Rare 1822 Coin Graded by PCGS Sets World-Record Price for United States Mint Gold Coins

Mar 30, 2021 | News

An 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle Graded AU50 by Professional Coin Grading Service Sells for $8.4 Million in Stack’s Bowers Galleries Las Vegas Auction

(Santa Ana, California – March 29, 2021) – An 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle graded AU50 by Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) hammered as the world’s most valuable gold coin struck by the United States Mint. The rare gold coin, sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries in Las Vegas alongside a PCGS coin show on March 25, 2021, took $8,400,000 (including a 20% buyer’s premium) and is the only example available for private ownership.

“We are thrilled to see this coin cross the auction block to set a world-record price,” says PCGS President Brett Charville. “We graded this coin AU50 when it was owned by the late, great collector D. Brent Pogue, and this specimen was formerly owned by the legendary Virgil Brand and Louis Eliasberg. The 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle has been offered for sale only a few times in the last century, and therefore it’s no surprise this unique piece just became the most valuable gold coin ever made by the United States Mint.”

Despite a mintage of 17,796 specimens, the 1822 Half Eagle offers only three known survivors. Two are permanently housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., leaving just this one specimen for which collectors can vie. Being a necessary coin for any collector wanting a complete collection of half eagles, this 1822 trophy coin has long achieved outstanding auction prices. When it previously sold in 1982, it realized $687,500 – then an astronomical sum when no coin had yet crossed the seven-figure threshold at auction.

Among other prestigious PCGS-graded coins to exchange hands alongside the 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction in Las Vegas are a PCGS MS66 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar, Small Eagle, considered one of the rarest of all half dollars and taking $1,680,000. Several other rarities took six figures, including a 1796 PCGS MS66RB Liberty Cap Half Cent that fetched $288,000 and an 1845-O PCGS MS63 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle that sold for $117,000.

About Professional Coin Grading Service

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is a third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified more than 45 million U.S. and world coins, medals, and tokens with a combined value of over $41.7 billion. For more information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, please visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.

Highways and Side Journeys With America’s $10 Gold Coins

Mar 25, 2021 | News

by Q. David Bowers

My research for the Guide Book of Gold Eagle Coins began in the 1950s—although I did not know it at the time. As a young teenager I studied and read all I could about rare coins. By 1954 I had a good working library and was keeping notes of interesting things I learned.

Fast-forward to adulthood, a highly successful rare-coin business, and other activities and pleasures. One of my greatest satisfactions continues to be research followed by writing on subjects from esoteric to popular.

My book on $10 gold eagles includes the basic foundation of information you expect to find in a volume in Whitman Publishing’s Bowers Series. Beyond that you can take many side excursions to explore mints and minting of days gone by, to acquaint yourself with great collectors and collections of the past, and to tap into many anecdotes, trivia, and stories that, I hope, will add to the charm of any $10 gold coin in your collection.

You will learn why a political movement that started in the West in the 1870s is directly responsible for countless hundreds of thousands of About Uncirculated and Mint State eagles being available to collectors today—one of the most remarkable unintended consequences in numismatics. You will also learn a lot about the market and the factors that influence change in coin values.

By the time you read the last page I believe you will be as familiar with gold eagles as is someone who has spent years in rare coins. Enjoy the journey, and your collection!

The Royal Mint launches its 2021 Britannia Collection – introducing a new ‘Premium Exclusive’ range and Gold Kilo

Mar 18, 2021 | News

The Royal Mint today launches its 2021 Britannia collection – introducing a new range of Premium Exclusive editions and a gold Proof kilo Britannia for the first time.

Each year The Royal Mint produces a new Britannia collection that is inspired by different aspects of the nation. This year the collection celebrates Britain’s spirit of innovation, and for the first time will feature two designs – a Core range and a Premium Exclusive range – both of which have been designed by artist P.J. Lynch.

The core Britannia range is a continuation of the collection, and features the iconic female next to her lion guardian whilst looking out to the horizon with a trident and shield. The Premium Exclusive range is a new addition to the collection. In contrast to the core range, she is shown up close and in profile, whilst new minting technology gives the impression of moving waves in the background. Over the next four years The Royal Mint will continue to explore diversity through the Premium Exclusive Britannia range.

Britannia has been an icon of the British people for over 2000 years, first appearing on coins under Emperor Hadrian. The Romans depicted Britain as a strong female – a symbol that has endured and continues to grace the nation’s coins today, including the definitive £2.

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative coin for The Royal Mint, said: “Britannia is an enduring symbol of the people, and as the nation evolves it is right that her image should evolve too. Each year our Britannia series celebrates a different element of Britain and for 2021 we celebrate the spirit of innovation with two new designs.

“As well as continuing to offer our Core Britannia range, we have extended the collection to include a Premium Exclusive range which celebrates diversity and features the latest minting technology. We have also introduced a gold Proof kilo for the first time to meet the growing demand for larger, precious metal coins.”

P.J. Lynch, designer of the 2021 Britannia series, said: “Creating an original new design for an icon such as Britannia is a dream for an artist. For the core range, I started with a lot of sketching – lots and lots of thumbnail drawings of Britannia herself in different poses, sometimes with her lion guardian, and sometimes with her trident and shield on a rocky shore with waves splashing at her feet.

“For the Exclusive editions in the range, I decided it would be a good idea to go in close for a profile portrait of Britannia. I wanted her to look strong, resolute and attractive, but I also felt that her features should reflect something of the diversity of the people of Britain in the twenty-first century.”

The Britannia 2021 collection is available as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition alongside a range of precious metal editions, and offers a Premium Exclusive range for the first time. To view the full range visit www.royalmint.com/Britannia.

Mr. Men Superfan gives seal of approval to The Royal Mint’s New Coin

Mar 15, 2021 | News

Michelle Martinez with the Mr Men 50th anniversary coin from The Royal Mint

The coins feature the latest colour printing techniques showcasing the characters in vivid colour – capturing their vibrant personalities. The first coin in the series featuring Mr. Happy, has proved incredibly popular with its colourful aesthetic and undeniable charm, and by including such a recognisable and fun theme on the face of a coin, The Royal Mint hopes to inspire more people to take up coin collection as a hobby.

Clare MacLennan, Divisional Director for Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint comments, “As a business we have seen the success of our childhood character coins grow in popularity and with endearing and appealing themes including Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh and now Mr. Men Little Miss. 50 years since the creation of the beloved Mr. Men characters we are delighted to capture such fun and joy on our latest coin.

“We’ve received positive feedback to the design of our initial Mr. Men Little Miss coin and as we launch the second coin in our new collection, we look forward to even more people taking up coin collecting as a hobby.”

Michelle said, “My mother actually started collecting Mr. Men memorabilia before I was born in 1971 and throughout my childhood, I received Mr. Men themed gifts for Christmases and birthdays. In 2012 the count was over 2000, and when packaged away it was just 45 crates. When it came out of the loft in January 2021 it was 95 crates! I have yet to recount the collection. That is the next mission.

“When I saw the coins were being released by The Royal Mint to celebrate the 50th anniversary, I instantly fell in love; the charming little characters are so vibrant and look right at home on the face of the coins. Although I’ve been a collector of Mr. Men for many years, these are my very first coins. I’m so excited to be adding them to my collection, and already can’t wait to get my hands on the next one! My partner, Stephen, and my parents are actually buying me some more Royal Mint products from the Mr. Men Little Miss Collection for my birthday this year.”

Amongst her collection, Michelle owns a Mr. Happy table lamp, Mr. Greedy Jelly Mould and a Mr. Men tea set with which she served orange squash to her whole family on Boxing Day when she was just six years old. Her favourite item is a Mr. Strong soft toy that she carried everywhere as a child.

All three coin designs in the collection have been created exclusively by Adam Hargreaves, son of creator Roger Hargreaves, to celebrate the characters’ 50th anniversary. Since the first publication hit the shelves, the popular series has gone on to sell over 250 million books in 28 different countries worldwide. Translated into 17 different languages, the timeless antics of the Mr. Men and Little Misses remain as popular today as ever.

The second coin in the series featuring Mr. Strong and Little Miss Giggles is available as gold and silver Proof editions, as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition and a special colour printed Brilliant Uncirculated edition, exclusively available from The Royal Mint. Visit www.royalmint.com/mrmen to view the full commemorative coin range. The coin will not be going into general circulation.

Submissions Accepted for ANA Young Numismatist Literary Awards

Mar 12, 2021 | News

Submissions for the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) annual Young Numismatist Literary Awards competition are being accepted through April 1. The awards were established to encourage young writers in three age groups, all of whom will compete for cash awards and numismatic books.

Article submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges that includes Bill Fivaz, Q. David Bowers and Kenneth Bressett.

Eligibility

To compete in this year’s competition, participants must be ANA members. Submitted articles will focus on a numismatic topic of the competitor’s choice.

• Bill Fivaz Young Numismatist Literary Award
  Ages: 8-12
  Article should display basic knowledge of a numismatic topic. Creativity and original conclusions are encouraged. Suggested length: 450-900 words.
• Q. David Bowers Young Numismatist Literary Award
  Ages: 13-17
  Article should display advanced knowledge of a numismatic topic. Logically presented facts and original conclusions are encouraged. A bibliographic list of sources is recommended, but not required. Suggested length: 900-1,800 words.
• Kenneth E. Bressett Young Numismatist Literary Award
  Ages: 18-22
  Article should display in-depth knowledge of a numismatic topic. Logically presented facts and original conclusions are required, as is a bibliographic list of sources. Inclusion of charts, graphs, tables or other illustrations is encouraged. Suggested length: 1,800-3,600 words.

Guidelines for Submissions

When submitting articles:

• Provide ANA-member number, category of submission and contact information (email, phone number and address) on the first page.
• Include author’s name and award category in the file name.
• Submissions are accepted in Microsoft Word or PDF format only.
• Up to three submissions per author are allowed.

Award Structure

The following prizes will be awarded in each of the age categories:

• First Place
  Certificate and $500 cash prize, plus a $500 voucher to help build a personal library of numismatic books produced by Whitman Publishing.
• Second Place
  Certificate, plus a $200 book voucher from Whitman Publishing.
• Third Place
  Certificate, plus a $100 book voucher from Whitman Publishing.

Completed entries should be emailed to htindal@money.org or sent to:

For additional information, please contact magazine@money.org.

Bruce Morelan Buys Finest 1913 Liberty Nickel

Feb 23, 2021 | News

Legend Numismatics Buys The Finest MS+PR Sets Of Liberty Nickels

Multimillion-Dollar Sets Involve the All-Time Finest 1913 Liberty Nickel, Graded PR66 by Professional Coin Grading Service

Bruce Morelan

“This specimen of the 1913 Liberty Nickel was once owned by legendary collector Louis Eliasberg and, graded PCGS PR66, is the finest specimen known,” explains Brett Charville, president of PCGS, which graded the 1913 Liberty Nickel and other pieces in the Liberty Nickel sets recently procured by Morelan. “Bruce and Laura as a team have built some of the finest coin collections of our generation. Their collaboration exemplifies the amazing accomplishments that can be achieved when an ultimate collector like Bruce works with a true numismatic advocate like Laura.”

Both the Mint State and Proof collections of Liberty Nickels are ranked as number-one sets in the PCGS Set Registry (https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry), meaning these collections of Liberty Nickels cumulatively boast the highest overall grade-point average of coins for all such registered sets. The keystone coin for the Proof Liberty Nickels With 1913 Proof (1883-1913) PCGS Registry Set is the 1913 Proof Liberty Nickel, and this transaction marks the third time Morelan has owned this exact specimen.

“It clearly is one of his all-time favorite coins,” says Legend Numismatics (https://www.legendnumismatics.com/) Founder Laura Sperber of the PCGS PR66 Liberty Nickel. “Bruce has no plans on selling it and is planning to keep it alongside his 1794 PCGS SP66 Flowing Hair Dollar and 1804 PCGS PR65 Draped Bust Dollar as family heirlooms.” She goes on to say, “As a previous owner, the late Dr. Morton Smith, once said, ‘This coin needs a good home, [and] I am it.’ Morelan has the same feeling, and it’s his belief the 1913 Liberty Nickel is one of the greatest coins to own in all of numismatics.”

Morelan, whose recently repurchased 1913 Liberty Nickel previously sold at auction in 2018 for $4.56 million, further cements his place among the greatest collectors of all time. “Not many collectors have owned both a 1913 Liberty Nickel and 1804 Draped Bust Dollar,” he notes. “Those two coins are so rare and popular, and simultaneous ownership just hasn’t happened much.”

His achievements put him in the company of but a handful of prestigious collectors to include Eliasberg and Reed Hawn. Morelan plans on displaying his prized 1913 Liberty Nickel at some point in the future.

About Professional Coin Grading Service
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is a third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified more than 45 million U.S. and world coins, medals, and tokens with a combined value of over $41.7 billion. For more information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, please visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.

Washington State Coin Dealer Dan Duncan Receives Service Award

Feb 11, 2021 | News

The 2020 Diane Piret Memorial Outstanding Service Award recipient Dan Duncan.

Duncan and other local dealers, particularly Karen Feldman (Tacoma Mall Blvd Coin & Stamp), Ryan Hoolihan (Bellevue Rare Coins), and Todd Hughes (Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association), have recently stopped three separate attempts to repeal the sales-tax exemption. The Association of Washington Businesses also helped tremendously in these efforts.

“I cannot say enough about what this means to me after such a tough year. I am both honored and humbled to get this recognition,” said Duncan. “I feel a bit undeserving, as our work here is a combined effort. We are a team, and without everyone’s help, our companies would more than likely be facing increased business taxes, and collectors and investors across the state would be paying sales tax on their coins and bullion.”

In the latest attempt to repeal the exemption, the bill died in committee when they took no action before the legislature’s session adjourned sine die, though there could always be another attempt to repeal in a future session. Duncan, Feldman, Hoolihan, Hughes, and others remain vigilant in monitoring any new efforts.

“We thank Dan Duncan for his perseverance over the years, and the tremendous support of everyone who helps him in these campaigns,” said ICTA executive director, David Crenshaw.

“The ICTA partnership, our team, and many others are invaluable to the success of our efforts,” said Duncan.

The Diane Piret Memorial Outstanding Service Award is normally presented at the ICTA membership dinner and update during the Florida United Numismatist Convention, which was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The award commemorates the 25-year career of ICTA’s former industry affairs director, who died in 2015.