Coin Collectors News

Updated “Grading U.S. Coins Today” Correspondence Course Offered by ANA’s Florence Schook School of Numismatics

Jul 17, 2017 | ANA, News

Grading is one of the key skills every coin collector strives to master. Some collectors are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of the multi-day grading seminar offered by the American Numismatic Association (ANA). But for those who cannot attend the seminar, the ANA’s “Grading U.S. Coins Today” correspondence course is the next best thing.

Updated in 2017 and enhanced with visually impressive color images, the course provides valuable information on the methodology behind third-party grading and the differences between technical and market grading.

The course, which features the updated “Grading U.S. Coins Today” along with the 7th edition of “The Official Grading Standards for United States Coins,” is available to ANA members for $40.95. Non-members can order the course for $60.95, which includes both books and a digital membership to the ANA.

“The book closely replicates the live course taught by numismatic experts at our week-long annual Summer Seminar,” says Rod Gillis, ANA education director. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a better introductory guide anywhere.”

“Grading U.S. Coins Today” is one of six correspondence courses (five books) that comprise the ANA’s School of Numismatics Diploma Program. Other courses include:

Introduction to Numismatics $35.95
Detecting Counterfeit & Altered U.S. Coins (includes a DVD) $68.95
The Modern Minting Process and U.S. Errors & Varieties $45.95
Grading Mint-State U.S. Coins (includes a DVD) $48.95

All materials for the Diploma Program can be purchased separately or as a complete package for $455, which includes a registration fee of $100 plus a final exam fee of $200. The final exam consists of a 200-question, written test that can be administered by a proctor in any school, local library, at any ANA convention, or at the ANA in Colorado Springs. Students can opt to take correspondence courses, classroom courses or a combination of both to complete the program requirements. Courses can be completed in any order. Students have the option of being assigned a mentor while enrolled in the program.

To order “Grading U.S. Coins Today” or to obtain more information on the ANA’s Florence Schook School of Numismatics Diploma Program, call (719) 482-9829 or email education@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.

Shelby Plooster Receives 2017 Young Numismatist of the Year Award

Jul 14, 2017 | ANA, News

Shelby Plooster of Evans, Ga., was named the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2017 Young Numismatist of the Year at the ANA’s Summer Seminar during the awards banquet on June 22. The award annually acknowledges an outstanding young collector for contributions to the hobby and industry.

The 17-year-old began collecting in 5th grade, when she discovered some Early American coins in an antique shop, and has been establishing herself in the hobby ever since. A member of the ANA, Augusta Coin Club (ACC), South Carolina Numismatic Association (SCNA) and Women in Numismatics, Plooster has given numerous presentations at local and regional clubs on topics ranging from the 1923 Silver Certificate star note to Centennial Coins of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Her articles have been published in the ACC’s newsletter and SCanner, the SCNA’s official publication, and her exhibits have twice won first prize at the latter’s regional show. She also was named SCNA’s YN of the Year in 2014.

“Receiving this award means that maybe one day I’ll be able to inspire a young collector and support them just as numerous clubs and other numismatists have done for me,” says Plooster. “I’m truly honored and thankful for everything that the ANA has done to educate me and develop my love of numismatics.”

Plooster is a gifted artist and exhibited her multimedia collages at the “Art of Engraving” Show and Reception during the 2017 Summer Seminar. A regular at the two-week event since attending on a scholarship from the SCNA in 2014, she feels it is the responsibility of established numismatists to mentor YNs toward success. “The hobby needs to encourage the next generation of collectors in order to move forward. It is very important that we do everything in our power to encourage people to join the Association,” she advises, adding, “One person who has truly guided me is local coin-shop owner and ACC member Larry Lucree. He taught me—and continues to teach me—so much about numismatics. I feel blessed to learn from him.”

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 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.

Media release: “What are the Greatest Modern Coins of the United States?”

Jul 12, 2017 | Announcements, News

by Dennis Tucker

The fourth edition of Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins will enjoy its public debut in a few short weeks. Look for it at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Denver, Colorado. In the meantime, if you’re a fan of modern U.S. coins, you can preorder your copy online or from your favorite local bookstore.

When 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins debuted in February 2011, it was the eighth volume in Whitman Publishing’s popular 100 Greatest™ library of books. In earlier volumes the spotlight was occupied by rare and valuable ancient coins, unique eighteenth- and nineteenth-century U.S. classics, and even unusual and visually astounding error coins and misstrikes. Finally it was time to focus on the lively field of modern coins, from circulating nickels and quarters to silver and gold commemoratives, Proofs, bullion coins, and more.

This exciting category makes up an impressively large share of today’s numismatic market. Fans of “moderns” are among the most active and enthusiastic collectors in the hobby. To give just one example: The American Eagle bullion-coin program has been part of the numismatic landscape for a little over 30 years. In that time, collectors and investors have purchased more than 400 million American Silver Eagles, plus tens of millions of their gold and platinum cousins. If a book sold that many copies, it would be a runaway best-seller! (Readers have bought about 100 million copies of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit since it was first published; J.K. Rowling’s wildly popular Harry Potter books enjoy print runs in the tens of millions each.) Visit any of the online hobby forums and you’ll find countless threads and conversations revolving around the U.S. Mint’s latest commemorative coins, medals, and bullion pieces. “Collectors love their Morgan dollars and Saint-Gaudens double eagles,” says Diana Plattner, editor of Coin Update (www.coinupdate.com) and Mint News Blog (www.mintnewsblog.com). “But a feature article on the newest U.S. Mint release is guaranteed to bring hundreds of spirited comments, questions, and strong opinions.”

My own appreciation of the complexity and appeal of modern coins has increased in recent years. In 2016 I was appointed to membership in the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (www.CCAC.gov), a public panel that advises the secretary of the Treasury on the designs and themes of U.S. coins. Serving on the committee has been an eye-opening experience. It has rounded out my education in the entire process of modern coin creation.

Many collectors misunderstand the origin of modern coins such as commemoratives, National Park quarters, and Presidential dollars. While the Treasury Department does have authority to create certain limited coinage programs (e.g., special gold pieces such as the 2009 Ultra High Relief and the more recent high-relief American Liberty coins), nearly all of its products are mandated by Congress and signed into existence by the president. Congress decides the overarching themes, gives authority, and sets parameters.

“Congress orders, and the Mint executes,” is what one Mint officer has told me.

The CCAC has 11 members, each of us either representing the general public or specially qualified in a particular field (sculpture or the medallic arts; numismatic curatorship; American history; and numismatics). We are “an informed, experienced, and impartial resource to the secretary of the Treasury and represent the interests of American citizens and collectors.” For each coinage program we confer early in the process, meeting with stakeholders to flesh out basic design ideas to guide the Mint’s artists; then, weeks or months later, we meet to review and analyze the sketches the artists developed. Every design is considered seriously—even when there are 60 or more to review in a single portfolio!

How does modern coinage not work? It’s not “design by committee.” It’s not a lone bureaucrat sitting in an office making up programs. If you think the Mint is producing too many military-themed commemoratives, write to your congressman. If you think a palladium bullion coin is a good idea, or want to see your favorite charity honored with a silver dollar, or have an idea for a new circulating quarter dollar program, remember that “Congress orders, and the Mint executes.” Every new coin starts with an idea, which grows (with a lot of legwork) into legislation at the congressional level (or program management if initiated within the Treasury Department), then moves into concept development, then to design sketches, then review by the CCAC (and also the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts), which results in formal recommendations sent to the Treasury secretary. The secretary makes the final decision on all coin designs.

After a new coin is finally minted, it belongs to history and it’s there for the hobby community to enjoy, critique, collect, and study.

It’s in the latter pursuit that authors Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett are uniquely positioned when it comes to the 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins. Each has collected coins since childhood; each has years of unique hands-on experience as a professional numismatist, including buying and selling moderns. Schechter is vice president and finalizer at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC); his first official job in numismatics was in 1994, when he interned at the Smithsonian Institution, working with the National Numismatic Collection. Garrett is a longtime coin dealer and active promoter of the hobby, this year finishing up his term as president of the American Numismatic Association.

In their engaging and informative book Schechter and Garrett share insight on many behind-the-scenes numismatic situations. As you read you’ll find yourself thinking, “So that’s why this coin was made!” or “That explains why that coin is so rare.” There are as many mysteries, stories, and busted myths within modern coins as there are in any of the classic series.

The fact that 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins is already in its fourth edition attests to the coins’ evergreen appeal and popularity. If you haven’t yet been bitten by the modern-coin bug, you will be after enjoying this entertaining volume. Along the way you’ll learn a lot about our nation and its remarkable coinage.

# # #

100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins
By Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett; foreword by Rhett Jeppson
ISBN 0794845231
Hardcover, coffee-table size
144 pages
Full color
Retail $29.95 U.S.

World’s Fair of Money Hits the Mile High City

Jul 12, 2017 | ANA, Announcements

Mark your calendar for the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money in Denver, Colorado. The annual event offers access to hundreds of dealers, spectacular exhibits and fun social activities. The convention takes place Aug. 1-5 in Hall F of the Colorado Convention Center, located at 700 14th St. Collectors are encouraged to explore the freshly updated World’s Fair of Money page for discounts, learning opportunities and a full schedule of events.

The coin and money show features the nation’s finest coin dealers and best inventory; high-quality educational programs and seminars; world-class auctions by Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers Galleries; mints from around the world; as well as exhibits showcasing priceless treasures from the Money Museum and private collections.

Show hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 1; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 2-4; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 5. ANA members can enter the show 30 minutes before the public. Admission is $8 for adults; ANA members and children 12 and under are always free. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.

Association members who register by July 21 will receive member credentials in the mail. Member badges provide show attendees access to the bourse floor 30 minutes prior to the show opening.

Big High and Bid Often!

Stack’s Bowers Galleries and Heritage Auctions are serving as the Official Auctioneers for this year’s event. Treasures being auctioned include:

Stack’s Bowers Galleries:

Heritage Auctions:

The ANA’s signature Museum Showcase will present rare and historically significant numismatic treasures from the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and exclusive private collections. Several rarities will make their Showcase debut, including a complete set of Clark, Gruber & Co. Colorado territorial gold pieces dated 1860 and 1861, and a 1933 Indian Head $10 gold eagle. Additional highlights include:

The Idler/Bebee 1804 silver dollar and McDermott/Bebee 1913 Liberty Head nickel
The High Relief and Ultra High Relief 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. collection
A nearly complete set of Lesher Referendum silver dollars from the early 1900s
The Rittenhouse 1792 Half Disme along with the George Washington-signed document appointing David Rittenhouse as first Director of the United States Mint

Expand Your Knowledge

Show attendees interested in becoming wiser collectors are encouraged to sign-up for the ANA’s pre-convention Technical Series Seminars. Both seminars will take place at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, located adjacent to the convention center.

Coin Conservation, Authentication and Grading
Instructor: Brian Silliman
Date and Time: July 29-31; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This intensive three-day seminar emphasizes the most essential numismatic skills for collectors of any level. Instruction includes digital presentation, open discussion and hands-on coin examination.
Pioneer Gold Coinage
Instructor: David McCarthy
Date and Time: July 30-31; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In the 19th century the discovery of gold across the U.S. led to a fascinating series of coinage produced by the U.S. Mint, the U.S. Assay Office and private minters like Bechtlers and Moffat & Co. Learn the history of the three major U.S. gold rushes through coins minted from Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado, Oregon, Utah and California. Examine high-resolution images and actual examples of rare Pioneer Gold!

Convention visitors are also invited to attend the free Money Talks presentations and Sundman Luncheon lectures. The informative programs are presented by some of the hobby’s most noted authorities. Money Talks presentations are offered Thursday, Aug. 3 and Friday, Aug. 4, in Room 504 of the Colorado Convention Center. Topics to be covered include: Baltimore’s Washington Monument and Its Numismatic Secrets; Medallic Remembrances of World War I; Lesher Referendum Dollars – The Denver Connection; and more.

Guests who attend the Sundman luncheon, priced at $15 per person, enjoy the following presentations:

Joseph Boling: “WWI Generated Many New Paper Money Issues — and The Counterfeiters Followed Right Along”
Roger W. Burdette: “The Pittman Silver Purchase Act of 1918”
Fred Schwan: “Numismatic Trench Art of World War I”
David Goya: “War To End All Wars: Americans’ Participate in the Great War Through Its Medals”

Mix and Mingle

The Denver World’s Fair of Money is the perfect venue to socialize and network with fellow collectors in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The ANA welcomes hobbyists to the following social events.

Legacy Series — Join the ANA as it celebrates the contributions of Colorado father-son coin dealers, Ken and Tom Hallenbeck of Hallenbeck Coin Gallery. Learn about their personal interests and how the two men have shaped the Colorado Springs numismatic landscape. The cost to attend is $50 and includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar; registration closes July 18.
ANA Member and Donor Reception — The always-popular ANA Member and Donor Reception recognizes 25- and 60-year members, lead donors, Dealer Booster of the Year, John and Nancy Wilson Member Booster Award, Century Club inductees, and service awards. This is a great event for members to meet new friends and catch up with old acquaintances. Admission is free.
ANA Banquet and Silent Auction — The fellowship gala of the year, the annual ANA Banquet includes a cocktail hour for mixing and mingling, a three-course dinner, presentation of ANA awards, and recognition of 50-year members. Tickets are priced at $110. A Silent Auction during the banquet raises funds to underwrite full and partial adult scholarships to the ANA’s Summer Seminar. Banquet registration closes July 18 (tickets will not be available for purchase at the show).
A Golden Day at the ANA — In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ANA’s headquarters dedication, the Association is opening its doors and inviting members to tour its center of operations in downtown Colorado Springs on Sunday, Aug. 6, immediately after the Denver World’s Fair of Money.

Round-trip shuttles from the Sheraton (host hotel) depart at 9 a.m. (with departure from Colorado Springs at 2 p.m.) and 10 a.m. (with Colorado Springs departure at 3 p.m.). The cost for transportation is $30 per person; attendance at the celebration is free, although registration for transportation is required by July 18.

Add Souvenirs to Your Collection

Commemorate the ANA’s 126th Anniversary with a silver or bronze Convention Medal. The 2017 medals are sponsored and struck by Medallic Art Company from the original 1982 (obverse) and 1967 (reverse) headquarters dedication medals.

Medals are available as a convention medal badge (1.5” bronze medal with a ribbon drape) $20, Bronze Medal (2.75”) $65, or as a two-medal set for $100.

To order, call 800-514-2646 or visit the Shop the ANA area (booth #1103) at the show.

Admire Collector Exhibits

Collector exhibits are among the most popular features at every ANA show. It’s a great opportunity for hobbyists to share their collections and research with fellow numismatists through high-quality displays. The individual creativity is often rivaled only by the quality and variety of the items on display. Visit booth #778 to view this year’s exhibits.

Meet the Host Organizations

The host clubs for the week-long event, Colorado Springs Coin Club (cscc.anaclubs.org) and Colorado Springs Numismatic Society (csns.anaclubs.org), can be found at booth #362.

For additional information visit www.worldsfairofmoney.com or call 800-367-9723.

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 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.

David Lange Awarded ANA’s Numismatist of the Year Award

Jul 7, 2017 | ANA, News

David W. Lange is the 2017 recipient of the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) Numismatist of the Year Award. The award honors an individual within the numismatic community who has demonstrated long-term leadership in the field and to the Association. He will be presented with the award on Friday, Aug. 4, during the awards banquet at the World’s Fair of Money® in Denver.

As an author and researcher, David Lange is adept in a wide variety of numismatic areas. The longtime collector specializes in United States type coins, Philippine coins and notes from 1903 to 1945, and British coins from 1816 to 1970. He pioneered the study of coin-collecting boards and folders, writing three volumes and designing and maintaining a website on the subject.

A gifted writer, Lange received his first literary recognition more than 30 years ago and has gone on to collect many more awards, including 19 from the Numismatic Literary Guild. He has written nine books since 1992 (three for Whitman Publishing), and has appeared in the acknowledgments of at least a dozen other works. Lange has authored approximately 200 feature articles for nearly 20 numismatic journals and publications, and has been a columnist for The Numismatist since 1988.

As the research director for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (a position he has held since 1994), Lange has enabled the company’s website to record and publicize all NGC-recognized varieties. He also created the VarietyPlus® page, which associates coins with a standard system of descriptions.

A 19-year member of Mensa, Lange is respected for his numismatic knowledge and discoveries. In 1980 he reported a 1900-01 hub variety of Barber quarters, and in 2001 identified a 1922 medium-relief Peace dollar in currency strike. Since 2013, he has located doubled-die shield nickels for 1867, 1868 and 1872 and an 1883/2 overdate.

Lange has served as an instructor at ANA Summer Seminars since 1995. Past ANA honors include the Presidential Award (1994, 2008), Heath Literary Award (1998), Wayte and Olga Raymond Memorial Literary Award (1999, 2007 and 2009) and Lifetime Achievement Award (2009). He was elected to the Rittenhouse Society in 2005 and was named a Numismatic Ambassador by Numismatic News in 1994.