Weekly World Numismatic News for May 26, 2019
In the argument as to whether to get rid of cash in favor of credit cards and electronic payments just took an interesting twist this week. According to a study by LendEDU.com, a website that specializes in loan comparison and education, credit and debit cards are dirtier and carry more germs than currency and coins.
LendEDU reported that they “used a scientific device that tests for bacteria on a given surface.” Their publication did not disclose the device that they used. And based on the results, the tests were performed in New York City.
On average, NYC CitiBike (a bicycle sharing service), McDonald’s door handles, a park bench, and a parking meter had more bacteria than the average credit card. But they did find that the credit card was dirtier than a Penn Station bathroom, cash, coins, and a subway pole.
With all due respect to LendEDU, did they find the most remote bathroom in Penn Station and test it after someone did their quick wipe down? And did they test the pole on the subway car after someone used that bathroom and washed their hands if the sink worked?
Aside from being a proponent for using the products produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint, I am a native New Yorker and one-time commuter from Long Island. These findings are difficult to believe, especially the low score for the subway pole. I have taken the A Train. I would not have a sandwich without washing my hands after getting off the train!
It is a fun story but hardly a credible test.
If you would excuse me, I have to check the level of the big bottle of hand sanitizer next to the cash register!
And now the news…
May 22, 2019That credit or debit card in your wallet is apparently dirtier than you might have suspected. 
→ Read more at foxbusiness.com
May 23, 2019MONTREAL, May 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ – In 1969, Plastic Ono Band (John Lennon and Yoko Ono) recorded Give Peace A Chance, an anti-war anthem for generations of pacifists and music fans around the world. The song was recorded live from Lennon and Ono’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel suite in downtown Montreal → Read more at finance.yahoo.com
May 24, 2019The recent discovery of two ancient Spanish coins near Halls Crossing excited archaeologists at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, who wondered whether they offered evidence that Spanish explorers, possibly in search of mythical cities of gold, passed through Utah centuries ago. → Read more at sltrib.com
May 25, 2019A US-made collectable coin lists Britain and France among the honored US allies in WWII, but, strangely, the Soviet Union, whose Red Army delivered a crushing blow to the Nazis in Europe and fought Japan, is omitted. → Read more at rt.com
May 25, 2019Apparently, the Soviet Union, whose soldiers hoisted a red flag over the Reichstag marking the liberation of most of Europe from the Nazis during World War II, is not a country that contributed to securing the "liberties" the Western states "enjoy today", per a US company which issued a souvenir commemorating the victory's upcoming anniversary. → Read more at sputniknews.com
What is [a] "Three Lens?"
I was looking at the US Mint’s online catalog Product Schedule page for when the James Madison Dollar Coins will be released (November 15). As I was scanning the list, I noticed that on October 25 (tomorrow), there are product called “Collector’s Box.” One says “Collector’s Box—Quarter Rolls.” and the other says “Collector’s Box-Dollar Coin Rolls.“ Based on the name, I suspect that these are boxed set of rolls for the complete 2007 set of 50 State Quarters and the Presidential $1 Dollar Coins.
However, one entry reads “Collector’s Box—Three Lens.” I’m stumped… what could “Three Lens” be? I know we will find out tomorrow, but I am curious today! Do you have a guess?
ANA Offers Classes In Baltimore
I visited the Whitman Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention website to verify the dates—I will go on Friday—so that I can let those I work with know my plans. On their front page, there is an announcement that the American Numismatic Association’s School of Numismatics will be offering Understanding Die Varieties and Coin Collecting 101 at the Baltimore show. Both classes will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center on Saturday, November 17 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tuition for both classes is $145 for ANA members or $165 for non-members.
Description of the courses from the ANA website:
Understanding Die Varieties
Designed for the novice or expert, this course focuses on the four major divisions of die varieties for 20th century U.S. coinage: design changes, mintmark styles, doubled dies and repunched mintmarks. Presentations in each area will include an explanation of the origin, major identifying features, cataloging systems and rarities for the “cherrypicker.” Walk away with new knowledge and a fresh enthusiasm for collecting die varieties!
Instructor: James Wiles, author of The Modern Minting Process and U.S. Minting Errors and Varieties: An ANA Correspondence Course.
Coin Collecting 101
Start collecting on the right foot with this expanded version of Coin Collecting Basics! This discussion-based seminar will begin with an overview of the history and role of money in civilization, then move quickly into collector-oriented topics such as the methods of grading, consumer awareness and the differences between collecting and investing in numismatic items. Come prepared with questions!
Instructor: Rod Gillis, ANA numismatic educator
To enroll, call the ANA at 719-632-2646 or visit their website.
Coin Week Theme Contest
The American Numismatic Association announced that the association is holding a contest to have its members select the team for National Coin Week, April 20-26, 2008. The contest is open to all ANA members and the top three suggestions will win numismatic prizes that will be announced in November. Submission deadline is November 30.
“National Coin Week will feature activities and exhibits that highlight youth across the globe. Submissions should reflect this topic by focusing on unity in a global society, and what role children and numismatics play in achieving this unity.” The theme for 2007 was The Presidents are Coming to celebrate the introduction of the Presidential $1 Coin Program.
The submission deadline is November 30. Include your theme idea and a brief description of why your submission should be chosen. Also include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and ANA member number. Mail, fax or e-mail your idea for a theme to:
American Numismatic Association
National Coin Week Coordinator
818 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Fax: 719-634-4085
E-mail: ncw@money.org
Monday Morning Fun
Do you have the Monday morning blahs? Do you need a small mental pick-me-up? Then don’t think about work. Go to Mental Floss and test you knowledge of the reverses of some of the 50 State Quarters. They show you 20 quarter reverses and you guess the state from a choice of two. I scored 19 out of 20 after not being able to remember the second coin.
Enjoy!
Bullion Back On Sale
Yesterday was a busy day in the coin industry. Aside from the announcements from the American Numismatic Association, the US Mint resumed selling bullion coins. The newly priced American Gold Buffalo and American Gold Eagle proof coins have had their prices adjusted and can now be ordered. Based on a comparison of the new price, the prices are up $75 per ounce. Gold closed at $767.80 on October 18.
Here are the new prices compared with the old:
| Coin(s) | Old Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| American Buffalo One Ounce 24 Kt. Gold Proof | $825.95 | $899.95 |
| American Eagle One-Ounce Gold Proof | $789.95 | SOLD OUT |
| American Eagle Half-Ounce Gold Proof | $399.95 | $459.95 |
| American Eagle Quarter-Ounce. Gold Proof | $209.95 | $239.95 |
| American Eagle Tenth-Ounce Gold Proof | $104.95 | $116.95 |
| American Eagle Four Coin Gold Proof Set | $1,449.95 | $1,649.95 |
It’s a good thing I received my 2007-W proof Buffalo over the summer, before the prices went up!
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