Coin Collectors News

NGC-certified Brasher Doubloon Sells for Over $5 Million

Mar 26, 2018 | News

1787 Brasher Doubloon with ‘EB’ on Wing, graded NGC MS 63. Realized (2018, private sale) more than $5 million (NGC Image)

A rare 1787 Brasher Doubloon graded MS 63 by NGC has been sold for more than $5 million, one of the highest prices ever paid for a coin.

The Brasher Doubloon was the first gold coin struck in the United States. Today, it is considered one of the most important coins in American numismatics. Only seven examples are known.

Heritage Auctions, which brokered the sale between Monaco Rare Coins and a West Coast collector, said terms of the transaction were confidential, but added that it was the highest price realized in the company’s history. Heritage Auctions sold this very same Brasher Doubloon in January 2014 for $4,582,500, the highest price ever paid for an NGC-certified coin at the time. That record was broken with the recent sale for over $5 million.

United States Mint Opens Sales for 10-Coin Set of Uncirculated Quarters on March 29

Mar 22, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

America the Beautiful Quarters 2018 Uncirculated Coin Set (U.S. Mint image)

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint will accept orders for the 2018 America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set™ (product code 18AA) beginning on March 29 at noon Eastern Time (ET).

This set contains five uncirculated quarters from the Philadelphia Mint and five uncirculated quarters from the Denver Mint with reverse designs honoring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan); Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin); Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota); Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia); and Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (Rhode Island). The obverse (heads) design of all coins features the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan, which has been restored to bring out subtle details and the beauty of the original model. The set is priced at $13.95.

The Mint accepts orders at www.catalog.usmint.gov/ and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.

The America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set is also available for purchase through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program. Visit catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/ to learn more about this convenient ordering option.

Statement issued upon Senate confirmation of David J. Ryder as Mint Director

Mar 22, 2018 | ICTA/NCBA

“We welcome the news that the U.S. Senate has confirmed President Trump’s nominee, David J. Ryder, as the 39th director of the United States Mint,” said Philip N. Diehl, chairman of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets.

“It’s hard to imagine a better-qualified appointee. David has served at the Mint before, he knows Washington well, and he brings to the job more than 20 years of experience in the anti-counterfeiting business. We need his leadership at the U.S. Mint as we confront the growing threat coin counterfeiting poses to the nation,” Diehl said.

Philip N. Diehl was the 35th Director of the U.S. Mint —ed.

Office of Strategic Services Receives Congressional Gold Medal

Mar 21, 2018 | News, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON – The members of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) received a Congressional Gold Medal today during a ceremony in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol. The medal, conferred collectively, recognizes the members of the OSS for their superior service and major contributions during World War II.

The OSS was America’s first effort to implement a system of strategic intelligence during World War II and provided the basis for the modern-day American intelligence and special operations communities. Present day Special Operations Forces trace their lineage to the OSS. The CIA, the Navy SEALs, the Army Special Forces, and the Air Force Special Operations Command all have their precursors in the OSS. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research also traces its creation to the OSS Research and Analysis Branch.

The OSS was composed of both military personnel and civilians. Women comprised more than one-third of the OSS personnel. Many of America’s leading scientists and scholars served in the OSS. The OSS organized, trained, supplied, and fought with resistance organizations throughout Europe and Asia. They conducted covert operations and reconnaissance; pioneered new technology, including the Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit (LARU), which was the precursor to current SCUBA technology; and developed innovative counterintelligence actions that provided vital information during World War II.

The United States Mint sculpted and manufactured the Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal. Its obverse (heads) features the inscription “OSS” revealing three figures – a woman, a paratrooper, and a man in a suit – that represent the broad range of work undertaken by the OSS. Each figure is rendered as a shape without details, hinting at the way OSS agents sought to operate anonymously. The diversity in the OSS is also reflected by the figures, conveying that OSS members were men and women, civilian and military. The design also features the dates “1942-1945,” the years during which the OSS operated. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Emily Damstra created the design, which United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Renata Gordon sculpted.

The medal’s reverse (tails), also designed by Damstra, features the OSS Spearhead inscribed with code words related to important OSS missions and agents. United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted the design.

The public law that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the OSS also authorizes the United States Mint to strike and sell bronze reproductions of the medal. The three-inch medal (18MB), priced at $39.95, and the 1.5-inch medal (18MA), priced at $6.95, will be available for purchase on March 21, 2018, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time through the Mint’s online catalog at www.catalog.usmint.gov/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may call 1-888-321-MINT (6468).

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the nation’s highest civilian awards and is bestowed by Congress as an expression of gratitude for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, groups, or institutions..

Summer Seminar Early Registration Discount Ends Soon

Mar 21, 2018 | ANA, Announcements

Hobbyists interested in attending the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 50th annual Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colo. can now register for the event online. The two one-week sessions will be held June 16-28. ANA members who register by Mar. 31 will save $50 per session on the cost of tuition; life members who register will save an additional $25 per session. Register online here.

Summer Seminar is a once-a-year opportunity for intense numismatic study and the 2018 program features a lineup of classes to meet virtually every collector’s needs. To view a full list of courses, daily excursions and session schedules, visit www.money.org/summer-seminar.

What’s Fresh

World Numismatics
Instructor: Benjamin Swagerty
Session 1: June 16 to 21

Learn about numismatics from around the world, including hard-to-obtain rarities, general issues, commemoratives and more. This course will show you how to develop and organize your collections in an accessible, flexible way by using the Internet and other resources. It also will help you become an active and knowledgeable international collector.

What’s Exclusive

Numismatic Publishing: A Practical Guide to Writing About Coins
Instructors: Steve Roach and Dennis Tucker
Session 1: June 16 to 21

This course is designed for individuals who want to write for today’s top numismatic publications. Students will learn about different types of writing, the elements of quality (i.e., readable) coin writing, and will receive an overview of the various venues available for publishing. Participants also will build an outline and work on producing an article suitable for publication, which will be peer reviewed. By the end of the class, students will lay the groundwork for an article they can be proud of and will gain further confidence in their writing skills.

What’s Fundamental

Collecting United States Type Coins
Instructors: David W. Lange and Frank Van Valen
Session 2: June 23 to 28

This interactive class will teach students how to collect U.S. coins by regularly issued type. Participants will explore the rarity of each design and denomination in relation to grade. They also will learn the technical aspects of strike and planchet quality and the aesthetics of toning. Students are encouraged to bring their own coins for evaluation and study.

What’s Original

Legacy & Coinage of Father-Son Mint Engravers William & Charles Barber
Instructors: John Frost and Glenn Holsonbake
Session 2: June 23 to 28

This hands-on course will explore the history and coinage of the 5th and 6th U.S. Mint chief engravers, William Barber (1869-1879) and Charles Barber (1880-1917), respectively. Students will study in detail all six circulation coin series created by this duo during their tenures, from the late-19th to the early-20th century. The class also will explore the mint medals designed by these prolific engravers and more.

Lodging

Students may select from a variety of lodging options to meet their needs, preferences and budget. Most stay in Colorado College campus dorms (adjacent to the ANA), while others elect to stay in nearby hotels. For a complete list of ANA preferred hotels, refer to page 22 of the Summer Seminar Course Catalog.

Travel

Summer Seminar attendees are encouraged to contact M&M World Travel Service for travel arrangements. M&M works closely with the ANA to provide competitive airline rates and personalized service. Students can take advantage of the ANA’s complimentary shuttle by flying into the Colorado Springs Airport. To make M&M travel arrangements, call 800-426-8326 or email pwhitnah@mmworldtravel.com.

For additional information, contact Meghan Reed, the ANA’s seminar representative, at seminars@money.org.

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 instructional and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.