Redesigned United States Mint American Eagle Gold Coins Go On Sale July 29

Jul 22, 2021 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce the beginning of sales for redesigned 2021 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins on July 29, at noon EDT. Orders are limited to one coin per household for the first 24 hours from the on-sale date and time.

Struck in 22-karat gold at the West Point Mint, these popular coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins. For the first time since their debut more than three decades ago, the reverse (tails) of American Eagle Gold Proof Coins features a newly designed portrayal of an eagle, created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Jennie Norris and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” along with the face value and weight.

The coins’ obverse (heads) features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ full-length figure of Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. To render a closer reflection of Saint-Gaudens’ original vision, legacy details have been restored that include modifications to the U.S. Capitol Building, stars, torch, sun rays, and other design elements based on the original bronze cast.

In addition to redesigning the reverse and enhancing design details on the obverse (heads) of these coins, the Mint introduced anti-counterfeiting features that include a reeded edge variation on the one ounce coin (only).

The redesigned American Eagle Gold Proof Coins will be available in the following five product options:

PRODUCT CODE PRODUCT OPTION PRODUCT LIMIT* MINTAGE LIMIT*
21EBN One Ounce Coin 5,625 15,875
21ECN One-Half Ounce Coin 2,000 12,250
21EDN One-Quarter Ounce Coin 3,375 13,625
21EEN One-Tenth Ounce Coin 10,000 20,250
21EFN Four-Coin Set
(includes one of each weight)		 10,250 N/A

To complement the new designs, each coin is encapsulated and placed in a black presentation case with the United States Mint seal on the lid. The case fits into an outer sleeve incorporating an image of the reverse coin design, and the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity includes artwork of the obverse design.

American Eagle Gold Proof Coins are priced according to the range in which they appear on the Mint’s Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum and Palladium Products table. Current pricing information is available here.

To sign up for REMIND ME alerts, visit:

Information about additional products featuring the American Eagle Gold Coins will be published on the Mint’s 2021 Product Schedule at https://catalog.usmint.gov/product-schedule/2021/.

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 29, 2021, at noon EDT.

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Please use the United States Mint catalog site as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.

United States Mint Opens Sales for Virginia American Innovation® $1 Coin Products on July 27

Jul 22, 2021 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON – Product options containing uncirculated quality American Innovation $1 Coins honoring Virginia will be available for purchase directly from the United States Mint (Mint) beginning on July 27 at noon EDT. The coins are produced at the Mint’s facilities in Philadelphia and Denver and are packaged as follows:

PRODUCT CODE PRODUCT OPTION PRICE
21GRB 25-Coin Roll–P $34.50
21GRF 25-Coin Roll–D $34.50
21GBB 100-Coin Bag–P $117.50
21GBF 100-Coin Bag–D $117.50

The American Innovation $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series featuring distinctive reverse (tails) 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.

The Virginia $1 coin is the second release of 2021 and honors the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, recognized as an engineering marvel of the modern world. The reverse design depicts a view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel as a cross-section cut away, illustrating the ingenuity involved in constructing it. Inscriptions are “United States of America” and “Virginia.”

The obverse (heads) design features a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” It also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation.

The year of minting, mint mark, and inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the edge of the coins.

To set up a REMIND ME alert for the Virginia American Innovation $1 Coin product options, visit here.

Additional products in the American Innovation $1 Coin Program are available at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-innovation-dollar-coins.

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Please use the United States Mint catalog site https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.

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 and time of July 27, 2021, at noon EDT.

The Royal Mint celebrates the 250th Anniversary of Sir Walter Scott on official UK coin

Jul 22, 2021 | Announcements, Royal Mint

Abbotsford House, The Home of Sir Walter Scott.
Scottish Borders, Scotland.
The Royal Mint unveiled a commemorative £2 coin to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth. The coin is pictured with Matthew Maxwell Scott, a direct descendent and Trustee at Abbottsford – home of 19th century novelist and poet. (Photo Phil Wilkinson)

The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has today launched a commemorative £2 coin to honour the late Sir Walter Scott, 250 years after the great writer’s birth.

One of the most influential Scots in history, Sir Walter Scott is renowned for his contribution to literature with his novels and poems, many of which remain literary classics to this day.

Marking the 250th anniversary since his birth, Scott’s legacy has been celebrated for the first time on official UK coin. Available in gold, silver and brilliant uncirculated, the commemorative keepsake was first unveiled in the 2021 Annual Set and today launches as an individual collectors’ item at The Royal Mint.

Designed by textual artist Stephen Raw, the coin was inspired by the artist’s visit to Abbotsford, the famous home of Sir Walter Scott. On the canvas of a £2 coin, the words Sir Walter Scott and Novelist, Historian and Poet are inscribed in the same calligraphy seen at Abbotsford’s grand entrance and chapel. The design also includes Scott’s portrait modelled on the Scott Monument – one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.

To celebrate the launch, the Original Maker collaborated with Scott’s Abbotsford home and Trustee and direct descendant, Matthew Maxwell Scott – the great, great, great, great grandson of the famous writer.

Clare Maclennan The Royal Mint’s Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin said: “Sir Walter Scott’s status as one of Great Britain’s greatest writers endures 250 years after his birth and the anniversary celebration is a wonderful occasion to commemorate his legacy on a £2 coin.

“The exquisite design, with the inscription Novelist, Historian and Poet, reminds us of the wide-reaching influence of his work. What a treat is has been to reveal this collectable piece of art in collaboration with his great, great, great, great grandson Matthew Maxwell Scott and the fantastic team at Abbotsford, the famous home of Walter Scott, as part of their Anniversary celebrations.”

Matthew Maxwell Scott, Trustee at Abbotsford, said: “I’m extremely proud to see my ancestor recognised on a very special coin from The Royal Mint – a fitting tribute during a year of 250th birthday celebrations. It is a beautiful coin. Sir Walter was a collector of beautiful things and I think he would have loved to have this coin in his collection among the many treasures at Abbotsford.”

Giles Ingram, CEO at Abbotsford, said: “This year we are commemorating the 250th Anniversary of Sir Walter Scott, which is a great occasion to look at Scott’s work and legacy. At Abbotsford, we were delighted to be approached by The Royal Mint to collaborate with them on this beautiful coin. Recognising Scott as Novelist, Historian and Poet, 250 years after his birth on, such a beautiful coin and packaging, truly marks Scott as one of the world’s most famous writer’s and one of Scotland’s most influential sons.”

Speaking of the design, Stephen Raw, who also designed the Sherlock Holmes coin in 2019 and the First World War Armistice coin in 2018, said:

“Sir Walter Scott was such a fascinating character, there were so many routes that you could explore. Being a textual artist, I’m fascinated by lettering and I chose a combination of distinctive Gothic lettering from the chapel at Abbotsford alongside some lettering used by Scott in the magnificent entrance to his home.

“As for the portrait, I used the wonderful sculpture of Scott that sits within his monument on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. I hope that collectors enjoy the design and that when people see the coin, they might be encouraged to visit Abbotsford and the Scott Monument – the second largest such memorial to a writer in the world they say.”

More information about the coin, in a range of precious metals, can be found at The Royal Mint.

250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott £2 Coin Specifications
Coin title 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Gold Proof Coin 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Piedfort Coin 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Coin 250th Anniversary of the birth of Sir. Walter Scott 2021 UK £2 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
Denomination £2 £2 £2 £2
Issuing Authority UK UK UK UK
Alloy Inner: 916.7 Au Yellow Gold, Outer: 916.7 Au Red Gold Inner – 925 Ag/ Outer – 925 Ag plated with fine gold Inner – 925 Ag/ Outer – 925 Ag plated with fine gold Inner – Cupro-nickel/ Outer – Nickel-brass
Weight 15.97g 24.00g 12.00g 12.00g
Diameter 28.40mm 28.40mm 28.40mm 28.40mm
Obverse Designer Jody Clark Jody Clark Jody Clark Jody Clark
Reverse Designer Stephen Raw Stephen Raw Stephen Raw Stephen Raw
Quality Proof Proof Proof Brilliant Uncirculated
Edge Lettering THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE THE WILL TO DO, THE SOUL TO DARE
LEP 175 771 1,771 Unlimited
RRP £1,095.00 £117.50 £72.50 £10.00

United States Mint Issues New Terms and Conditions for all Bulk Purchase Program Members

Jul 15, 2021 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

U.S. MintTo address the extraordinarily high volume of automated web robot (BOT) traffic targeted at the Mint’s online sales site (www.catalog.usmint.gov) and to prevent the type of disruptions that Mint customers experienced during the initial pre-order window for the Morgan and Peace Dollars, the Mint has now identified and implemented a solution that we expect will mitigate most of the issues caused by BOT traffic.

To further enhance the customer experience, the Mint is introducing new Terms and Conditions for all bulk purchase program members. Continued membership in the bulk program will be conditional upon agreement to the new terms and conditions, which explicitly restrict, among other things, bulk members’ use of BOTS to purchase Mint inventory reserved for online ordering. The new terms provide that:

  • circumvention of any applicable Mint product order limit is strictly prohibited.
  • bulk purchase program members must not make any effort, either using technological solutions or otherwise, to circumvent the Mint’s product order limits.
  • this prohibition includes orders placed via the Mint’s e-commerce platform, including pre-orders and enrollments; telephone orders; and transactions at Mint retail sites, including any temporary sales sites.
  • examples of circumventing an order limit include, but are not limited to, using BOTS or other method(s) to place multiple orders cumulatively in excess of the product order limit.
  • acting on behalf of a company, any subsidiary of a company or any related commercial entity, or the employees or agents of the company, a subsidiary, or any related commercial entity, for purposes of circumventing a product order limit is prohibited.

The Mint reserves the right to review all orders and to cancel orders that violate a product order limit. If a company violates this strict prohibition against circumvention of any Mint product order limit, the Mint reserves the right to suspend or terminate that company’s Authorized Bulk Purchase Program status. Further, if a company with Numismatic Bulk Purchaser Program status violates this strict prohibition against circumvention of any Mint product order limit, the Mint reserves the right to disregard the company’s annual purchase levels for the relevant two consecutive years for purposes of entry into the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program.

Collectors Loan $15+ Million of Classic U.S. Coins for Display at Chicago World’s Fair of Money

Jul 14, 2021 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions

Exhibits hosted by Tangible Investments features examples of some of the finest known coins, including 1880 Coiled Hair and Flowing Hair “Stellas”

(Rosemont, Illinois) July 14, 2021 — A virtual mini-museum of superb quality, seldom-seen U.S. numismatic rarities from private collections will be displayed to the public by Tangible Investments of Laguna Beach, California (www.til1.com) at the American Numismatic Association 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money® (www.WorldsFairofMoney.com).

Insured for more than $15 million, the exhibit will include one of the finest known of America’s first dollars, the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, and a complete set of $4 “Stellas,” including the finest PCGS-graded 1880 Coiled Hair and finest PCGS-graded 1879 Flowing Hair varieties.

“To celebrate the post-pandemic comeback of major shows, we have assembled an impressive, seven-part array of numismatic treasures on loan from their current owners’ private collections. We’re calling it the ‘Magnificent 7’ because these are some of the finest known, magnificent examples of classic U.S. coins,” explained Silvano DiGenova, President of Tangible Investments.

“They’re not for sale. They’re simply for the public to admire and learn about as we again enjoy the benefits of attending large coin shows in person, such as the important ANA convention,” said DiGenova.

The display will be at the Tangible Investments booth, # 301, in Hall E of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois, site of the ANA 2021 convention, August 10-14.

Highlights of the seven-part, multi-million-dollar display include:

  • A 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar, graded PCGS MS63+ CAC. Formerly part of the Cardinal Collection and also in the collections of prominent 20th century collectors Virgil Brand and F.C.C. Boyd, this historic coin’s last public appearance was at the 2018 Philadelphia World’s Fair of Money.
  • One of the finest of only four known 1802 Draped Bust dollars, PCGS PR65+ CAC, that was previously owned by such notable collectors as Captain John W. Haseltine, Waldo C. Newcomer, Col E.H.R. Green, Amon Carter Senior and Junior, the I.R. French family and David Queller.
  • The finest assembled 1845 gold proof set with an original velvet-lined presentation box: $10 Eagle NGC PF65 CAM; $5 Half Eagle NGC PF66 CAM; and $2.50 Quarter Eagle NGC PF67 CAM.
  • The finest complete, 14-coin gold, silver, and copper 1880 proof set ever assembled, including $20 PCGS PR64 Deep Cameo (DCAM) CAC; $10 PCGS PR64 Cameo (CAM) CAC; $5 PCGS PR66 DCAM CAC; among the highest graded examples of both types of the 1880 Stella $4 denomination gold coins, Coiled Hair, PCGS PR65+ CAM CAC, and Flowing Hair, NGC PF66+ CAM; the finest known $3 PCGS PR66+ with a rare gold CAC sticker; and superb examples of the other 1880 proof coins from cent to gold dollar. “This constitutes the single most important U.S. proof set outside of the King of Siam set,” stated DiGenova.
  • A 1900-S Liberty Head Half Eagle, PCGS MS69 CAC, that is tied for finest known of that date and one of the finest examples of any classic U.S. gold coin. Encapsulated for three decades in a first generation PCGS holder, the coin’s pedigree includes the legendary collection of 20th century Baltimore banker Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. who was known as the “King of Coins.”
  • The single finest PCGS-graded 1879 gold $4 Flowing Hair Stella, PCGS PF67+ CAC, Pop. 1/0. An 1879 Coiled Hair Stella, NGC PF66+ Cameo, Pop. 1/3. “When combined with the two Stellas in the 1880 proof set, these would be approximately tied for the all-time finest registry set of Stellas,” said DiGenova.
  • A 1909 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, NGC PF69, the only Roman/Satin Finish or Matte Finish Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle graded proof 69 and not known to exist until 1993 when it made its first appearance at auction.

Visitors to the exhibit can receive complimentary, full-color fliers with information about the coins on display.

For additional information, contact Tangible Investments, Inc. at 949-715-5333 or online at www.TangibleInvestmentsinc.com. Additional information about the American Numismatic Association 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money is at www.WorldsFairofMoney.com.

Redesigned United States Mint 2021 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin Available July 20

Jul 13, 2021 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON–The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce the opening of sales for the redesigned 2021 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin beginning on July 20 at noon EDT. Production is limited to 300,000 coins, with orders limited to three coins per household for the first 24 hours of sale.

The American Eagle Silver Proof Coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins. Minted at the West Point, N.Y. facility since 1986, this iconic coin has been updated with a refreshed obverse (heads) and a completely redesigned reverse (tails) to mark the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program.

The obverse features a refreshed depiction of Adolph A. Weinman’s full-length figure of Liberty in full stride, enveloped in folds of the flag, with her right hand extended and branches of laurel and oak in her left. The use of technological advancements resulted in a design that is now a closer reflection of Weinman’s original vision and includes the addition of his traditional artist mark. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021.”

The redesigned reverse, by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Emily Damstra, features an eagle as it prepares to land, carrying an oak branch, as if to add it to a nest. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Retired United States Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso sculpted the design.

In addition to redesigning the reverse and enhancing design details on the obverse, the redesigned American Eagle Silver Coins have been minted in high detail using new technology and include a reed pattern variation. The Mint benchmarked its efforts against anti-counterfeiting programs implemented by major mints around the world. These new features will make the coins more difficult to counterfeit.

The 2021 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof (W) is priced at $73. To set up a REMIND ME alert, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-eagle-2021-one-ounce-silver-proof-coin-21EAN.html (product code 21EAN).

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 and time of July 20, 2021, at noon EDT.

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Please use the United States Mint catalog site https://catalog.usmint.gov/ as your primary source of the most current information on product and service status.

The life and works of H.G Wells commemorative £2

Jul 12, 2021 | Announcements, Royal Mint

The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, will launch the life and works of H.G Wells commemorative £2 coin as an individual piece for collectors to own from Monday (12 July).

The coin was first unveiled to collectors in The Royal Mint’s 2021 Annual Set, alongside the commemorative 50p for the life and works of John Logie Baird, the 50th Anniversary of Decimal Day 50p and the 95th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on a £5 crown, as well as the 250th Anniversary of Sir Walter Scott.

The £2 coin will be available in gold, silver and Brilliant Uncirculated from The Royal Mint.

H.G Wells Commemorative £2 Coin Specifications
Coin title Celebrating the life and work of H.G. Wells 2021 UK £2 Gold Proof Coin Celebrating the life and work of H.G. Wells 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Piedfort Coin Celebrating the life and work of H.G. Wells 2021 UK £2 Silver Proof Coin Celebrating the life and work of H.G. Wells 2021 UK £2 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
Issuing Authority UK UK UK UK
Weight 15.97g 24.00g 12.00g 12.00g
Obverse Designer Jody Clark Jody Clark Jody Clark Jody Clark
Quality Proof Proof Proof Proof
Limited Edition Presentation 175 675 1575 Unlimited
RRP £1,095.00 £117.50 £72.50 £10.00

Long Beach Expo Coin Show Returns in September 2021 Near PCGS Headquarters

Jul 8, 2021 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions

Professional Coin Grading Service celebrates the first Long Beach Expo Coin, Currency, Stamp & Sports Collectible Show in more than one year after several cancelations related to COVID-19

Long Beach Expo(Santa Ana, California – July 8, 2021) – Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) heralds the return of the Long Beach Expo Coin, Currency, Stamp & Sports Collectible Show in Long Beach, California, just a few miles from the third-party grading service’s offices in nearby Santa Ana. The comeback of this popular southern California coin, banknote, and sports collectibles show has long been anticipated, particularly as the event was last held in February 2020, mere weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping through the United States.

“We’re optimistic about the continuing return of coin shows, the Long Beach Expo among them,” says PCGS President Brett Charville. “It’s near our headquarters, and we’ve been making appearances at this important show since our early days – and they’ve been huge PCGS supporters, too. The first Long Beach Expo since February 2020 is just another sign that our hobby is slowly returning to a sense of normalcy.”

“PCGS plans to be offering on-site grading at the Long Beach Expo,” announces PCGS Senior Events Manager Samantha Dark. “Contingent upon any unforeseen changes related to pandemic safety protocols or other unexpected situations, we will be there offering Show Submissions through Friday, October 1, 2021, at 5:00 PM and will continue all other service-level submissions until late morning on Saturday, October 2, 2021.”

The next Long Beach Expo, ordinarily held three times a year, will take place at the Long Beach Convention Center September 30, 2021, through October 2, 2021. In addition to hundreds of dealers, educational exhibits, and other highlights, there will be a landmark Heritage Auctions event offering rare coins, banknotes, and much more. Please visit https://www.longbeachexpo.com/ for the latest information about the show, including any safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

“Ship of Gold” SS Central America Bell and Gold Rush Treasure At Chicago World’s Fair of Money®

Jul 8, 2021 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions

SS Central America bell

Recovered in 1988 and not publicly displayed for three decades, the 268-pound bell from the fabled “Ship of Gold” treasure ship, the SS Central America, will be exhibited at the 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money, August 10-14.

(Rosemont, Illinois) July 8, 2021 – The 268-pound bell from the fabled “Ship of Gold,” the SS Central America that sank in 1857, will be publicly displayed along with some of the recovered California Gold Rush treasure at the American Numismatic Association’s 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money®, August 10-14 (www.WorldsFairofMoney.com). The bell that helped to confirm the identity of the historic vessel was brought up from the Atlantic Ocean in 1988 and has not been exhibited in public for three decades.

“The SS Central America represents the greatest American treasure ever found and its story is important to our history. This priceless treasure will be rung twice each day at booth #122 during the ANA convention in remembrance of the 425 passengers and crewmembers who perished when the legendary ship sank 164 years ago,” said Dwight Manley, managing partner of California Gold Marketing Group which owns the bell and recovered sunken treasure.

The ringing of the bell ceremony will be conducted daily 30 minutes after the show opens to the public and again at 3 pm. The American Numismatic Association 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money will be in Hall A of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois.

“The treasures of the SS Central America are a time capsule of the California Gold Rush, and the sound of the bell draws you into the time-capsule in a different way. This is what the passengers and crew heard on their journey. It’s spooky, and its reverent; an absolutely glorious tribute,” said Bob Evans, a scientist and historian who was a key member on each of the recovery expeditions starting in the late 1980s.

The SS Central America sank 7,200 feet under the surface of the Atlantic Ocean 150 miles off the North Carolina coast during a hurricane on September 12, 1857. She was on a voyage from Panama to New York carrying tons of California Gold Rush coins, ingots, and gold dust from the San Francisco and Northern California area. The tragedy took the lives of 425 of the ship’s 578 passengers and crewmembers, and the loss of the gold cargo was a major factor in the economically devastating financial panic of 1857 in the United States.

The ship’s bell has only been publicly exhibited twice before, both times in Ohio. It was displayed in 1992 at the Columbus Museum of Art and in 1993 at the Columbus Zoo. It has been in secure storage for nearly three decades, kept in approximately 90 gallons of distilled water weighing about 750 pounds in addition to the bell’s 278 pounds.

The maiden voyage of the SS Central America (then named the SS George Law) was in October of 1853.

SS Central America

A contemporary 19th century artist’s depiction of the legendary “Ship of Gold,” the SS Central America that sank in 1857 carrying tons of California Gold Rush-era treasures.

When the submerged bell came into view on the camera of the robot submarine being used to search for the ship in 1988, the expedition team could see part of the embossed lettering on it, MORGAN IRON WORKS NEW YORK 1853. That provided additional evidence that the shipwreck site was indeed the SS Central America.

“A few days before we recovered the bell, I actually found gold dust particles in sediment from the site. So, the shipwreck identity was already pretty solid. But the bell provided spectacular confirmation,” stated Evans.

“As it sat on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, the bronze bell was really in three different environments: 1) exposed to the seawater above the seabed; 2) at the soil-water interface itself (the seabed,) which was a very chemically active zone; and 3) buried in the sediment,” explained Evans.

“This bell is nearly two feet tall and a little over two feet in diameter at the lower flange edge. It is larger than any other ship bells I have seen, larger than bells seen in photographs taken aboard other vessels of the period,” said Evans. “I wonder if Morgan Iron Works had intended this for a church, and then decided to use it for a steamship for which they were making the engines?”

For additional information about the American Numismatic Association 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money, visit www.WorldsFairofMoney.com.

The Royal Mint celebrates the ever-popular Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland on official UK coin for the first time

Jul 5, 2021 | Announcements, Royal Mint

The Royal Mint has today unveiled the first official Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland coin collection inspired by the much-loved illustrations of the original book.

In collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum, the special £5 crown featuring Alice and the Cheshire Cat will be available from today. The coin was revealed alongside the original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel at the Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser exhibition at the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance.

Made by the Original Maker of UK coins, the £5 crown provides an ideal canvas to immortalise the iconic illustrations in vivid detail and colour, using traditional minting techniques and innovative design technology. Featuring the edge inscription ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’, the intricate design is one of the most detailed coins produced by the 1,100-year-old Makers.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland 2021 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin reverse in pack – Standard – UK21AWBU

Launched in base metal (known as brilliant uncirculated), and also available in gold and silver, the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland keepsake is part of a two-coin collectors’ range created by The Royal Mint Designer Ffion Gwillim and Sculptor Emma Noble. The second coin, featuring Tweedledum and Tweedledee, will launch later this summer in celebration of 150 years of Through the Looking-Glass – the sequel to the original Lewis Carroll book.

Much like the popularity of coin collecting, the treasured tales have passed the test of time – currently the second most searched children’s book in the UK on Google.

Clare Maclennan Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a true classic that has been cherished by generations of adults and children of all ages and is still as popular today. In collaboration with the V&A, we have commemorated this treasured tale for the first time on an official UK coin.

“Inspired by Sir John Tenniel’s original illustrations, the beautiful £5 crown has been crafted to the finest quality, combining traditional minting skills with innovation in design technology. I’m sure the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland range will become a popular choice for collectors, capturing the imagination of people of all ages, and to launch at the awe-inspiring Victoria and Albert Museum during the 150th anniversary of Through the Looking-Glass is a fitting celebration.”

Amelia Calver, Research and Development Manager, V&A Brand Licensing, commented: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the global phenomenon beloved by all ages, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with the 2021 commemorative coins. The designs masterfully capture the charm of Tenniel’s original illustrations and pay homage to some of the Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass characters that Alice meets along the way. The 2021 coins are set to give fans the chance to add to their existing collections and inspire new readers of the book to discover the magic of Carroll’s stories and embark on wondrous journeys of their own.”

More information about the Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland commemorative coin collection is available at The Royal Mint website.

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