Feb 8, 2007 | Carson City, coins, dollar, Morgan, US Mint
There is something magical about the Morgan Dollar. It is the only coin that seems to remind us of the Manifest Destiny as the country expanded across the Great Plains to the Pacific Ocean. It brings up images of the Old West where people moved to make a better life looking for gold and silver or making money from those who have struck it rich. Sure this is a romantic view and does not take into consideration the plight of the Native American nations, but it ties into the fascination there has been with the west of the 19th Century.
The Comstock Lode was the greatest discovery of silver. So much silver was discovered that it was causing the price of silver was declining. To protect the financial interests of the mine owners and allegedly the nation’s economy, congress passed the Bland-Allison Act of 1879 to order the US Mint to buy the silver evacuated from the mines. The law required the Mint to produce 90-percent silver coins for circulation using that silver. The result was an over production of silver that would have repercussions for years to come.
Virginia City was the hub of the region, many deals and other favors lead to the building of an assay office then a full branch mint in nearby Carson City. Its history is an example of how things worked in the 19th century. The cornerstone for this branch mint was laid in September 1865 and was opened to strike coins in 1870. When the Morgan Dollar began its run in 1878, this branch mint would strike far more coins than necessary.
As the Mint purchased the required amount of silver and struck coins, the extra Morgan Dollars were bagged and placed into storage. These bags were transported to different government buildings including the Department of the Treasury in downtown Washington, DC. These coins were discovered in the 1960s by the General Services Administration (GSA) when they were cleaning out old government buildings in Carson City for sale and the Treasury building for refurbishing. The GSA sale of these Carson City dollars in special holders caught the imagination of the public.
The stories of the CC Mint is legendary. Like a lot of people, when I started to collect Morgan Dollars, I thought the cost of purchasing examples of these CC minted dollars was a bit out of my price range. Over the last few years, I have been looking for an affordable (under $100) nice looking coin. It would have to be at least in Very Fine condition with some mint luster, but at least worth the grade.
I finally found one! The 1890-CC Morgan Dollar is not worth a lot in comparison to other CC mint Morgan Dollars. But it is still a nice coin. But when I was able to find a Very Fine 1890-CC Morgan Dollar for under $100, I had to make this purchase. It is a nice coin with a little shine that suggests it was dipped a long time ago. But the elements are nice and the CC mint mark on the reverse is very clear.
While uncirculated coins are very beautiful, circulated coins have a history. What events did this coin see? Whose hands has this coin passed through? Was this coin used in Deadwood, South Dakota? Was it once handled by Buffalo Bill Cody? Or Teddy Roosevelt? I may not know this coin’s history, but it is fun to imagine while admiring its beauty.
Feb 5, 2007 | coins, dollar, Eagles, gold, US Mint
The US Mint announced last week that American Gold Eagle proof coins will be available for sale today, February 5, starting at 12 Noon. Gold Eagles are Minted at the West Point Branch Mint and bear the “W” mint mark. Prices of the coins have risen as have bullion prices. According to the Mint, the Four-Coin Set will sell for $1,449.95; the one-Ounce coin is $789.95; the half-ounce coin is $399.95; the quarter-ounce Coin is $209.95; and the tenth-ounce coin will sell for $104.95.
The Mint also announced the offering of free educational materials to help promote the new Presidential $1 Coin. These materials are free and include informational brochures, bookmarks, posters, coin boards, and stickers. If you are a member of a club, you may want to order enough to distribute at a meeting. Remember, shipping can take four-to-six weeks, so order early.
Jan 10, 2007 | coins, commemorative, US Mint
Today at noon, the US Mint made the first coins of 2007 available for purchase from their on-line catalog. To celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the first permanent settlement in North America at Jamestown, Virginia, the Mint is issuing proof and uncirculated gold and silver commemorative coins.
The Mint will be offering all coins at a pre-release discount until February 12. The proof silver sells for $35 but will be raised to $39 after the pre-release period. The uncirculated coins will sell for $33 then be raised to $35. The gold proof is selling for $232 and the uncirculated gold coin for $220. Both gold coins will be increased by $25 after the pre-release period. Shipping is expected to begin in late January or early February.
Coins may be ordered from the Mint on-line or via the telephone at 800-USA-MINT (800-872-6468).
Surcharges from the sale of these coins will be donated to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Department of the Interior, and the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities to support programs that promote the understanding of the legacies of Jamestown.
Jan 5, 2007 | coins, commemorative, US Mint
The US Mint announced that the launch of the Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coins will be held on January 11, 2007, 10 A.M., at the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia. Collectors attending the ceremony will be able to purchase the gold and silver collectibles on site. Those unable to attend may order these coins from the Mint’s online catalog starting at noon on January 10.
Images from the US Mint. Click to see larger versions.
Jan 3, 2007 | coins, nickels, US Mint
With the authorization provided to the US Mint under Section 8 of the San Francisco Old Mint Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law No 109-230 [GPO: Text, PDF]) expiring, sets and rolls containing the 2005 Westward Journey Nickels are no longer for sale. If you missed the opportunity to purchase these items, you will have to find them in the secondary market.
If you are still looking for nice collectibles for the Westward Journey Nickel series, the Mint continues to sell the First Day Coin Covers for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 nickels.
Dec 31, 2006 | coins, currency, US Mint
As 2006 comes to a close, we can reflect on what is coming with new US Mint issues. Even with the customer service issues of the last few months because of manufacturing and shipping issues of the San Francisco commemorative and 20th Anniversary American Eagle programs, the Mint is about to launch new programs. These new programs look exciting and I am looking forward to their successes. Here is what we can expect in 2007:
Circulating Currency
Jefferson Nickel will continue using its current design with the end of the Westward Journey Nickel Series.
The 50 State Quarters® Program is entering its second to last year. In 2007, the last five states that entered the union in the 19th Century will be honored: Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah. Designs for these coins are available as line-art drawings on the US Mint’s website.
The Presidential $1 Coin Program will begin in 2007 with circulating coins honoring our first four presidents: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. These coins will be made of the same composition as the Sacagawea dollar but include edge lettering, which has not been used since early in the 20th Century. The Sacagawea dollar will continue to be minted, as required by law.
With the addition of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, uncirculated mint and proof sets will be expanded to include the new coins. Although unannounced, it is being projected that the Mint will add additional collectibles surrounding the Presidential $1 Coin Program, like First Day Covers.
For currency collectors, notes are being issued with the signature of Secretary of the Treasury, Henry M. Paulson, Jr. More federal reserve notes will appear with Paulson and Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral’s signatures.
Commemorative Coins
As a companion to the Presidential $1 Coin program will begin a First Spouse coin to honor the spouses of presidents in half-ounce 24-karat gold coins. Presidents who served without spouses, will have a commemorative emblematic of the president will be created. The Mint will also produce bronze medals of the coins for collectors.
Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, the Mint will issue a gold and silver commemorative coins in celebration. Surcharges from the program will go to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of Virginia to support anniversary-related eduction programs and other supporting services, including improving the infrastructure.
Bullion
The American Eagle program continues without interruption. For 2007, the reverse of the American Eagle Platinum Proof coin will be redesigned to honor the Executive Branch of government after 2006 honored the Legislative Branch. After the introduction of burnished uncirculated coins and reverse proof for the gold and silver program’s 20th anniversary, there is no word from the Mint whether they will mint these coins in 2007.
The Mint reported that the most successful program was the American Buffalo Bullion Coin Program. The one-ounce 24-karat gold $50 coin uses the James Earle Fraser Type 1 Buffalo Nickel design to create a beautiful coin. Both collectors and investors made the program a success at the expense of the American Gold Eagle program. These coins will be produced in 2007 with the Mint asking congress to authorize one-half, quarter, and one-tenth ounce issues. If that can be accomplished early in the session of the 110th Congress, the Mint may be able to issue fractional pieces in 2007.
Collects have a lot to look forward to from the Mint. It should be a good numismatic year.
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and prosperous New Year!
Dec 20, 2006 | coins, US Mint
At the National First Lady Library (NFLL) in Canton, Ohio on December 19, the US Mint unveiled the first four designs of the First Spouse Commemorative Coin Program. The one-half ounce $10 24-karat gold coins will be issued for each First Spouse in the order that they served. In the case where a president services without a First Spouse, a coin emblematic of Liberty will be used—except for President Chester A. Arthur, who served without a First Spouse, suffragette Alice Paul will be featured on the coin.
In 2007, the coins will honor Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, and Dolley Madison. Since Thomas Jefferson was a widow during his tenure in office, a coin with an obverse similar to the Draped Bust Half-Cent will be issued.
The first coin honoring Martha Washington bears a portrait designed and sculpted by Joseph Menna, a sculpture and engraver at the Mint. The Martha Washington reverse was designed by Susan Gamble of Arlington, Virginia, an Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer. The image was sculpted by Don Everhart, a United States Mint sculptor-engraver. The reverse depicts the future First Lady sewing a button onto her husband’s uniform jacket. During the Revolutionary War, Martha Washington’s concern for the colonial soldiers earned their lasting respect and admiration.
The obverse of the Abagail Adams coin was also designed and sculpted by Don Everhart. The reverse was designed by Thomas Cleveland of Houston, Texas, an AIP Master Designer. The image was sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, a United States Mint medallic sculptor. In one of her most memorable letters, Mrs. Adams requested that her husband “remember the ladies” when creating the new Republic. That inscription is on this coin. John Adams acknowledged that Abigail Adams had as much political insight as any of his colleagues, and that he valued her counsel above all others.
Martha Jefferson died 18 years before her husband became the third president. Since Jefferson officially served as a widower, a coin emblematic of his term was used. The Draped Bust Half Cent was originally designed by Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the Mint, it was re-executed for this coin by Phebe Hemphill. The reverse was designed and sculpted by Charles Vickers, a United States Mint sculptor-engraver, depicts Thomas Jefferson’s monument, located on the grounds of his Monticello estate.
The obverse of the Dolley Madison coin was designed and sculpted by Don Everhart. The reverse design depicts Dolley Madison, in an act of patriotism, saving the Cabinet papers and the beautiful Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, when forced to flee the White House in advance of oncoming British troops in August 1814. It was designed by Joel Iskowitz of Woodstock, New York, an AIP Master Designer, and sculpted by Don Everhart.
Coins should be available around Mother’s Day, 2007. The Mint also announced that bronze medals using these designs will be made available to collectors. The price for the medals are projected $3-4.
Images and some of the descriptions are from the US Mint.
Nov 22, 2006 | coins, US Mint
On Monday, the US Mint release the artists sketches of the first four coins in the Presidential $1 Coin program that will begin in 2007. These new coins will be minted using the same magnesium-brass composition, size, tactile features, and electromagnetic signatures of the Sacagawea Dollar. The Sacagawea Dollar will continue to be minted, as required by law.
As prescribed by the Presidential $1 Coin Act (Public Law 109-145 [GPO: text or pdf]), the coin will feature the likeness of each US president on the obverse of the coin and an image of the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. These coins will also feature edge lettering, not seen on circulating coinage in almost a century.
Edge Lettering
The edge of the coin will feature the year of issue, mint mark, and the national mottoes E Pluribus Unum and In God We Trust. It is a first time the US Mint will have the date minted into the edge of the coin.
Common Reverse
The common reverse will feature the Statue of Liberty with “United States of America” around the outer ring of the coin. Also on the reverse is the denomination written as “$1.” I believe it is the first circulating coin that uses the dollar symbol. The reverse was designed and engraved by US Mint artist and engraver Don Everhart.
Obverse Designs
George Washington $1 coin is scheduled to be released on February 15, 2007. The obverse of this coin was designed and sculpted by US Mint engraver Joseph Menna.
John Adams $1 coin is scheduled to be released in May, 2007. It was designed by Joel Iskowitz, a member of the Artistic Infusion Program, and sculpted by Charles Vickers of the US Mint.
Thomas Jefferson $1 coin is scheduled to be released in August, 2007. The obverse of this coin was designed and sculpted by US Mint engraver Joseph Menna.
James Madison $1 coin is scheduled to be released in November, 2007. It was designed by Joel Iskowitz, a member of the Artistic Infusion Program, and sculpted by Don Everhart of the US Mint.
I believe the Presidential $1 Coin program is a wonderful idea. However, the potential for failure will continue as long as there is a circulating one dollar Federal Reserve Note.
Images from the United States Mint
Nov 18, 2006 | coins, US Mint
A legacy of the 109th congress that will be felt for some time is the Presidential $1 Coin Act (Public Law 109-145 [GPO: text or pdf]). This law calls for the minting of $1 circulating coins commemorating each of the Presidents of the United States in order that they served. Four coins will be issued each year starting in 2007 with issues honoring George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Along with the Presidential $1 Coins, the US Mint will issue companion $10 gold First Spouse commemoratives.
This week, the Mint sent the the first Presidential $1 Coin e-Newsletter those who subscribed. In this inaugural issue, the Mint announced that the first four designs will be revealed on November 20, 2006. The official release of the George Washington $1 coin will be issued on February 15, 2007, in time for Presidents’ Day. Future coins will be released quarterly. As with the 50 State Quarters® Program, the Mint will be producing educational material along with the release of the $1 coins and bronze medals of the First Spouse gold coins.
In 2007, the proof set will expand to 14 coins including the Presidential $1 Coin and the Sacagawea Dollar, which will continue to be minted. The mint set will also expand to 28 coins. I am sure that the additional coins will increase the price of the sets. The Mint have not announced these prices.
Oct 30, 2006 | coins, US Mint
The US Mint announced on October 27 that they have begun striking San Francisco Commemorative silver proof coins at the San Francisco branch mint. Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Dianne Feinstein joined members of the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society to witness the striking ceremony.
Authorized by Public Law 109-230 [GPO: text/pdf], San Francisco Old Mint Commemorative Coin Act “require[s] the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the Old Mint at San Francisco, otherwise known as the ‘Granite Lady’.” Sales of the commemoratives will include a $35 surcharge for the gold coin and $10 for each silver coin. Proceeds will be distributed to the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society to rehabilitate “the Historic Old Mint in San Francisco as a city museum and an American Coin and Gold Rush Museum.” It has a potential to raise $8.5 million for the project.
The silver commemorative will be minted in a 90-percent silver and 10-percent copper alloy with the obverse design based on the San Francisco Mint Medal by Sherl J. Winter. The reverse will use the reverse design of the 1904 Morgan Dollar design by George T. Morgan.
Four months from passage of the law to first striking is the government and coin process mechanisms moving at light speed. Let’s hope that the coin will be as impressive as it sounds and produced in a similarly impressive manner.
Virginia City was the hub of the region, many deals and other favors lead to the building of an assay office then a full branch mint in nearby Carson City. Its history is an example of how things worked in the 19th century. The cornerstone for this branch mint was laid in September 1865 and was opened to strike coins in 1870. When the Morgan Dollar began its run in 1878, this branch mint would strike far more coins than necessary.
I finally found one! The 1890-CC Morgan Dollar is not worth a lot in comparison to other CC mint Morgan Dollars. But it is still a nice coin. But when I was able to find a Very Fine 1890-CC Morgan Dollar for under $100, I had to make this purchase. It is a nice coin with a little shine that suggests it was dipped a long time ago. But the elements are nice and the CC mint mark on the reverse is very clear.
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