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Counting Down the Top 10 of 2013

Dec 22, 2013 | BEP, celebration, commentary, currency, Federal Reserve

It is that time of then when the pundit class of this country puts together their list of the best, worst, or most impactful stories of the year being concluded. There was even an advertisement on satellite radio about an upcoming show that will list the Top 10 moments in music for 2013. After a meeting of the Board of Directors for the Coin Collectors Blog (all three of us: me, myself, and I), the last ten days of the year will count down what we feel are the Top 10 Numismatic-Related Stories of 2013.

Number 10: Lew’s Lewpts

75th Secretary of the Treasury Jacob “Jack” Lew

In one of the more fun stories of 2013 started following the nomination of Jacob “Jack” Lew to succeed Timothy Geithner as Secretary of the Treasury. One of the “issues” surrounding Lew’s nomination was that his autograph was far from conventional. As one of the co-signers of U.S. currency, collectors became interested in what the new autograph would look like. On one hand there were the series of loops that Lew has passed off as his autograph even while a member of the White House staff. On the other was the alleged promise Lew gave the president to provide a clearer signature for U.S. currency.

Lew, whose autograph has been called “lewpty” and been compared to the decorative icing on a Hostess cupcake, made a promise to the president that he would do better with his penmanship. During his confirmation hearing, Lew told Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, that he promised the president he would do better. This did not satisfy those with an ironic sense for the different when a petition appeared on the White House website to “Save the Lewpty-Lew.”

MSNBC on-air comparison of Jack Lew’s autographs: the original Lewpts on the left and what will appear on U.S. currency to the right.

The other signature on U.S. currency is that of Rosa “Rosie” Gumataotao Rios, Treasurer of the United States. Rios was sworn in as Treasurer on August 20, 2009 and has served in that office ever since. Rios’s signature appears with former Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner on Series 2009 notes. Ironically, Geithner also changed his signature when he became secretary.

: Tim Geithner’s autograph before becoming Treasury Secretary.

: Tim Geithner’s signature as it appears on U.S. currency

Rosie Rios signature on the older (Series 2009) $100 Federal Reserve Note

Notes that will include Jack Lew’s signature will appear on all Series 2009-A notes.

Glad we were able to resolve this pressing issue!

He did it his way!

Dec 12, 2013 | celebration, coins, love token

Fly me to the moon
Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On a-Jupiter and Mars

Gift coin presented to guests at Sinatra’s 77th birthday bash at the Star’s Desert Inn casino

Francis Albert “Frank” Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915. He would have been 98 today.

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatra never graduated high school having been expelled for not being a good buy. While working as a riveter and delivering newspapers, Sinatra used to sing for tips—something he had done since he was eight years old. Eventually, Sinatra began signing at local clubs in Hoboken before becoming a professional singer in the 1930s.

Sinatra was a troublemaker throughout his career. Starting with his break-up with the Hoboken Four and subsequent disagreements with Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra went in the 1040s and the beginning of World War II as a capable musician but not liked amongst his peers. Although he was classified as 4-F for military service (“Registrant not acceptable for military service” by the draft board) because of a perforated ear drum, many active-duty entertainers and journalists hated that he flaunted his lifestyle while many were serving, even if they were just entertaining or acting as clerks without the fame or glamor.

Although Sinatra started to act in 1944 and co-starred with Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson in Anchors Aweigh, Sinatra returned to acting to help repair his image. He co-starred with Gene Kelly and Esther Williams in Take Me Out to the Ballgame to critical acclaim.

The best is yet to come, and wont that be fine
You think you’ve seen the sun, but you ain’t seen it shine

Modern Hobo Nickel based on the Hirschfeld portrait of Sinatra by AG

The 1950s brought Sinatra a series of hits that well lasted into the 1060’s. He was becoming known as one of the best crooners and was name “Top Male Vocalist” by Billboard, Down Beat, and Metronome magazines in 1957. His 1959 hit “High Hopes” lasted 17 weeks on the Hot 100 charts and remains a staple in children’s shows.

Sinatra was a his acting stride in 1960 when he starred with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford, the original “Rat Pack,” in Ocean’s Eleven. He appeared in 17 more movies until 1970. After 36 years in show business, Sinatra announced his retirement in 1970.

Of course he made a comeback playing concerts and making guest television appearances. Sinatra also sang for songs that appeared in movies and later appeared with other artists in duets. He was one of the recipients of the 1983 Kennedy Center Honors with Katherine Dunham, James Stewart, Elia Kazan, and Virgil Thomson.

Sinatra’s last public concert was held in Japan in December 1994. The last time he sang for an audience was at a private part for the closing night of the Frank Sinatra Desert Classic golf tournament in February 1995. He ended the show singing “My Way.”

After that show he began reducing his appearances and stopped appearing publicly following a heart attack in February 1997. He died in May 1998 following a second heart attack at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at 82 years old.

Frank Sinatra courted controversy throughout his life. Although a later release of FBI files showed he had almost no ties to organized crime, Sinatra embraced that controversy in order to overcome his own insecurities and to gain acceptance and access to what was then mob-controlled Las Vegas, where he saw great success. In fact, the Gaming Hall of Fame inducted Sinatra as a member in 1997.

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I traveled each and ev’ry highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.

Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

77th Birthday coin courtesy of Deans and Franks.com. Scroll down this page to find this coin for sale on their site.
Hobo Nickel by AG can be found on this page.

U.S. Mint gets into the holiday sales spirit

Dec 7, 2013 | BEP, coins, currency, news, US Mint

While the products that the U.S. Mint can offer are restricted to what congress allows them to do by law, it does not mean that congress controls how the U.S. Mint markets and sells its numismatic products. To try to get more people to buy its products, the U.S. Mint has made a series of announcements,

Free is still better

U.S. Mint’s Black Friday and Cyber Week sale of FREE SHIPPING for items sent via standard shipping that was supposed to end at 5:00 PM ET today, December 6th, has been extended to5:00 PM ET on December 17th. The U.S. Mint cited they are doing this for holiday “shoppers seeking online deals and discounts.” December 17 is also the first day of sale of the 2013 Teddy Roosevelt Coins and Chronicles set. Those interested in the Coins and Chronicles set can have it shipped free if they order the set on December 17.

New brick and mortar storefront

Last month, the U.S. Mint “partnered” with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing by cross advertising each other’s products on their websites. Essentially, these Department of the Treasury bureaus created a page on their respective websites pointing to each other.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing Washington, D.C. Headquarters

In a move that those of us with experience working with the Department of the Treasury considers astounding, the public store at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on 14th Street SW in Washington, D.C. will now sell U.S. Mint products. Selling coins and medals at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing store will add a news sales outlet after closing the kiosk at Union Station earlier this year. Visitors to BEP will be able to purchase all of their current numismatic products after taking the fascinating tour of the world’s largest paper currency manufacturer.

Credit for this move can probably be given to Deputy Director and Acting Director of the U.S. Mint Richard Peterson, Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Larry Felix, and Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios. What makes this interesting is that Peterson and Felix are career government employees and were not appointed by the President.

Peterson began his work with the U.S. Mint in 2009 when he was hired as their Associate Director of Manufacturing.

Felix, a long-term professional employee of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, has been the bureau’s Director since January 2006.

Although Rios was appointed by President Obama and took office in August 2009, has not been the prototypical political appointee. Rios has been outspoken in her support of the numismatic community and seeks out ways to participate. She is a staple at coin and currency shows autographic Series 2009 $1 Federal Reserve Notes that bear her signature—something she calls “Rosi notes.&rdquots; It would not be surprising to learn she was instrumental in making this cross-bureau initiative happen.

Get your Rosie Dollars autographed

Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios

Speaking of Treasurer Rosie Rios, she will be at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Washington Visitor Center on 14th Street at the corner of C Street. Rios held an autograph session on December 6 and will hold another on Friday, December 20 from 10:00 AM to noon. Although the announcement sent to the press did not mention limits, those managing her appearances usually limits autograph requests to two notes per person.

The BEP will allow visitors to exchange notes on site and have a supply of new $100 Federal Reserve Notes to purchase for Rios’s autograph. Having a $100 note autographed by Rios would be interesting. Many people may not spend $100 to set aside for this type of collectible making it possible that it could increase in value. How many speculators will there be at her next autograph session?

Last chance!

As we approach the end of the year, the U.S. Mint announced that they will be ending sales of the 2013 5-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Program and Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Silver Dollar. Also on the last chance are 2012 coin sets, 2012 Platinum American Eagles, and 2012 First Spouse coins.

Will you trade $100 for a new $100 note to have it autographed by Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios?

Summary of November coin-related legislation

Dec 4, 2013 | coins, legislative, policy, US Mint

Cue the crickets…

There were no bills introduced, discussed or voted on by congress in November.

Regardless of the side of the political aisle you sit there is no denying that congress’s approval ratings being at an an all time low is not surprising. In the context of numismatics, congress decides what is produced making those of us interested in the numismatic market a watcher of congress as closely as the spot prices of precious metals. The monthly article describing the monthly legilsative activity in congress is from watching what may be in the pipeline for future products from the U.S. Mint.

Just so there is something to report, here is a list of the coin-related legislation and its status for the 113th congress:

Signed into Law

Believe it or not, there has been some law making in this congress. The following has passed both the House of Representatives and Senate and has be signed by the President of the United States into law:

H.R. 1071: To specify the size of the precious-metal blanks that will be used in the production of the National Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coins.

Sponsor: Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY)

• This bill is a technical change to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act.

• Signed by the President on May 17, 213

• This bill became Public Law 113-10

See the information about this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1071

Passed in the House of Representatives

Bills introduced and passed in the House of Representatives are sent to the Senate for consideration. The following bill passed the House and is awaiting action in the Senate:

H.R. 2754: Collectible Coin Protection Act

Sponsor: Rep. George “G.K.” Butterfield, Jr. (D-NC)

• To amend the Hobby Protection Act to make unlawful the provision of assistance or support in violation of that Act

• Introduced: Jul 19, 2013; Referred to House Energy and Commerce Committee

• Passed in the House of Representatives: Jul 30, 2013 (voice vote)

• Received in the Senate: July 31, 2013; Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr2754

Introduced in the House of Representatives

Coin-related bills introduced in the House of Representatives are usually referred o the House Committee on Financial Services. Bills referred to other committees are noted in the following list of bills introduced in the House:

H.R. 77: Free Competition in Currency Act of 2013

Sponsor: Rep. Paul Broun Jr. (R-GA)

• To repeal the legal tender laws, to prohibit taxation on certain coins and bullion, and to repeal superfluous sections related to coinage.

• Introduced on January 3, 2013

• Referred to the Financial Services, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary Committees on January 3, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr77

H.R. 220: Stop the Coin Act

Sponsor: Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)

• To limit the face value of coins that the Secretary of the Treasury may issue.

• Introduced on January 14, 2013

• Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services on January 14, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr220

H.R. 627: National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN)

• To provide for the issuance of coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service.

• Introduced: February 13, 2013

• Referred to the House Financial Services Committee on February 13, 2013

Track this bill at

H.R. 1218: Commemorative Coins Reform Act of 2013

Sponsor: Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI)

• To prohibit the payment of surcharges for commemorative coin programs to private organizations or entities

• Introduced: March 15, 2013

• Referred to the House Financial Services Committee on March 15, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1218

H.R. 1653: Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Rep. James Renacci (R-OH)

• Introduced: April 18, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1653

H.R. 1719: Cents and Sensibility Act

Sponsor: Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH)

• To amend title 31, United States Code, to save the American taxpayers money by immediately altering the metallic composition of the one-cent, five-cent, dime, and quarter dollar coins, and for other purposes.

• Introduced: April 24, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1719

H.R. 1905: Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Rep. David McKinley (R-WV)

• Introduced: May 9, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1905

H.R. 2366: World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO)

• Introduced: June 13, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr2366

H.R. 2633: Thirteenth Amendment Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL)

• To require the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which officially marked the abolishment of slavery in the United States.

• Introduced: July 9, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr2633

H.R. 2760: Panama Canal and Pan-Pacific Exhibition Centennial Celebration Act

Sponsor: Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

• To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and the Panama Canal

• Introduced: July 19, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr2760

H.R. 2932: United States Coast Guard Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT)

• To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the United States Coast Guard.

• Introduced: August 1, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr2932

H.R. 3146: Savings, Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (SAVE) II Act

Sponsor: Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL)

• To take steps to reduce the deficit of the Federal Government.

• Sec. 8. Prohibition On Non-Cost Effective Minting and Printing Of Coins and Currency

• Introduced: September 18, 2013

• Referred to many committees including the Committee on Ways and Means

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr3146

Sponsor: Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

• To improve the circulation of $1 coins, to remove barriers to the circulation of such coins.

• Introduced: October 22, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr3305

Introduced in the Senate

Even though financial bills are constitutionally required to begin in the House of Representatives, it is not beneath the Senate to introduce their own legislation or concurrent bills with the House. Coin-related bills introduced in the Senate are usually referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The bills introduced in the Senate are as follows:

S. 94: To terminate the $1 presidential coin program

Sponsor: Sen. David Vitter (R-LA)

• Introduced on January 23, 2013

• Referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on January 23, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s94

S. 203: Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Sen. Robert “Rob” Portman (R-OH)

• A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

• Introduced on January 31, 2013

• Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on January 31, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s203

S. 768: Sound Money Promotion Act

Sponsor: Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)

• A bill to treat gold and silver coins used as legal tender in the same manner as United States currency for taxation purposes.

• Introduced: April 18, 2013

• Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s768

S. 1011: Boys Town Centennial Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE)

• A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of Boys Town

• Introduced: May 22, 2013

• Referred to the Senate Committee on Finance

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s1011

S. 1105: Currency Optimization, Innovation, and National Savings Act

Sponsor: Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)

• To improve the circulation of $1 coins, to remove barrier to the circulation of such coins

• Introduced: June 6, 2013

Track this bill at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s1105

S. 1158: National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

Sponsor: Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)