement of the Liberty Head and stars.
A privately minted $1 gold coin has been identified as a new variety of California fractional gold, thanks to the combined detective work of Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
The newly identified coin is an octagonal 1854 $1 gold piece
Fiji WWII rarities sold by Noble
By Kerry Rodgers
Tucked among the world paper catalog in Noble Numismatics July sale in Sydney were three notes from Fiji’s World War II emergency issues: penny (P-47a), shilling (P-48a) and two shillings (P-50a). All were highly desirable as all carried serial No. 1
Silver, gold mark historic Brexit
The Brexit commemorative coins struck for the Cook Islands by CIT. From left: silver $1, gold $5 and gold $20. (Images courtesy Coin Invest Trust
Colonial notes highlight September auction
This Georgia Colonial note is among the offerings in MintProducts Auctions’ Sept. 19 sale.
A 770-lot sale of coins and bank notes from MintProducts Auctions is set for Sept
Five quarter designs in 2017
From Revolutionary War action to quiet mounds of earth in animal shapes, the U.S. Mint has revealed the five designs for 2017 America the Beautiful quarters
Can sellout streak continue?
Last year it was reverse proof Presidential dollars that guaranteed Mint sellouts.
Now nearly a year after the last one was issued, the Mint hopes to end the sequence of Coin & Chronicles sets with one honoring President Ronald Reagan.
It will be offered at noon Eastern Time Oct
$50,000 from Dad
Now graded AU-58 by PCGS, an 1893-S Morgan dollar identified by Ron Guth turned out to be very good news to its unknowing owner.
A lucky Los Angeles resident has the Professional Coin Grading Service to thank for discovering that a silver dollar left him by his father is a rare and valuable 1893-S Morgan.
Ron Guth, PCGS CoinFacts president, gave the man the good news at a PCGS Meet the Expert session on the final day of the American Numismatic Association convention in Anaheim, Calif
Get ready for Roosevelt
From left, Rep. Kevin Cramer, Sen. John Hoeven, Rhett Jeppson, park superintendent Wendy Ross and National Park Service Deputy Director Patricia Trap join in the ceremonial coin pour
Belarus monetary reform ushers in coins
By Richard Giedroyc
Circulating coins will be part of the latest Belarus currency reform, but the coins will be dated 2009!
This will be the third currency reform the Eastern European dictatorship has gone through since Belarus became an independent nation following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It will be the first reform that will involve coins as well as bank notes. Coins have not been used in what is now Belarus since Soviet times
Top price for 1934 FRN
Bringing $152,750 was this 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note, Fr. 2221-H.
A 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note, Fr
Euro landscape is changing
By Richard GiedroycThe Instituto Poligrafico Zecca Della Stato, or Italian State Mint, recently issued commemorative 20-euro gold coins depicting floral frescoes decorating the Villa Igiea in Palermo on the obverse, with a fresco by Ettore De Maria Bergler as it appears at the Villa Igiea, Sala Basile, on the reverse.Italy also issued a commemorative 50-euro gold coin depicting the allegorical frieze decorating the Chamber of Deputies at Montecitorio Palace on the obverse, with reverse of a knight on horseback from another frieze.Austria is issuing 10-euro copper and silver coins depicting the shoreline of the Hallstätter See on the obverse, with an elevated view of the Pöstlingberg Church in Linz on the reverse
Stack’s Bowers strikes gold
Topping the bidding at $352,500 was this 1798/7 gold $10.Rare gold topped the U.S
Liberty medal sells out
The silver Liberty medal proved popular with buyers.The Mint’s one-ounce silver Liberty medal sold out in less than five minutes Aug. 23
No more restraint on dollars issued
Last week I wrote about the 45th anniversary of President Richard Nixon’s Aug. 15, 1971, temporarily closing the gold exchange window, where central banks had previously been able to turn in U.S
PNG, Stuppler honor Chet Krause
Editor’s Note: Following are the comments Barry Stuppler, vice president of the Professional Numismatists Guild, made while presenting the PNG Abe Kosoff Founders Award to the late Chet Krause during the PNG banquet held Aug. 8 in Anaheim, Calif.Dave Harper (left) accepts the Abe Kosoff Founders Award honoring the late Chet Krause from PNG Vice President Barry Stuppler
Consecutive pair of $5,000s leads lots in ANA auction
Consecutive 1934 $5,000s of which one is believed by the auctioneer to be a replacement note. The pair brought $258,500. A consecutive pair of 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Notes, Fr
Royal Mint sees record profit
Britain’s Royal Mint has announced a golden 2015-2016 year’s results complete with solid silver lining.In financial terms, the nation’s oldest manufacturer realized its highest annual revenue in its 1,100 year history: £360.6 million, or about US$468
Gold $200 kicks off Canada’s 150th
A gold proof coin marking Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017 has a reverse design similar to that of the nation’s first circulation coinage. (Image courtesy Royal Canadian Mint.)Next year Canada celebrates its 150th birthday
No gold for you, paper
President Richard NixonMonday was the 45th anniversary of then President Richard Nixon’s Aug. 15, 1971, speech in which he said, “I have directed [Treasury] Secretary Connally to suspend temporarily the convertibility of the dollar into gold or other reserve assets, except in amounts and conditions determined to be in the interest of monetary stability and in the best interests of the United States.”After then President Franklin D
Kangaroo bounds to new heights
Buyers have snapped up 10 million 2016 silver kangaroo bullion dollars from the Perth Mint. (Image courtesy the Perth Mint.)Down Under the Perth Mint has announced that sales of its 2016 Australian silver Kangaroo bullion dollar have reached 10 million
Solomon Islands 10 shillings leads
By Kerry RodgersSpink London’s mid-summer world paper sale took place on July 5. Compared with recent Spink blockbusters this was a more modest affair. Just 700 lots graced the catalog with sufficient goodies to bring out collectors in droves
New Zealand marks Rio
Silver $1 and gold $10 coins from New Zealand celebrate the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. (Images courtesy New Zealand Post.)A couple of weeks out from Rio 2016, New Zealand issued two “Road to Rio” coins to celebrate this year’s Summer Olympics: a 30 mm, 1/2 ounce,
‘Buy what you know’ valuable advice
There is a sensible bit of financial advice to only invest in what you understand and know. If you don’t understand the nuances of a possible investment, your risks of a loss go way up.The same advice applies when purchasing numismatic items
Gold quarter mintage set
A U.S. Mint mock-up image of the gold Centennial Standing Liberty quarter
Brexit boosts bullion
The day Britons were deciding whether to Brexit, the country’s Royal Mint experienced a marked spike in its bullion trading.The Director of Bullion, Chris Howard, commented that on the day of the vote visits to the Royal Mint’s bullion trading platform, www.royalmintbullion
Bitcoin becomes tangible
By Richard GiedroycAren’t bitcoins supposed to be in cyberspace? Surprise! Bitcoin provider BTCC recently announced it is minting a line of titanium composition coins.BTCC Chief Executive Officer Bobby Lee announced, “Launching our own physical bitcoins is a significant achievement for BTCC. The coins we issued today [May 27] are unique collectibles aimed at exciting public interest in bitcoin
Early U.S. paper brings big prices
By Bill BrandimoreThis 1861 $20 Demand Note, one of just four from Boston, is graded PMG VF-25. (Images courtesy Lyn Knight Auctions.)The last Memphis auction by Lyn Knight was full of great notes bringing great prices
English coins among top performers
By Richard GiedroycThe Luxury Investment Index in Knight Frank’s recently released Wealth Report indicates English coins have performed very nicely.According to the report, rare coins were the second highest performing luxury asset during the 12-month period leading up to the fourth quarter of 2015. High end collectible automobiles was the only luxury asset to out-perform coins
Silver markups decline
Premiums have fallen for pre-1965 90 percent silver U.S. coins
Gates of Hell lined with coins
By Richard Giedroyc“Skeleton Coast” and “Gates of Hell” are among the names given to the area along the northern Atlantic coastline of Namibia.Are the Gates of Hell lined with gold coins? If the Gates of Hell to which you refer are along the coast of Namibia, the answer is yes.Gates of Hell is only one name given to this area along the northern Atlantic Ocean coastline of Namibia, also being south of Angola from the Kunene River to the Swakop River
PNG warns counterfeit danger is increasing
Counterfeit coins that are difficult to detect are becoming more prevalent in the market, according to the Professional Numismatists Guild.By Richard GiedroycThe Professional Numismatists Guild has recently posted a warning that there are an increasingly significant number of counterfeit coins appearing in the market.“It is clear there is an increase in the types of fakes sold by unscrupulous dealers,” said PNG President Dana Samuelson
Russian coins star at Stack’s Bowers
Russian gold coins from a collection formed in the 1980s will be among the highlights of Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ auction to be held Aug. 9-13 at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Anaheim, Calif.The firm said multiple denominations and dates of Alexander III proof gold coinage lead the way to the Nicholas II gold proofs, including a magnificent 1902 large 37-1/2 ruble in PCGS Proof-62
Platinum Eagle sales take off
More than 17,000 one-ounce platinum bullion American Eagle coins were snapped up by Authorized Purchasers July 25.More one-ounce platinum bullion American Eagles were sold by the U.S
Japan legalizes cybercoins
While bitcoins are getting physical, banks in Japan are sending their money into cyberspace.Banks, countries and people are increasingly turning attention to digital currencies.Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd
Gold tops June coin auction in Germany
A 10 ducats gold piece was a top performer June 21-23 in a set of three auctions conducted by Fritz Rudolf Künker in Osnabrück, Germany.Realizing $244,200 was a 10 ducats gold coin of William V of Hesse-Kassel. The catalog said it is probably the only Willow striking in private hands
Ruble for the czar who wasn’t czar
The death of Russian Czar Alexander I in late 1825 set off a chain of events in which two brothers swore allegiance to the other as the new ruler of Imperial Russia. The St. Petersburg Mint quickly prepared a portrait ruble for one of the brothers but picked the wrong one and had to hide their involvement in the affair
Fiji’s tabua often misunderstood
By Kerry RodgersTeeth from the lower jaw of sperm whales were and still are highly prized in several Pacific Island groups including Tonga and Fiji. For Fijians they have been a central feature of their culture from beyond memory. It was not unexpected when depictions of them appeared on the country’s new decimal coins from 1969 on
Seated Liberty coinage offers challenge, excitement
One of the most prolific U.S. silver coin designs is the Seated Liberty
Silver dollar plugged twice
The first known 1795 Flowing Hair silver dollar with two inserted plugs has been authenticated by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and will be offered Aug. 10 by Heritage Auctions on Aug. 10, 2016
Compare prices when buying silver
As you probably know, dealers don’t quote the same prices for identical merchandise. It takes time and effort to check prices from multiple sellers. If you are checking on items selling for bullion-related prices, how do you know if you are getting a competitive price without lots or phone calls or checking websites?Silver prices, premiums and even shipping charges change on a regular basis
Education, patience keys to getting top dollar
By James EvansOver a lifetime of collecting coins, I had accumulated quite a bit of stuff. Most of it was circulated, almost all of it raw coins, almost none of it exceptional in quality or rarity. Still, the sum total of retail or book value of my collection was in the $10,000 range
Reagan First Spouse set arrives
The Ronald and Nancy Reagan Presidential dollar and First Spouse Medal Set went on sale July 5, just four days after the release of both the Ronald Reagan Presidential dollar and the Nancy Reagan gold First Spouse coins.As of July 10, the United States Mint reports selling 5,910 dollar and medal sets, surpassing the previously issued 2016 Nixon and Ford sets. The Nixon set stands at 5,581 sets sold while the Ford set is at 4,622 sets purchased
Opposing views at State Department meeting
Possible changes regarding restrictions on the importation of certain coins into the United States were discussed during a May 24 open session held by the U.S. State Department Cultural Property Advisory Committee regarding the renewal of existing Memorandum of Understanding with both Bolivia and Greece
Counterfeit coins becoming problem
By Richard GiedroycThe good news is that fewer counterfeit euro coins were detected in 2015 than during the previous year. The bad news is that the European Union stands alone. There are plenty of other countries where counterfeit coins are becoming more of a problem
Fiji rarity snagged off eBay listing
By Kerry RodgerseBay is full of surprises. A patient and regular winnowing of the dross can yield the occasional gleam of pure gold. A choice nugget emerged in March when a Spanish vendor offered a Fiji Banking and Commercial Co
Original Series $100 discovered
A recently discovered Original Series $100 National Bank Note from the Salem National Banking Co. of Salem, N.J
Tips for buying gold, silver
Gold and silver is back in the news. Your dentist, barber, or co-worker might be talking about precious metals now when it was all sports talk before.When the price of silver rises, people notice
Silver profits in water
The antibacterial properties of silver were known 2,000 years ago. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, people knew enough to throw silver coins into water cisterns as a low tech way to kill germs – despite not yet understanding the scientific mechanism of why this made water safer to drink.Silver, in addition to being a precious metal, has antibacterial properties
Silver, gold prices on the rise
Silver has been rocket powered since June 1, going from $15.90 a troy ounce to $20.13 by July 12, a gain of almost 27 percent in six weeks
Vivid series 1934 $20, $100 notes never issued
By Peter HuntoonJune 14, 1934The Honorable Secretary of the Treasury (Henry Morganthau Jr.)My Dear Mr. Secretary:Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the act approved May 12, 1933, as amended by the Gold Reserve Act of 1934, I hereby authorize and direct the issuance of silver certificates, pursuant to law, in any or all of the following denominations, $1, $5, $10, $20, and $100, against any and all silver bullion or standard silver dollars now in the Treasury not held for redemption of any outstanding silver certificates
Shipwreck yields ancient coin bounty
By Richard GiedroycThey may not be gold doubloons and pieces of eight, but the ancient Roman coins recently recovered from the wreck of a Roman ship off the coast of Israel are of great value to archaeologists.The coins had been stored onboard in two pots. Over the centuries the pots disintegrated, with the coins fusing together in the shape of the containers in which they had been stored
Can Ireland really do without cash?
Can Ireland’s central bank force a cashless payment system on Ireland’s citizens? The word “force” is appropriate since statistics indicate cash withdrawals from Automated Teller Machines is 66 percent higher in Ireland than is the average for the European Union as a whole.The Central Bank of Ireland will install 15 cashless kiosks in its new headquarters, pictured here. (Image courtesy of the Central Bank of Ireland)This statistic doesn’t appear to bother the central bank, which is attempting to encourage its own staff to stop using coins and bank notes
Silver $20 on way to $100
In intraday trading on the Shanghai Gold Exchange on Monday, July 4, the spot price of silver reached $21.13 per ounce, up about 53 percent since the end of 2015.When the price of silver rises, people notice
Silver dollar for Lions in 2017
Helen Keller’s “Knights of the Blind” will be honored in 2017 with the 100th anniversary Lions Clubs International commemorative silver dollar.Obverse and reverse of the 2017 Lions Club commemorative silver dollar.The coin’s obverse and reverse designs were unveiled June 28 at its annual convention in Fukuoka, Japan
Platinum sellout surprises
The 2016-W $100 platinum proof Eagle’s quick sellout on June 30 came as a shock to some collectors. The mintage of 10,000 coins was gone in 56 minutes.Why is that a surprise?Past releases with lower sales totals have taken months to sell out
A look back on Chet Krause
Chet Krause’s contributions to numismatics, as well as a large number of other hobbies, will always be remembered. Here’s a look back on his life:From single sheets……to hundreds of titles, Chet Krause helped many collectible hobbies grow, not just coins.Friendly competitors Chet Krause and Clifford Mishler hand a silver round to longtime “Coin World” editor Margo Russell
$100 rarity tops Knight’s Memphis
Described as the “prize of any collection,” an 1863 “Spread Eagle” $100 Legal Tender Note leads the offerings in Lyn Knight Currency Auctions’ upcoming sale in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary Memphis International Paper Money Show.This 1863 “Spread Eagle” $100 Legal Tender Note should be a top draw at Memphis.The rarity, one of only 22 known of this variety, Fr
National Bank Note circulation peaked in 1932-1933
By Jamie Yakes and Peter HuntoonThe purpose of the National Bank Act was to create a new form of currency. To that end, organizers of national banks were required to take out circulation by the initial legislation. Prior to passage of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, the minimum circulation that bankers were required to maintain was: (1) $50,000 for banks with a capital of $150,000 or more, and (2) one-quarter of capital for banks with a capital of less than $150,000
Could the German collector become extinct?
By Richard GiedroycThe private collector is under fire in Germany. Not just the coin collector but the collector of many antique or fine art objects.German coin collectors face threatening legislation regarding cultural property
China to replace yuan note with coin
By Richard GiedroycOutside of U.S. Congress most people worldwide will agree a coin will outlast a bank note of the same denomination by years, resulting in saving production and material costs
2016 uncirculated mint set racks up sales
Four days after it went on sale May 18, the Mint had tallied sales of 127,489 for the 2016 uncirculated coin sets.The 2016 uncirculated mint set went on sale May 18.This start puts it on track to match the sales level achieved by the 2015 set, which presently stands at 305,482
Gold jumps as dollar drops
The news developments last week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday were ones where gold and silver prices have almost always declined over the past five years. Specifically, these events were the expiration of the New York COMEX May silver option contracts, the announcement at the end of the Federal Open Market Committee Meeting and the final trading day of the calendar month.Gold is doing well as the dollar dropped slightly
Gold Eagles fly high in first four sales months
Gold American Eagles moved quickly for the U.S. Mint’s Authorized Purchasers in the first four months of 2016
Central States show wholesale success
Retail buyers were in short supply at the Central States Numismatic Society convention April 26-28, though wholesale business seemed to be as strong as ever.Rick Snow had books and coins.“I thought the wholesale activity was pretty good,” said Indian Head cent specialist Rick Snow of Eagle Eye Rare Coins of Tucson, Ariz
Coins ‘minted freedom’ or irrelevant?
By Richard GiedroycThe possible demise of Australia’s 5-cent coin may be opening a can of worms Down Under regarding the future of physical cash, that being coins and bank notes.Are coins and bank notes becoming increasingly irrelevant?The Royal Australian Mint is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of Australia’s decimal currency. The event is being marked by commemoratives and a book titled Inside the Vault by Peter Rees
Toronto Blue Jays get coin
A new $20 silver coin marking the 40th anniversary of the Toronto Blue Jays has been created by the Royal Canadian Mint.From left: Royal Canadian Mint CEO Sandra Hanington, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau and Robert Witchel, Executive Director of Jays Care Foundation on April 22 unveil a new silver collector coin at Rogers Centre to celebrate the 40th season of the Toronto Blue Jays.The colorized silver-dollar-sized piece is priced at $99
England’s £5 polymer note is on track
On March 10 the Bank of England’s chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, announced that the bank’s new £5 note is on track for release later this year. The new design will be unveiled on June 2 with the note itself entering circulation in September. This is the note slated to feature Winston Churchill
Boy king murdered by stepmother
Tenth-century England was a land of extremes as powerful rulers alternated with the incompetent or weak ones. During that time, however, came one of those terrible crimes that horrified an entire nation: a teen-aged king was brutally murdered by order of his own stepmother. His death, which had all the makings of a Greek tragedy, had its origin in events that took place during the reign of his father…Silver penny of Edward the Martyr struck at the mint in Lincoln
Gold Mercury dime hits market
A quick sellout always attracts attention from coin collectors and the 2016 gold Mercury dime is no different.Prices for gold Mercury dimes are up on the secondary market at $275 to $310 per coin, well above the $205 initial cost.On the secondary market, that means profits to those who placed orders
Centennial issues strike cord with collectors
With the 2016 gold Mercury dime sold out at the Mint, coin dealers reselling them are seeing a rush by collectors who missed out.The 2016-W gold Centennial Mercury dime proves the classics never die.The coin is the first of three issues in 2016 commemorating the 1916 Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter and Walking Liberty half dollar
New path for silver?
Will this be the week that the price of silver breaks upward to stay? By the history of the past five years, that should not happen. However, if silver and gold prices are not knocked down this week, you could see a quick surge in precious metals prices.Where does silver and gold go from here? Upwards if buyer demand and market trends are any indication
Chinese rarities in Roxbury’s sale
As every collector and dealer knows, rarities turn up in the most unexpected places.Down Under in sunny Queensland, Bob Innes of Roxbury’s Auction House was busy cataloging his May sale one day in March. A new customer wandered into the shop and proffered Bob some Chinese notes
1869 Legal Tender “Rainbow” $50 tops Central States auction
A high-grade 1869 Legal Tender “Rainbow” $50, Fr. 151 in PMG About Uncirculated 55, is expected to bring in excess of $175,000 in Heritage Auctions’ April 27-May 2, CSNS Currency Signature Auction. The auction is being held in conjunction with the Central States Numismatic Society Convention at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Ill
Stephen Album Rare Coins, Wilkes & Curtis Ltd. announce new venture
A new auction venture will be launched by Stephen Album Rare Coins and the British auction firm Wilkes & Curtis Ltd.The sale will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.To be called Horizon Auction, the first sale will take place on Oct
English coins in spotlight
By Kerry RodgersFew present-day collectors of English coins are as eminent as Lord Stewartby. His celebrated Academic Collection of English Coins was assembled over a long and very active numismatic life. It is now being dispersed by Spink through a series of auctions to be held over coming months
Biggest silver story of year?
The alarm bells started going off on April 7. The share price of Deutsche Bank fell sharply that day. This bank is one of the U
Three rarities top Heritage CICF auction
Realizing $4.8 million was the live portion of the Chicago International Coin Fair auction conducted by Heritage April 14 and 15 at the convention center in Rosemont, Ill.Bidding was topped by a $70,500 price achieved by a Near-Gem MS64+ 1870 Canadian 50-cent piece without the LCW designer’s initials
Dealers win at CICF 2016
Why does a coin dealer cross the road?Opening the safe at the NGC table were Lisa Goolsby and Matt Gens.To get to the other side where his Chicago International Coin Fair clients awaited him April 14-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill
Counterfeit Swiss 5-franc on rise
They’re back, and it certainly isn’t a good thing. Counterfeit 5-franc coins valued at an exchange rate of about $5 U.S
Fakers getting better and better
The best teachers make their subject both interesting and entertaining. I’ve only taken three history courses: Religion, U.S
Massive CICF offerings from Heritage, with more than 4,600 lots
A wide assortment of world and ancient coins, totaling more than 4,600 lots altogether, will provide the ideal setting for discriminating collectors to significantly enhance their collections in Heritage Auctions’ April 14-19, 2016 CICF World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature® Auction, taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.“This is an auction that’s full of fantastic collector coins,” said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Vice President of Heritage Auctions
Expect quality world coins at CICF 2016
Every Chicago International Coin Fair brings out the best in quality world and ancient coins presented by some of the top dealers and auctions houses in the world. This year’s CICF, running from Thurs., April 14 to Sun
Best bullion tax tips for savvy investors
Terry HanlonBy Terry HanlonSavvy investors know that owning precious metals can provide a de facto insurance policy for balanced financial portfolios. History shows precious metals, whether in physical or ETF form, operate as the ultimate hedge against inflationary concerns. But in owning precious metals, investors also need to know how and when to report their tax liability to the IRS
Small coin shop: Thing of the past?
More than 10 years ago, I served for two years as the only coin dealer on the American Numismatic Association Future of the Hobby Committee. Former ANA president John Wilson chaired it. David Harper of Numismatic News was one of the other members
Children’s interest gives hope to hobby
By Philip M. Lo PrestiI am not convinced that children have little or no interest in coin collecting or numismatics at all. I had thought that, but my perspective changed after a wonderful little event that happened last month
ANA to celebrate coin week
National Coin Week will be celebrated April 17-23 by the American Numismatic Association with a variety of activities online and at the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo.The ANA is celebrating National Coin Week April 17-23
Camp Seven Bank archive stars
By Kerry RodgersAny collector of World War II paper, camp scrip, essays, or even Aussie currency, must have experienced some mouth watering moments when reading the descriptions of nine lots offered in Noble Numismatics November 2015 sale in Sydney.All were from Australia’s Hay Internment Camp where British enemy aliens were housed during WW II (Feller & Feller pp.106-112)
Maldives to issue new paper money
By Richard GiedorycThe Maldives announced on Jan. 26 that a new series of bank notes is being introduced there, accompanied by a new 5-rufiyaa coin.The new 10 rufiyaa note
Why no current events on coinage?
By Richard GiedroycCoinsWeekly.com publisher Ursula Kampmann made some interesting remarks regarding the lack of current events on coins in her Feb. 4 editorial
Hidden scarcity in modern U.S. gold
At the huge Baltimore show this past weekend, a new reference catalog titled “American Gold And Silver: U.S. Mint Collector And Investor Coins And Medals, Bicentennial To Date” debuted
1792 issues in Heritage sale
Rare early federal coinage will highlight Heritage’s official Central States Numismatic Society Convention Signature Auction April 27-May 1 in Schaumburg, Ill.“We’re featuring two dismes that are pattern issues produced by the Mint,” said Greg Rohan, president of Heritage Auctions.A 1792 pattern disme, Judd 10, will be put on the auction block by Heritage at the Central States convention
2016 Mercury dime details revealed
A mintage limit of 125,000 was set by the U.S. Mint for the tenth-ounce gold Mercury dime that will go on sale at noon Eastern time April 21
Eye-catching coins up for bid at CICF 2016 auction
Heritage Numismatic Auctions is sure to turn both ancient and world coin collectors’ heads when it calls the CICF 2016 Signature Auction.They will present the official auction of the 2016 Chicago International Coin Fair, taking place April 12-16, 2016, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
Indiana ends tax on coin purchases
Sales tax will no longer apply to transactions involving coins, paper money and precious metals as of July 1 under terms of legislation signed into law March 24 by Indiana governor Mike Pence.Indiana now joins 32 other states in providing a full or partial sales tax break for purchases of coins, paper money and bullion.Indiana will become the 33rd state to have a complete or partial sales-tax exemption on the retail sales of rare coins, paper money and precious-metals bullion, according to the Industry Council for Tangible Assets
No. 1 Kansas $5 Brown Backs discovery
By Peter HuntoonThe pair of No. 1 Kansas $5 Brown Backs shown in this column—one from the The First National Bank of Washington, Kan. and the other from The First National Bank of Clay Center, Kan
Mongolia starts Evolution coin series
Late last year Coin Invest Trust launched the first two coins of a new Evolution of Life series produced for Mongolia: a 38.61 mm, 1 oz .999 fine silver 500 togrog and a 11 mm, 0
Bullion sales take tumble in March
Has the interest in owning the new year’s bullion coins died down? Are investors shying away from gold and silver? Whatever the answer, gold and silver bullion coin sales are down at the Mint during March.As of March 30, gold Eagle sales came in at 36,500 total ounces sold. Compared to the 83,500 total ounces sold in February, the March number represents a 56 percent drop
Repunched ‘D’ mintmark on cent
Robert Lawson of Ohio has come up with a fairly major Repunched Mintmark (RPM) variety on a 1948-D Lincoln cent that to the best of my knowledge is unlisted by all the entities that list modern die varieties. The variety shows as a D/D with the secondary D shifted to the east.Photo of the 1948-D repunched mintmark Lincoln cent
Trumping hard money
In the late 1970s, Conrad Braun started a company named the Gold Standard Corporation. In the years it operated, it issued a variety of gold, silver and platinum pieces containing stated amounts of metal content.World coin collectors will want to check out the Chicago International Coin Fair, held April 15th to the 17th
Trump medals on sale
Gold, silver and copper medals featuring presidential candidate Donald Trump have been created by Bernard von NotHaus.A lineup of the copper, silver and gold Trump medals going on sale.Featured on the obverse of each piece is a bust of the Republican candidate
Smart collection highlights Spink London April auction
By Kerry RodgersOn the afternoon of April 12 Spink London will offer the remarkable collection of Bruce Smart at auction. The catalog is separate from Spink’s main world paper sale that will commence that morning and continue over the following two days.Bruce Smart’s five riyals c
Julius Caesar claimed descent from Venus on coin
A coin with an interesting story was featured in Heritage’s Feb. 11 Weekly World and Ancient Coin Auction. The coin was an aUNC silver denarius struck on orders from Julius Caesar by a mobile military mint in North Africa, 46-47 B
Rose Ryal gold to be auctioned
London’s St James’s Auctions has announced the sale Sept. 29 of one of the great rarities of English hammered gold, a Rose Ryal of James I, S-2632. And it is not just any Rose Ryal
Canada’s $2 coin now 20 years old
By Kerry RodgersOn Feb. 19, 1996, Canada’s Public Works minister, Diane Marleau, introduced the country to its spanking brand-new, 28 mm, $2 coin, KM-270. It was different
South African Mint rebrands
The South African Mint announced it was rebranding itself at the World Money Fair in early February in Berlin, Germany.There are two standard versions for the new South African Mint logo.“We believe that the new logo and corporate identity embody the essence of who we are and what we do,” said Tumi Tsehlo, the managing director
Bullion sales slow down in March
The Mint’s sales of gold and silver bullion coins during March have a ways to go if they hope to catch up to February’s. As of March 10, just 11,500 one-ounce, 2,000 quarter-ounce and 20,000 tenth-ounce gold Eagles have been ordered. Add in just 1,263,500 silver Eagles and a meager 2,000 gold Buffaloes and it shows Authorized Purchasers aren’t buying as much
Heritage Money Show auction at $8 million
Heritage Auctions of Dallas, Texas, didn’t need to go far March 3-6 to make over $8 million in its U.S. Coins Signature auction
ANA hosts Money Show
The American Numismatic Association hosted its National Money Show March 3 to 5 in Dallas, Texas.The ANA hosted its National Money Show March 3 to 5 in Dallas, Texas.Like many large coin shows, it provides a glimpse into the coin market
Repeal sales taxes
The Michigan state government subjected coins and precious metals bullion to state sales tax until mid-1999. I can’t tell you how many times before then that incredulous would-be customers asked, “You mean there is sales tax on money?”How much are you willing to pay in sales tax on a coin?Before Michigan adopted its coin and bullion sales tax exemption, my company rarely (maybe once a year) made in-state retail sales of such merchandise where the customer spent at least $5,000. Now that these items are exempt from the state’s sales tax, about 94 percent of our in-state retail sales volume comes from transactions of $5,000 or more
Private issues dominate in China
By Kerry RodgersThe results of Spink’s Hong Kong sale in mid-January should lay to rest any doubts there might be as to the continuing strength of the Chinese market. Prices realized moved beyond being simply hot to the incandescent, whether for scarcer issued notes, specimens, or, even, quite low grade examples of rarities.For the first time a complete set of 1912 specimen notes from The Mercantile Bank of India was offered at auction: $5 (P-235s), $10 (P-236s), $25 (P-237s), $50 (P-238s) and $100 (P-239s)
Banks to be fined for refusing coins
By Richard GiedroycCoins remain as legal tender in Bangladesh, although it appears some banks are doing their best not to accept them.Bangladesh taka coins circulate widely, making their acceptance at banks important.According to a Jan
Argentina rethinks coins, bank notes
By Richard GiedroycMany times inflationaryy pressures can be seen through the coins and bank notes issued by a country. Argentina is currently facing such inflationary pressures.Argentina’s new 200 and 500 peso bank notes
Cupped basketball coin proposed
Another cupped commemorative coin, this one depicting a basketball, may bounce into the coin market in 2019.A cupped coin depicting a basketball could enter the coin collecting court in 2019.Legislation introduced to Congress on Feb
Fake 2015-W proof silver Eagles reported
Fake proof 2015-W silver American Eagles have been reported by Numismatic News columnist F. Michael Fazzari, who works for ICG grading service.Comparison of the fake 2015-W proof silver Eagle discovered (top) with a genuine 2015-W proof silver Eagle (bottom)
Gold gains look likely to last
Unusual market volatility in financial markets worldwide has spilled over into precious metals trading as well.At the G-20 Group of Nations meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in late February in Shanghai, China, there was no consensus on how governments should try to manage the turbulent markets.Representatives from China, the United States, Japan, Germany, France and Great Britain each had their ideas, many of which contradicted each other
2016 quarter proof set back on sale
Feb. 23 marked the return of the 2016 America the Beautiful clad quarter proof set at the Mint. The set released Jan
Room for more cupped coins in market
If the Mint makes more cupped coins, it might want to review its 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame cupped coin playbook.As of Feb. 23, legislation for a cupped basketball coin to be struck in 2019 started dribbling through Congress
Ottoman rarities featured in Noble Numismatics sale
By Kerry RodgersTwo extremely rare and historically important Ottoman 50,000 livres specimen notes will be the stars of Noble Numismatics’ 40th anniversary sale to be held in Sydney from April 5-8.The two are part of a family collection of 144 notes of the Ottoman Empire that has been in the one family through three generations. It is understood it was assembled from items obtained from diplomatic sources
Proposed French law impacts coin finds
By Richard GiedroycA seemingly innocuous law titled “Culture: Freedom to create, architecture and heritage” may sound innocent enough, but if you find coins in an archaeological context in France it could endanger your rights to that find.Article L541-4 of the Heritage Act or Loi Patrimoine, should the legislation become law, would likely discourage anyone finding coins or other objects in the ground from reporting the find.World coin collectors will want to check out the Chicago International Coin Fair, held April 15th to the 17th
NGC slabs regulated gold
The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation reports it certified six rare early American regulated gold pieces that were submitted during the New York International Numismatic Convention. Regulated gold coins represent an important era in United States coin circulation history.Included in the submission was this 1778 Great Britain Guinea hallmarked by famous coiner Ephraim Brasher
Legend hosts auction
Legend Rare Coin Auctions sold a wide variety of U.S. coins and patterns on Feb
CFA selects 2017 quarter designs
The question of what coin designs will honor Iowa’s Effigy Mounds and New Jersey’s Ellis Island National Monuments continues.The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) met Feb. 18 to review revised submissions for the two 2017 America the Beautiful quarters
Hot Lips found on 1964 dime
Numismatic News reader Michael Dustin has reported the first 1964 Philadelphia Roosevelt dime with a Doubled Die Obverse that I have been able to photograph. The doubling is very similar to the 1964 Denver Mint and 1953-S and 1955-S dimes that I reported upon last year. They have become affectionately referred to as “Hot Lips” due to the strong doubling on the lips
Are currency devaluations imminent?
Eight days ago, the New York Federal Reserve warned that asset managers are vulnerable to runs on their funds that could cause “significant negative spillovers” across financial markets. The prime minister of Japan, president of the European Central Bank, and the January meeting transcript of the Federal Open Market Committee all recently alluded to global economic weakness. These are some of the reasons for the significant decline in worldwide stock prices so far this year
Britain bids farewell to round pound
By Kerry RodgersOn Dec. 16 the final run of Britain’s circulating round pound coins came off the production line at Llantrisant’s Royal Mint in the Welsh county of Rhondda Cynon Taf.Reverse of Britain’s first circulating round pound, KM#933, issued 33 years ago in 1983 as a replacement for the one pound note
Import restrictions extended, not expanded
By Richard GiedroycThe U.S. State Department recently decided against expanding import restrictions to include Roman Imperial coins
Brutus gold aureus goes for $800,000
Over $26 million was realized by Classical Numismatic Group’s annual Triton auction.It was held Jan. 5-6 in conjunction with the 44th Annual New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) on January 5-6, 2016
Gold up, financials down
Through the market closes on Feb. 8, here are the 2016 year-to-date results for some financial markets:Gold +13.0% Silver +11
Reagan coin designs unveiled
Coins featuring Ronald and Nancy Reagan will mark the end of two coin series in 2016.The Reagan Presidential dollar design.The United States Mint released designs for the Ronald Reagan Presidential dollar and Nancy Reagan First Spouse gold coin on Feb
1793 Chain cent tops Pogue part three
Part three of the D. Brent Pogue auction shows the rarities don’t stop coming.The Feb
COTY Awards given at World Money Fair
The Coin of the Year trophy was presented to the U.S. Mint at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany
2016 quarter proof sets to return
The 2016 clad quarter proof set will go back on sale Feb. 23 after being pulled due to a packaging design error.The $14
What’s in a date on a national?
By Peter HuntoonThe key date associated with the organization of a national bank was not the date of charter, but rather the date of organization, defined as the day when the last of the organizers signed their organization certificate filed with the Comptroller of the Currency. This is the day when the corporate clock began to tick for the bank.Comptroller of the Currency John Jay Knox carefully considered the relative importance of dates of organization and charter, and decided that the date of charter should be used on the first plates for new national banks beginning in 1882
Mercanti designs Aussie eagle
Since early 2014 Australia’s Perth Mint has been issuing a series of coins celebrating the country’s largest bird-of-prey: the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax).John M. Mercanti at work on his Wedge-tailed Eagle design
Stack’s expands gold trading operations
Stack’s Bowers Galleries has announced the return of Richard Gonzales as its Director of Gold Trading.Stack’s Bowers is expanding its U.S
Mint ups 5-ounce coin production
The U.S. Mint will double down on 2016 5-ounce silver coin production
New London silver fix needs fixing
Amid complaints that the previous London silver fix mechanism was flawed, a new IOSCO-compliant system was implemented in April 2015. The claim was that the new process would be technically driven, manipulation-resistant, comprehensive, and transparent.Purchase your copy of The Essential Guide to Investing in Precious Metals today to get started on making all the right investing decisions
Is ISIS currency close to reality?
It could be the first step toward issuing its own currency or it could be a way for the leadership of the organization to make a quick profit. One thing is for certain—the terrorist group calling itself the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or ISIS has outlawed the use of the two largest denomination bank notes issued by Syria.ISIS’ Hisbah or religious police office in the occupied city of Raqqa is responsible for a memorandum banning the bank notes
Cashless society a ‘thought experiment’
By Richard GiedroycSweden and Denmark may each be on its way to becoming a cashless society, but people in other countries may see the rise of a cashless society in lesser terms.The concept of a cashless society attracts mixed opinions – some are for it, others against it.Bank of England Governor Mark Carney was blunt about the concept when he recently described a society in which cash has been abolished to the Treasury Select Committee as being a “thought experiment
Hong Kong market results beat expectations
By Kerry RodgersHeritage is the latest major auction house to enter the vibrant Hong Kong market. Its inaugural Asian coin and currency auction held on Dec. 10-12 proved a great success
Gold demand sizzles
Gold American Eagles continued to be hot as the end of January approached.Sales were up by 53 percent from the same month a year ago.Purchase your copy of The Essential Guide to Investing in Precious Metals today to get started on making all the right investing decisions
Silver uses multiply through research
The physical properties of silver make it usable for a wide variety of products. In days of the Roman Empire, people knew to place a few silver coins into water cisterns to help it remain potable.The number of uses for silver is on the rise as more research is conducted
GAO sees coin composition savings shrink
The potential amount of money to be saved by changing the composition of U.S. coinage is shrinking according to a December 2015 report by the Government Accountability Office
End of series raises interest
The end of the Presidential dollar series has arrived with the 2016 issues for Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.As circulation coins, the Presidential dollars failed. Production for circulation was halted in 2011 after the series debuted in 2007
Treasury Note tops all lots at FUN show
A newly discovered signed and issued 1847 $500 Treasury Note was the top lot in Heritage Auctions’ Florida Untied Numismatists Signature Auction’s Platinum Night, Jan. 6-12 in Tampa, Fla. It was described as “the sole signed and issued example” of any post-War of 1812 and pre-Civil War Treasury issue that is not a proof or essay
Will buying opportunity in 2015 continue in 2016?
Flat is how Lee Crane, owner of L&C Coins, Los Alamitos, Calif., summed up 2015’s coin market.“It’s been that way for years,” he said
Zimbabwe makes yuan legal tender
Early last week, Zimbabwe government officials announced an agreement with the Chinese government for that African nation to designate the Chinese yuan as its official currency. This development has been almost totally ignored by U.S
Twain beats proof silver Eagles
Bullion buyers know that the Mint will begin taking orders for one-ounce silver American Eagle coins Jan. 11, 2016.Collectors of the 2016 proof version do not yet have the certainty of knowing when it will be released
Ivy and Halperin to host ANA fund-raiser
Perhaps Heritage Auction founders Steve Ivy and Jim Halperin will share the secret of building a billion dollar business when they host “An Intimate Evening with Steve Ivy and Jim Halperin March 3 during the American Numismatic Association’s National Money Show in Dallas, Texas.Heritage Auction’s Steve Ivy and Jim Halperin will host a fundraising dinner on March 3 at the National Money Show.It is a fund-raising event for the ANA
BEP to sell three intaglio prints
Subscriptions to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s 2016 intaglio prints will be accepted until Jan. 31.Three prints will be offered for $51
ANA sets $5.63 million budget
The American Numismatic Association Board of Governors passed a $5.63 million budget, set the stage for a fund development initiative, and discussed opportunities to grow the nonprofit organization’s membership and provide additional educational options when it met recently in Colorado Springs, Colo.A higher than usual cost for the World’s Fair of Money has tightened the recent ANA budget
Swedes turn to Swish as currency
By Richard GiedroycSweden has for some time been indicating the nation is moving in the direction of universally using electronic means of transferring value rather than physical cash. Well, according to the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and other sources Swedes may soon find coins and bank notes to be something out of their archaic past.Coins and bank notes of Sweden may soon be something out of the past due to the popularity of electronic transfer systems
Waiting on Eagles
Silver Eagle bullion coin buyers might want to look to alternatives to avoid delivery delays and higher premiums as the United States Mint finishes 2015 silver Eagle production.Minting of 2015-dated silver Eagles was scheduled to go through the week of Dec. 7
United States wins 2016 Coin of the Year Award
The United States Baseball Hall of Fame cupped clad half dollar has been named Coin of the Year by an international panel of judges in a vote that concluded Dec. 6.An award trophy will be presented Feb
Silver Eagles break record in 2015
Another year, another broken record for the silver American Eagle bullion coin.The 2015 silver Eagle set a new annual sales record on Nov. 30 – and still has room to improve on it
Mark Twain coin designs debut
Mark Twain, the author who brought Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn’s adventures on the Mississippi River to life, will be honored with a commemorative coin in 2016.The first of several ceremonies to unveil designs for commemorative coins honoring the celebrated author took place No. 28 at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Mo
IMF to add Chinese yuan to SDR – now what?
As expected, on Monday November 30 the International Monetary Fund Executive Committee approved the addition of the Chinese renminbi yuan to the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights. The change in the makeup of the currencies used to define the SDR should occur in September 2016.This change would not have been adopted without the concurrence of the U
Mint breaks silver Eagle sales record
The United States Mint announced Nov. 30 that silver Eagle bullion coin orders in 2015 are the highest ever since the coin began sales in 1986.In an email sent out by Michael White of the Office of Corporate Communications, said purchases of the popular bullion coin remain on a record-setting pace
Essays, trials, proofs top sale
By Kerry RodgersSpink’s final paper money sale of 2015 is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8 and has much to excite the collector. Apart from the usual large selection of issued notes from across the globe, the supply of essays, trials, proofs, and specimens Spink placed on the market in recent years continues unabated
Ireland dumps small change coins
By Richard GiedroycThe Republic of Ireland will no longer be putting its two cents worth into its money. In fact, Ireland is phasing out all use of its 1- and 2-cent euro coins.The 5-cent coin will become the lowest functioning denomination in Ireland
ANA puts ‘The Numismatist’ issues online
The wait is over. The American Numismatic Association has finished digitizing 127 years of The Numismatist, the organization’s official journal of record.The American Numismatic Association has digitized all back issues of The Numismatist and offers viewing of them for free to all members
Johnson ends 2015 Chronicles releases
The United States Mint released the last of the 2015 Coin and Chronicles sets on Oct. 27. The Lyndon B
Truman, Ike win 2015 Chronicles race
The Johnson Coin and Chronicles set release on Oct. 27 wraps up a run of four Chronicles sets for 2015. Which is the winning set?The Truman Coin & Chronicles set maintains an above $200 retail price on eBay
Krause releases three new books
Three books recently released by Krause Publications speak to three different areas of collecting – coins of North America, U.S. paper money and 19th century world coins
Caution and technology empty show
This past Saturday, my company had a booth at the Kalamazoo (Michigan) Numismatic Club show. This twice-a- year event has been a popular venue for decades for collectors and dealers to meet face to face to conduct business.Coin show performances have been hit hard by the rise of online coin sales
Spink auctions gold
By Kerry RodgersSpink London’s fall sale catalog included several impressive collections. There was Andy Scot’s extensive hoard of copper and bonze pennies, a delightful selection of London Mint strikings of Constantius and Constantine from the Lee Toone Collection, and a substantial number of high-grade Abbasid Caliphate coins. Yet one coin ruled them all: a recently discovered gold half-florin or helm of Edward III
Saving art honored
A Congressional Gold Medal was given Oct. 22 to the Monuments Men Foundation at a ceremony held in Emancipation Hall of the U.S
Rarities lurk in Ikes
Eisenhower dollars were never popular as circulation coins, but collectors have a great opportunity to find rarities when cherry-picking them for errors, varieties and high grades.Mitchell Spivack, owner of Wondercoins, San Clemente, Calif., and an expert on modern U
No gold Eagle, Buffalo sales Oct. 21 to 28
The United States Mint reports selling no gold Eagle or Buffalo bullion coins from Oct. 21 to 28. Have bullion investors gotten cold feet? Perhaps
Johnson set sells out
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Coin and Chronicles Set sold out Oct 27.The Johnson Coin and Chronicles set, while not an immediate sellout, still saw its entire inventory purchased the first day.The sellout occurred 3 hours and 57 minutes after the set went on sale at noon Eastern Daylight Time on the Mint’s website, according to an official statement
CFA makes design recommendations
The Commission of Fine Arts had different ideas for designs of the 2017 and 2018 issues of the Native American $1 coin than did the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.CFA members recommended that the 2017 coin featuring the theme of Sequoyah creating the Cherokee syllabary contain reverse design No. 1
Defend yourself with gold
As the Great Depression deepened in the early 1930s, banks were experiencing a surge of customers withdrawing their balances. Since the Federal Reserve had established fractional banking, a process where banks could loan many times the actual reserves held by the bank, decreases in cash in customer bank accounts forced banks to trim their lending activities.In the event of a bank holiday, stockpile gold
Rare Interest Bearing Note leads sale
An 1864 $500 Interest Bearing Note, one of only two of its design type known, leads the Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ November Baltimore official currency auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Winter Expo, Nov. 5 and 9.This exceedingly rare 1864 Interesting Bearing Note is estimated at $300,000 to $500,000 in Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ sale in Baltimore
Krause Publications Announces 2016 Coin of the Year Nominees
Krause Publications, a leading producer of coin and paper money books, magazines, events and online products, has announced the 100 nominees for the 2016 Coin of the Year awards.Each year, the awards honor the best in coin design from around the world. The awards will be presented during a ceremony Feb
CCAC meets to discuss commemorative, quarter coin designs
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) is meeting Oct. 7 and 8 to discuss coinage designs for Congressional Gold Medals, the 2017 and 2018 Native American dollars, the 2017 America the Beautiful quarters and 2016 Lion’s Club commemorative silver dollars.Their design recommendations will be forwarded to the Secretary of the Treasury for approval
Territorial census gains new $5 note
By Peter HuntoonThe territorial census just increased by one when this breathtaking Colorado territorial was unearthed in Washington state and was consigned to Manifest Auctions. It ranks as the most exciting territorial find of the year because it is from a scarce territorial bank in a scarce territory and, as you can see it is uncirculated with superb paper quality, strong color and bold bank signatures.The newly-discovered Colorado Springs territorial five dollar note has been added to the territorial note census
CNG offers Adams gold
An estimate of nearly $2 million has been placed on a mail-bid sale of 1,223 lots that will be conducted by Classical Numismatic Group of Lancaster, Pa., and London, England.The sale includes a Byzantine gold solidus of Leo III with Constantine V valued at $7,500
Artist to speak on Wall Street
A talk by coin designer Joel Iskowitz will highlight the 5th Wall Street Collectors Bourse at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct
Gold bullion continues strong sales
Authorized Purchasers are putting their money in gold.The United States Mint reports selling 10,000 one-ounce, 2,000 half-ounce, 4,000 quarter-ounce and 35,000 tenth-ounce gold Eagles along with 2,500 gold Buffalo bullion coins between Sept. 23 and Sept
Metals down, but not out
Gold and silver bullion prices are falling after a sharp increase during the second half of September.A large demand for bullion coins is creating shortages.As of Sept
Which Kennedy won 2014?
In a market battle between gold coins and clads, which side wins?In terms of profit percentages, the uncirculated Kennedy half dollar set won 2014.Where the many different United States Mint 2014 Kennedy half dollar issues are concerned, the long-term winners are the clads.Two sets and a gold proof were released in 2014 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy half dollar coin
Squeeze pushes gold higher
The world price of gold is dominated by trading of paper contracts in the London and New York markets. The trading of physical gold has minimal impact upon the spot price – thus far.Most gold is traded in the form of paper contracts
CPMX offers paper money variety, opportunity
If you collect, you need to get to a show. Shows are where everything is happening. Shows are where you begin to learn what’s really rare and what’s not so rare
Bombay Hook quarter debuts
The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge quarter was publicly introduced Sept. 18 at a ceremony in Smyrna, Del.The 2015 Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge America the Beautiful quarter
Three-legged Buffalo attracts bids
A three-legged Buffalo nickel topped the bidding at Ira and Larry Goldberg Coins and Collectibles Pre-Long Beach sale Sept. 13-16.The famous three-legged Buffalo topped bidding at a Goldberg auction
Copper disme tops Heritage sale
Selling for $211,500 a 1792 copper disme graded XF-40 Secure by the Professional Coin Grading Service topped the bidding in a $23 million Long Beach auction conducted Sept. 17-20 by Heritage.The firm said it is one of the most storied coins in American numismatics
Coin of the Year: First book of its kind
By Dick JohnsonEditor’s note: This book review was taken from The E-Sylum, an electronic publication of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society, Volume 18, Number 30, July 26, 2015.The link is: http://www.coinbooks
Did buyers know?
Did buyers of gold and silver bullion coins know something the sophisticates of the financial markets didn’t ahead of the dramatic stock market declines of late August and early September?Did buyers of gold and silver bullion coins forsee the dramatic stock market declines of late August and early September?We probably will never know, but something propelled the scramble to buy gold and silver American Eagle coins in June and July.In August sales came off the boil, but were still fairly strong. Is that an advance all-clear signal, or at least some sign that things won’t get worse?Surely the past three months results will be dissected by the experts to try to find the answer
Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., adds video to cent catalog
The human element in collecting is on display in a YouTube video that is attached to the sales catalog of the Walter Mustain collection of large cents being sold by Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.This PCGS VF-35 1797 Reverse of 1797, Stems large cent is just one of many coins in the collection
It takes more than gold
Many people are acquiring physical gold and silver to provide financial insurance against the risk of losses to paper assets such as stocks, bonds and paper currencies. However, merely owning physical precious metals for possible use in a financial crisis is not all that people need to think about having ready.In just over the past dozen years, there have been two significant interruptions to everyday life here in Lansing, Mich
U.S. Coin Digest a handy reference
Collectors have a lot of questions. Publishers have a lot of answers.U
Ike price slide starts
If you own a Dwight D. Eisenhower Coin and Chronicles set where the dollar can grade PF-70 and the medal MS-70, you can make a huge profit on it – just not quite as much as the first set or two that were sold.The Ike reverse proof dollar and silver presidential medal are fetching high prices on eBay if they grade -70
Bond changes history
The first part of Voight’s surety bond.By David FinkelsteinAs a researcher of the technology, processes, implementation standards and people that worked at the first United States Mint, I have read many publications on a wide variety of Mint-related subjects.The general belief, without any supporting evidence, has long been that David Rittenhouse (the first director of the Mint) posted the surety bond for Henry Voigt (the first Chief Coiner of the Mint)
Coins, collecting face uphill battle
By Richard GiedroycWe appear to be under siege.Several countries are advocating doing away with all forms of physical currency in favor of the latest electronic innovative technology.Could coin collecting and the use of physical currency become archaic actions?Specie currency – coins composed of precious metals and bank notes backed by these same assets – appears to be dead as the world continues to use a fiat money system that isn’t necessarily any improvement
Estonia goes after counterfeiters
By Richard GiedroycGermany’s Bundesbank or central bank is concerned with the number of fake euro bank notes now in circulation, while breathing a sigh of relief that the number of counterfeit coins appears to be on the decline.Estonia is going after coin counterfeiters with new detection techniques.In Estonia researchers are determined to keep the trend in coins going in ‘the right direction’ due to some recently developed technology employing acoustic spectrum analysis
Nevada McGill $10 note leads NBNs in auction
A large-size $10 from the McGill National Bank leads a group of 58 Nevada National Bank Notes that will be offered in a Holabird Western Americana Collections auction Sept. 11-13.Fred Holabird holds a rare McGill National Bank note
Coin dealers, collectors as heroes?
As the price of silver touched a six-year low last week, the truth is that many customers of long-term dealers are still in a nice paper profit position. Many coin collectors and investors in precious metals realized years or decades ago that the U.S
Antique Trader calls for Favorite Finds Contest
Antique Trader, the national antiques publication delivering news, commentary and advertising for the antiques market, is currently accepting entries for its 7th Annual Favorite Finds Contest. Entries eligible for inclusion in the 2015 contest will be accepted through midnight September 30, 2015. Once again, Heritage Auctions is serving as the contest sponsor
New enhanced uncirculated coin released
The United States Mint has done it again: the release of the 2015 American $1 Coin and Currency set on Aug. 24 marks the fourth production of an enhanced uncirculated coin, the second one minted at the West Point Mint and the second enhanced uncirculated coin and currency set.The 2015 American $1 Coin and Currency set is the second set released by the MInt
North American Coins and Prices makes sense
Coin collectors tend of have a wide range of interests.When I was a kid, I saved everything from rocks to stamps and tried to make sense of what I was finding.The same wide range of interests also applied to my coin collecting activities
High Relief gold worth it?
Are you in for $1,650 on the secondary market, or are you willing to wait until September or October for a coin from the U.S. Mint?The 2015-W High Relief is still available at the Mint but on back order
Silver Eagles comeback slow
Did coin buyers run out of money at the beginning of August?Despite a massive sellout a few weeks earlier, the demand for silver eagles once they returned has been lackluster.This is perhaps a silly question, but a failure of the new 2015 High Relief gold $100 to sell out its 50,000-coin supply despite a strong start was combined with a deceleration in demand for the popular silver American Eagle bullion coin.The drop in purchases coincided with the change in month
High Relief orders drop
A buying frenzy for the 2015 High Relief $100 gold piece ran out of fizz before sellout.Sales of the 2015-W High Relief American Liberty gold coin have dropped dramatically since going on sale.Buyers took 36,686 pieces of an available 50,000 on the first day of sales July
Irish soon to be penniless
By Richard GiedroycIreland hopes to follow the example of several other European Union currency union members by ceasing production of its 1- and 2-cent coins.Ireland is looking to eliminate production of the one- and two-Euro cent.The recommendation made June 14 by Ireland Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to the Irish cabinet follows recommendations in a recent report from Ireland’s central bank’s National Payments Plan coupled with the results of a 2013 nine-week experiment conducted in Wexford
Coins, bank notes or virtual money?
By Richard GiedroycFiat money began replacing specie during the early 20th century when the world stopped using gold coins in circulation. By the 1960s the process was complete. Circulating silver coins were replaced by those composed of base metal
2015 Coin and Currency set on sale Aug. 24
The 2015 $1 American Coin and Currency set combining a Native American dollar with a $1 Federal Reserve Note will go on sale on the U.S. Mint website Aug
No dollar collapse in October
Selling subscriptions to financial investment newsletters is tough. First, the writer needs to be perceived as knowing what he or she is talking about. Second, they also need to scoop other sources on coming out with new information first
Hungry for Eagles
By Dave Harper and Connor FalkSilver American Eagle one-ounce bullion coins were put back on sale July 27 by the U.S. Mint
Homestead doubled die count: 60
The discovery of a 2015-P Nebraska Homestead America the Beautiful quarter with a strong doubled die reverse that I reported in the May 12 issue of Numismatic News was just the beginning.F WDDR-004: This is the major Homestead doubled die that really got the ball rolling after Steven Atwood reported three other minor varieties. Strong doubling from the top of the water pump shows inside the left widow above and a bit into the window frame
Gold coin demand rises
Despite poor economic news in China, a debt crisis in Puerto Rico and turmoil between Greece and its creditors, the price of gold keeps coming down. It fell from $1,199.90 on June 1 to $1,168 on July 1
New Collecting World Coins hits market
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, the new edition of Collecting World Coins, 1901-Present, provides the most comprehensive country-by-country, fully illustrated catalog on the market for 20th and 21st century coins used in everyday commerce.The latest release of the popular Collecting World Coins catalogs is now available.Featuring complete coin descriptions and nearly 20,000 actual-size illustrations to assist in coin identification, the new edition is a perfect reference for beginner to expert collectors alike, as well as coin traders and dealers interested in circulating coins found around the world
Heritage to offer Mexican collection
A $10 million collection of Mexican coins will be put on the auction block Aug. 13 by Heritage Auctions at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Ill.The Isaac Rudman Collection of Mexican Coins, Part I, will include milled, or bust, gold issues, which span roughly 100 years starting in 1732,” said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Heritage vice president
Will China dominate global finance?
It is clear that the Chinese government is actively seeking to make its yuan currency one of the most important currencies for international trade.China is looking to make the Chinese Yuan a major world currency.Over the past few years, China and a number of nations have concluded bilateral agreements
High Relief Mint’s next sellout hope?
Will this be the summer of sellouts?The Mint will release the 2015-W High Relief gold coin July 30.The first ever $100 one-ounce High Relief gold piece will go on sale July 30 on the U.S
Truman set sells out
In just 15 minutes, the U.S. Mint reported it had sold out of the Harry S
Reader tells of order nightmare
By William H. BrownsteinIf history is any example you would think that the Mint would have learned when it limited the mintage of the American Eagle 2011 25th anniversary set to 100,000 and it almost immediately sold out.The Truman Coin and Chronicles set went on sale June 30 and was sold out in 15 minutes
March for voting rights remembered
Thousands of people marched for voting rights 50 years ago in Selma, Ala., and a Congressional Gold Medal will mark that journey.Designs selected for the obverse (left) and reverse (right) sides of the medal
Coins speak to love of the land
The 100th anniversary of the National Park Service will be paid tribute in 2016 with the issuance of three commemorative coins.Designs for a $5 gold coin, silver dollar and clad half dollar were reviewed in late June by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee and Commission of Fine Arts in separate meetings held in Washington, D.C
Are U.S. coins, notes objectionable?
I have been a coin collector for more than 50 years. Up until 10 days ago, the question of whether some current U.S
How much gold in China?
On May 15, the Russian news source Pravda passed along an unconfirmed story that appeared in Duowei News that the Chinese government had accumulated 30,000 tons (965 million ounces) of gold reserves.The question of how much gold China owns now could be answered soon.China last updated their published gold reserves figure in April 2009, when they stated they were holding 1,054 tons
Coindrum trades coins for travel voucher
By Richard GiedroycIn the United States unwanted coins can be fed into counting machines at banks or retail stores, many of these services charging a hefty fee to accept the bulky coins.Coindrum allows travelers to exchanged unwanted foreign coins for travel vouchers – and may soon expand to markets outside of Europe.International travelers have an even more difficult time getting rid of their coins as they leave a country
First known Georgia $2 National surfaces
By Peter HuntoonIt is huge news when a deuce is discovered from a previously unreported state. The Georgia $2 that graces this article was just consigned to Manifest Auctions (www.manifestauctions
Error catches eye
Chris Seelke of New York recently opened a 2015-S silver proof set that he ordered about two months ago only to find very unusual doubling on the Louisiana Kisatchie quarter. The doubling is what I refer to as “Displaced Design-Strike Doubling” and is quite rare. Prior to this I have only seen it on two 1992-P Jefferson nickels and on a 1994 Lincoln cent
Large cent’s space flight adds value
By Kerry RodgersStacks Bowers May 20 Rarities Auction contained a remarkable rarity: a U.S. cent that had orbited the planet 206 times
More reverse proofs on the way
With the March of Dimes set sold out featuring a reverse proof silver dime, collectors still have four more reverse proof coins coming in 2015 and the United States Mint says more are on the way in subsequent years.Obverse of the 2007-W reverse proof half-ounce platinum $50 American Eagle.On June 4, Tom Jurkowsky, director of the Mint’s office of corporate communications, confirmed there will be a reverse proof Presidential dollar in the 2016 Reagan Presidential Coin and Chronicles set
Texas holds show despite floods
Flooding of biblical proportions in parts of the state did not prevent the Texas Numismatic Association from holding its show May 29-31 at the Arlington Convention Center just outside Dallas.Robert McIntire said he sold a few Confederate notes at the TNA show.Some attendees at the convention hotel even received flash flood warnings via their cell phones during the event, but all was safe and dry at the show
Do coin shops have a future?
In the past week, I have visited multiple coin shops in Michigan and in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Then I talked with even more dealers at the Texas Numismatic Association show. A theme that often came up is what will be the future for traditional brick-and-mortar coin shops
Knight readies 2015 Memphis IPMS
Mark your calendars for June 18-21 for the Memphis International Paper Money Show and a major currency auction by Lyn Knight Auctions.This rare 1918 $1,000, Fr. 1133d, is a highlight of the “Cleveland Collection” being offered at Memphis
Canada recalls rescued Norwegian gold
In 1940 53 tons of gold were spirited out of Norway under the noses of the invading German forces and shipped first to Britain and then Canada.Joel Kimmel’s reverse design of Canada’s $75 gold proof that recalls the flight of Norway’s gold in April-May 1940. Image courtesy Royal Canadian Mint
Order date nears for reverse proof
June 30 is fast approaching and coin collectors are getting ready to place their orders for the very first reverse proof Presidential dollar coin.The Truman Coin and Chronicles set goes on sale June 30.It will be the centerpiece of the Harry S
March of Dimes set prices advance
Prices are on the rise for the March of Dimes silver proof set on the secondary market. If you own one or are thinking about purchasing a set, be sure to read on so you can keep up to date.Prices are on the rise for the March of Dimes silver proof sets
PCGS creates new holder
A new holder has been introduced by the Professional Coin Grading Service.It will help preserve the coins in them as well as fight counterfeiting, the firm says.A new holder has been introduced by PCGS
CPMX show dates announced
The 22nd Annual Chicago Paper Money Exposition will be held Friday through Sunday, March 18-20, 2016, at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare, 5440 North River Road, Rosemont, Ill.The 22nd annual CPMX show will be held Friday through Sunday, March 18-20, 2016.Booth setup and Professional Preview Day will be Thursday, March 17, 2016
Don’t believe gold bears
The British news magazine called The Economist has been around since the mid-1800s. Early on, it had a relatively free enterprise outlook. In recent decades, however, it has generally tilted to the mainstream of the political spectrum
Catalana euro coins illegal
By Richard GiedroycThere are sufficient numbers of fantasy euro coins out there for the euro to become the focus of a coin collection. While there are plenty of countries that issue legal tender euro coins, there are euro fantasy coins issued privately in the names of countries that have proposed becoming a member of the EU currency union, or that have been marketed in the name of provinces and other places unable to legally issue their own euro coins.Numerous mockups of different Catalana euro coins are online
Aiding ANA finance goal of Don Kagin
Putting the American Numismatic Association on a sound fiscal basis is a goal of Donald H. Kagin, a candidate for a seat on the American Numismatic Association board of governors in this year’s election.Coin dealer Don Kagin is running for a seat on the ANA board
Mint plans reverse proof dollar
The very first reverse proof Presidential dollar coin will be the centerpiece of the Harry S. Truman Coin and Chronicles Set that will go on sale June 30.Will the inclusion of a reverse proof Presidential dollar boost sales of the 2015 Coin and Chronicles Set? The Roosevelt set shown here features just a standard proof Presidential dollar
End of cash?
The U.S. Coinage Act of 1965 was enacted in reaction to the dual developments of a rising silver price and the devaluation of the U
New Standard Catalog of World Paper Money available
The 21st edition of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Modern Issues, 1961-Present is now available purchase.The latest Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Modern Issues is now available.A network of more than 80 international paper money collectors and dealers worked with editor George S
How much was it worth in 98 B.C.?
By Richard GiedroycCollectors may ponder what a coin would purchase in its own time. It can be difficult to comprehend that the average American worker earned about a dollar a day during much of the 19th century. If an individual carried a $5 half eagle gold coin in his pocket he was carrying his wages for a week in one coin! What do you think an ancient coin of Egypt, a Greek city-state, or from Rome might have purchased?An ancient Egyptian potsherd recently found helps academics determine the value of coins used at the time
Italy requests memorandum renewal
By Richard GiedroycThe future of importing and collecting ancient coins in the United States is once more in question as the U.S. State Department announced Feb
Results mixed at Central States show
High end coins grabbed headlines, especially at the auction, but too few buyers were seen on the bourse floor of the Central States Numismatic Society’s 76th anniversary convention April 23-25.It’s your lucky day! In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day we’re offering this special deal on two must-have items for any coin collector
Stella $4 gold piece goes for $1.8 million
Stella $4 gold pieces dazzled at the Heritage Central States Numismatic Society convention sale April 22-25.Topping the Heritage sale was this $4 gold piece which went for $1.82 million
Kisatchie quarter now available
Native Louisianan B.B. Craig led the ceremony marking the introduction of the Kisatchie National Forest quarter to circulation April 22 in Alexandria, La
Austria celebrates army anniversary
The 60th anniversary of the Austrian Federal Army is commemorated on a silver 5-euro coin slated for a May 6 release by the Austrian Mint.Obverse and reverse of the 2015 Austrian Federal Army commemorative 5 euro.The modern Austrian army was formed in 1955 when the Allied occupation of Austria ended with the signing of the Austrian State Treaty, declaring Austria a neutral and peaceful country for all time
Treasure hunter pleads guilty
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A fugitive treasure hunter pleaded guilty to a contempt of court charge related to his refusal to testify about gold he discovered from a historic shipwreck, court documents indicate.A painting depicting the sinking of the S.S
New key date Roosevelt dimes?
With a mintage of 75,000 each, could the March of Dimes three-coin set provide two new key dates to the Roosevelt dime series?The 2015-P reverse proof silver Roosevelt dime.Ron Drzewucki, CEO of Modern Coin Wholesale, Lakewood Ranch, Fla., said that while they will be popular and low mintage, it will be up to the market to decide whether the coins will be considered keys
Stack’s Bowers auction brings $18.7 million
The 1792 Birch cent captured national headlines as reported in the April 21 issue of Numismatic News, but prices realized by the March 26-27 Stack’s Bowers Galleries Baltimore auction totaled $18.7 million, the firm announced. This means there were other numismatic items from the Henry P
March of Dimes set ready May 4
A three-coin March of Dimes Special Silver Set will be placed on sale May 4 by the U.S. Mint
Special rules for gold coin IRA
By Terry HanlonFederal tax season is here, and if you recently embarked on – or want to explore – one of the many types of gold investments, you need to know how the Internal Revenue Service treats them. Any gains from gold and physical-gold Exchange Traded Funds, or ETFs, outside an individual retirement account are taxed as collectibles, similar to art and antiques.Gold bullion coins and bars are viewed as collectibles by the IRS even though their value for tax purposes is based on their metal content and not on rarity or design
Gold supplies won’t run out
A week ago, Eugene King, a Goldman Sachs European metals and mining analyst, wrote in a research note that the world has about 20 years each of minable reserves of gold, diamonds and zinc. He further stated that there were only about 40 years of reserves left of platinum, copper and nickel. In a Goldman Sachs slide show released last year, the company stated that 2015 would be the peak year of newly mined gold production
Zimbabwe innovates to get coins circulating
By Richard GiedroycAt the time this article is being written it’s been more than two months since Zimbabwe introduced its bond coins. There is a shortage of coins in Zimbabwe since due to inflation foreign rather than domestic coins and bank notes are being used in commerce. The bond coins are still not being well received
Newman 1890 $100 Watermelon leads
Marking its auction debut, a $100 1890 Watermelon Note from the Eric P. Newman Collection—one of just 35 $100 Watermelon Notes known to exist—is expected to bring $150,000+ in Heritage Auctions’ Central States Numismatic Society Currency Signature Auction, April 22-28 in Chicago.“The coveted Eric P
Good to see red with Indian Head cents
Collectors are now turning their eyes and pocketbooks to Indian Head cent varieties, correctly graded key dates and those with original red color.Indian Head cents remain a popular series to collect.Rick Snow, an expert on Indian Head cents and owner of Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Tucson, Ariz
1792 Birch cent earns fame
The imagination of the national news media was captured by the sale of a 1792 Birch cent March 26 in Baltimore by Stack’s Bowers Galleries during its auction of the Henry P. Kendall Foundation Collection.First U
New 1798 dollar variety discovered
A new 1798 silver dollar die variety in the Bust dollar series has been discovered and consigned to Goldberg Coins and Collectibles’ Pre-Long Beach sale of May 31-June 3, the firm has announced.A new variety of the 1798 silver dollar with Heraldic Eagle reverse has been discovered and consigned to a Goldberg sale.Scott Mitchell of Garden City, N
1890 Treasury Note a leading lot
Bringing a hammer price of $25,000 at the Lyn Knight Currency Auctions sale at the Chicago Paper Money Expo, March 5-7, was an 1890 $20 Treasury Note. The PCGS Abt. New 53-graded note, Fr
British George V gold pattern tops DNW London sale
By Kerry RodgersGreat expectations surrounded Dix, Noonan, Webb’s February auction in London. It did not disappoint. The only cloud to mar a most successful day was the withdrawal of the Australian 1921 specimen star shilling prior to commencement of sale
Electronics displace cash in Great Britain
By Richard GiedroycMerry old England may be having its problems with counterfeit coins and bank notes, but those same currencies are also increasingly being displaced by other forms of payment, according to the Payment Council.A January study indicated credit cards and other forms of “cashless” payments will surpass coins and bank notes in financial transactions “within weeks.”A January study indicated credit cards and other forms of “cashless” payments will surpass coins and bank notes in financial transactions “within weeks
Bullion moves up on fears
Questions over the ability and willingness of the Greek government to repay its debts, when the Federal Open Market Committee might raise some benchmark interest rates, the expansion of military conflict in the Middle East and the change in determining London gold prices have all helped gold and silver prices to rise over the past 10 days.Gold demand in India and China has been strong for several months now, as buyers jump at the opportunity to purchase at what are perceived to be bargain prices.Gold had increased from the $1,140s to surpass $1,200 last week
British £2 could be counterfeiting target
It appears to be unsubstantiated speculation by the media, but could the British £2 coin be on a short list of coins counterfeiters are now considering copying?Could the British £2 coin be on a short list of coins counterfeiters are now considering copying?Attention is being drawn to the highest denomination coin in circulation in Great Britain due to the recent seizure of €500,000 face value in counterfeit euro coins found concealed in metal pipes in the port of Naples. British tabloid newspapers raised the question just before Christmas.A forgery investigator interviewed by the London newspaper The Times said, “Counterfeit coins are not of great interest to most jurisdictions, and certainly not on any list or priorities
Bart reports series 2009 $10 error bill
A pre-printed stock error worth $6,500 has been found on a Series 2009 $10 Federal Reserve Note.Frederick J. Bart, author and researcher of U
February Eagles post decline
Low silver and gold prices are keeping the United States Mint’s bullion orders down, the latest sales data show.Low silver and gold prices are keeping the United States Mint’s bullion orders down, the latest sales data show.Comparing February of 2014 to February 2015 in terms of total ounces sold, purchases of gold American Eagles are down 40 percent, silver American Eagles down 19 percent and gold American Buffaloes broke even
Indiana mulls sales tax exemption
Over the years, the Industry Council for Tangible Assets has had significant success at supporting efforts to enact sales and use tax exemptions for the retail sales of precious metals, rare coins and paper currency in several states.The Indiana House of Representatives passed HB 1046 on Feb. 23 by a vote of 94-0 for a sales and use tax exemption on the retail sale of bullion, coins and currency
Harrison Indian Peace medal sells
What kind of interesting historical story does $50,000 buy these days?One example comes from a recent Stack’s Bowers auction.The giving of medals as a token of peace to Native American chiefs was a habit indulged in by assorted European Powers from at least the 18th century. No one is quite sure when it started, but it is one politicians in Washington, D
Lincoln Wheat cents continue to dazzle
Lincoln Wheat cents, one of the most collected coin series, are always popular. What’s been selling well recently?Anything unique or good quality, Charmy Harker, Irvine, Calif., said
Third Roosevelt dime error discovered
A third date for the Roosevelt dime has been found with prominent doubling on Roosevelt’s lips. The latest report is of a 1955-S dime reported by Calvin Goddard of California.Goddard also found a 1953-S “Hot Lips” dime that was featured in the Feb
Do you call it cleaning or conserving?
“Cleaning” or “conserving” a coin?These are two words that might seem to mean the same thing, but they often don’t.The distinction often boils down to whether a coin is in the hands of an expert, or an amateur.A 1922 Peace dollar appears to have little to no wear or damage at first glance
Bangladesh to phase out small coins
By Richard GiedroycIt’s a longer and more gentile approach than was initially planned, but it is official, Bangladesh’s small change coins will be phased out gradually rather than being demonetized on short notice.Obverse of the one taka coin.On Jan
Archives International March auction offers rarities
Archives International Auctions next sale is slated for Tuesday, March 10. It will be held at the company’s New Jersey offices in Fort Lee and is set to commence at 10.30 a
Need a job? Drop gold investigation
Late last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Justice and the U
CSNS show in Schaumburg April 21-25
The Central States Numismatic Society will hold its 76th Anniversary Convention April 21-25 at the Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, located the northwest Chicago suburb.The 300-booth bourse will take place over four days, first opening from 1-6 p.m
Scratches vary in severity on coins
In this column, I’ll attempt to simplify how hairlines and scratches on coins might be treated today and in the future. I have found that by breaking down a complex subject into smaller bits it is easier to understand.Let me illustrate this using the old technical grading system that was devised to only describe a coin’s condition of preservation – nothing else
Knight auction highlights CPMX
For those who think there’s too little fresh material on the market, the CPMX auction, by Lyn Knight Auctions, should put that notion to rest. Featuring a Colonial collection more than 70 years in the making and a type collection dating back to the 1970s, there are plenty of notes available that haven’t been on market for some time.The auction is slated for March 5-7 at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare, 5440 North River Road, Rosemont, Ill
Will Uncle Sam get your IRA?
I have written a number of times that I expect the U.S. government will eventually take or somehow get control of all assets in private retirement accounts, including precious metals individual retirement accounts
Kurdistan militants seek own currency
By Richard GiedroycFirst it was ISIS, the terrorist group determined to re-establish a medieval-style caliphate in what is now Syria and Iraq, that announced it was going to issue its own money. Now the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Turkey has decided they too want to issue a currency that will be legal tender in the areas they control.While ISIS has been doing a lot of chest thumping over their idea of introducing specie gold and silver composition coins, the PKK has gone one step further, printing sample bank notes on which a vignette of their jailed leader Abdullah Öcalan appears
Will collectors boldly buy ‘Star Trek’ coins?
The two Star Trek coins the Perth Mint will release on Feb. 16: one depicting Star Fleet captain James T. Kirk and the other depicting his ship, the U
Bell lines make big difference for Franklins
You know those little lines across the Liberty Bell on the reverse of the Franklin half dollar? Those can mean the difference between a Franklin half being worth a couple hundred dollars or a couple thousand.Denomination: 50 centsWeight: 12.5 gramsDiameter: 30
Steve Ellsworth to run for ANA board seat
Early coppers dealer and retired Army colonel Steven Ellsworth has announced his candidacy for a seat on the American Numismatic Association board of governors in the summer election.Col. Steve Ellsworth has announced his candidacy for the ANA Board of Governors
Homestead quarter introduced at ceremony
The 2015 Homestead National Monument quarter.More than 2,500 people attended the Homestead National Monument of America quarter launch held Feb. 10 in Beatrice, Neb
Italian counterfeiters linked to mafia
By Richard GiedroycPolice in Carabinieri, Italy, arrested 56 people in the Naples metropolitan region in early December 2014, charging them with counterfeiting coins and primarily bank notes.European Union officials have previously described the Napoli Group as being “the arch-enemy of the European Central Bank.”Officials acknowledged that those being arrested were suspected of being members of the Napoli Group
Liberty design soars with CCAC
Perfection. That’s what the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee sees in its design selections for a 2015 high relief gold coin and companion silver medal.The CCAC unanimously recommended this obverse design for the 2015 high relief gold coin and silver medal
Gold wins 15-year asset race
Although the U.S. dollar has been one of the strongest assets over the past year, it doesn’t look quite so attractive if you look at a longer time frame
Coin of the Year Awards given in Germany
The Coin of the Year Award trophy for 2015 was accepted by Gerhard Starsich, CEO of the Austrian Mint, Jan. 31 during a special ceremony at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany.It was one of four awards won by his organization in this year’s competition sponsored by World Coin News, sister periodical of Numismatic News, to identify the best coins issued by the world’s mints
Cent result sails past estimate
A sleeper is a wondrous thing. This was ably demonstrated in a Jan. 21 sale of “Silver, Coins and Medals” conducted by British auctioneers Woolley & Wallis
Best secured coin shows of 2014
The Best Secured Coin Shows in 2014 have been announced by Col. Steven Ellsworth (retired) of the Butternut Company, Clifton, Va.Ellsworth has been doing show security evaluations for 18 years
Slabs boost Buffalo nickel series
Buffalo nickel (Type 1) Denomination: 5 cents Weight: 5 grams Diameter: 21.2 mm Composition: Copper-Nickel Dates Minted: 1913 Designer: James Earle FraserIs your Buffalo nickel set ready for slabbing?If you want to sell it easily, it had better be.Alex Panchecho, owner of Tipsico Coin, Corvallis, Ore
Strong dollar, weak U.S. coin sales
As most of you have probably heard, the U.S. Dollar Index is now at its highest levels since September 2003
Printing blocks tied to colonial currency
The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, reports that three rare 18th-century type-metal blocks on deposit with it have been identified as the instruments used to print colonial currency in Delaware and elsewhere.Leaf block believed to have been use to print money. Image courtesy Library Company of Philadelphia
Islamic coins realize $708,941 in Spink sale
On Dec. 2 a major collection of over 1,200 Islamic coins went under the hammer at Spink London. The Islamic collection was particularly comprehensive with issues ranging from those showing early Byzantine influences to examples from the late 20th Century
Rare pattern coins on sale
Two major numismatic rarities will be offered by Dix Noonan Webb in the firm’s Feb. 11 London auction.The top lot at the auction is a newly discovered Australian King George V pattern or specimen shilling, estimated to bring an $150,000 to $200,000
Coin of the Year book honors three decades of awards
A new book chronicling more than three decades of Coin of the Year Award winning coins will be released in June by Krause Publications.The Coin of the Year: Celebrating Three Decades of the Best in Coin Design and Craftsmanship hardcover book releases June 2015.“Coin of the Year: Celebrating Three Decades of the Best in Coin Design and Craftsmanship” by Donald Scarinci celebrates the winners of this prestigious international contest honoring the very best in modern commemorative coinage
Hurdles for Indian Head gold sets
Indian Head gold coins: hard to grade, even harder to find key dates. This could be the motto of the famous quarter eagle ($2.50) and half eagle ($5) gold coinage series
CFA panel picks gold designs
Two images of a modern Liberty will be sent to the U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew for consideration as the obverse of a 2015 24-karat High Relief $75 gold coin
1934 $5,000 FRN leads FUN auction
A 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note, Fr. 2221-K, took the banner price in Heritage Auctions’ Currency Signature Auction Platinum Night sale, Jan. 7, in Orlando, Fla
New tactic used to combat fake bars
A creative new tactic is being used to help alert the public to the risk of counterfeit and altered Engelhard bars being offered for sale in eBay online auctions and online stores. Seven months ago, I wrote (http://www.numismaster
Gold aureus sells for $131,040 at DNW sale
Publius Licinius Cornelius Saloninus Valerianus topped the bill at Dix Noonan Webb’s early December coin sale in London.The aureus that sold for $131,040 dates from 258. It depicts a bare-headed Saloninus as Caesar on the obverse
Another Roosevelt dime with doubled lips discovered
A 1953-S dime with nice hub doubling of Roosevelt’s lips has been reported by Calvin Goddard of California. Goddard found this coin in his collection after reading the Jan. 6 Numismatic News story about the find of a 1964-D doubled die dime with strong doubling on the lips
Enhanced uncirculated missing edge lettering discovered
Missing edge lettering was reported on a 2014-D enhanced uncirculated Native American dollar coin from the Native American Coin and Currency Set.The 2014-D enhanced uncirculated Native American dollar showing its missing edge lettering.ANACS made the find Jan
Standing Liberty quarters stand firm
When it comes to collecting Standing Liberty quarters, why should collectors go straight for the key date 1916, when prices start at $2,850 in G-4 alone?If they do, they’ll take a huge step toward completing a series that is considered to be a gorgeous example of American coinage.The 1916 Standing Liberty quarter is the key date of the Standing Liberty quarter series.And now is a good time to buy as the market seems to be in a pause
NGC attributes gold reeding variety
Wide and narrow reeding varieties have been identified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation on the edges of tenth-ounce gold American Eagle coins dated 2015.The narrow reeding variety (top) and the wide reeding variety (bottom).The Wide Reeds version displays the standard size edge reeding seen on prior years’ coins, NGC graders noted
Bullion charges ahead in 2015
As I write this Monday morning, the price of gold is up about $80 (6.7 percent) and silver soared $2.10 (13
Lord mayor strikes gold
The Lord Mayor holds the first struck sovereign.In December The Lord Mayor of the City of London made his first ever visit to India. He was leading a delegation from the UK finance and professional services sector on a five-day trip
Ellis resigns from ANA board of governors
Mike Ellis resigned Jan. 9 as a member of the board of governors of the American Numismatic Association.Mike Ellis resigned Jan
Lipton buys top coins in Heritage auction
California dealer Kevin Lipton calls the 1792 Birch cent and 1792 Eagle-on-Globe copper quarter two of the United States’ top 10 coins.And now he owns them, at a cost of more than $4.9 million
FUN starts year right
Positive results were achieved by coin dealers on the bourse floor of the Florida United Numismatists convention Jan. 8-11, 2015, in Orlando, but there were weak spots.Charmy Harker, also known as the Penny Lady, said Thursday and Friday were nonstop
Bargains in old gold $5s
The activity level at the massive Florida United Numismatists show in early January each year is considered a bellwether indicator of the state of the numismatic markets. The show last week in Orlando revealed some shining spots and some weak points.The jump in precious metals prices resulting from weak global stock markets helped some dealers feel upbeat going into the show
Her Majesty’s portrait to be updated
By Richard GiedroycPerhaps the most recognized person appearing on coins anywhere and at any time in history is about to get a new portrait.The current portrait of Queen Elizabeth II will be updated.According to the British Royal Mint, the Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II appearing on her coinage for the past 16 years is about to be updated
What happened to East German coins, currency?
By Richard GiedroycGermany marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989. The fall of the wall that symbolized despotism in East Germany quickly led to the collapse of its communist government and unification with West Germany on Oct
Small change coins called nuisance
By Richard Giedroyc“It seems the time has come to follow the lead of other governments and consign them to history,” the “them” being coins, according to an Oct. 12 South China Morning Post newspaper editorial.
Rhett Jeppson named U.S. Mint deputy director
Rhett Jeppson has been named the deputy director of the United States Mint.Rhett Jepson is the new deputy director of the United States Mint.Jeppson was previously the Acting Chief Operating Officer of the Small Business Administration and as an Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development
ANA starts scholarship
High School seniors can now apply to the American Numismatic Association for $1,000 scholarships to college.The American Numismatic Association has announced it will begin offering a $1,000 high school scholarship.Deadline is March 15
Heritage results reach nearly $1 billion
Heritage Auctions of Dallas knows that better than most as it has announced that 2014 was its best year ever with sales of over $969 million.Heritage Auctions posted a record sales year in 2014.Two-thirds of the number was generated by auctions and one-third derives from private treaty sales
Year of change for dealers
How did coin collecting in 2014 go for you?For some coin dealers, it was a year of change as the precious metals market continued its downward trend.Jim Long, owner of JEL Coins, Baltimore, Md., said 2014 was better than 2013, but not by much in terms of profit
Stack’s Bowers offers Swedish plate money
Swedish plate money will lead the highlights at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries official auction of the New York International Numismatic Convention Jan. 9-10, 2015.Going on the block will be the Stanley Aberdeen collection
Fuljenz looks to gold hike
By Michael FuljenzThe long-term outlook for gold remains positive and it may climb to $1,500 an ounce or more in 2015, according to Michael Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion of Beaumont, Texas, who has been tracking and writing articles about the precious metals markets for decades.
Britain issues Churchill coin
This year is the 50th anniversary of the death of Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, arguably the most renowned Briton of the 20th century. To mark the occasion the British Royal Mint has issued a two-coin memorial set that twins a new BU £5 coin with the original Churchill 1965 crown.Effigy by Mark Richards on the reverse of the 2015 £5
Trophy coins rise with economy
It is common as a new year begins for various writers and speakers to opine on what they anticipate for markets in 2015. Let me start off first by saying that I don’t know what will happen to the numismatic and precious metals markets in 2015. However, I do have some opinions on what factors will directly and indirectly impact these markets this year
Doubled-die gold ounce and clad quarter found
Dr. James Wiles, CONECA’s attributer of 20th and 21st century die varieties, has just listed spectacular doubled dies on a 1986 gold $50 American Eagle and on a clad proof 1999-S Pennsylvania state quarter.Doubling on the reverse of the 1986 American Eagle gold one-ounce coin
U.S. coin market in 2014 valued at $5 billion
The Professional Numismatists Guild estimates the annual U.S. coin business at $5 billion in the year 2014
Gold up in euro, yen and rand
As I write this on the morning of Dec. 29, the spot price of gold is at $1,193. That means that gold at the moment is down 0
New Zealand to get new bank notes
By Kerry RodgersOn Nov. 20 the Reserve Bank of New Zealand announced its long awaited new bank note designs.A full makeover of the country’s existing notes has been gathering pace over the past 12 months
Shekels of Tyre in Heritage sale
Heritage Auctions announced it will sell a unique collection of 38 ancient silver coins, all struck in consecutive years spanning the lifetime of Jesus Christ.One of the 38 shekels of Tyre featured in the sale.These coins will go on the block during the firm’s Jan
BEP director Felix to retire
Larry R. Felix, director of Bureau of Engraving and Printing since 2006, has announced his plans to leave that position effective Jan. 31
Eagles not best way to own silver
The U.S. Mint charges $2 above the spot price when it sells regular silver American Eagle one-ounce coins to its handful of Authorized Purchasers
Collector discovers “Hot Lips” 1964-D Roosevelt dime
Numismatic News reader Mark Joyner of Pennsylvania has reported a 1964-D Roosevelt dime that exhibits one of the strongest examples of a coin sporting “doubled lips” as the result of Hub Doubling, or what most collectors refer to as a Doubled Die.It is easy to nickname a doubled die dime when the doubling occurs on the lips of the portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.When I first saw images of the coin (supplied by John Wexler) my first thought was “Hot Lips,” a term of endearment for the 1888-O Doubled Die Obverse VAM-4 Morgan dollar
Want to be a Pawn star?
Here’s your chance to appear on cable TV with your rare coin or other historical item.NGC says If you have a rare item that you want to sell or pawn, now could be your chance to have Rick, Corey or the Old Man assess your valuable items on the spot.Numismatic Guaranty Corporation will host the casting team of the History Channel’s “Pawn Stars” TV show Jan
Rare Palestine offering
A rare 1929 50 pounds Palestine Currency Board note is featured in Gemini Numismatic Auctions sale No. XII, to be presented by Harlan J. Berk, Ltd
Triton to auction ancients in New York
Over 1,900 lots of ancient Greek, Celtic, Oriental Greek, Central Asian, Roman Provincial, Roman Republican and Roman Imperial coinage will be among the highlight of Triton XVIII, an auction to be conducted by Classical Numismatic Group Jan. 6-7, 2015, at the New York International Numismatic Convention.A highlight of the Triton XVIII sale is a silver tetradrachm, right, of Seleukos I Nikator of Syria, 312-281 B
1905 $20 Gold Certificate a leading lot
A 1905 $20 “Technicolor” Gold Certificate, PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 67EPQ, is expected to sell for $150,000 in Heritage Auctions’ Florida United Numismatists Currency Signature Auction’s Platinum Night, Jan. 7-12 in Orlando, Fla. Heritage’s FUN World Currency Signature Auction will be held concurrently, Jan
Steel gets modest boost
The Mint wants more time to come up with alternative compositions for U.S. coinage and thanks to rebounding quarter mintages, seigniorage profits to the Treasury are once again rising despite the losses taken on cent and nickel production
No change to cent likely
A report and supporting documentation detailing the U.S. Mint’s study of alternative coinage metals during the past two years was sent to Congress Dec
Silver Eagles set another record
The 2014 silver bullion American Eagle has further cemented its lead as the best sales year for the coin since its release in 1986.The 2014 American Silver Eagle saw a record year in terms of coins sold.On Dec
Wartime fliers get gold medal
A Congressional Gold Medal was awarded collectively Dec. 10, the U.S
Coin from The Netherlands wins public COTY vote
Results of the public vote for Coin of the Year differed from that of the official judging panel that bestows the World Coin News-sponsored award.The 2013 The Netherlands silver 5 euro coin commemorating the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht.Instead of ratifying the judges’ choice of an Austrian coin at the Dec
Collectible coins better than bullion?
As often happens, this column was sparked by a question received by someone who last week requested a copy of my PowerPoint presentation on “Consumer Protection Tips When Buying And Selling Physical Precious Metals.”There have been times where the appreciation in precious metals has outperformed numismatic coins and paper money.This reader had gone on to read some of my other writings and noted that I mentioned the drop in price of common date gem Mint State-65 early Morgan dollars over the past four months as now offering a bargain buying opportunity
Dealers eye up 2015 silver Eagle launch
Buyers grabbed a record number of American Eagle silver bullion coins in 2014, and a big reason was the low price of silver.“It hit a price point where a lot of buyers were interested,” said Michael Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion, Beaumont, Texas. “It gave people a reason to buy
Silver Eagles set sales record in 2014
The numbers are in and 2014 is the new highest sales year for the silver American Eagle bullion coin.As of Dec. 9, the Mint reports it has sold 43,051,000 silver Eagles, surpassing the previous record in 2013 of 42,675,000
Austria wins Coin of the Year Award
The Austrian Mint’s 2013 Klimt and his Women 50-euro gold coin has been named Coin of the Year by an international panel of judges in a vote that concluded Dec. 6.An award trophy will be presented Jan
Take bullion delivery fast
Criminal scams are not unique to the precious metals industry, as it is but one minor niche of the massive financial markets. However, it is the industry in which I participate. Where possible, I try to help would-be buyers of physical precious metals avoid the crooks
Treasure find proves British laws work
By Richard GiedroycThe Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter (England) is launching an appeal to raise funds to purchase the 22,000 ancient Roman coins found with a metal detector near Seaton during 2013, according to a British Broadcasting Corporation news release.A close-up of some of the roman coins as they were found. (Image courtesy of the British Museum / APEX)The hoard discovered by Laurence Egerton in East Devon is the largest such hoard ever found in England
More countries tap virtual money
By Richard GiedroycFiat money is totally out of control in the opinion of hard-money or specie advocates. The worst may be yet to come, as digital currencies are being implemented or proposed by a number of countries worldwide.Several countries are moving to make crypto-currencies more accessible
Product limit set for gold Kennedy half dollar
The United States Mint announced today that the 2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy gold half dollar proof coin (product code K15) will have a product limit of 75,000 coins.Obverse of the 2014-W Kennedy gold coinAs of Nov. 30, the Mint has sold 67,640 coins
Gobrecht dollar patterns displayed
The all-time finest 1836-1839 Gobrecht dollar patterns set will be exhibited for the first time anywhere in public at the January 2015 Florida United Numismatists convention.The display at the Professional Coin Grading Service booth, number 108, will be courtesy of the set’s owner, collector Bob R. Simpson of Texas, and Legend Numismatics of New Jersey
Native American dollar in set has special finish
Buyers of the 2014 American $1 Coin and Currency Set that went on sale Nov. 20 got a holiday surprise.The set, which sells for $13
Silver Eagle sales close in on record
The silver American Eagle bullion coin is set to hit a record sales year in 2014, spurred on by low silver prices and high buyer interest.But will it really be a record year?In terms of dollars spent on silver Eagles, 2014 will be nowhere near it. Authorized Purchasers are buying more silver Eagles than ever, but are spending less on them
Swiss gold initiative fails
At the end of November, the Swiss voted down three initiatives. One would have called for their federal government to enact a requirement that the nation’s central bank, the Swiss National Bank, eventually acquire enough gold to equal the value of 20 percent of outstanding Swiss franc currency (versus current holdings equal to roughly only 7 percent). The no votes made up more than 75 percent of the total
E.I.C. gold 5 guineas in auction
Any Great British golden 5 guineas is a rare coin. And when one from Britain’s House of Hanover comes on the market in high grade and carrying the magic letters “E.I
Bank notes celebrate lunar New Year
By Kerry RodgersFor well over 30 years various world mints have welcomed each lunar New Year with issues of lunar coins. The number has grown such that the lunar commemoratives have become the largest annual coin program on the planet.It was only a matter of time before someone came up with annual issues of commemorative lunar bank notes
Batman augmented reality coin released
Fans of the Caped Crusader can buy new gold and silver Batman coins from APMEX, the exclusive distributor in North America. They commemorate the 75th anniversary of the comic book and movie character.The 2014 Niue Batman 75th Anniversary coin kit
Bust dollar variety ID’d by ICG
Independent Coin Graders has confirmed and encapsulated a newly discovered die marriage for an 1803 Large 3 Draped Bust silver dollar that was found in an old collection.The coin has an attractive original surface and is in Very Fine-20 details condition. The collector submitted the coin to dollar expert Randy Campbell at the Baltimore show
Right to own gold due to Phil Crane
Philip Crane, the member of Congress recognized for leading the way to legalize gold ownership, died Nov. 10 at age 84.Philip Crane, a former conservative member of Congress who put together a coalition of diverse interests in that body to legalize private gold ownership in 1974, after a 40 year ban, died Nov
Newman brings $10 million
The MS-62 Continental dollar struck in brass with the CURENCY misspellingHighlighting the fifth sale of coins from the Eric P. Newman Collection by Heritage Auctions Nov. 14-15 was an Numismatic Guaranty Corporation MS- 62 Continental dollar struck in brass with the CURENCY misspelling that sold for $440,625
Barber coinage attracts fans
President Theodore Roosevelt called the series of dimes, quarters and halves designed by Charles E. Barber “artistically of atrocious hideousness,” but that’s not stopping determined Barber coin collectors.“The upper Mint State area has had some really strong results
Silver American Eagle back on sale
One-ounce silver American Eagle bullion coins went on sale Nov. 17 for the first time since the U.S
How difficult is it to strike coins?
Last week, I described the announced plans of the Middle East terrorist group ISIS to strike and issue gold, silver and copper circulating coinage where the gold and silver coins would trade on the basis of their intrinsic metal value.Whether there will actually ever be any ISIS coinage is a coldly logistical question.Some general and also numismatic media covered the same announcement with predictions that the difficulty of creating dies, acquiring the presses, acquiring quality metal or coin blanks and producing them in large enough quantities makes it unlikely any such coins will ever be issued
1882 $20 rarity tops Baltimore auction
A “Triple Signature” 1882 $20 Gold Certificate, Fr. 1175a, took the lead in Stack’s Bowers Galleries sale Oct. 30 in conjunction with the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo
Philippines law seeks to ban coin collecting
By Richard GiedroycCoin collectors living in the Philippines could become an endangered species once Philippines House of Representatives Bill Number 4411 becomes law.A law introduced in the Philippines seeks to ban owning coins there.The House bill introduced in May is titled “An Act Penalizing the Hoarding of Legal Tender Coins of the Philippine Currency
Denmark stops printing bank notes, minting coins
By Richard GiedroycDenmark is one step closer to becoming the first modern cashless society. The Nationalbanken or Danish central bank announced on Oct. 21 that it will stop printing bank notes and likely issuing coins by the end of 2016
ISIS gold coins?
During the 1972-1973 school year at the University of Michigan Business School, which was my junior year, Marina von Neumann Whitman came to address the students and faculty. Whitman, the daughter of famed mathematician John von Neumann, was then serving on President Nixon’s Council of Economic Advisors.After her speech, she took questions from the audience
Zimbabwe to import coins to fix shortage
By Richard GiedroycOfficially it’s a multi-currency regime. Local people likely have other names for it that would land them in jail for criticizing the government. Regardless, their comments wouldn’t be fit to print here
Public COTY vote mirrors judges most of the time
The public voting in a parallel online World Coin News’ Coin of the Year ballot agreed with the international panel of judges in six of 10 categories when the votes were counted.Austria’s three winners again were the top choices and the public also elevated Lithuanian coins to top spots in two categories.The public liked Austria’s Red Deer coin in the Most Artistic category, the Tunneling bi-metallic coin and Klimt and his Women, The Expectation, in the Best Gold catagory
Austria dominates first round of Coin of the Year voting
Three Austrian coins came out on top during the first round of World Coin News’ Coin of the Year Award voting by an international panel of judges that concluded Nov. 9.A 100-euro gold coin, KM-3225, issued in the Austrian Wildlife series and depicting a Red Deer was tops in the Most Artistic Coin category
Rare President Harrison Peace medal at auction
A newly discovered silver President Benjamin Harrison Indian Peace Medal, will highlight Stack’s Bowers Galleries New York Americana Showcase and Rarities Night Auction Feb. 5-6, 2015.The recent discovery – a President Harrison Indian Peace medal – is up for auction by Stack’s Bowers on Feb
Heritage to sell Partrick coins
The Donald G. Partrick Collection of Extraordinary United States Colonials will be sold by Heritage Auctions starting with Part I at the Florida United Numismatists Convention auction Jan. 7-10, 2015, in Orlando
Ecuador dumps Bitcoin for own digital cash
The recent Bitcoin fiasco may have taught some people a lesson, but apparently they weren’t associated with the government of Ecuador.Ecuador is moving to create its own digital currency.In a bold move that will have the CIA, KGB, and all other spy networks as well as cyber criminals cheering, Ecuador has outlawed bitcoin and said it will create its own cybercash for mobile payments
Tanzania to replace bank notes with coins
Chalk up a victory for anyone concerned who believes coins rather than bank notes, checks, or any of the many forms of electronic and cyber payments should be in our future.The Benki Kuu Ya Tanzania or Bank of Tanzania has recently announced it will be replacing a bank note with a coin due to durability issues.Reverse of the current 500 shillingi bank note
Dealers refuse Minnesota business over law
Under Minnesota law, selling a 1794 Flowing Hair dollar would require you to get a license as a bullion coin dealer.Selling a 1794 dollar, or any coin containing one percent precious metals, in Minnesota would require you to become licensed and bonded.That’s because the coin surpasses the one percent precious metals content to classify it as bullion under the new state law and, with a $57,500 price in G-4, it exceeds the $5,000 annual threshold in sales
Swap gold for silver?
There have been several opportunities since the 1979-1980 gold and silver boom where the gold/silver ratio was so distorted that it was possible to trade out of one metal into the other to realize a possible gain when the ratio turned around.Since the end of 1980, the gold/silver ratio has been anywhere from about 30:1 to 90:1. At last Friday’s closes, the ratio exceeded 74:1
Fast shipping for silver Kennedy set
Many collectors have been astonished by the rapid delivery of 50th anniversary Kennedy half dollar silver sets they ordered starting Oct. 28.The silver Kennedy set went on sale Oct
ANA sets latest budget
With its new website up and running, the American Numismatic Association’s budget for the fiscal year beginning Nov. 1, 2014, drops to $5.7 million compared to $6
PCDA sponsored show in 29th year
The 29th Annual National Coin and Currency Convention, Nov. 19-23, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare, 5440 N. River Road, Rosemont, Ill
Plastic newest composition for coins
By Richard GiedroycWhile countries around the world continue to lament the high cost of raw materials used in the composition of coins the lowly enclave of Transdnistria appears to have the answer to the problem —“composition materials”— more specifically coins made of plastic.The 1- through 10-ruble plastic coins that will be introduced by the Transdnistrian Republican Bank.According to the Aug
Dollar looks good; how long?
“You cannot have real peace and prosperity unless you can absolutely trust the money.” This is a paraphrase of comment by silver guru David Morgan Oct. 24, at the Silver Summit in Spokane, Washington
Coin of the Year race features two U.S. coins
Two U.S. coins are competing for the 2015 Coin of the Year Award
Rare coin at Goldberg sale kept in jeans pocket
Coin collectors take great care with proper storage of their coins, but coins are not always so pampered.A $15,000 rarity came to Los Angeles, Calif., dealer Larry Goldberg’s over the counter at what he called an old-time coin shop in the Southwest
Kennedy set trading starts at triple price
Will the 2014 four coin silver Kennedy half dollar set outshine the gold Kennedy half and prove that all that glitters isn’t gold?Even before the U.S. Mint’s release of the set priced at $99
Kennedy sales number weak
No overnight sellout was recorded by the 50th Anniversary Kennedy half dollar set when it went on sale Oct. 28.This might dampen prospects for instant profits of a kind that made the gold Kennedy half dollar famous in August
The 2015 Coin of the Year Award Nominees
Krause Publications has announced the 94 nominees for the 2015 Coin of the Year awards.The Coin of the Year Awards honor the best in coin design from around the world.Each year, the awards honor the best in coin design from around the world
Bank of Canada seeks note input
On Oct. 8, the Bank of Canada (www.bankofcanada
Austria puts wild boars on gold coin
The new 100-euro gold coin depicting wild boars on both sides will be issued by the Austrian Mint Oct. 29.It is struck in proof quality with a maximum mintage of 30,000 pieces
Obsolete bank notes highlight Stack’s Bowers sale
Part II of the Peter Mayer Collection of Obsolete Bank Notes will highlight Stack’s Bowers’ Winter 2014 Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo sale as part of more than 1,200 lots of paper money being offered.The auction, which is to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center One W. Pratt St
Silver crowd shrinks
This past weekend (Oct. 25-26) there were two major financial conferences for those interested in precious metal – the New Orleans Investment Conference in Louisiana and Silver Summit in Spokane, Wash.
Heritage gold coins attract top bids
A Carson City gold $20 led the pack at the Professional Numismatists Guild New York Invitational Signature Auction conducted Oct. 8-13 by Heritage.Graded VF-30 by the Professional Coin Grading Service, the 1870-CC double eagle fetched $188,000, including a 17
Classic commemoratives to wake up?
It takes one word for Mike Printz of Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. in Chicago to sum up the classic commemorative coin market:“Slow
New PNG show in Dallas
The public is invited to attend the Dallas Coin & Paper Money Show Feb. 26-28, 2015, at the Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center.PNG is sponsoring the Dallas Coin & Paper Money Show Feb
Silver demand tops gold
The price of gold is up slightly while prices for silver, platinum and palladium are all down from a month ago. With the U.S
Gold stater goes on auction block
An ancient British gold stater will be sold at auction Nov. 10 by the firm Chris Rudd in England. It was found just four years ago
AIA auction begins on Wall Street
By Kerry RodgersArchives International Auctions 21st sale will be spread over two days. Part I will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Museum of American Finance in conjunction with the Wall Street Currency, Scripophily and Collectibles Show
Doolittle Tokyo Raiders earn Congressional Gold Medal
The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders flew 16 B-25s off the carrier USS Hornet on April 18, 1942, to launch the first strike on Japan’s homeland in World War II.In recognition of “outstanding heroism, valor, skill, and service to the United States in conducting the bombings of Tokyo” a Congressional Gold Medal will be struck in their honor and displayed at National Museum of the U.S
American Fighter Aces awarded Congressional Gold Medal
American Fighter Aces were the best of the best, the bravest of the brave.Obverse design number 1Through four wars they led attacking aircraft into enemy territory engaging in dogfights and racking up at least five aerial kills to earn the title Ace.There were 60,000 fighter pilots in World Wars I and II, Korean War and Vietnam War, but less than 1,500 qualified as Aces
NGC slabs first U.S. Marshals Service commemoratives
Early releases of 2015-dated U.S. Marshals Service commemorative coins have been graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
Hammered gold double estimates
Spink’s Sept. 22-23 London sale saw many exceptional prices realized. This was particularly the case among historical gold where estimates were regularly exceeded and in many cases doubled for a wide range of high quality coins
Roman aureus soars in sale
A unique and beautiful Type 2 aureus of Augustus Caesar (WCN September issue) realized £480,000 ($784,000) when offered for sale by Dix Noonan Webb in London on Sept. 22.Only 22 examples of the heifer-reverse aureus minted for Augustus are known
Rarity and quality highlight Hill sale
By Kerry RodgersThe second major tranche of the remarkable and important collection of the late Ruth W. Hill went on the block at Heritage Auction’s Long Beach Expo World Currency Signature sale on Sept. 4-8
No profits for ignorant?
Some of the best advice is simple, short and to the point. The following, I hope, is an example of this.In 1981, I became part owner of Liberty Coin Service in Lansing, Mich
Silver Eagle rationing on the horizon?
Rationing the supply of new 2014 silver American Eagle bullion coins might return if current extraordinary demand for them continues.The Mint calls it allocation.In response to questions from Numismatic News, the Mint said Oct
Rare coins up for bid at Heritage Gardner auction
Silver rarities come into their own in the 630-lot Eugene H. Gardner Collection II Signature Auction that will be conduced Oct. 27 by Heritage Auctions at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City
Coin grading skills prevent costly mistakes
Learning how to accurately grade coins will take time, but is worth it when it comes to avoiding costly mistakes.John Krupka, owner of Point Coin, Stevens Point, Wis., said overgrading is a common issue for both buyers and sellers, he said
Gold for profit or wealth preservation?
There seems to be some confusion among buyers of bullion-priced precious metals as to their motivation for making such purchases. Are they buying gold and silver to preserve their wealth indefinitely through diversification (which I refer to as owing precious metals for insurance purposes)? Or are they thinking in terms of seeking a profit, meaning that they are planning to sell at some point at a higher price – however they define it?I believe that many people are thinking of the insurance aspect of owning physical precious metals as protection against possible future calamities with paper assets such as stocks, bonds and currencies. It no longer surprises me when our customers tell us that they plan never to sell the gold and silver they are purchasing, but intend to leave it to their heirs
Medal honors 220th anniversary of Kosciuszko Uprising
By Kerry RodgersThomas Jefferson described him as, “pure a son of liberty as I have ever known.” Samuel Coleridge, Leigh Hunt and John Keats wrote poems in his honor. He was the subject of a U
Greece flaunts repatriated ancient coins
Collectors of ancient coins in the United States are likely less exuberant than was Greek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos when on Aug. 4 he attended a ceremony in New York at which he announced the return of some ancient coins of questionable origin seized from a prominent U.S
Art medals gain support
Scientists, humanitarians and heroes are honored on medals produced by the U.S. Mint, as are our national values of liberty and freedom
Eagle or Lady Liberty for platinum?
One group prefers the eagle, the other prefers Lady Liberty for the reverse designs on the 2015 and 2016 platinum proof coins.Thirty-one designs were reviewed in September by the Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.The CFA chose images of eagles for each proof coin, No
Collector buying slows
As falling gold and silver prices entice bullion buyers, is there anyone out there still buying collector coins rather than bullion?“I think collectors are holding off on the morecommon gold coins because of the uncertainty over the price of gold, but quality, high grade gold coins are moving as they always have,” said David Goldstein, U.S. coins specialist at Harlan J
Pogue rare coins to be sold
Stack’s Bowers Galleries has scheduled three major auctions or series of auctions.An 1804 silver dollar and the only 1822 $5 gold piece in private hands will be sold by the firm as headline items in an eight-part series of auctions of the D. Brent Pogue Collection that will commence May 14, 2015, and conclude Sept
Silver gets cheaper relative to gold
As of morning trading on Sept. 29, the gold/silver ratio exceeded 69:1. In my mind, that makes silver much more attractive for appreciation potential than gold (Even though I still like the intermediate to long-term prospects for gold)
Rarities abound in upcoming sales
Named “The Philadelphia Collection,” William M. Rosenblum is preparing to auction what he considers to be “one of the best, most impressive and varied collections of major rarities of Israeli, Palestine, Egyptian and WWII materials” his firm has ever offered.A Palestine Currency Board 1927 five pound color trial note is featured in the upcoming sales
Kuenker auctions set for October
Sales 253-257 will be called by Fritz Rudolf Künker beginning Oct. 4 and Oct. 6-10, in Osnabrück, Germany
Standard Catalog of U.S. Paper Money now in 33rd edition
The newest edition of the Standard Catalog of U.S. Paper Money can be purchased on ShopNumisMaster
Panels pick First Spouse designs
The first ladies of our generation now have their turn to grace the 2015 and 2016 First Spouse gold coins and bronze medals.The likenesses of Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson will appear on the 2015 coins with Patricia Nixon and Betty Ford closing out the series in 2016.The reverse images will convey each one’s unique contributions to her husband’s presidencies as a political supporter, staunch campaigner, advocate for the arts, beautifier of highways, champion of accessibility and activist for equal rights
Five more America the Beautiful quarters
How do you portray the grandeur of a national park on a 1-inch coin?The challenge once again faced the members of the Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee as they met separately in September to select designs for five 2016 American the Beautiful quarters.“This is a program we have found challenging,” said CCAC Chairman Gary Marks. “We have beautiful parks in our country, but the issue is how to portray them on a coin
Silver Kennedy set bigger than gold Kennedy?
The U.S. Mint is planning the perfect culmination for its 50th anniversary Kennedy half dollar offerings when the silver set goes on sale Oct
Soft metals weaken U.S. coin prices
The spot price of silver in world market’s yesterday dipped as low as $17.28, its lowest levels since March 2010. Gold declined close to $1,200, but did not fall below that threshold or below the $1,180 intra-day price of Dec
Obsolete banknote proof book tops Heritage auction
A leather-bound book containing proof sheets of rare obsoletes that once belonging to noted 19th-century bank note engraver James Smillie realized $64,625 in Heritage’s Long Beach Expo Currency Signature Auction, Sept. 3-8 in Long Beach, Calif. Prices include the 17
Lissner sale trebles pre-sale estimates
Record prices were achieved by the sale of The Richard L. Lissner Collection called Aug. 1-2 at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare, just prior to the annual summer convention of the American Numismatic Association
American Numismatic Society seeks librarian
American Numismatic Society, New York City, invites applications for the position of the Francis D. Campbell Librarian in its Harry W. Bass Jr
1792 silver-center cent brings in $705,000
More than $28 million was realized Sept. 3-7 by Heritage Auctions sales of coins and paper money in Long Beach.Leading the results for U
Senate candidate seeks return to gold standard
Return to the gold standard is called for by a New Jersey U.S. Senate candidate
Loyal buyers buoy 5-ounce silver coin series
America the Beautiful (ATB) 5-ounce silver coins are big, bold and sought after by collectors and investors alike.Those loyal to the series will be buying the latest ATB release – Great Sand Dunes.“I’d say about 80 percent are returning buyers,” John Maben, CEO of Modern Coin Mart, Sarasota, Fla
Dollar up, gold down; why?
The U.S. Dollar Index closed last Friday at 84
Stater tops Gorny & Mosch coin sale
Gorny & Mosch will hold auctions No. 224-226 Oct. 13-17
Platinum Eagle sales to end Oct. 1
The Mint is ready to cut off sales of the one-ounce platinum American Eagle bullion coin.Buyers have until Oct. 1 to purchase the 2014 Platinum Eagle bullion coin
Prices soar in hot Hong Kong bidding
By Kerry RodgersThe results of the Spink Numismatic Collector Series sale Aug. 21 in Hong Kong clearly demonstrate the heat currently present in the Chinese market.The company’s new Hong Kong showroom was packed with bidders on 1,514 mixed lots of coins, medals, scrip and bank notes
Great Sand Dunes National Park gets quarter
The Mint’s Dave Croft presents first-day production quarters to park superintendent Lisa Carrico. at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.The America the Beautiful quarter design honoring Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park was officially introduced Sept
Too many proof sets create buyer confusion
When the United States Mint began producing proof sets annually in 1950 collectors had one kind to choose from. Today, the Mint offers five different annual proof sets.And that’s where the confusion for collectors sets in
Medals honor victims of 9/11 attacks
Three Congressional Gold Medals were awarded Sept. 10 in Emancipation Hall in the U.S
Bank of England £1,000 note featured in auction
By Kerry RodgersOn Sept. 29 Dix Noonan Webb will be offering a rare Bank of England £1,000 note, P-341, as part of its British and World Paper Money sale. The note is described as having, “two light creases otherwise crisp good very fine to extremely fine
European Union ok’s Lithuanian euro coins, currency
By Richard GiedroycIt’s official. Lithuania will be replacing its litas currency with coins and bank notes of the European Union beginning January 1, 2015.According to State Secretary for European Affairs of Italy and President of the Council of the EU Sandro Gozi, “The entry of Lithuania into the euro family is not only a crucial event for this partner country, but it is of great importance for the whole eurozone
Roman gold coin found at Hadrian’s Wall
By Richard GiedroycWhy would a Roman gold coin be found at the site of a former Roman army encampment at Vindolanda along Hadrian’s Wall in Great Britain?While archaeologists are expressing delight regarding the find, the press has been making statements that appear to be more conjecture than fact.The coin is an About Good issue of Nero struck in AD 64 to 65.The coin is an About Good issue of Nero struck in AD 64 to 65
Silver fall ready to reverse?
From July 29 to Sept. 2, managed money traders (which include large hedge funds, commodity pool operators, commodity trading advisors and similar companies) decreased their net long position in COMEX silver contracts from 14,063 to 6,542. Since each contract represents 5,000 ounces of silver, that means they decreased their net long position by about 37
Popular Eleanor Roosevelt on latest First Spouse coin
Eleanor Roosevelt has gone down in history as a very popular First Lady.Her portrait on the half-ounce First Spouse gold coin just released by the U.S
Gold coins the best buy right now?
The price of gold hit $1,265 Sept. 3, the lowest since mid-June when it dropped from a relatively steady $1,300 to $1,243 over a month’s time.Are buyers taking notice?Not according to Gary Rosencrans, owner of Gary’s Coins, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis
Will gold become plentiful?
Eight weeks ago, my column in the Numismatic News/NumisMaster e-newsletter discussed how future nanotechnology capability could make it possible to counterfeit coins that would be indistinguishable from the originals even if analyzed at the atomic level. (Read the article here.)There is one other consideration relevant to collectors and investors in precious metals
50 years since demise of silver
By Richard GiedroycIt was a half century ago, in 1964, that the United States officially ended minting circulating silver coins. Granted, due to a compromise between President Lyndon B. Johnson and U
Nevada National Bank Note leads Expo sale
A 1929 $10 National Bank Note from Tonopah, Nev., featuring an A000001A serial number, is estimated to sell for in excess of $50,000 in Heritage Auctions’ Long Beach Expo U.S
Perth Mint marks Coral Sea battle
On July 7 Australia’s Perth Mint released a new silver half-ounce bullion piece. The 50-cent coin commemorates the Battle of the Coral Sea fought from May 4 to May 8, 1942. It was a critical clash in the Pacific during World War II
Australia issues final Southern Sky coin
The third and final coin in the Royal Australian Mint’s award winning Southern Sky series was released on Aug. 4. It features one of the brightest and most recognizable of the constellations of the night sky: Orion The Hunter
Rare plate letter on Boston note
By Peter HuntoonThere were only two banks in the entire country for which Series of 1882 plates were made that carried a letter Z plate position letter.They were The National Shawmet Bank of Boston, charter 5155, and The National Bank of Commerce in St. Louis, charter 4178
Gold bond new investor option
Two weeks ago, Rand Merchant Bank, a subsidiary of FirstRand Bank, Ltd., South Africa’s second largest bank, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange a new five-year security called FirstRand Gold Bond. This issue is limited to 2 billion rand (about U
PNG sets NYC show
The Professional Numismatists Guild will conduct a coin and paper money show in the Times Squares area of New York City, Oct. 9-11. The PNG New York Invitational will be open to the public at the Millennium Broadway Hotel, half a block east of Broadway
1804 silver dollar hits $1.8 million
An 1804 silver dollar brought close to $2 million at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction held Aug. 8 at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill.The Garrett Class III dollar, one of only 15 examples of the date known, is graded Proof-55 by Numismatic Guaranty Corp
Error coin found in change pays off big
It started with a man, a book and a few rolls of pennies.It ended when William Gaitlan of Yuma, Ariz., sold a 1969-S doubled die cent at a June 5 Heritage auction for $21,500
Coin, paper money prices change constantly
Numismatic price guides and reporting services are just that – guidance on value rather than absolute guarantees of price. In even the best circumstances, there is not any single price guide or reporting service that can tell a collector or a dealer what any particular coin or piece of paper money is worth right now.Part of the problem with relying on annual catalogs and even the weekly price guides is that there is always a time lag between calculating values and that same information being published
Rare ancients to top London coin auction
A unique and beautiful Type 2 aureus of Augustus Caesar will be offered by Dix Noonan Webb in their ancient and world coins sale scheduled for Sept. 22 in London. It is expected to fetch £300,000 to £350,000 [$500,000-$600,000]
Collection of rare medals goes on sale
By Kerry RodgersOn Oct. 16 one the most comprehensive collections of 16th and 17th English commemorative medals ever assembled by an individual will be sold by the Salisbury auction house of Woolley and Wallis. The Christopher Foley collection is remarkably complete
1882 $100 Gold Certificate leading lot
A “unique in private hands” 1882 $100 Gold Certificate was the star of Stack’s Bowers Aug. 7 sale at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill. The rarity, Fr
Mint director looks at special 2016 coins
Future coin launches by the U.S. Mint at American Numismatic Association shows were not taken off the table by Deputy Mint Director Richard Peterson when he spoke to Numismatic News Aug
ANA dealer results down
Behind the razzmatazz of the proof gold Kennedy half dollar sales on the floor of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money Aug. 5-9 in Rosemont, Ill., dealers with bourse tables were not happy with their commercial results
PCGS honors Adams, Ivy, Ruddy
The PCGS CoinFacts Coin Dealer Hall of Fame has inducted three more past and current distinguished professional numismatists. The new members are Edgar H. Adams, Steve Ivy and James F
Dealers close down in Minnesota
At last week’s American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill., I was able to gather many more details on the evolution of the Minnesota coin dealer registration law that became effective July 1.Apparently, Minnesota was the base of operations for several marketers of different kinds of collectibles at prices that were much higher than those quoted by other dealers
Debate ensues over ancient coins
By Richard GiedroycViews, both pro and con, regarding what should be done about a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with Egypt that among other things addresses private ownership of ancient Egyptian coins were presented recently at a meeting of the U.S. State Department’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee
Note readers to be distributed
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing plans to distribute currency reader devices at no cost to eligible blind or visually impaired persons, as one component of its initiative to provide meaningful access to U.S. currency
Shafer earns Zerbe award
Hall of Fame numismatist Neil Shafer will be presented with the American Numismatic Association’s highest honor, the 2014 Farran Zerbe Memorial Award, on Aug. 8 during the Awards Banquet at the Chicago World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill.The Farran Zerbe Memorial Award is the highest honor conferred by the ANA and is given in recognition of numerous years of outstanding, dedicated service to numismatics
Mint plans to fulfill all demand for gold Kennedys
The United States Mint announced today that it has all the necessary raw materials to initially produce 75,000 2014 John F. Kennedy gold proof half dollars. The Mint will continue to procure additional raw materials in order to fulfill all demand for the coin
Sales stay hot
Spurred on by news that proof gold Kennedy half dollars purchased at the U.S. Mint booth for $1,240 can be sold ungraded and unslabbed for $3,400 on the bourse floor of the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill
It’s one rocking coin show
Where am I and what have you done with my coin show?I swear I checked into the DoubleTree Hotel in Rosemont, Ill., on Monday to attend the ANA World’s Fair of Money show.But at 9:45 last night, just as I had settled into bed (it was a long day), fireworks started booming little more than a block away
Buyers lined up, purchasing gold Kennedys
Buyers of the gold Kennedy half dollar are lined up and purchasing the coin, follow a new procedure by the United States Mint to ease the process.Looking like an airport security line, 510 lucky individuals wait for the distribution of tickets that will allow them to purchase a gold Kennedy half dollar.Adam Stump of the U
First four gold Kennedys go for $20,000
David Hendrickson of SilverTowne made a deal to purchase the first four coins sold at the ANA convention for $20,000 plus four later coins to be given to the first four people to stand in line. They were Rina Maya, Callie Hohlfeld, and Nick and Daniel Yadgarov, all of Los Angeles.David Hendrickson of SilverTowne(L to R): Rina Maya, Callie Hohlfeld, and Nick and Daniel Yadgarov, all of Los Angeles, were the first four people in line to buy the gold Kennedy half dollar
Long times spent in line to get gold Kennedy
Welcome from overcast Rosemont, Ill., where I’m looking out my hotel room at 7:11 am. at the long line of people waiting to get into the convention center and obtain one of 500 coveted tickets that will allow them to buy the new Kennedy half
$50 silver sooner than you think?
In mid-July, my column discussed the huge increase in short sales of silver commodity contracts on the COMEX during June and into early July. The net increase of 240 million ounces of paper silver owed to buyers of these contracts is equal to about 30 percent of annual global silver production.Taking into account the large number of short positions already outstanding on the COMEX, this would appear to put the overall physical silver market at a high risk of a major supply squeeze
Rare No. 1 top lot at Memphis
An Original Series No. 1 $1 from the First National Bank of Hilsborough, N.H
Government nixes fantasy coin
By Richard GiedroycThere are some very imaginative non-circulating legal tender commemorative coins (NCLT) to be collected.There have been coins depicting the ill-fated ship Titanic issued in the name of a country bordering the Indian Ocean (The Titanic sank in the Atlantic Ocean.)
Coins similar to British £2 cause concern
When you consider how many different coins are issued worldwide it is amazing there aren’t more coin types that are identical in weight and diameter that could be used in vending machines in some other country.Although the British £2 coin has been around since 1998, it now appears some individuals are taking advantage of the fact the ringed bimetal coin is similar to some lower value foreign coins that these individuals have been using as substitutes.The problem has become sufficiently widespread that the West Midlands Morrisons grocery store announced during mid-June that it was suspending the acceptance of £2 coins at its self-service checkout counters
Kennedy limit drops to one
The U.S. Mint reduced from two coins to one the number of proof gold Kennedy half dollars that buyers could purchase at its booth at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money Aug
Mint bullion bars the next collectible?
With Canada’s newest 10-ounce silver bullion bar design about to go on sale, collectors wonder if the bars themselves might have a value to them beyond their bullion content.“We are one of the largest sellers of Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) bullion bars. We’ve had pretty good success selling them,” said Michael Haynes, President of American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX) headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla
Mint releases approved designs
Final designs were released July 29 by the U.S. Mint for the reverses of the 2015 America the Beautiful quarters
Mint offers old Danish gold on web
Collectors who have ever wanted to purchase one or more of the recent Danish coins reported in World Coin News, but been unable to find a supplier, can now do so through the new webshop set up by the Royal Danish Mint. The new website, http://royalmint.dk/shop/frontpage
More gold from sea
The second salvage process being conducted in the wreck of the S.S. Central America might not produce as much treasure as the first did in 1988, but an inventory of what has been recovered so far is enough to cause coin collectors to drool
Visit coin shops to see what works
I have previously written about the educational value that collectors can obtain by visiting their local coin shops, even if it turns out that a local dealer is not really able to serve a particular collector’s interests.Coin dealers can also pick up numerous benefits from visiting other coin shops to find out what works and what doesn’t.I have visited dozens if not hundreds of coins shops from New England to Florida to Texas to California
9,000 Russian coins up for auction
By Igor ShneyderovSincona AG in Zurich is preparing the third installment in their series of auctions of one of the greatest collections of Imperial Russian coins to come to market in the past 100 years.The Sincona collection, consisting of around 9,000 coins (6500 in silver and 2500 in copper), covers mostly the Imperial period, beginning with Peter I in 1700 and continuing through to the end of the reign of the last and unfortunate Tsar, Nicholas II in 1917.The auction will be held Oct
High relief at low price = silver medal
This past April the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee asked the U.S. Mint to consider implementation of a national arts medal program
High-relief eyed for 2015
If you liked the 2009 Ultra High Relief double eagle gold coin, you’re going to love a 2015 24-karat Ultra High Relief gold coin.At least that’s what the U.S
Bass notes showcased for ANA auction
Stack’s Bowers Galleries will showcase the Educational Note sheets pedigreed to The Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection in its official auction at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money, Aug
Coin show hurt by Minnesota law
Coin dealers and collectors are upset about the way the new Minnesota coin dealer registration law has hurt their local coin show.Andrew Swammi, coin dealer and coordinator of the Roseville Coin Show held July 12 in Roseville, Minn., said they had fewer dealers this year
Rare Peace dollars in sale
More Peace dollars from the holdings of Raymond T. Baker, U.S
Goetz hubs in auction
Over 800 working hubs used to create the dies for German political commentary medals by designer Karl Goetz during the period 1910-1940 have been consigned to be sold by Ira & Larry Goldberg, of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, Inc.The hubs will be sold individually and in groups as part of the Goldbergs’ Jan. 25-28, 2015, Pre-Long Beach Auction
Roosevelt’s close call
Franklin D. Roosevelt might have beaten Herbert Hoover in a landslide in the 1932 election, but the difference between the two men’s 2014 Presidential dollar mintages is a squeaker.While Roosevelt won in 1932 with almost 45 percent more votes than Hoover, mintage of his dollar coin presently stands at 8,680,000 compared to Hoover’s 8,260,000
Confusion follows Minnesota coin law
Coin dealers are confused and frustrated over a new Minnesota law requiring coin dealers with annual sales of $5,000 or more to register with the state.“I think it impacted many more people than the law was designed to address,” said Greg Allen, owner of Greg Allen Coins, St. Paul, Minn
Confusion follows Minnesota law
Coin dealers are confused and frustrated over a new Minnesota law requiring coin dealers with annual sales of $5,000 or more to register with the state.“I think it impacted many more people than the law was designed to address,” said Greg Allen, owner of Greg Allen Coins, St. Paul, Minn
Tickets for Kennedy gold
The Mint will put only 500 of the new proof gold Kennedy half dollars on sale at 11 a.m. on the first day of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money Aug
Gold tops Spink results
A gold broad of 1656 brought more than double estimate at Spink’s June sale of Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals in London.However, the cover of 800-lot catalog featured one of the rarer coins of British numismatics, a gold broad of Oliver Cromwell dated 1656, S-3225, EF.The superb gold broad of 1656 showing the laureate head of the Lord Protector of that realized $44,944 in Spink’s June sale
Hot for a new coin?
An innovative proof, 50 mm, one-ounce .925 fine silver Cook Island’s $5 honors the inventor of the most widely used temperature scale.Reverse of the 2014 Cook Islands Anders Celsius coinThe reverse shows Swedish astronomer, physicist and mathematician Anders Celsius and his thermometer
Rare British silver penny brings $133,414
By Kerry RodgersA recently found Anglo-Saxon silver penny realized $133,414 [£78,000] when sold on June 11 by British auction house Dix Noonan Webb. Numerous room and commission bidders vied with those on the Internet to hike the price to nearly four times the pre-sale estimate of $34,209 [£20,000].Obverse of the Anglo-Saxon silver penny at auctionFor Anglo-Saxon numismatists this coin is most desirable
Big move higher coming for silver
From the COMEX exchange’s weekly position reports, the commercial traders increased their net short position from June 3 to July 8 by more than 240 million ounces. This amount represents nearly 30 percent of annual worldwide new silver mining production. Normally such a huge influx of “silver” on the market in such a short time, even though it is in paper contracts rather than physical form, would lead to a significant drop in price
Worst Morgans to go on display
Morgan silver dollars are popular. How about collecting them in the worst grade possible?The Professional Coin Grading Service will display the lowest graded basic set of Morgans at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money Aug. 5-9
Congress honors Wallenberg
Nina Lagergren accepted a Congressional Gold Medal July 9 on behalf of her late half brother Raoul Wallenberg in a special ceremony at the Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C.Heading the group of dignitaries present was Speaker of the House John Boehner, who personally presented the medal
Gold Eagle sales plunge
Gold and silver bullion prices have registered gains this year, but rising metals prices have done nothing to boost sales of American bullion coins from the U.S. Mint
Bomber on new $1 coin
The 70th anniversary of the retirement of the Avro Lancaster W4783 “G for George,” bomber currently on display at the Australian War Memorial has been commemorated by the Royal Australian Mint has produced a commemorative collectible $1 coin in aluminum bronze.Reverse of the 2014 uncirculated “G for George” Bomber dollarFrom the time it was built in 1942 until its retirement from active service in 1944 it flew 90 missions over Germany and occupied Europe during World War II.The coin retails for $13
Lissner sale slated
The Lissner collection of world coins will be sold Aug. 1-2 at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare, just prior to the annual summer convention of the American Numismatic Association in Rosemont, Ill.Valued at over $2 million, the collection will be sold by Classical Numismatic Group, Inc
Debate ensues over ancient coins
By Richard GiedroycViews, both pro and con, regarding what should be done about a proposed Memorandum of Understanding with Egypt that among other things addresses private ownership of ancient Egyptian coins were presented recently at a meeting of the U.S. State Department’s Cultural Property Advisory Committee
Will perfect copies destroy values?
Will nanotechnology develop sufficiently in the future to make it possible to create perfect duplicates that will not be distinguishable from the genuine original coins and paper money?Nanotechnology is technology on the scale of one billionth of a meter. A cube that measured one nanometer on each side can only hold 176 hydrogen atoms. If you can visualize the size of the Empire State Building as being one meter tall, a nanometer-sized object would be like a marble on the sidewalk next to the building
First Spouse a sleeper series?
Since their inception in 2007, the First Spouse gold coins have had collectors wondering if they are worth investing in.As far as dealers are concerned, the First Spouse coins are a mixed bag.“If I buy, I’d hang on to them in my gold inventory,” said Julian Jarvis, owner of Julian Jarvis Coins, Greencastle, Ind
Brasher doubloon copy to be sold at ANA show
Reproductions of a Brasher doubloon will be struck and sold at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money where the original will be on display Aug. 5-9 as the centerpiece of the ANA Museum Showcase exhibit.Obverse of the original 1787 Brasher DoubloonReverse of the original 1787 Brasher DoubloonThough nowhere near as expensive as the $10 million insured value of the finest certified original doubloon, the reproductions will contain roughly 0
Dealers to reject Minnesota clients
The nation’s coin dealers are saying no to Minnesotans. Their choice is to reject these clients or comply with a draconian new state law.It might surprise some that it has come to this, but there has been a long lead time in reaching this point of decision to stop doing business with people in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
Chaplains on Hall of Fame medal
The 2014 Jewish-American Hall of Fame medal honors U.S. Jewish chaplains
New baseball set release nears
A Young Collector’s Set will go on sale July 28 at the U.S. Mint
Rare dollar in Scotsman auction
A 1795 Flowing Hair silver dollar will be among the featured lots of a Scotsman auction that will be conducted July 18 at the St. Charles, Mo., Convention Center
Kennedy set to sell for $99.95
A four-coin silver Kennedy 50th anniversary set will be priced at $99.95 when it goes on sale at the U.S
Gardner sale brings almost $20 million
One thin dime went for a very fat $881,250 at the Heritage Eugene H. Gardner Collection auction June 23 in New York City.The 1796 coin, which was graded MS-67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service, is the finest known example of the JR-1 variety
Prices going, going, gone
Are you willing to pay upward of $3,000 for a coin that sold for $424.75 only three months ago?Buyers interested in the Baseball Hall of Fame coins are paying that and more for a multitude of graded and special label coins on the secondary market.“It’s a good market,” said Ken Pines, owner of Coast to Coast Coins and Currency, Columbia, Md
Engelhard bars gain collector value
A numismatic dream is to acquire an item at face value or on the basis of metal value, then later sell it for a collector premium. There are endless marketing campaigns that try to make what I consider high-priced bullion coins and ingots appear to be scarcer than they really are, where the products eventually sell for lower prices relative to intrinsic metal value than when they were originally promoted.However, dreams do come true once in a while
Dealers report good buying and selling at Memphis IPMS
World notes, U.S. nationals, type and obsoletes were all in demand, and dealers were generally pleased with sales and buying opportunities at the 38th Annual International Paper Money Show at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis
Numismatic Congress to be held in Costa Rica
The second Numismatic Congress of Central America is slated for Sept. 25-27 in San Jose, Costa Rica.The latest research on Central and South American numismatics will be shared in multiple presentations during the three-day-event
Baseball coin deliveries still lag
Waiting for delivery of Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coins has taxed the patience of many Mint customers.As of mid June most silver and clad HOF coins remained to be shipped.The bright spot is the 50,000 gold $5 coins
Matte proof Peace dollars sold
Matte proof High Relief 1922 Peace dollars whose pedigree traces back directly to Mint Director Raymond T. Baker were the stars of Ira and Larry Goldberg’s pre-Long Beach sale held June 1-4.Bringing $458,250 was a Professional Coin Grading Service Proof-67 with a Certified Acceptance Corporation sticker
Rush for gold Kennedy half dollar at ANA show?
The gold Kennedy half dollar will be first released by the U.S. Mint at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in August
Avoid bank account trap
The provisions of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) became law in March 2010. The law and its associated regulations are designed to improve compliance by U.S
Rare Chinese patterns in auction
By Kerry RodgersStack’s Bowers will be offering two rare pattern coins at the firm’s Hong Kong sale on Aug. 18-20. They provide a reminder that for the Chinese World War II commenced on the night of July 7, 1937, at the Marco Polo Bridge and brought with it massive socio-economic upheaval
Gold Kennedy ready for ANA Rosemont show
A dual-dated gold 2014 Kennedy half dollar struck to honor the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the design will be available for sale at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Ill.The convention will be held Aug. 5-9
Mint testifies before House on coinage composition changes
The flag for steel-based U.S. coinage was waved by Rep
Buy gold now to take advantage of low price
Gold is down. So is silver. But the nation’s coin dealers view this as a buying opportunity
Gold medal awarded to Doolittle Raiders
The bravery of the Doolittle Raiders military service during World War II will be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal.The medal recognizes the 80 men who volunteered for a surprise air attack on Japan on April 18, 1942, four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.Sixteen B-25 bombers led by Col
Will collectors save America?
While the popular media reported on multiple record high closings for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 Index last week, did you realize that the spot price of silver outperformed both last week?Or did you realize that the spot price of gold outperformed the U.S. Dollar Index last week?The headlines don’t necessarily tell you what is really going on in the economy
Russia, others move toward currency union
By Richard GiedroycIt’s not all about Crimea. Despite the rhetoric and saber rattling by both Russian and US politicians regarding the recent Russian occupation of the Crimean region of Ukraine, Russia’s true intentions become obvious not through its military actions or political statements, but through what it is trying to achieve with its currency.The bottom line is that Russia is attempting to reunite as many of the nations as possible that emerged when the Soviet Union collapsed during the late 20th century
Bass patterns to be sold by Heritage
Thirty United States pattern coins from the acclaimed collection of the late Texas business executive and philanthropist Harry W. Bass Jr. (1927-1998) will be offered without reserves during the Platinum Night auction conducted by Heritage Auctions Aug
Rationing ends for silver Eagle
Rationing ended June 2 for supplies of 2014 silver American Eagle bullion coins sold by the U.S. Mint to its network of buyers called Authorized Purchasers
Buyers grab more hoard gold
After one week on sale, the gold coins from the Saddle Ridge Hoard had brought in about $6 million in sales.On June 4, amazon.com listed 483 coins still for sale, with kagins
1804 silver dollar to be sold at August ANA coin show
An 1804 silver dollar worth millions of dollars will go on the auction block Aug. 8 at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Ill.The Class III dollar will be sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries in the official convention auction
Low metal prices increase Eagle sales
Entering a new month, it’s clear low precious metals prices have increased sales and sparked consumer interest. One-ounce gold American Eagle bullion sold 10,000 coins in the first few days of June. In addition, 10,000 tenth-ounce gold American Eagles were sold at the same time
Spink marks largest note auction
By Kerry RodgersExtremely rare National Bank of Egypt, specimen proof £10 of 1946, Not in Pick, that topped Spink’s April sale with a price of $82,695. The note was never issued due to overthrow of King Farouk in July 1952.On April 15-17 Spink London held its largest ever sale of world bank notes
New coin technology dominates 2014
By Richard GiedroycYou can’t say there is anything dull about modern numismatic manufacturing technology.In the past the collar was introduced to ensure a round coin. This was followed by reeded and lettered edges for security purposes
Sea salvaged bullion struck into coins
By Richard GiedroycCoin collectors may be familiar with relic medals, but coins made from materials originating from similar sources are an unusual event.Relic medals are typically made from scrap salvaged from a statue, building, airplanes, trains, or other manmade objects. The medals are often sold to help raise funds to restore the relic or a museum dedicated to that relic
Scotland faces currency choice
By Richard GiedroycYou would think a referendum on independence would focus on politics, freedom of religion, language and customs, and the economy when a region considers voting to free itself from another nation.That isn’t Scotland, a potential independent nation in the near future that appears to be more concerned with if the Scots will continue to use the coins and bank notes of the United Kingdom or a totally new currency issued exclusively for their own commerce.The British aren’t thrilled with the idea of Scotland becoming a sovereign nation
1943 bronze cent error leads auction
The 487-lot Regency Auction VII saw fevered floor, phone, absentee and Internet bidding, with pre-bids pouring in up to the start of the three and a half hour sale May 22 in Las Vegas.Legend-Morphy partner Laura Sperber was “very pleased with the results of the sale. Bidding was very active in all areas, and we saw a huge number of unique bidders
Perfect doesn’t have to be perfect
This past January, a longtime collector wrote that he did not believe there were any perfect coins. My reply to him is: “Yes Edward, there are perfect coins, and it does not take a coin expert to find them. Many are encapsulated by the major grading services
Hoard sale off to quick start
The rusted cans and the stick used to dig the Saddle Ridge Hoard coins out of the ground were displayed.Gold coins buried in cans for decades in the hills of California are getting their day in the sun.Known as the Saddle Ridge Hoard, the coins went on sale at midnight May 27 on amazon
The misunderstood dollar: Gobrecht coins cause confusion
The Gobrecht silver dollars of 1836-1839 have proven to be among the most contentious and, at the same time, the least understood coins of our numismatic history. Actually the story is rather straightforward but the clash of conflicting theories has made the matter confusing.The story begins in early July 1835 when Dr
Frosted Freedom Coin to Cross the Block
An error 2007-W platinum American Eagle quarter-ounce coin where FREEDOM on the reverse is frosted instead of having a mirror surface is being auctioned by GreatCollections on its website. Ending date is April 27.This is just the second known example of this on the quarter ounce coin
Where coins went not always known
The story of the 1844 Seated Liberty dime is surrounded by a number of myths made up to explain what couldn’t otherwise be. Where did some of the best U.S
Shenandoah quarter arrives at ceremony
Kick-start your collection with the Fundamentals of Coin Collecting set of essential resources and tools. Get yours today! The Shenandoah National Park quarter was officially introduced April 4 at the Front Royal, Va., Skyline High School
Tax exemption starts
Dave HeinemanA sales tax exemption on the sales of rare coins and precious metals became law April 2 in Nebraska when Gov. Dave Heineman signed LB 867.The Industry Council for Tangible Assets reported that Nebraska is the 31st state to grant some form of sales tax exemption
CCAC picks new eagle
Design 41’s eagle is the choice of CCAC to replace the current eagle above.Is it time for a new design for the reverse of the silver American Eagle one-ounce bullion coin?The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee thinks so, and has recommended a new eagle design to the U.S
Seeking profit only leads to loss
Yesterday, as has happened hundreds of times before, a customer approached me who is considering taking up the collection of rare coins for a hobby. He was nearing retirement and looking for something to do with his anticipated spare time.There are a lot of basic bits of information to share with a prospective new collector
Lasers improve life of coin dies
This article was originally printed in World Coin News. >> Subscribe today or get your >> Digital SubscriptionBy Richard GiedroycStudy your coins and you will find some have die cracks, raised lines resulting from the later state of a deteriorating die from which these coins were struck. The die was wearing out due to metal fatigue
There is nothing like a Dame
This article was originally printed in Bank Note Reporter. >> Subscribe today or get your >> Digital SubscriptionBy Kerry RodgersAn interpretation of the original colors of the Dame of Elche by Francisco Vives based on analyses made by Salvador Rovira, Museo Arqueológico Nacional. (Image Wikipedia Commons
Ruth Hill collection to be featured
This article was originally printed in Bank Note Reporter.>> Subscribe today or get your >> Digital SubscriptionDescribed as a “crowning achievement” of any Chinese bank note collection is this 1953 People’s Republic of China 10 yuan from the Ruth Hill collection.An extensive world currency collection assembled by Ruth W
Gold takes a beating
Of course, if you want to own gold, you don’t want gold-filled or gold-plated. There’s not much gold there. Nor is much gold when something has gold leaf applied to it
Failure to purchase
By Mike ThorneIn recent columns, I’ve been telling you about some of my major regrets in nearly 60 years of coin collecting. At the end of my last column, I had started telling you about coins that I should have bought but didn’t. In this column, I’ll finish what I started last month
Gold pieces star in Hollywood movie
When the Central States Numismatic Society celebrates its 75th Anniversary April 23-26 at its convention in Schaumburg, Ill., (open to the general public beginning April 24), attendees will have the opportunity to be among the first in the nation to view the movie “Alongside Night.” The film includes multiple elements of interest to numismatists and precious metals followers
Gold premiums rise while bullion declines
The IMF will provide $18 billion to Ukraine and an additional amount from other sources brings the total up to $28 billion over two years. The West has increased sanctions on Russia. I would bet that many Western leaders are hoping Putin will just stop and the aid will re-invigorate Ukraine
Treasurer marks $100 sheet as No. 1
This article was originally printed in Bank Note Reporter. >> Subscribe today or get your >> Digital Subscription By Nancy WilsonNancy Wilson with U.S
Coins mark start of WWI
This article was originally printed in World Coin News. >> Subscribe today or get your >> Digital SubscriptionBy Kerry RodgersPresumably 99.99 percent of World Coin News readers know this year marks the centenary of the outbreak of The War That Will End War, as H
Solid number note tops auction
This article was originally printed in Bank Note Reporter.>> Subscribe today or get your >> Digital SubscriptionA 1953 $2 Legal Tender note with solid serial numbers, A11111111A, in PMG 64 EPQ Choice Uncirculated took top honors, bringing $28,000 in Lyn Knight Currency Auctions sale, March 6-8. The sale, which was in conjunction with the Chicago Paper Money Expo at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill
Small show yields find
A Double Collar Cud is difficult to find. Though it is worth just $100, it took the author seven or eight years to find one on a 1974 Kennedy half dollar.For years I have been seeking out a larger size coin with Double Collar Cuds
Mint posts last-minute limits
usmint.govOrder limits were placed on National Baseball Hall of Fame commemoratives the day before their March 27 release.Telephone response levels to a mailed brochure prompted this