Dec 8, 2005 | coins
The Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention began today at the Baltimore Convention Center with the “Super Bourse” open only to dealers. Tomorrow, the show is open for the general public regardless of the weather (we are expecting snow in the area). The Baltimore Convention attacks dealers from all over the country in all area of numismatics and features two auction sessions from Bowers and Merena on Friday, December 9.
Even with the weather concerns, I am looking forward to this show. Aside from having a complete want-list and a larger budget than I have had in the past, Baltimore is the closest large show to where I live. It is my chance to meet dealers from other areas of the country. This is important because it allows me to talk with learn from numismatists I would never meet otherwise. I also get to see other areas of collecting that I do not concentrate in but are of interest, like foreign coins and old currency.
It also gives me an excuse to drive to Charm City. Unlike others in my area, I like Baltimore. It is a unique city with a hometown-like charm that I think is fun. Also, the Baltimore Convention Center is next to the Inner Harbor which has a lot of great restaurants and, if you get tired of coins, the phenomenal National Aquarium. Enjoy your trip and stay tuned for my report after the show.
Dec 7, 2005 | coins, currency
The National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest numismatic collections. Up until it closed in August 2004, the collection was located in the National Museum of American History on The National Mall in Washington, DC. The collection has over 450,000 coins, medals, and decorations and over 1 million pieces of paper money. While pieces have been used for education programs and have appeared in other displays, there was no numismatic collection on display since.
Starting on December 8, 2005, the Museum of American History will exhibit “56 rare and historically significant artifacts from the Museum’s National Numismatic Collection—more than half of which have never been on view or have not been displayed for many years. Coins, bills, medals and captivating oddities—such as pattern designs, fantasy coins and homemade clam shell money from the Great Depression—will be on display.” This is a rare opportunity to see coins like a 1913 Liberty Head nickel, one of five known to exist and a 1907 Saint-Gaudens ultra high relief Double Eagle—from Augustus Saint-Gaudens‘ original design as commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt.
The museum will have a companion website that will also debut with the opening. You can visit the site at http://americanhistory.si.edu/coins. It is a good reason to come and visit your nation’s capital.
Dec 4, 2005 | coins
Next weekend the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center. Baltimore is becoming one of the biggest numismatic conventions other than the ANA shows. And since it is close to home, I look forward to attending.
When I revived my interest in collecting a few years ago, I went to the Baltimore Convention not knowing what to expect. When I arrived, I was surprised to see two large halls in the convention center filled with table of dealers. Although I had attended technology shows, it was an intimidating sight. Four year later, I prowl the aisles like a veteran but look forward to this convention like an excited child.
This year, I want to attend at least one of the auction sessions. Bowers and Merena Auctions will hold two auction sections on Friday, December 9 at 1:00 PM AND 6:00 PM. This would be my first numismatic auction. Although I probably will not bid on anything, I want to see what they are like and whether I can take advantage of them to better my collection. I have heard that B&M puts on a very good auction. This should be fun.
I spent a few hours yesterday preparing. My want list is up to date, my budget is set, and all I need to do is to create my price guide for my want list. I will be finished in time to be there on Friday. I am excited!
Dec 1, 2005 | coins
As I looked through today’s mail, a dealer I’ve done business with sent me an advertisement for pre-sales of uncirculated 2006 American Silver Eagle bullion dollars. On the bottom of the page, I saw that I can purchase 2006 Canadian Maple Leaf bullion coins. Then it hit me, 2005 is numismatically over. The US Mint has issued the last of its 2005 coins and most foreign mints are now starting to mint 2006-dated coins telling me that it may be time to close the book on 2005.
Looking forward to 2006, five more 50 State Quarters® will be released to honor Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota. There will be a new full-faced portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the nickel. And if the Senate passes H.R. 1953, which was passed by the house on November 10, there will be a commemorative coins honoring the Old San Francisco Mint, The Granite Lady. Proceeds will be “paid to the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society for purposes of rehabilitating the Historic Old Mint in San Francisco as a city museum and an American Coin and Gold Rush Museum.” If you like the idea, contact your senators and ask them to support the bill.
It looks like 2006 will be an exciting year for collectors. Happy Numismatic New Year and I hope you have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. I will… the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention is less than two weeks away! Stay tuned….
Nov 25, 2005 | coins
On this Thanksgiving I am sure we all have things we are thankful for. But since this is a blog for coins, I would like to thank the US Mint for a few collectibles that have inspired all. My favorite for the year was the Bison design for the Westward Journey Nickel Series™. Although the bison is not the same as the James Earl Fraser buffalo, but it was a great design. Also, the portrait of Jefferson had more character than the original.
I am thankful for the simple, yet elegant design of the 230th Marine Corp Anniversary Silver Dollar Commemorative. The very clean design and with the help of many Marine veterans, this coin was a phenomenal success. This coin has to make it to the classics of modern commemoratives.
And let us all be thankful for the continuing success of the 50 States Quarters® program. In many cases, I have learned something about some of the states whose quarters have been issued, whether it was depicted on their coin or in the stories of their selection. We should support H.R. 3885, a bill to extend the program to the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. That would really be a good end to a great program.
Nov 16, 2005 | coins
Since the beginning of the 50 States Quarters® Program, coin collecting has become one of the hottest hobbies around. Why now show the world you are a proud coin collector with items from the Collector’s Pride Store. At this store, you will find t-shirts, mugs, and caps that will help you show off your hobby. With the holiday season around the corner, here’s the gift for that collector who has almost everything else. When you visit the store, bookmark that page because we will be adding more items soon!
Nov 11, 2005 | coins
The United States and nations within the British Commonwealth celebrate the contribution of the military on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. The armistice called for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front on “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” Following World War II, the United States changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all Americans who served in the military.
Veterans Day is an important patriotic holiday for this country. We must remember the all veterans who served and currently serve in protection of our freedoms. We must remember those who they gave their lives for this freedom and honor those who returned home to celebrate with us. Unfortunately, the politics of the military has its numismatic casualties. In this case, the Mint was not authorized to produce a commemorative coin honoring the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Sixty years after one of the worst wars in world history, we need to remember. We must remember those who died and those who survived to shape a great nation. There isn’t much time to honor those who served. World War II veterans are aging and dying at an estimated rate 1,100 every day. It is a travesty that the United States did not issue a commemorative coin to honor those who served. Why? Would it have been so difficult for congress to set aside partisan bickering to properly remember the contributions of our veterans for their service during World War II? What does this say to those fighting in current wars? Rather, congress tries to micro-manage the Mint’s activities for their own agendas instead of doing what is essentially the right thing. (I will explore congress’s handing of the Mint in future blog entries)
For those who would like to add a commemorative issue to honor those who serviced in the victory of World War II, you can find very nice issues from the Royal Canadian Mint, British Royal Mint, and from other countries of the British Commonwealth who use the service of the Pobjoy Mint.
I salute the protectors of freedom, past and present!
Nov 9, 2005 | coins
At least once per week, I make a stop at the Online Catalog at the US Mint to see what’s new. Since the start of the 50 State Quarter program, the US Mint has been improving its relationship with the collector community and has come up with new products to keep the excitement going. Although there is room to get better when comparing the offerings to the Royal Canadian Mint or the British Royal Mint–which will be the subject of future articles–I am impressed with their effort.
When I visited the site this week, I found a notice that they will be limiting the number of set of the 2005 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set® can be ordered. The 2005 Uncirculated set are being produced with a special satin finish that will only be available in the Mint produced sets. Apparently, there is a high demand for these sets.
Why? Why is there high demand for the Uncirculated set? There have been mixed reviews as to whether the satin finish adds or detracts from the coins–reviews are running about 50/50 in my unscientific survey. And historically, uncirculated sets do not sell as well as proof sets.
So is this a case of something new causing a buzz? Are the sets really worth $5 over their $16.95 cost at the mint that dealers are asking? I wonder if I should grab ten sets and put them away. Who knows… prices can go up like the 1999 Silver Proof Set.
Oct 29, 2005 | coins
After spending some time to unpack and decorate, I am ready to welcome all readers to my blog on Coin Collecting. I started this blog to share my passion for coin collecting, share some news, and allow other collectors to converse about collecting and even brag about their collections. So let me start…
My primary interest are the coins of the 20th Century. I feel the 20th Century was an exciting 100 years with many advances in all areas. The 20th Century saw some of the most beautiful coin designs in US History. My favorites include Adloph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty Half-Dollar and Liberty Head “Mercury” Dime, James Earl Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel, Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ $20 Double Eagle, and Bela Lyon Pratt $5 Half-Eagle. The Pratt Half-Eagle is very intriguing because of the incuse design. If you have never seen one, visit your local coin shop and ask to see one.
I am trying to complete a date/mint-mark set of 20th century coins. The prizes amongst my collection are a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent and 1928 Peace Dollar. Both were gifts from my fiancée! She is a wonderful woman who encourages my collecting and even helps to enjoy my finds.
As time goes on, I will write more about my collection, interesting things I find, and some of the news I hear. Feel free to comment on whatever I write.
Happy Collecting!!
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