Weekly World Numismatic News for August 9, 2020
The U.S. Mint does it again by shutting out collectors with an unannounced change in procedures.
According to reports, 95 of the 2019-S American Silver Eagle Enhanced Reverse Proof did not sell the first time because of an alleged glitch. Rather than letting the general public know that the coins were available, they snuck it onto their website and sent messages to people who signed up for reminders only.
The U.S. Mint did not send the message to everyone on their reminder list. Only to those people who signed up for when the coin would be available again.
So let me get this straight. If you’ve signed up for the U.S. Mint reminder services but not for restocking notice, you did not get notified. But if you signed up for a restocking notice after the U.S. Mint announced that all 30,000 coins sold, you were sent a notice.
From the poorly designed website with a bad ordering experience to the sneaking the surplus coins by the general public, the U.S. Mint is not endearing itself to the collecting public.
How can the hobby expect to attract more collectors if the source of coins makes it difficult to purchase their products?
And now the news…
July 29, 2020
→ Read more at canadiancoinnews.com
August 3, 2020 → Read more at bbc.com
August 4, 2020 → Read more at timesnownews.com
August 4, 2020 → Read more at thestacker.com
Dispelling Rumors: ANA Website
NOTE: This is a personal statement as the author of this blog. I do not speak for the ANA or any person and entity mentioned below. The ANA’s official statement can be read here, on their website
During the last few days, users of online numismatic forums have been reporting that their credit card information was stolen have conjectured that the recent technical issues that have caused problems with the American Numismatic Association website was to blame. Although the ANA website has had technical issue, there is no evidence that credit card or other personal information was compromised during this time.
Earlier this year, the ANA Board of Governors decided that it was time to consider upgrading their technology infrastructure to support growth of the organization and to support the new generation of members comfortable with being online. Working with the Governor Greg Lyon, a committee of ANA members with technical backgrounds was formed to advise the Board of Governors as to how to proceed. As a longtime critic of the ANA’s use of technology, I was asked to join the committee.
The committee consists of dedicated ANA members with a varied background in the technology industry. The committee is led by James Reinders of Intel with the Web Services Subcommittee chaired by Bill Hyder and I chair the Infrastructure Subcommittee—taking over from Jeff Shevlin who resigned to become the ANA’s Executive Director. For those who do not know, I have been working in the computing industry for over 30 years with over 20 years in information security, the last 15 years with the federal government.
The Technical Committee is answerable to the Board of Governors and required to provide periodic reports to the Board. A report was made during a Board session in Philadelphia that described the committee’s past, present, and future activities. One of those activities was advising the current ANA staff working on the issues that was experienced with the current website.
In working to resolve the issues, the Technical Committee found the ANA staff to be professional, competent, and capable. They were able to fix the problems and get the website back working to its full functionality overcoming some very interesting challenges. The issues the ANA staff faced was caused by issues with the technology and not with a security incident—there was no security incident.
It is unfortunate that attendees to the World’s Fair of Money had their credit card information stolen. I had this happen many years ago with a telephone credit card and had to deal with a bill full of overseas calls worth thousands of dollars. Even with the advances in fraud detection, I know that it is not only difficult to deal with and I know it feels like a virtual punch in the gut. However, the cause of their problem was NOT the ANA website.
REVIEW: NGC Coin Details
Source: ngccoin.com via CoinsBlog on Pinterest
Just before the World’s Fair of Money, Numismatic Guarantee Corporation announced a new app, NGC Coin Details for both the iPhone and Android devices. The free app, which can be downloaded from the AppStore for the iPhone and Google Play for Android, provides verification of the certification of any NGC graded coin either by scanning the barcode or entering the serial number.
In addition to the verification service, the app provides coin details, images if they are available, pricing information, description and analysis, and upcoming auction information if it exists. The app is consistent with the look and feel of NGC’s website and provides most of the information they claim.
This review is based on the app for the iPhone but was told that the Android version is similar in look and feel. If someone wants to contribute a review of the Android version of the app including screenshots, please contact me to make the arrangements.
Testing of this app was performed at the World’s Fair of Money but only one set of images were taken while scanning “cheap slabs.” Some dealers became upset with my taking out the phone and pointing it at the coin. I then began to ask dealers if I could try out the app without a lot of success. One dealer accused me of attempting to create a diversion to steal his coins even after I asked for permission, offered my business card, and showed him the NGC app. Although I did not ask, these images were taken at the table for Wayne Herndon Rare Coins with Wayne sitting nearby. I did not want to disturb Wayne since it looked like he was making a nice sale—he deserves my hearty THANKS!
The app opens with a quickly disappearing splash screen and then a page that asks to click on the plus butting to verify a new coin. I do not know why it does not go directly into the verification process, but it does let the user know that if they want to verify a new coin where to go. It then brings up a screen that allows the entering of a certification number from the label or allows the scanning of a barcode.
Barcode scanning is a very nice feature when it works. However, with this app, I found that whether it works depends on the age of the label. New or newer labels that I believe were created since around 2007 can be read by the app. While these may be the most prevalent labels found, it is fortunate that NGC serial numbers are short and they bring up a digital keypad for data entry. Using a keypad-only interface is very helpful in those circumstances.
Several coins I tried had complete information including most Morgan and Peace Dollars, Buffalo Nickels, and current series pre- and post-1964 striking. It was very easy to use, especially for coins whose barcodes were scannable by the app. Where the app was not as good were for coins in older slabs whose barcodes could not be scanned. For those coins, there were missing detail information including some variety information that was found when scanning a similar coin in a newer slab. This was interesting to see the difference in how the app reacted when scanning similar Morgan Dollars of the same year and mintmark.
Pricing information was missing from many coins that were manually entered. This is one example.[/caption]It is understandable that some coins may not have images in the NGC database, but when a relatively common coin does not have a price details, one begins to wonder. In the example that was captured, the 1985-S proof Roosevelt Dime should have come up with price guide information. In fact, many modern proofs did not show pricing information even if they were scanned.
Another missing feature is the description and analysis of many coins that are not considered “classic.” Very few modern coins that were tried had description and analysis information while I found that series that ended before the coinage that was in place in 1964 (e.g., Mercury Dimes, Buffalo Nickels, Standing Liberty Quarters, etc.) had description and analysis information. Some of the Variety Plus information was available, but I was only able to try the app on a few coins where the information would show up.
While the app worked without issue, the problem is the data that NGC is using to feed the app. There was missing information and no prices. There was a difference between the data received from a scanned barcode versus on entered manual. And one would expect that the Variety Plus information for a Washington Dollar include missing edge lettering or doubled edge lettering issues that they have found while grading these coins. Also, how difficult would it be to enter a generic series-based description for some of the coins like the Presidential Dollars. This might be something NGC could consider on the backend if the description and analysis field is empty.
In grading the graders the review had to take everything into consideration and came up with a grade of MS65*. It deserves the star for the great eye appeal and the better than an MS64 because when it scanned the barcode it was wonderful. But points were lost for a lot of missing descriptions, missing pricing on some coins, and failing to scan older labels. While NGC could fix the first two on their servers, the scanning issue could be an issue with the application. I look forward to seeing if they can fix it in their next update.
Screen Shots
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- Opening screen of the NGC Details app showing where to begin.
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- Certificate Entry Screen
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- Scanning a barcode, in this case a 2007-D Washington Dollar
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- The app found the barcode and entered the serial number in the box. Just press the “Go” button
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- The certificate verified and we are presented information about the coin in the slab.
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- Specifications of the coin from NGC
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- Description and Analysis information including Variety Plus information, both missing from the NGC system.
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- Pricing information provided by Numismedia.
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- It was surprising to see auction information for this coin, but NGC did have some information, which was nice.
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- It was difficult to scan older slabs. I wonder if there was a change in barcode formats that the app does not account for?
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- Manually entering the certificate number was not that bad except for those of us with not so young eyes would appreciate more flexibility in the scanning process.
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- The certificate verified.
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- Specifications of our proof Roosevelt Dime was pretty much what was expected
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- Pricing information was missing from many coins that were manually entered. This is one example.
ANA Needs to Reconsider Convention Schedule
After many years of fighting a few health issues, I attended my first World’s Fair of Money since the 2008 show in Baltimore. It was worth the time I had taken off from work to drive to Philadelphia to attend this show, especially since it was close enough to drive.
Philadelphia may not be as easy for some to attend like it was for many of us on the east coast. While there were companies and dealers from west of the Mississippi in attendance, those walking the bourse were markedly east coast oriented. There seemed to be a nice crowd drawn from the Philadelphia area and the region extended as far north as New York City and the Washington, DC area.
I know that the numismatic world extends beyond the megalopolis known as the Northeast Corridor, but dealers have mentioned that this is a good area for the numismatic business. More than one have said that with the World’s Fair of Money being in Chicago the next five years, it is good that the Whitman Baltimore Expo will continue to draw the northeast.
As I was talking with dealers, it was common for them to complement Whitman on putting on the Baltimore show and not being happy with the ANA for the upcoming (CORRECTED) 5 three year run in Chicago. Few have issues with Chicago, but nearly every dealer says that not having a rotating show may make it difficult to reach new customers.
One thing that was striking on Saturday was the number of parents walking the bourse floor with children. Some children were trying to get their Numismatic Passport stamped while others were exploring the world of money to earn their merit badge or even have something new to talk about. There were even parents who attended with small children who were less interested than their parents.
I say “parents” because there were mothers and fathers in almost equal numbers. At several tables, I was able to talk with kids and parents showing them some of the finer points of the meaning behind the money. Imagine lighting up the parents of a pair of Scouts explaining the anti-counterfeiting mechanisms of some of the foreign currency they were looking at.
Being able to sit with someone who can explain more of what they are looking at is an experience that cannot be duplicated in this age of online shopping. There is also an aspect of connecting with the numismatic community that is important for collectors to experience the coin show, especially a show like the World’s Fair of Money.
But next summer and the four succeeding summers, the World’s Fair of Money will not tour the United States meeting collectors everywhere but will be centered in one area. While the Rosemont area is not amongst the most exciting, it is near several suburbs that could draw people. But what about new people? What about new people who could be new collectors or find long time collectors and bring them back into the hobby?
I suggest that the ANA Board of Governors remedy this situation by ending the Chicago run after next summer. I do not think it serves the ANA, the members, or the collecting community to continue with this misguided policy.
World’s Fair of Money Wrap-Up
Saturday in Philadelphia was a short day. After spending the morning trying get my act together, I went to the show. The table I was working was empty but the literature was left anyway. I sat for an hour before walking the bourse floor again.
After strolling around I came across a currency dealer who was not the friendliest person in the world, but I was able to buy a 3-note sheet of Antarctica $1 commemorative notes with consecutive serial numbers starting with “001.” These are for my wife who likes the weather colder than anything we get in the Washington, DC area. I cannot say I blame her because most summers are humid and unbearable. Sometimes, I would rather be with the penguins that are pictured on those notes.
One of the highlights of the day and the show was meeting David Fanning of Kolbe & Fanning. I have been on their mailing list for a while and tried to participate in a mail bid sale or two, but have not been successful. This time, I found a book titled Paper Money in Maryland 1727-1789 by Kathryn L. Beherens, Ph.D. The book was printed by Johns Hopkins Press in 1923 and even though the cover seems to be falling apart, the pages are still “stuck” together at the top as if the book was never read. I have been carefully going through the book separating the pages because I plan to read it. Then I will go through my own research into Maryland colonial currency and update what I have previously written.
Another highlight is meeting Kurt from SAFE Collecting Supplies, one of the blog advertisers. I passed the SAFE table and noticed they had large-sized currency sleeves that could fit the 1912 very large Russian notes. I have been looking for sometime to hold a few of those notes that used to belong to my late paternal grandfather and these sleeves looked perfect. After talking with Kurt for a few moments, he recognized my name on my show badge and we did the introductions. Aside from being happy to meet an advertiser, I know where to find these and other specialty-sized sleeves in the future.
While there were a few dealers who packed up early, there were quite a few who stayed and welcomed the curiosity buyers who came to the show. In fact, Saturday seemed to be kids day at the show. With a number of moms and dads in tow, kids went around the floor with their Numismatic Passports getting stamps, free coins, and finding different items. I had even taken the opportunity to show a small group some interesting features of foreign currency including a polymer note.
I will have more on this in a future post, but I think the American Numismatic Association is doing itself a disservice keeping the show in one city. You would not have this crowd of Philadelphia-area children and their parents visiting the show if it were in Chicago. The ANA has to figure out a way to balance the needs of the dealers to provide a prime selling venue and what is best for the hobby. But that is a discussion for the future.
I spent a little time at the PAC table, even though others have gone home, and then I left the convention center to head home.
On Arch Street outside of the convention center on the sidewalk next to the Reading Terminal Market was the Pennsylvania Dutch Festival. There was even a small band. When I passed by, they were playing the classic Foggy Mountain Breakdown. If you are interested in seeing my walk-by video that happened to upload upside-down, you can see it on yfrog.
Not only does the ANA put on a good show, but the people of the Philadelphia, including the Red Rose Coin Club who was the sponsoring club, did a great job. Congratulations to all!
I hope I was able to bring those who could not attend along with me. Pictures are still available on Pinterest and hope that it is enticing enough to convince you to attend an ANA show in the future. The next show is the last Fall edition of the National Money Show in Dallas, October 18-20, 2012. You should consider attending!
A Busy Friday at the WFM
Friday at the World’s Fair of Money was my shopping day. I spent a lot of time walking the bourse floor looking at the various tables thinking about my current goals.
I am working on a special set of currency that will be used for a future exhibit, so I made a beeline to a few currency dealers. I met Steve from Florida. He was formerly from northern New Jersey but moved to Florida a few years ago to get away from the rat race. I had a great time going through the currency at his table. When I explained what I was looking for, Steve was great in showing me items that would fit my theme.
All the dealers I visited were wonderful. I was even able to take a close look at a note I want but cannot afford. I love the $10 Buffalo note that was issued in 1901 (sorry, I forgot the Pick or FR number). The dealer I spoke with said that he would show it to me but I would have to give him the chance to sell me one when I was ready to buy. It was a deal I could not pass.
Now that I had some currency and some coins, I went on a trading binge. I was able to make some trades to upgrade some of the notes and pick up new ones. At one point I found a Morgan Dollar that I recognized was a significant variety in a slab that was unattributed. Even though I am far from being an expert in Morgan Dollar VAMs, I remember reading something about it during my travels. After a quick trip to the NGC table to verify what was in their unattributed slab, I found a dealer interested in VAMs and sold the coin at a nice profit.
So with that money, I was off to the Royal Canadian Mint booth to buy their Philadelphia souvenir set, a gift for my wife, and to other booths where negotiating is difficult to non-existent.
In the middle of the day, the good people at Krause Publications cut a cake celebrating their 60th Anniversary. Doing the honors was former Editor and Publish Cliff Mishler and the current Editor-in-Chief of Numismatic News Dave Harper. While I opted out of a piece of cake, I was given a special KP 60th Anniversary token and an S-Mint quarter as their special giveaway.
I did miss the announcement while shmoozing around the floor that United States Treasurer Rosie Rios was in the area between the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing booths autographing currency. Rather than keeping her head down and autographing currency, Treasurer Rios was smiling and engaging to the people getting autographs. It looked like she was genuinely enjoying meeting the people and signing their currency. I have read interviews with Treasurer Rios who said that she is humbled by the attention and enjoys meeting the people. Too bad I didn’t think about it earlier to get on line.
On Friday, I was told I forgot about the revival of the Society of Bearded (S.O.B.) Numismatists that was held on Thursday—and I would qualify as a member! I have to figure out how to join this group!
In the evening I attended the American Numismatic Association Banquet. I sat next to a very nice family and a couple from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in town to volunteer at the show. I was also at the table with the YN Exhibit Award Winner Morgan Fatora. To say Morgan was happy would be an understatement.
Saturday is the last day. I am only staying part of the day before heading home. Continue to follow me on Twitter and the pictures on Pinterest for the short time I will be at the show.
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