United States Mint Rolls Out Commemorative Coins Honoring the First Manned Lunar Landing on January 24
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program on January 24 at noon EST.
This unique four-coin program includes the Mint’s first reeded five-ounce proof silver dollar, a $5 gold coin, a silver dollar, and a half dollar. All coins are curved. This year, the Mint increased the silver content of its commemorative standard silver dollars to 99.9 percent silver. In the past, these coins were 90/10 silver–90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. Product options, pricing, and order limits are below.
| PRODUCT CODE | PRODUCT OPTION | INTRO PRICE | REGULAR PRICE | ORDER LIMIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19CA | Proof Five-Dollar Gold Coin | Per Grid (-) $5 | Per Grid | 1 |
| 19CB | Uncirculated Five-Dollar Gold Coin | Per Grid (-) $5 | Per Grid | 1 |
| 19CC | Proof Silver Dollar Coin | $54.95 | $59.95 | 100 |
| 19CD | Uncirculated Silver Dollar Coin | $51.95 | $56.95 | 100 |
| 19CE | Proof Half Dollar Coin | $27.95 | $32.95 | N/A |
| 19CG | Uncirculated Half Dollar Coin | $25.95 | $30.95 | N/A |
| 19CH | Five-Ounce Silver Proof Dollar Coin | $224.95 | $229.95 | 5 |
| 19CF | Half Dollar Set | N/A | $53.95 | 5 |
The Half Dollar Set celebrates the connection between President Kennedy and the American space program. It includes one Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Proof Half Dollar and one Kennedy Enhanced Reverse Proof Half Dollar. This product is limited to 100,000 units.
The Mint set pricing for the gold product options according to its Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum Products table, available here. Introductory sales prices are in effect until February 25, 2019, at 3 P.M. EST, after which regular pricing will take effect. The household order limits are in effect for 24 hours.
Coin prices include surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each $1 silver coin, $5 for each half-dollar coin, and $50 for each five-ounce silver proof coin. The law requires the Mint to distribute the surcharges collected as follows:
- One half to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s “Destination Moon” exhibit,
- One quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and
- One quarter to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Gary Cooper of Belfast, Maine created the obverse (heads) design that appears on all coins in this program. Cooper’s design features the inscriptions “MERCURY,” “GEMINI,” and “APOLLO”–separated by phases of the Moon–and a boot print on the lunar surface. The design represents the efforts of the United States space program leading up to the first manned Moon landing. Additional inscriptions are “2019,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “LIBERTY.” Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted the design.
The coins’ reverse (tails) design features a representation of a close-up of the iconic “Buzz Aldrin on the Moon” photograph taken July 20, 1969, showing just the visor and part of the helmet of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The reflection depicted in Aldrin’s helmet includes astronaut Neil Armstrong, the United States flag, and the lunar lander. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the respective denomination, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill created and sculpted the reverse design
The Mint accepts orders at www.catalog.usmint.gov and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Visit www.catalog.usmint.gov/customerservice/shipping.html for information about shipping options.
ANA College Scholarships Available to Young Collectors
Applications for college scholarships provided by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) are being accepted through March 15. The scholarship fund was established in 2014 to provide a graduating high school senior who is also a member of the ANA with $1,000 to use at the university, community college, or trade school of the student’s choice. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on numismatic merit and financial need.
The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, or supplies directly related to class requirements. Up to two scholarships may be awarded annually. Students with a full class schedule, who maintain a B average throughout their higher education, can receive the $1,000 scholarship up to four years.
“The ANA’s primary goal is education,” said Rod Gillis, the ANA’s education director. “Generally, students who are involved in numismatics are the best and brightest scholars. It stands to reason that we should do all that we can to invest in our members at such a critical time in their lives.”
Besides holding membership in the ANA, applicants must be a graduating high school senior with a cumulative grade-point average of at least a 3.0. The winning students may use the scholarship at any two- or four-year college, university, or trade school within the United States.
Two letters of reference must be sent on the applicant’s behalf. The authors of the references may not be family members. Reference letters must be submitted by the person writing the reference, not the scholarship applicant, and must be received at the ANA by March 15.
The first scholarship was graciously underwritten by Brian Fanton, ANA Education & Young Numismatist Committee Chair and former ANA Governor, and Walter Ostromecki Jr., ANA Governor and past President. Funds for future scholarships will be raised through donations.
Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2019. Completed applications and references should be sent to:
c/o Rod Gillis
818 N. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
For additional information, contact Rod Gillis via email at gillis@money.org or call him at (719) 482-9845.
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 25,000 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 www.money.org.
PCGS partners with Astronauts Memorial Foundation
(Santa Ana, California) January 17, 2019 – The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (https://www.amfcse.org), a nonprofit organization that honors and memorializes those astronauts who have sacrificed their lives for the nation and the space program by sponsoring the Space Mirror Memorial, and by implementing innovative educational technology programs, has selected Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) to create a special label to celebrate the launch of the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins.
PCGS has prepared special inserts featuring the AMF logo juxtaposed against the sun rising behind the earth. These commemorative coins will also receive the First Strike® designation, when eligible, and Apollo 11 50th Anniversary pedigree. The new Apollo 11 commemorative coins, and other specified U.S. and world coins will be eligible to receive the AMF label.
A portion of the proceeds received by PCGS from submitters for the grading and encapsulation of the coins commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the first moon landing will be donated directly to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. AMF, which is based at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was founded in the wake of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in 1986. AMF is the proud sponsor of the 42-foot high by 50-foot wide polished granite monument known as the Space Mirror Memorial. The National Memorial, also located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, glows with the names of astronauts who have given their lives in the line of duty.
“The Astronauts Memorial Foundation is excited about partnering with PCGS on the grading and encapsulation of these historic Apollo Commemorative Coins. We chose to work with PCGS due to their high-regard in the numismatic community and the safety, security, and aesthetics of the PCGS holder,” said Thad Altman, President and CEO of AMF, “AMF’s mission is to memorialize the twenty-four astronauts who have lost their lives in the pursuit of space exploration and to educate future generations to become the explorers of tomorrow, we feel that this special label, with the added benefit of being available to coins beyond just the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins, will help to further honor our fallen heroes.”
AMF funds the Center for Space Education in Florida where students, teachers, and mentors experience building rockets, robotic competitions and other hands-on learning activities. AMF also partners with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to provide technology training to educators throughout the nation with a particular emphasis on space-related technology.
“PCGS is pleased to partner with the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and help support AMF’s mission to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians through their many programs and outreach activities. This is a perfect way for the hobby to pay tribute and memorialize the 1969 Apollo 11 mission and the United States Mint’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins,” said PCGS President Brett Charville.
On January 24, the U.S. Mint will begin sales of four different Apollo 11 coins: A Clad Half Dollar, Silver Dollar, $5 denomination gold coin and a Five-ounce Proof Silver Dollar.
Prices for the coins include surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each Silver Dollar, $5 for each Clad Half Dollar, and $50 for each Five-ounce Proof Silver Dollar. Under federal legislation authorizing the coins, the surcharges will be divided as follows: one-half to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s “Destination Moon” exhibit, one-quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and one-quarter to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
“In addition to the mandated surcharges, we will donate 50% of the $18 label fee from encapsulation of all Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemoratives and other qualifying coins that receive the special insert,” explained Charville.
- The following coins will qualify for this special label and pedigree;
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary $5 Gold Coin
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary $1 Silver Dollar
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Clad Half Dollar
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Five Ounce Proof Silver Dollar
- Additionally, the AMF label can be used for the following coins:
- 2019 Native American $1 Coins in all finishes
- 2004 Florida “Gateway to Discovery” State Quarters
- All U.S. Kennedy Half Dollar Coins (including all mint state, proof, specimen, and commemorative versions in all metals)
- All U.S. Eisenhower $1 Coins
- All American Eagle Coins (including all mint state, proof, specimen in all metals, and denominations)
- 2019 Pobjoy Mint / Ascension Island Apollo Coins
- 2019 Royal Australian Mint Apollo Coins
Full submission guidelines are available here: https://www.pcgs.com/labels.
The PCGS Set Registry® will be hosting a new set for coins featuring the special Apollo 11 50th Anniversary label featuring all of the above coins.
Since its founding in 1986, PCGS experts have certified over 40 million coins from over 100 different counties with a total market value of over $34.5 billion. For information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
“Alert” Theft Large Amount Gold Coins-UPS-Essington,PA Area
Detectives with the Tinicum Township police department are investigating a theft involving a large number of gold coins. The coins were being shipped to Germany via UPS and were last scanned at the Philadelphia air hub.
Based upon the preliminary investigation it is believed the suspect or suspects are local and may attempt to sell the coins in the Philadelphia or outlying towns or municipalities.
Any dealer or collector who may be offered coins as described above please contact:
Det. Sgt. James Simpkins
610-52103830
Tinicum Township Police Department
Essington, PA
or
Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org
Whitman Publishing Releases New Third Edition of “A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents
(Pelham, Alabama)—Whitman Publishing has released an updated and revised third edition of its best-selling Guide Book of Lincoln Cents. It continues in the popular tradition of the Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars and other Bowers Series numismatic guides, which number more than two dozen volumes. The 320-page full-color book is available now, in January 2019, online (including at Whitman.com) and from booksellers nationwide for $19.95.
The new edition includes a thorough market analysis for each date and mintmark of Lincoln cent produced through 2018, in up to nine circulated and Mint State grades, plus Proofs. It features hundreds of photographs, and insight on error coins, patterns, related tokens and medals, and proposed Bicentennial designs.
Appendices new to the third edition explore the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee’s review of the 2010 Union Shield reverse, a snapshot of the Lincoln cent market in 1946, and how to get a new die variety listed in hobby publications such as the Red Book.
Generations of coin collectors have grown up with the Lincoln cent, America’s longest-running coin series, first minted in 1909. Author Q. David Bowers, the nation’s most widely published numismatic writer, provides a detailed study of this American classic, including history, grading, market values, and more. Each Lincoln cent is illustrated in full color, with high-resolution enlargements for important doubled dies and other varieties. Mintages, specifications, and retail values in multiple grades (including Brown, Red/Brown, and Red Mint State) add to the book’s reference value. More than 750 photographs illustrate the text.
In the book’s preface Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker calls the coins an evergreen series. “Many active hobbyists collect Lincoln cents,” he writes. “So do people who don’t consider themselves numismatists, but enjoy saving interesting coins. Among other currently circulating coinage only Washington quarters—specifically, the 1999 to 2008 State quarters—have matched their broad popularity.”
On the technical and production side, A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents covers die preparation, the coining process, distribution, design modifications, Proofs, mintmarks, and other specialized topics. An appendix by specialist Fred Weinberg discusses errors and misstruck cents.
On the market side, the book explains how to specialize in Lincoln cents, and gives advice on determining authenticity, analyzing color and strike, being a smart buyer, realities of the marketplace, comparative rarities, Full Details, certification, establishing fair market prices, and more.
David W. Lange, Director of Research for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, wrote the third edition’s foreword. “No one captures the appeal of collecting coins like Bowers,” he said. “To read A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents is to learn this series in depth and to fully appreciate the changing face of the Lincoln cent over more than a century.”
ISBN 0794846343
320 pages, full color
By Q. David Bowers; foreword by David W. Lange
$19.95 retail
https://www.whitman.com/store/Inventory/Detail/A-Guide-Book-of-Lincoln-Cents-3rd-Edition+0794846343
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