Mar 3, 2006 | coins
In trying to catch up I was reading the US Mint Press Releases and noticed that the Denver Branch Mint celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Finding that interesting, I searched for an article from the Denver Post and found one with a picture that was identified from the 1950s or 1960s. The article said that the Denver Branch Mint produces over 30 million coins annually. That’s a lot of change!
I found a new Jefferson Nickel in my change today. The 2006-P coin was easy to notice, even with the reverse facing up in my hand, since it was very shiny. After the shine, I noticed the nice details made to the Monticello to bring out its highlights. Although I did not have a chance to carefully examine the coin, it appears as if the field has been made a little concave. But this could be an illusion because of the shine. I will examine the coin and get back to you on my impressions.
I am not sure I like the new portrait of Jefferson. There is something about this portrait that does not seem right. I will have to find a copy of the 1800 Rembrandt Peale portrait that this was based upon. But as I said in New at the US Mint, I prefer the Joe Fitzgerald design for the 2005 nickels. That portrait really ads a sense of character to Jefferson.
Finally, I received email notices from the US Mint, British Royal Mint, and the Royal Canadian Mint advertising various releases. Some of these offers look interesting. I will write more as I investigate further.
Feb 26, 2006 | coins
I apologize to those who wrote to me and did not receive an answer. We returned from Hawaii where I married my sweetheart and enjoyed a nice honeymoon. We are trying to readjust to east coast time and do our laundry.
One thing I tried to do in Hawaii was search through change and other purchasing opportunities for numismatic items. Although I missed the Hawaii All-Collectors’ Expo 2006 that included all types of collectibles, I tried to search for unique items.
First, I was disappointed in how things have changed. As little as 10 years ago, small shops and booths at the International Market Place had a variety of items that really shows the culture that makes up the people of Hawaii. Today, these booths and small sellers are awash with bland sameness. I walked through galleries in Lahina that was dominated with one artist. The independent booths all had the same mass produced souvenirs and less than fine jewelry from the same distributors. It made hunting for numismatics difficult.
But not impossible. Since I live on the east coast, I am used to seeing a lot of Philadelphia Mint coins in my change. When I paid for my first items on Maui, I was handed a handful of Denver minted coins. When I emptied my pockets at the hotel, I found a 2004-D and 2006-D Roosevelt Dimes. Both have been added to my circulated collection.
Rather than spending my change, I saved the coins in a small paper bag to bring back to the DC area. Once I search through the coins, I will put the rest back into circulation so that other area change pickers can have the pleasure of finding Denver-minted coins.
In the next few days, I will write about my finds. I will also write about the one nice collectible I found.
Feb 11, 2006 | coins
I was beginning to wonder if the Mint was producing 2006 coins. On Thursday, I received an email announcing the availability of Nevada quarter rolls and bags. But I had not seen any 2006 coins in change.
But it was like I hit the 2006 jackpot today. While running errands I received a Nevada quater and several 2006 Lincoln cents in change. The cents were obvious since the bright red shine immediately caught my eye. These were nice strikes and very clean fields with almost no scratches. The unique color and shine is something I find very appealing.
After arriving home, I emptied my pockets and examined my change. I admired the red cent again. Then I noticed a shining silver item, a quarter, in my pile of change. I turned it over and found the galloping horses representing Nevada. It was very fitting that the first coin I find from The Silver State was a very shiny silver. Yes, I know circulated quarters do not contain any silver. But it was still shiny.
Now if I can only find one of the new nickels.
Feb 7, 2006 | coins
I was going through some back email and found a note from the US Mint advertising the availability of the 2006 American Eagle Proof Bullion Coins. The American Eagle Bullion program was created in 1986 to provide investors a way to invest in precious metals. American Eagle coins are available in silver, gold, and platinum in uncirculated and proof coins. Gold and platinum Eagles consist of different weights and nominal denominations. But all silver Eagles are one ounce of fine silver with a nominal value of one dollar.
Although the intent of the program was not to create numismatic collectibles, the market dictated otherwise. One of the reasons has to be the images of Liberty used on the silver and gold coins. The American Silver Eagle recreates Adolph A. Weinman‘s Walking Liberty design used on the half-dollar 1916-1947, which is one of my favorite designs. The reverse is the Heraldic Eagle designed by Mint engraver John Mercanti. The Gold American Eagle uses the Augustus Saint-Gaudens‘ Double Eagle ($20) design used from 1907-1932 (a few 1933 coins have been recently found). Sculptor Miley Busiek created the reverse of the Gold American Eagles. These are beautiful designs that makes them very popular by world bullion collectors.
The design of the Platinum American Eagle recreates a design by John Mercanti that was used on the 1986 Statue of Liberty Commemorative Dollar. This is not one of Mercanti’s better designs and another should have been chosen. But the Mint makes up for the bland design by changing the reverse every year. Too bad the price of platinum puts this coin out of the price range for most collectors.
You can buy American Eagle proof coins from the Mint. If you want uncirculated strikes, they need to be purchased from a dealer. A few weeks ago, I responded to an ad from Littleton Coin Company to buy a small quantity of uncirculated first strike Silver Eagles. When I received them, they were every bit as beautiful as I expected. I will have one of the coins graded to add to my collection.
Aside from the aesthetic qualities, I like the investment opportunities of the precious metals. I am looking forward to the arrival of my proof Eagles.
Feb 3, 2006 | coins
Since I posted Encourage a Young Numismatist, I have heard from a few people wanting more information about numismatic collecting. It seems that a number of parents are reading the trade papers about high-priced auctions and worried that numismatics is not a hobby for their child. That could not be further from the truth.
I spoke with them of how I started by just collecting coins from change and how I still have those familiar blue Whitman folders my father purchased for me in 1971. I also mentioned that many coin shows offer grab bags for Young Numismatics (YNs) and that there are a number of dealers with “junk bins” that are filled with common coins at a low cost. Not only it is a great way to build a collection, but sometimes you can find some nice coins in those bins.
Another thing I suggested is to contact an organization that promotes young numismatists. Thanks to reader elite_investor, I passed along the web address of Young Numismatics of America (YNA). I also sent them to the Young Numismatics program with the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Both organizations have newsletters and other opportunities for YNs to learn.
During these conversations, I was asked for more information… more links to numismatic information. This was not a problem since I regularly surf the Internet looking for interesting numismatic information. So rather than blogging for the last week, I have been revisiting many of the websites to verify they exist and entering them in my Links notebook.
For now on, rather than just post the links I use in my blog entries, I am going to post links as I find them. I hope you find them useful.
Jan 28, 2006 | coins, foreign
I woke up this morning to the 1985 hit by Falco being played on a local classic rock station to celebrate the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In his day, Mozart was the 18th Century’s Elvis, John Belushi, and Beatles all rolled into one genius, but tragic figure. Since Mozart is a favorite of mine from that era of music, I wondered if there were any commemorative coins released in his honor.
My first stop was the Austrian Mint to see what they had to offer. There, I found that Mozart graces the reverse of the Austrian 1 Euro coin. I also found The official Collector’s Set for the Mozart Year 1991 memorializing the 200th anniversary of his death. The commemoratives are a series of four gold and silver coins. Two were dedicated to the operas “The Magic Flute” and “Don Giovanni.” The other two were dedicated to Salzburg and Vienna, where Mozart worked. But no 2006 commemoratives.
In keeping with the 200th anniversary of his death, I found a Turkish 50 thousand Lira coin at the Turkish Mint. Not being fluent in Turkish I do not understand the writing on the coin, but it is a very pretty design.
Then I went to eBay, where you can buy just about anything! I searched for “Mozart” in coins and found a 1991 gold 500 Franc coin from France commemorating Mozart in Paris, several 1991 Austrian 100 Shilling proof coins, various 1931 coins honoring his 175th birthday, and a German gold coin from 1991. Still, no 2006 commemorative for Mozart.
Another web search led me to the 2006 Austrian Mint Coin Release Schedule. There, it says that a 5 Euro circulating commemorative will be issued for Mozart on May 10, 2006. Otherwise, I found nothing else to suggest that a Mozart commemorative has been issued. Too bad!
Here is a project for a young numismatist: research and catalog all of the Mozart coins and medals that one could collect. In fact, finding other coins by topic, such as composers, might be a lot of fun. Too bad I do not have the time for this.
Jan 26, 2006 | coins
Over the weekend I spoke with my nephew who will be 13 this year. He told me of his interest in collecting quarters. He wants to find out how to find other coins and how to work with dealers. This has come after I had given him the 50 State Quarters map sold by the US Mint with what was then a current set of uncirculated quarters. Since then, he has accumulated more coins and is interested in finding more.
His interest was infectious. All he wanted to do was find more and do more. I told him to find a local dealer and talk with him about coins. But he wanted more information. There was only so much I could tell him on the phone, especially from the car!
Later in the evening, I took the opportunity to clean up back copies of Numismatic News and Coins by clipping various articles on quarters. I also found extra Texas and West Virginia quarters in my collection, ones my nephew said he is missing. I packaged everything and mailed it earlier today. I am sure he will like what I sent!
Should you know a youngster interested in coins, do what you can to encourage him or her. Even if they are collecting from change, give them more to look through. Buy them the ubiquitous blue Whitman folder for their new collection. You will not only have a new connection with that young numismatist, but you will help build the hobby. Happy Collecting!
Jan 22, 2006 | coins, US Mint
In previous blog entries I have said that I liked the trend in the designs of new coins. I have said that I disagreed with others that we should not go back to depictions of Liberty on our coinage. While I will agree that some designs in the 50 State Quarters program are not very artistic, some are phenomenal like the Charter Oak of Connecticut. But it is an exciting program and I cannot wait to see this year’s coins.
Having read interviews with artists and engravers, and meeting Joe Fitzgerald, I understand how difficult it is to design and execute the design on a piece of metal that fits in the palm of a hand. I do not know if I can do better, but I would assume a professional engraver working for the Mint would understand how to just “get it right.” Unfortunately, the engraver who did the Benjamin Franklin “The Founding Father” commemorative did not do a good job. The engraver is not identified on the Mint’s website. With all due respect, the portrait depicts an old man and not the strength and wisdom of a gentleman of Franklin’s stature.
According to the Mint’s website, the “image is based on a bust originally executed by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon in 1778.” If we look at the bust by Houdon and the coin side-by-side, the coin has Franklin’s neck looking like he has a goiter and his eyes are wrinkled and tired looking. Houdon’s bust shows a stronger face of an older gentleman without Franklin’s neck having to held in by his collar and strong eyes without the wrinkles that appear on the coin.
Even if you take perspective and lighting into consideration, the coin shows Franklin’s neck out of proportion. The result is that the image does not seem to properly represent the man the coin commemorates. If there was a problem executing this coin, the Mint could have use the design of the Franklin Half Dollar by John R. Sinnock. That design was less wrinkled and better executes the bust by Houdon.
I am sorry the Mint did such a bad job with this coin. I hope they do better in the future!
Jan 18, 2006 | coins
I want to wish Benjamin Franklin a belated 300th birthday! Aside from being a statesman and former ambassador to France, Franklin was a scientist, musician, philosopher, and inventor who continues to have great impact on our lives after inventing bifocals, the lightning rod, and the first odometer. He was truly a remarkable man.
Yesterday, Franklin’s birthday, the US Mint began taking pre-issue orders for the Franklin commemorative coins. The pre-issue prices will end at 5:00 PM (Eastern) on March 14, 2006. Authorized by Public Law 108-464, surcharges from the program will be forwarded to the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission of the Franklin Institute to commemorate Franklin’s tercentenary and to educate the public about his legacy.
Two commemoratives are being minted in this program. Both proof and uncirculated strikes will be 90-percent silver coins with the nominal value of $1. These coins are:
- “Franklin the Scientist” depicts his legendary kite experiment on the obverse. The reverse of this coin is a recreation of his political cartoon, “Join, or Die” that was published in The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754.
- “Franklin the Founding Father” features a portrait based on a bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon in 1778. The reverse honors Franklin’s contribution to the development of our national currency by using a replica of the 1776 Continental Currency dollar.
In addition to the individual coins, the Benjamin Franklin Coin and Chronicles set includes an uncirculated “Franklin the Scientist” coin; a set of four newly released US postage stamps honoring Benjamin Franklin’s many accomplishments; a reproduction of the 1758 edition of Poor Richard’s Almanac; and an intaglio print from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing created to honor Franklin’s role in the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
In all, this looks like a great tribute to a great American!
Jan 16, 2006 | coins
A letter appeared in the December 27, 2005 issue of Numismatic News asking albums for the 50 State Quarters First Day Covers. Having found a solution, I submitted the following letter to Numismatic News that was published in their January 17, 2006 edition.
Like Kenneth Rothschild (Numismatic News, Letters, 12/27/05), I was also looking for an album for the 50 State Quarters First Day Covers (FDC). After calling a number of stamp dealers and supply houses, I found that the Vario 9547V5 two-pocket album pages fit the width of these FDCs perfectly. The pocket is a bit deeper than what is needed for the height of the FDCs, but it ensures that the covers will stay in their place. The Vario pages will fit into three- and four-ring binders so you can purchase an empty FDC album from a dealer or purchase a three-ring binder from any other source.
I am using the Vario pages in a three-inch three-ring binder that was made for holding photographs. This binder now holds the 35 FDCs issued to date plus the FDC for the Sacagawea Dollar and the four Westward Journey Nickel FDCs with room to spare. I think this solution will work for the final 15 covers from the 50 State Quarters Program, although it may be a tight fit if congress adds the District of Columbia and the territories in 2009.
I commend Mr. Rothschild for wanting an album to enjoy these collectibles. Many have told me that I was foolish for removing these covers from the Mint packaging because it lowers their value. Since I am collecting these FDCs because I like them, not as an investment, I was able to take the time to look for a solution to this problem. I hope it helps Mr. Rothschild and others.
After writing this letter, I purchased a Lighthouse Optima-G album in blue to hold other coin covers, including Philatelic Numismatic Covers (PNC) from Great Britain.
The product links in this entry are to the dealers from which I bought these items with no problems.
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