POLL: Are you buying the new American Liberty gold coin?

2017-W American Liberty Gold Coin to be issued in celebration of the 225th Anniversary of the U.S. Mint

When the U.S. Mint made the announcement about the American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin, they mentioned that the coin will begin selling on April 6, 2017.

As a coin with one troy ounce of 24-karat gold, the coin will be at least the spot price of gold plus a premium to account for manufacturing costs and seigniorage (profit). Using the U.S. Mint’s pricing guidelines and their pricing chart, the price of the 24-karat Gold Buffalo Proof coin would be $1,540. However, given that this coin will require extra labor since it will be a high-relief coin and that the U.S. Mint will likely sell these coins in a fancy presentation box, the costs will likely to be higher. I would not be surprised to see these coins to sell at least $100 more than the gold Buffaloes.

What do you think? Will buy one of these coins?

Will you buy the 2017 American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin?

No, I do not buy or cannot afford a gold coin. (48%, 32 Votes)
I'm not sure. (18%, 12 Votes)
Absolutely! It's gorgeous! (15%, 10 Votes)
I probably will. (10%, 7 Votes)
May be, it might be a good investment. (9%, 6 Votes)

Total Voters: 67

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POLL: Are you interested in a numismatic newsletter?

NewsletterThose who follow me on Twitter or watch the widget in the sidebar on these pages can watch the coin, currency, and bullion-related stories I find on the Internet. Rather than find the stories from the regular numismatic sources, I try to find things reported in the non-numismatic media.

Some of you may not use Twitter, find it difficult to watch the timeline, and do not see some of the stories I find even if you are peering into my timeline using the widget. You might think that you are missing something interesting that you would not think about otherwise. Some of the recent stories I found include:

If there is an interest, I will create a weekly newsletter with a short introduction to the stories and links to where to find more information. For example, I would write a blurb about the Battle of Hastings 50p coins, maybe add a picture, and send links to the 2-to-3 sites I found stories about the coin.

Most of these stories will be new content probably not appearing on the blog or in the numismatic press—with the exception of the coin recyclers’ issues since I have more information than what is published. It also provides insights into what the press says about coins and currency.

Would you be interested in receiving a weekly newsletter with a summary of world wide numismatic news?




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NOTE: If the poll does not appear please click here.

POLL: Real or Real Fishy?

Yesterday I wrote about the announcement that the fifth edition of A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars by Q. David Bowers will include evidence that a 1964 Morgan Dollar exists or has existed. As part of their press release, they sent out an image of the cover with the coin. I questioned whether this is real given that their image appears to be of a circulated coin.

After the story posted I have heard from a few readers in private email (I wish you would post it to the page for everyone to read) strongly on one side or another. One person asked why I question the well-respected Q. David Bowers. I responded that just because he is respected does not mean he is not fallible. Bowers is still human and can make mistakes. Besides, we do not learn about our world if questions are not asked.

To add to the suspicion, if you look at the image carefully, there appears to be doubling in the portrait. Look at the left side of Liberty’s face in the image of the 1964 coin and see the doubled image. There is also doubling over Liberty’s throat. Compare it to a known mint state Morgan Dollar and the questions mount.

You decide! Click on the images to enlarge and use the slideshow controls to examine both coins. Do you see the doubling? Do you see the wearing? What do you think?
 

Do you think the report of the existence a 1964 Morgan Dollar is real?

No, it's a fish story to sell books. (40%, 10 Votes)
Maybe but I am just not sure. (24%, 6 Votes)
Let's wait and see when the book is released. (24%, 6 Votes)
Given the source of the information it has to be real. (12%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 25

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Credits

POLL: What do you collect?

2015 Canada Bugs Bunny $20 Silver Coin

From my collection, a 2015 Canada Bugs Bunny $20 for $20 Silver Coin

Throughout the life of this blog, I have revealed a lot about myself and my collection. I do not mind sharing but every so often I would like to know something about you. Based on my logs, I know the blog has attracted new readers over the last few years for which I thank you for joining my little corner of the Internet world. But what do you like? If you are a long time reader, has your collection changed?

I am asking for two reasons: first, I am curious. I know that my tastes are different from yours and I am curious about yours. There is no wrong answer to this question because whatever you like to collect is right for you. It should not matter what anyone thinks of your collection because it’s your collection and you are the one that has to be happy with it. I want to know what makes you happy.

The second reason is so I know a little about who is reading the my blog. It will allow me to could tailor some content to your tastes. It is good for me to stretch out of my comfort zone a bit to learn about something else. But I want to do so in a way that I can write about it and someone will have an appreciation for the content.

The poll is anonymous. The usual set of website logs are kept on the server but it does not identify you or how you voted. Comments are encouraged and moderated only to prevent spam. If you are reading this from a site that aggregates web content, you will have to visit the page on my site in order to participate.

What do you collect? (select as many as you want)














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POLL: Do more series?

Counterfeit €2 coins were found in Italy.

Counterfeit €2 coins were found in Italy.

The problem with counterfeiting has been getting worse. Even though congress passed the Collectible Coin Protection Act, the added force of law has not dissuaded foreign counterfeiters from trying to scam the collecting public. In fact, it was reported that North Korea has cranked up its presses and is trying to flood the Chinese market with counterfeit currency.

With stories like this and how Europe is having a difficult time with the counterfeiting of £1 and €2 coins during a time of economic uncertainty had me considering what I could do to help the community.

Rather than just talk about the problems I decided that I would write about how help collectors understand what to do to protect themselves. This lead to the six-part series this past week about how you can check your coins to ensure that they are genuine. For some, the series may have been a rehash of old information. But sometimes seeing again may be a good refresher.

What do you think? Did you like the series? What did you (or did you not) like?

Do (or did) you like the series on Detecting Counterfeits?

Yes, I do! (78%, 7 Votes)
Sorry, this is not doing anything for me. (11%, 1 Votes)
It's OK but I really have no opinion. (11%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 9

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Would you like to see more information about other topics? Would you like me to go back to just blogging in single posts? Leave me a comment here with your suggestions.

And THANK YOU for being a reader!

POLL: Should we bring back the Buffalo nickel?

1913 Buffalo Nickel Type 2 RevAfter reporting about the petition to return the Buffalo nickel to circulation, I thought I would ask my readers. Since I have not updated the polls for a while, I thought this was a good topic to begin this week.

While I love the design by James Earle Fraser and have starting hoarding Buffalo nickels during my estate finds, I am not sure that this is a design that would work on today’s nickel. Collectors of Buffalo nickels can tell you that while a great design the elements do not wear well especially on critical high points, such as the buffalo’s horn.

Possibly a better idea is to bring back the design of the 2005 Westward Journey American Bison nickel. Aside from having a better portrait of President Thomas Jefferson than the one currently in use, the bison on the reverse appears to work better on modern coins. Maybe the bison can be given a new look, but it would be a better version for today’s market.

What do you think?

Should we bring back the Buffalo nickel?




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Westward Journey nickel imaged courtesy of the U.S. Mint.

POLL: Are there too many coin shows?

Not long ago an acquaintance asked if I was attending the National Money Show in Dallas. I said that I had wanted to but there was a conflict that prevented me. He said that it did not matter because there were too many shows and it does not pay to go to all of them.

Panorama of the 2013 National Money Show bourse floor at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans

Panorama of the 2013 National Money Show bourse floor at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans

I was a bit shocked.

When you enjoy something, there is never too many or too much. I try to go to as many coin shows as possible whether they are as large as the World’s Fair of Money or a local show with 30 tables that meets in a local hall. If I cannot be at a coin show, I love to go to car shows including ones where I can bring my vintage Mopar.

It is difficult to find a car show in the winter. Owners of classic, vintage and antique cars would rather park our babies under cover than take them out in bad weather. This is a good time to find all of the coin shows.

I woke up my baby this past weekend!

I woke up my baby this past weekend!

There are not enough coin shows, especially when the weather is not suitable for car shows. Since I have been attending these shows for a while, I know many of the local dealers at the smaller shows and a few more of the dealers at the larger shows. For me, this makes the show fun.

I asked why he thought there were too many he complained about the costs. He felt that he had to buy something at every show in order to justify his attendance.

When I go to a show, I have a budget I keep to, collecting goals for that day, and the knowledge that if I come home with money in my pocket I can still have a good day if I see people and talk about coins and collecting.

Maybe the problem with my acquaintance is that he sees going to shows as a buying trip while I look for the experience. He might consider talking to some of the people, make friends, and see if he could learn something from these dealers. Even if I do not spend money, if I learn something I will have had a good time.

What do you think?

Should there be more or less coin shows?





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POLL: Do you collect grading service labels?

In December, I coined a term “numismentos,” a portmanteau of numismatic+memento. I was reminded of that with the recent announcements from both major third-party grading services.

Professional Coin Grading Service announced that as part of their 30th Anniversary celebration that they created a series of labels for their slabs including a retro-green label similar to the first labels issued by PCGS 30 years ago. Some, like the Mark Twain “First Strike” label will only be available at shows like the recently held the Long Beach Expo.

The PCGS 30th anniversary label for silver (shown here) and gold 2016 First Strike American Eagles. (PCGS)

The PCGS 30th anniversary label for silver (shown here) and gold 2016 First Strike American Eagles. (PCGS)

An example of a PCGS special First Strike insert label for the 2016 10th anniversary of the gold Buffalo coins.

An example of a PCGS special First Strike insert label for the 2016 10th anniversary of the gold Buffalo coins.

PCGS has produced special First Strike – Long Beach Expo labels for the new silver $1 and gold $5 (shown here) 2016 Mark Twain coins.

PCGS has produced special First Strike – Long Beach Expo labels for the new silver $1 and gold $5 (shown here) 2016 Mark Twain coins.

An example of the PCGS 30th anniversary retro 1986-era green label insert.

An example of the PCGS 30th anniversary retro 1986-era green label insert.

Numismatic Guarantee Corporation continues their signature labels march adding Former Perth Mint Director Ed Harbuz to the list of signatures that includes Elizabeth Jones and John Mercanti. Of course NGC as its other numismento labels.

2016 Australia $1 Wedding silver proof coin with autograph label

2016 Australia $1 Wedding silver proof coin with autograph label

Former Perth Mint Director Ed Harbuz

Former Perth Mint Director Ed Harbuz

I was curious as to what my readers thought. Do you collect the labels? Do you look for the labels? Do you care? Take the survey and then weigh in with comments!

Do you collect slabs with special labels from the grading services?








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Credits

POLL: What about the Mark Twain commemoratives?

I am not a collector of commemorative coins except for when I am interested in the subject or the coin is intriguing. The last commemorative I purchased was the 2015 March of Dimes Silver Dollar because I loved the reverse design. I bought the 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Silver Proof dollar and clad half dollar because of the subject and the curved design.

But I am on the fence on the 2016 Mark Twain commemorative coins. Like many people, Adventures of Mark Twain and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were required reading in school. Aside from his literature, he was a fan of emerging technologies and befriended both Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. His novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court brings his interest into the fantasy of time travel, a very interesting book that does not get the credit it deserves.

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Gold $5 obverse

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Gold $5 obverse

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Gold $5 reverse

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Gold $5 reverse

Later in life after he encountered financial troubles, he embarked on speaking engagements to earn money. His speeches are very insightful and humorous that are worth reading. Twain published a compilation of his speeches in Mark Twain’s Speeches, which can be found in its entirety online.

Aside being a fan of Twain, of the two coins, I really like the design of the gold coin. You can look at that portrait and imagine him intently listening, as it has been documented he did, ready to provide his sharp and witty wisdom when you stopped. Looking at that portrait, I can only imagine what Twain would have said about his imaged appearing on coins. He would have been very amused!

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Silver Dollar obverse

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Silver Dollar obverse

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Silver Dollar reverse

2016 Mark Twain Commemorative Silver Dollar reverse

How do you feel about the Mark Twain commemorative coins? Are you going to buy them? What do you think?

Which of the Mark Twain commemorative coins did/will you buy? (select all that apply)

Mark Twain Proof Silver Dollar (25%, 13 Votes)
Mark Twain Uncirculated Silver Dollar (24%, 12 Votes)
Mark Twain $5 Gold Proof Coin (16%, 8 Votes)
I'm not sure. (16%, 8 Votes)
I do not buy commemorative coins (8%, 4 Votes)
Mark Twain $5 Gold Uncirculated Coin (6%, 3 Votes)
I am not interested in this commemorative coin (6%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 37

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Images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.

It’s Boxing Day!

No, not this kind of boxing!

No, not this kind of boxing!

Boxing Day is a secular holiday that is particular to the Commonwealth Realm. It appears that it is celebrated in the United Kingdom, all British colonies, and the commonwealth nations. Boxing Day is celebrated in countries that were former British colonies except for the United States. For those not familiar with Boxing Day:

Some historians say the holiday developed because servants were required to work on Christmas Day, but took the following day off. As servants prepared to leave to visit their families, their employers would present them with gift boxes.

Another theory is that the boxes placed in churches where parishioners deposited coins for the poor were opened and the contents distributed on December 26, which is also the Feast of St. Stephen.

In honor of Boxing Day, I ask:

Did you receive a numismatic-related gift for the holidays?

No, not this year. (54%, 7 Votes)
No, I bought my own gift. (23%, 3 Votes)
Yes, I receive collectible coins. (8%, 1 Votes)
Yes, I received some other numismatic item. (8%, 1 Votes)
Bah Humbug! (8%, 1 Votes)
Yes, I received collectible currency. (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 13

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Image courtesy of the Sports Memorabilia Museum.

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