Aug 19, 2020 | News
Augsburger and Orosz Selected As 2020 Numismatic Literary Guild Clemy Winners
August 18, 2020 — Respected researchers and award-winning numismatic authors Len Augsburger and Joel Orosz have received yet another prestigious award. They have been selected as the joint 2020 recipients of The Clemy, the highest honor given by the Numismatic Literary Guild (www.NLGonline.org).
Len Augsburger and Joel Orosz
“The Clemy is a coveted, annual award presented in recognition of writing skill, dedication to numismatics, sense of humor and dedication to the Numismatic Literary Guild,” explained NLG Executive Director Ron Guth.
Founded in 1968, the NLG is a nonprofit organization open to any editors, reporters, authors, writers, catalogers, webmasters, bloggers or producers of audio or video involving all forms of money, medals, tokens and other numismatic collectibles. Information about applying for NLG membership is available online at www.NLGonline.org/membership.
The organization’s annual awards presentation, known as “The Bash,” was scheduled for August 6, 2020 in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association’s Pittsburgh World’s Fair of Money. However, because of the convention’s cancelation due to the pandemic, the NLG awards were announced this year with an online video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDDxpw09zAI&t=154s. The video was produced by NLG member Charles Morgan of CoinWeek.com.
Here is a list of the 2020 award categories and winners as compiled by NLG awards coordinator David W. Lange.
1. BEST SPECIALIZED BOOKS
a. United States or Early American Coins
Winston Zack — Bad Metal: Copper and Nickel Circulating Contemporary Counterfeit United States Coins
b. Ancient or Medieval Coins (pre-1500)
Peter Van Alfen & Ute Wartenberg — White Gold: Studies in Early Electrum Coinage
c. World Coins (1500 to Date)
Charles Morgan & Hubert Walker — 100 Greatest Modern World Coins
d. United States Paper Money
Dennis Schafluetzel & Tom Carson — Tennessee Obsolete Paper Money 1800-1959
e. World Paper Money
(no entries)
f. Tokens & Medals
Michael Ross — Jacques Wiener’s Most Remarkable Edifices of Europe
g. Numismatic Investment or Marketplace
(no entries)
h. Numismatic History or Personalities
Roger W. Burdette — Girl on the Silver Dollar
2. BOOK OF THE YEAR
Daryl J. Haynor — United States Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839
3. NUMISMATIC FEATURE ARTICLES
a. Early American Coins
Christopher McDowell & Julia Casey — The Authentic Fugio Restrike Dies — Journal of Early American Numismatics
b. U.S. Coins (1792 to Date)
Tom DeLorey & Dan Owens — Not a Ghost of a Chance — The Numismatist
c. Ancient or Medieval Coins (pre-1500)
Thomas A. Palmer — From the Sublime to the Ridiculous — The Numismatist
d. World Coins (1500 to Date)
Lianna Spurrier — Japanese Bar Money — CoinWeek.com
e. U.S. Paper Money
Jim Wells — Mind Your Business — The Numismatist
f. World Paper Money
(no entries)
g. Tokens & Medals
David Schenkman — Numismatics of the Civil War Era — Civil War Token Journal
h. Numismatic Investment or Marketplace
Steve Roach — Evaluating Quality — Coin World
i. Numismatic History or Personalities
Q. David Bowers — John J. Ford: A Life in Three Portraits — Journal of Early American
Numismatics
j. James L. Miller Memorial Award – Article or Story of the Year
Christopher McDowell & Julia Casey — The Authentic Fugio Restrike Dies — Journal of Early American Numismatics
4. NUMISMATIC COLUMNS
a. Early American Coins
Ray Williams — Early American Money — The Numismatist
b. U.S. Coins (1792 to Date)
David W. Lange — USA Coin Album
c. Ancient or Medieval Coins (pre-1500)
NGC Ancients — NGC eNews
d. World Coins (1500 to Date)
Peter Anthony — Chinese Coins — NGC eNews
e. Paper Money
Wendell Wolka — Paper Money — The Numismatist
f. Tokens & Medals
David Schenkman — Tokens and Medals — The Numismatist
g. Numismatic Investment or Marketplace
Steve Roach — Coin Values Market Analysis — Coin World
h. Ed Reiter Memorial Award For Best Column – Numismatic Publications
David Schenkman — Tokens and Medals — The Numismatist
i. The Maurice M. Gould Memorial Award for Best Column – Non-Numismatic Publications
(no entries)
5. PERIODICALS
a. Best Investment Newsletter
Liberty’s Outlook — Patrick A. Heller
b. Best Professional Periodical
COINage — Antoinette Rahn & Scott Travers, Editors
c. Best Club or Not-for-Profit Periodical — Large Circulation
The Numismatist — Barbara Gregory, Editor
d. Best Club or Not-for-Profit Periodical — Small Circulation
The Gobrecht Journal, Bill Bugert, Editor
6. WEBSITES
a. Best Online News Website
(no entries)
b. Best Dealer or Industry Website
Stack’s/Bowers
c. Best Non-Trade Website
Newman Numismatic Portal
d. Best Numismatic Social Media Platform or Coin Collector Forum
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
e. Best Blog
➠ Scott Barman — Coin Collector’s Blog 🍾
7. AUCTION OR FIXED-PRICE CATALOGS
a. Best U.S. Coin Auction Catalog
Heritage Auctions — FUN Platinum Night
b. Best World Coin Auction Catalog
Heritage Auctions — New York International Platinum Night
c. Best Paper Money Auction Catalog
Stack’s/Bowers — The D. Brent Pogue Collection VI
d. Best Book or Exonumia Auction Catalog
Stack’s/Bowers — The John W. Adams Collection
8. AUDIO-VISUAL
a. Radio
Patrick A. Heller — Things You Know that aren’t So — 1320 WILS
b. Audio
Coin World Podcast
c. Television
(no entries)
d. Short Video — Commercial or Non-Commercial
Lianna Spurrier — Getting to Know Eric P. Newman — Newman Numismatic Portal
e. Long Video — Commercial or Non-Commercial
(no entries)
f. Still Photography
Philip Arnold
g. Software or App
Heritage Live
9. SPECIAL AWARDS
a. Lee Martin Founder’s Award – Best All-Around Portfolio
Steve Roach
b. Clement F. Bailey Memorial Award
(no entries)
c. The Ribbit
Jeff Garrett
d. The Clemy
Len Augsburger and Joel Orosz
Aug 15, 2020 | ANA, News
Controller Carol Hull Retiring After 17 Years of Services
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) welcomed Brent W. Howe as its new chief financial officer (CFO) on August 5. Howe has a deep background in financial management and administration, with broad experience in the education, health care, manufacturing and defense sectors.
Howe most recently worked with General Dynamic Mission Systems’ GPS Source segment as its CFO and director of operations. He also has served in similar capacities for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and New Mexico State University (NMSU). Howe has an MBA from the Marriott School of Management, Brigham Young University, and a BA in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
In this newly-defined position, Howe will be responsible for the Association’s long-term business and financial planning, in addition to managing financial forecasting and budget analysis. “I’m thrilled to be working with such a distinguished organization as the ANA,” says Howe. “It has exceptional employees and an engaged board, which are key to an organization’s success.”
“Brent was among a handful of candidates we were considering for the new CFO position,” says ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “His expertise in financial analysis, forecasting and cash flow management, plus his nonprofit experience will benefit the Association greatly. We’re excited to have him join the ANA team.”
Howe replaces ANA Controller Carol Hull, who is retiring from the Association on August 28 after nearly 18 years. “Although we will certainly miss Carol in the office, I’m pleased to know that her dedicated service and institutional knowledge will remain part of our community for years to come in her new role as a national volunteer,” says Kiick.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs as well as its museum, library, publications, and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit money.org.
Aug 14, 2020 | News
NGC has certified hundreds of additional selections from the incomparable collection of Donald G. Partrick. Incredibly, this stunning group of coins includes two Brasher Doubloons, fabled rarities that rank among the most prized coins in all of numismatics.
The centerpiece of the Partrick Collection is undoubtedly the finest-known New York-Style Brasher Doubloon: a 1787 “EB” on Wing specimen graded NGC MS 65★. This extraordinary rarity is not only the highest-graded Brasher Doubloon by a full two points, but it has also earned NGC’s trademarked Star Designation for exceptional eye appeal.
Donald G. Partrick quietly assembled the greatest collection of Colonial and early US coins in history. In 2014, NGC was entrusted to certify the first part of his collection, a group of 350 rarities that were sold by Heritage Auctions the following year for nearly $26 million.
Now, NGC has certified many additional selections from the Partrick Collection that will be offered in a series of sales by Heritage Auctions. Many of these coins are either unique or the finest graded — a testament to Partrick’s uncompromising dedication to his hobby.
“NGC is honored to have been entrusted to certify and preserve the most important collection of Colonial and early US coins ever assembled,” said Mark Salzberg, NGC Chairman and Grading Finalizer. “These coins represent the absolute pinnacle of numismatics.”
Learn more →
Aug 11, 2020 | News
Two Collectors Receive Grand Prize for Finding First 2020‑W U.S. Virgin Islands Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter to be Graded by Professional Coin Grading Service
(Santa Ana, California) August 7, 2020 – The PCGS 2020 Quarter Quest continues at Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) with the release of the 2020-W U.S. Virgin Islands Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter, which was released by the United States Mint on June 1. The 2020-W U.S. Virgins Islands Salt River Bay Quarter is the 53rd coin issued in the long-running American The Beautiful Quarter series that began in 2010 and ends next year.
In 2019, the U.S. Mint began striking a limited run of circulating quarters at the West Point Mint bearing the “W” mintmark. Mintages of these scarce “W” Mint Quarters have been capped at just two million specimens per design so far, and these special W Quarters have been released only in circulation; they can’t be bought in U.S. Mint Uncirculated Sets, Proof Sets, or any other numismatic offerings. Instead, U.S. Mint officials have been filtering these West Point Quarters into circulation by peppering the scarce coins into rolls and bags of quarters originating from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.
To help raise awareness of these special coins and entice more individuals to get involved in coin collecting, PCGS launched Quarter Quest. This initiative, now in its second year, offers an array of bounties and other special incentives for those who discover each of the different W-Mint Quarters as they are released.
These rewards include cash payouts and the unique PCGS First Discovery label for the submitter(s) of the first 2020-W Quarter for each new design. Furthermore, qualifying 2020-W Quarters submitted within the first week of the PCGS First Discovery receive the PCGS First Week of Discovery pedigree. Following that initial seven-day period, qualifying 2020-W Quarters graded within the first 45 days of the PCGS First Discovery receive an Early Find label.
“The U.S. Mint has really helped spark a lot of interest in numismatics with these circulating rarities,” says PCGS President Brett Charville. “We want collectors to realize the value of these and other coins in circulation with PCGS Quarter Quest. Since 2019, PCGS Quarter Quest has awarded some $20,000 in bounties and other rewards to collectors around the United States and also offered a variety of limited pedigrees and special labels.”
For the 2020-W U.S. Virgin Islands Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve Quarter, PCGS received two quarters qualifying for the cash prize and the coveted PCGS First Discovery pedigree. PCGS is splitting the 2020 Quarter Quest $2,000 prize for this coin between two winners, both of whose 2020-W Quarters received a grade of MS64.
Anthony F. of Nevada says this 2020-W Quarters has been the find of his lifetime. “I’ve been collecting coins since 1967, when my grandfather brought home rolls of pennies from the bank for me to look through.” The five-year PCGS Collectors Club member says he began looking for W Quarters since their release in 2019 but had come up dry until a fortuitous stop at a filtered water dispenser. “My wife and I were going to make a pot of coffee and needed some ‘good’ water,” says Anthony.
He drove to the nearest filtered water machine but was initially dismayed to find a short line of people there ahead of him. “Now, I’m an impatient person normally, but I decided to wait in my car and was the third person in line. I go up, order a jug of water for 35 cents, put a dollar in, and get 65 cents back in change – two quarters, a dime, and nickel.” Both quarters appeared really “shiny” to Anthony, causing him to inspect them closer. “Sure enough, one was a ‘W.’ I was floored. I went online to see what they were selling for and went to the PCGS site and found out more about The PCGS Quarter Quest there.”
He says he was a little surprised that the bounty was still out for the Salt River Bay Quarter, which had been released in June. So, he and his wife sent their 2020-W Quarter to PCGS with the hopes of being the first to submit one of that design. Anthony was thrilled when he learned that his quarter was tied among first place. “I want to put the coin up in a special frame on the mantle with a wreath around it,” he laughs. “This is the coin I’ve been waiting my whole life to find.” Adds Anthony, “It goes to show you don’t always have to search rolls to find good coins – you can still find them in ordinary circulation.”
While Anthony is correct – that you can find scarce and valuable coins in otherwise common pocket change – there are also many amazing finds to be made through roll searching. And that’s how Kenny R. of Arkansas found his 2020-W Salt River Bay Quarter. But finding a 2020-W Quarter that qualified for the grand prize and a PCGS First Discovery pedigree didn’t necessarily come easily for him.
The longtime coin artist had ventured into coin collecting over the past year or two. “I became a silver hunter,” he says, looking through bank rolls of dimes, quarters, and half dollars for any made from silver. “I go to the bank and get a couple grand in rolls at a time.” Over the past year, he has landed many rolls worth of W-Mint Quarters, each worth $15 to $20 or more due to their scarcity.
“Then last week I found the 2020-W [Salt River Bay] Quarter and started looking up information to see what the coin was worth,” he remarks. “My 18-year-old son then told me to send the coin in for the PCGS Quarter Quest, saying ‘Dad, you gotta do it.’” So, he did, becoming a PCGS Collectors Club member at the same time. And, sure enough, he was glad he did. Kenny exclaims, “It was definitely worth it!”
For more information about The PCGS 2020 Quarter Quest, including updated information on bounties, find out which PCGS First Discovery pedigrees and prizes are available, and how much time remains for PCGS First Week of Discovery and PCGS Early Find pedigrees, please visit https://www.pcgs.com/2020quarterquest. This page also provides further information on terms and conditions for The PCGS 2020 Quarter Quest and other information on rules and qualifications.
About Professional Coin Grading Service
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is the premier third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over nearly 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified some 44.2 million U.S. and world coins, banknotes, medals, and tokens with a combined value of more than $41.3 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.
Aug 6, 2020 | Announcements, News, U.S. Mint, video
WASHINGTON-The United States Mint (Mint) has released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) addressing the current coin circulation issue. The PSA can be viewed here https://youtu.be/pWbGMmlniCw
In the PSA, Mint Director David J. Ryder asks the public to “help get coins moving by using exact change when making purchases, taking your coins to financial institutions, or turning them in for cash at coin recycling kiosks.” Ryder also advises that people “remember to follow all health and safety guidelines when you are out spending or recycling your coins”.
Ryder explains the situation as “right now, coins aren’t circulating through the economy as quickly as they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which means that sometimes coins are not readily available where needed. This is NOT a coin supply problem. It’s a circulation problem.”
Ryder also praised the efforts of the Mint work force, stating “I want to assure you that the men and women of the Mint workforce are working as hard as we possibly can to get newly produced coins into the economy. In fact, we are on track to mint more coins this year than we have produced in almost 20 years.”
As always, and especially during this challenging time, the Mint is committed to supporting our Nation’s economy and commerce through the production of circulating coinage.
Aug 5, 2020 | News
New Acquisitions Lead Corporate, Coin & Banknote Departments
(Santa Ana, California) – Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) recently welcomed to its team three key professionals with rich numismatic expertise and business experience. Joining the company are longtime collector and seasoned business executive David Steinberger as Vice President of Customer Experience, numismatist Sanjay C. Gandhi as World Coins Content Manager, and banknote specialist Cory Williams as Senior Banknote Grader.
Dave Steinberger
“Collecting is in my blood,” Steinberger says. “My father was an avid stamp collector. I’ve collected cards my whole life and have been a loyal PSA customer for 20 years. My daughter loves coin collecting, and I often catch her on the PCGS site researching and looking up prices,” he remarks. “It’s as if I’m working in the family business!” Business is Steinberger’s purview, having built his career on leadership roles in marketing, advertising, research, and general management.
His experience in customer care and brand health will prove pivotal as PCGS, PSA, and their parent company Collectors Universe seek effective new strategies for opening lines of communication with customers while expanding overall brand awareness. “PCGS is committed to understanding the needs of its customers and delivering a better experience for collectors,” he adds. “An investment is being made in the customer experience. I’m eager to help usher in an era of heightened customer care, proactive communication, seeking and acting on customer feedback, and providing greater transparency to the industry.”
Sanjay Gandhi
He owes his extensive knowledge on coins to his diverse collecting experiences and the many numismatic confidantes that helped him carve his career path. “My dad ordered products from the United States Mint when I was a kid,” he recalls. “That was my first connection to coins. I would get to see what he bought – it was exciting to see Proof Sets and American Eagle issues.” His background in world coins was cultivated more than 10 years ago. “I’ve had exceptional mentors within the industry. Many dealers have shared their knowledge and experiences with me, which will help me with my role immensely.”
Cory Williams
“I’ve collected banknotes for quite a while now, and I think you have to be pretty passionate about a hobby to make a career of it,” Williams asserts. In his new role as PCGS Senior Banknote Grader, he will verify grading on banknotes. “I’m excited! There isn’t much I haven’t handled or seen as far as United States material, but the world is endless.”
“We are so excited to bring these outstanding professionals onboard,” says PCGS President Brett Charville. “Each represents a wealth of knowledge in their respective areas, and their presence on our expanding team of numismatic experts and collectibles professionals ensures that PCGS remains the premier third-party coin and banknote grading service.”
Jack Fitch
Stephanie Sabin
About Professional Coin Grading Service
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is the premier third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over nearly 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified some 44.2 million U.S. and world coins, banknotes, medals, and tokens with a combined value of more than $40.2 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.
Jul 30, 2020 | ANA, News
Every year, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) recognizes members who go above and beyond with their service and dedication to numismatics. The following awards, which are typically presented at the World’s Fair of Money®, will be awarded during the Service Awards Presentation virtual event on Sept. 2 at 12 p.m. MT.
The Adna G. Wilde Jr. Memorial Award for Exemplary Service recognizes ANA members who dedicate their time and resources to further the educational purposes of the Association and the hobby, and who set an example for others. This year’s recipient is Doug Davis.
Davis is the founder and president of the Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) based in Arlington, Texas. He established the NCIC with the Pantego Police Department (where he previously served as chief of police) in 1987. The NCIC’s goal is to assist law enforcement officers in the investigation of crimes against collectors and dealers. His work has led to the recovery of untold rare numismatic items, and he has recently taken on the battle against counterfeiting.
Davis has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement and the numismatic industry. He is a graduate of the University of Texas and holds a master-level police officer license in the state of Texas. Although Davis is no longer chief of the Pantego Police Department, he still holds the rank of lieutenant. He also is a licensed law enforcement instructor.
In 1988 Davis was presented the Professional Numismatist Guild’s Sol Kaplan Award. Davis received an ANA Presidential Award in 2012. Past President Thomas Hallenbeck bestowed the honor at a free educational program where Davis presented to about 65 law enforcement personnel in conjunction with the ANA National Money Show. In 2019 Davis became the director of the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force.
The Medal of Merit is bestowed on members who have dedicated years of service to numismatics. The medal is being presented to both Dr. Michael S. Fey and Thomas J. Uram this year.
Fey has held a number of leadership positions within the numismatic community. He has served the ANA as a member of the Consumer Protection Committee (2001-05 and 2007-08), Board of Governors (2005-07), Mediation Committee (2007-18) and, currently, the Advisory Council. He also has loaned Morgan silver dollars for display at the Money Museum (2017-19) and has donated thousands of dollars’ worth of coins to the Association’s collection. He has taught classes as a senior instructor at Summer Seminar since 1998.
Michael Fey has published a variety of works, including his books Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varities: The VAM Keys and A Decade of Top 100 Insights. His writings have appeared in several newsletters, including Top 100 Insights and Top 100 Value Guide, as well as magazines such as Coinage and The Numismatist. In addition, Fey Developed a template for the ANA to use to persuade dealers and collectors to donate rare coins to the Money Museum for use in Summer Seminars.
In addition to the Medal of Merit, Fey has received the Glenn Smedley Memorial Award (2001), the National Silver Dollar Roundtable President’s Award (2002), the New Jersey Numismatic Society Charles F. Nettleship Award (2007) and the Numismatic News Ambassador Award (2010).
Thomas Uram has proven to be a dedicated promoter of numismatics and a stalwart supporter of the two organizations he is most closely associated with, The Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) and the ANA. He joined the ANA in 1974 as a young numismatist and became a life member in 1976. He served his first term as a club officer (secretary of the George Washington Numismatic Association) while he was still in high school. He has occupied many positions in the Association, from exhibit judge (2011), governor (2017-19), Foundation Committee chair (2017-19), board liaison to the Exhibits Committee (2017-19), and Convention Committee chair (2019-21).
Uram is part of numerous communities and clubs, including the Sphinx Society, North Hill Coin Club, South Hills Coin Club, CSNS, FUN, Chicago Coin Club and the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. Further, Uram has served on the United States Mint Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (Speaker of the House appointment) since 2012. Now on his second five-year term, he has chaired the organization since 2019.
Uram has published a handful of numismatic works, including two articles in The Numismatist: “Morse Code on Money” (May 2013), and “Under the Dome” (October 2015).
He has received various accolades for his numismatic accomplishments, including the ANA Presidential Award (2011), the Radford Stearns silver award (2014), the People’s Choice exhibit award (2015), Numismatic Ambassador (2017) and Glenn Smedley Memorial Award (2019).
Harry J. Forman Dealer of the Year honors a professional numismatist who shows uncommon dedication to strengthening the hobby and the ANA, and displays exemplary ethical standards as a numismatic dealer.
This year’s recipient is Harlan J. Berk. Berk describes himself as a “dealer’s dealer” in ancient coins, having been in the business for 56 years. He specializes in Greek, Roman and Byzantine specimens, U.S. large cents and proof-like dollars.
Berk has published three books, including Roman Gold Coins of the Medieval World (1985), Successors of the Sestertius (1986) and 100 Greatest Ancient Coins, 2nd edition (2019). In addition, more than 100 of his articles appear in the Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine and various Krause Publications periodicals (1964-present). He has been a contributing editor for The Numismatist since the mid-1990s. Further, several of his lectures have been recorded, such as “The Art of Judging the Art of Ancient Coins” (1991), “Coins of Croesus” (1993) and “Theodotus Did Make the Dies for the Drachm of Clazomenae” (2011).
Berk has been a member of the Ancient Coin Club of Chicago since its founding in 2001 and has served as president of the Gemini Numismatic Auctions, LLC since 2005. In 1980 Berk gave 1,900 casts of ancient coins to the ANA’s Edward C. Rochette Money Museum. Since 2001, he has donated the coins that are distributed to collectors enrolled in the ANA’s David R. Cervin Ancient Coin Project. He has been part of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) for many years, taking on different roles including secretary (1995-97), treasurer (1997-99), vice president (1999-2001) and president (2001-03). During his time as president, he rewrote many PNG rules relating to board members and adopted the “Collectors’ Bill of Rights.” Berk also co-founded History in Your Hands in 2016, a classroom-based program that teaches kids about coins, maps and antiquities.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs as well as its museum, library, publications, and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit money.org.
Jul 29, 2020 | News, U.S. Mint
The United States Mint (Mint) began accepting orders for the 2020 American Innovation™ $1 Reverse Proof Coin honoring Connecticut on July 21 at noon EDT. The coin recognizes the Gerber Variable Scale, often called the most revolutionary engineering tool since the slide rule.
Produced at the Mint’s facility in San Francisco, the Connecticut American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin features a frosted background and a brilliant, mirror-like finish. Its reverse (tails) design depicts the scale being used to increase a geometric shape by 200 percent, a shape that resembles the state of Connecticut. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “GERBER VARIABLE SCALE,” and “CONNECTICUT.” The obverse (heads) features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” The design also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation. “2020,” the mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the coin’s edge.
The Certificate of Authenticity is embedded in the packaging.
The Connecticut American Innovation $1 Reverse Proof Coin (product code 20GE) is priced at $11.50. The Mint is currently accepting orders only at catalog.usmint.gov/. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
Mintage is limited to 50,000 units. Orders are limited to five units per household for the first 24 hours of sales, after which the limit will be removed.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, our sales centers are closed until further notice. Click here for details.
The American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series featuring distinctive reverse designs that pay homage to America’s ingenuity and celebrate the pioneering efforts of individuals or groups from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Visit usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/american-innovation-dollar-coins to learn more about this program.
Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, the United States Mint will not accept and will not honor orders placed prior to the official on-sale date of July 21, 2020, at noon EDT.
Jul 29, 2020 | Bureau of Engraving and Printing, News
The Latest Bureau of Engraving and Printing Monthly Production Report Has Been Posted.
All production reports can be found at https://www.bep.gov/resources/productionmonthly.html
Jul 29, 2020 | Auctions, News
First auction held in conjunction with a coin show since the Covid-19 pandemic began smashes many world record prices and was a phenomenal success!
(Lincroft, NJ—July 17, 2020). The Regency Auction 39, which took place on the evening of July 16, 2020, as the official auction of the PCGS Members Only Show in Las Vegas marked the first live auction to be held at a trade show. Since February, as coronavirus related shutdowns forced all major trade shows to be canceled, the related auctions have mostly been transformed into internet only affairs. As the first auction held in conjunction with a coin show since the mid-winter ANA, the auction was a triumphant return to in person lot viewing and bidding for Legend Rare Coin Auctions, and when the final lot closed, proved to be the firm’s biggest sale of 2020 so far.
From the moment the sale went live for pre-bidding, registrations were strong. As the first week of pre-bidding ended, registrations were on track to be a record-breaker. By the time the final lot closed on Thursday, July 16, the auction had set records for customer interaction across the board. Registrations, bids, views, and live bidders all dramatically eclipsed the previous records for a Regency Auction and contributed to the amazing results realized in the sale. Indeed, the intense live auction bidding activity led the auction to take longer than usual to close. While the sale ended well into the wee hours of Friday morning east coast time, the action did not wane.
Beginning with the BigMo Civil War Collection, internet and phone bidding was fierce, and continued to be strong through the Incline and Roadrunner Collections, with many lots seeing fierce bidding wars breaking out between multiple eager bidders. The results throughout the sale were strong, with at least 20 auction record prices set during the auction. Bidding was strongest on fresh to the market, high end collector coins.
“Considering the current Covid-19 pandemic, we weren’t sure what the in-person attendance would be for this auction,” said Matthew Bell, CEO of LRCA. “Since it was the first major auction and trade show to be open to the public since the pandemic started, we knew that there would be many people who were weighing whether or not to attend. We were pleased with the turnout, as several returning and new customers came to the auction to place bids and watch the action. The real stars of this auction, however, were the phone and internet bidders.”
“Based on the sheer numbers of phone bidders we had for the BigMo Collection, we knew that the bidding would be intense for that high powered set, but the online bidders really came through and made the results for the entire collection incredible,” added Julie Abrams, President of LRCA. “This momentum carried through the entire sale, as the Incline Jefferson Nickel and Roadrunner Toned Dollar Collections saw many lots with multiple bidders duking it out, leading to very strong results. Overall, the auction set a record for every metric we track in terms of customer interaction, and in most cases flew past our previous records.”
Laura Sperber, founder of LRCA added, “Considering the state of the market, I am just shocked and really thrilled with the extremely strong results overall. Over 20 coins shattered auction records, an accomplishment that we are extremely proud of! As fresh, high end quality coins always inspire intense action from bidders. Really, our results from this auction speak for themselves, just look at these world record prices realized:”
- Lot 25. 10C 1862-S PCGS MS65 CAC, realized $58,750
- Lot 29. 50C 1862-S PCGS MS66 CAC, realized $47,000
- Lot 31. $1 1862 PCGS PR66+ CAC, realized $76,375
- Lot 40. H10C 1863-S PCGS MS67+ CAC, realized $23500
- Lot 44. 25C 1863 PCGS MS66 CAC, realized $15,862.50
- Lot 51. $1 1863 PCGS PR67+ CAM CAC, realized $129,250
- Lot 63. 10C 1864 PCGS PR67+ DCAM CAC, realized $19,975
- Lot 70. $1 1864 PCGS PR66 CAM CAC, realized $49,937.50
- Lot 81. H10C 1865-S PCGS MS66+ CAC, realized $30,550
- Lot 83. 10C 1865-S PCGS MS65+ CAC, realized $55,812.50
- Lot 85. 25C 1865 PCGS PR67+ DCAM CAC, realized $64,625
- Lot 88. 50C 1865 PCGS PR67+ DCAM CAC, realized $117,500
- Lot 215. 5C 1954-S PCGS MS67 FS, realized $35,250
- Lot 269. 25C 1889 PCGS PR67+ CAM CAC, realized $19,387.50
- Lot 277. 25C 1892 PCGS PR68+ CAM CAC, realized $28,200
- Lot 411. $1 1896 PCGS MS66+ CAC, realized $18,212.50
- Lot 443. $1 1886 PCGS MS66+ CAC, realized $7,343.75
- Lot 460. $1 1903-O PCGS MS67+ CAC, realized $31,725
- Lot 461. $1 1904-O PCGS MS67+ CAC, realized $39,950
- Lot 536. $1 1871 J-1129 PCGS PR65 RB CAC, realized $42,300
“We have seen lots of increased demand for tangible assets as the uncertainty in the overall economy,” concluded Matthew Bell. “With a dearth of coin shows, collectors and professional numismatists are increasingly turning to auctions to buy their coins. The number of first time registrants and winning bidders are proof enough of this fact. As the states continue to limit gatherings, rare coin buyers are increasingly moving online to bid. We think the auction market will only get stronger the longer these Covid-19 shut downs last.”
Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auction 40 is going to take place on Thursday, August 27, 2020 in conjunction with the PCGS Members Only Show. Consignments are now being accepted for Regency Auction 41 in October and Regency Auction 42. Both of these auctions already have important collections already consigned, contact a consignment specialist today to include your coins. Email info@legendauctions.com or call the office 732-935-1168.
