Announcements | Coin Collectors News

The Royal Mint Announce First Coin in Celebration of Diversity

Oct 17, 2020 | Announcements

2020 Project Crown Silver Proof Coin 50p Silver Proof Coin in case right

The Royal Mint has today unveiled a brand new coin, a 50p celebrating the diversity which built Britain. The coin marks a new era for British coinage, with more designs celebrating diversity and inclusivity set to follow.

To support this landmark coin, The Royal Mint is working in partnership with the West India Committee to offer a school programme exploring the diversity that built Britain, and marking Black History Month. The educational pack will be issued to every primary school in England and Wales, and explores stories of significant black figures in British history as well as including a ‘Diversity Built Britain’ 50p.

A second education pack will encourage children to explore their own thoughts and feelings about diversity and to express themselves creatively, with links back to the coinage of Britain. Both education packs are available to download for free from: royalmint.com/diversity.

The Royal Mint’s Education Packs, created in partnership with the West India Committee

The ‘Diversity Built Britain’ coin has been designed by The Royal Mint’s Dominique Evans, who boasts a number of high profile designs in her portfolio. As one of Britain’s foremost coin designers, Dominique has also designed the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the Queen’s Sapphire coronation and Jane Austen £2.

To accompany the circulating coin, The Royal Mint has produced a new commemorative 50p coin collection. There will be an exciting range of commemorative coins available in Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver proof and Gold proof editions.

Dominique Evans the designer of the Project crown 50p with coin close up

Dominique Evans, Designer at The Royal Mint, said: “When designing this coin, I began by thinking about the people who inspire me and what diversity has meant in my life. I believe that no matter where you are born, we all belong under the same sky and this was the starting point of the design.

“The background of the coin features a geodome with a series of interconnecting lines and triangles that form a network. Each part is equal, and symbolises a community of connection and strength. The words ‘DIVERSITY BUILT BRITAIN’ talks about the differences between us, and the connection which gives us unity. The design also looks to the future, how we can connect, develop bonds and grow stronger together.”

Anne Jessop with project Crown coin close up

Anne Jessopp, CEO of The Royal Mint, said: “Britain’s history is rich and diverse. For more than 1,100 years, the nation’s story has been told through coins struck by The Royal Mint, a narrative carried in the pockets and purses of all its people. The contribution of ethnic minority communities has been such an important part of that story but has often gone unrecognised. This coin has been created to celebrate all the people who have made Britain what it is today. This is a very exciting development for us and the launch of this important coin coincides with Black History Month, signalling a change in UK coinage, one that I am personally delighted to pioneer.”

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “I have seen first-hand the contribution made by ethnic minority communities to Britain’s history. That is why I backed the “We Too Built Britain” campaign and requested that the Royal Mint introduced this coin to celebrate it.

“This coin, and the rest of the series, will act as a fitting tribute to the very profound impact ethnic minority communities have made on Britain, and I am grateful to the Royal Mint for turning this around at record speed.”

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, said: “Congratulations to Dominique Evans the designer of The Royal Mint’s new 50 pence coin – ‘Diversity Built Britain’. Her design is the first in a series of coins The Mint will be producing, celebrating those who have helped shape our national history and culture.

“I had the great pleasure of welcoming Dominque to a Cabinet meeting, along with Anne Jessopp, the first female Deputy Master of the Mint and Blondel Cluff CEO of the West India Committee and Advisor to The Royal Mint. This new coin echoes the government’s commitment to building a fairer society for all”.

As part of the wider ‘Diversity built Britain’ campaign, the Royal Mint has also launched an Inspiration Wall on their website encouraging people to submit their own stories of who inspires them. It also looks at recent coins issued such as the 2007 £2 coin in commemoration of the abolition of slavery, and a 2014 £5-coin commemorating Britain’s First Black Officer Walter Tull.

This month The Royal Mint unveiled their first henna-inspired collection in celebration of Diwali. Consisting of a 1g gold bullion bar and a 5g gold bullion bar, each item is wrapped in beautiful henna-inspired packaging.

For more information about The Royal Mint’s range, to view the Inspiration Wall or to find out more about the Diversity Built Britain coin, visit the website royalmint.com/diversity.

Coin Title	Signaling a change in the UK Coinage 2020:UK 50p Gold Proof Coin	Signaling a change in the UK Coinage 2020: UK 50p Piedfort Gold Proof Coin	Signaling a change in the UK Coinage 2020: UK 50p Silver Proof Coin	Signaling a change in the UK Coinage 2020: UK 50p Silver Proof Piedfort Coin	Signaling a change in the UK Coinage 2020: UK 50p Brilliant Uncirculated Coin
Denomination	50p	50p	50p		50p
Issuing Authority	UK
Alloy	999.9 Au – Red		925 Ag Sterling Silver		Cupro Nickel
Weight	15.50g	31.00g	8.00g	16.00g	8.00g
Diameter	27.30mm	27.30mm	27.30mm	27.30mm	27.30mm
Obverse Designer	Jody Clark
Reverse Designer	Dominique Evans
Quality	Proof	Proof	Proof	Proof	Brilliant Uncirculated
Limited Edition Presentation	950	200	25,000	2,500	Unlimited
RRP	£1,125.00	£2,225.00	£57.50	£100.00	£10.00

Final San Francisco-minted 2020 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin Featuring the Classic ‘Heraldic Eagle’ Reverse Goes on Sale on October 13

Oct 14, 2020 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON–The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the San Francisco-minted 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (product code 20EM) on October 13 at noon EDT. This is the last time this coin will be available featuring the iconic “Heraldic Eagle” reverse (tails) design.

The American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin is struck on a 99.9 percent fine silver blank. The coin’s obverse (heads) displays 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. Its reverse (tails) features former Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti’s rendering of a heraldic eagle with shield, an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. Each coin is encapsulated and packaged in a satin-lined blue velvet presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Produced since 1986, the American Eagle Silver Proof Coin is the collector version of the official United States Mint American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin. Beginning in mid-2021, the coin will feature a new reverse design in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program. Visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/coin-programs/american-eagle/ to learn more.

The San Francisco-minted 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin is priced at $73. Mintage is set at 200,000 units. Orders will be accepted only at https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-eagle-2020-one-ounce-silver-proof-coin-20EM.html. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.

To reduce the risk of employee exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace, the Mint’s sales centers are closed until further notice. Additionally, due to operational adjustments in response to COVID-19, our customer service representatives are available to assist with any questions you may have, but are unable to accept credit card information or place your order over the phone. Please use our website for all order placements at this time.

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 Oct. 13, 2020, at noon EDT.

The Royal Mint to release its first coin commemorating itself

Oct 12, 2020 | Announcements

Created as part of the Tower of London coin series with Historic Royal Palaces

For the first time in its 1,100 year history, the Royal Mint has unveiled a special £5 coin in commemoration of itself, and the story of Britain’s coinage. The coin was created in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces – the independent charity responsible for the care of the Tower of London and 5 other unique heritage sites – and is the third in a collection of four commemorative Tower of London coins documenting the iconic landmark’s history.

The Royal Mint is the original maker of UK coins and can trace its history back to the time of Alfred the Great, however in 1279 it found a home in The Tower of London when Edward I decreed that minting should take place at Britain’s most secure location.

The Royal Mint coin design pays tribute to these origins, and features a replica Edward I penny – one of the first coins struck at the Tower – set against a Norman arched window from the White Tower. The reverse design features a special Tower mint mark, which can also be found on the other coins within The Tower of London collection. The coin was designed by heraldic artist, Timothy Noad.

During its 500 year tenure at the Tower of London, The Royal Mint grew from a small workshop to factory buildings within the Tower’s Mint Street. With various monarchs reigning over the mint throughout the centuries, The Royal Mint was in the centre of some of the country’s biggest power struggles, as well as home to some of the countries most celebrated icons; such as Sir Isaac Newton, who was once ‘Master of the mint’.

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “This is the first time that we’ve celebrated the story of UK coins on a coin, and it pays homage to centuries of designers, innovators and makers at The Royal Mint.

“Following on from our coins commemorating the White Tower and the Royal Menagerie, it feels fitting that the third coin in our Tower of London series honours the 500-year residency of The Royal Mint. During that time pioneers such as Sir Isaac Newton helped revolutionise the way we use gold and money, with techniques and innovations that are still used today.

“As the original maker of UK coins, we can trace our unique history back centuries, and although we call South Wales home today – the Tower of London will always hold special significance as the place our story began.”

Emma Saunders, Head of Brand Licensing and Business Development at Historic Royal Palaces commented: “It couldn’t be more fitting for The Royal Mint to continue their successful Tower of London licensed collection with Historic Royal Palaces by celebrating the institution’s own past as a part of Tower life. It has been a pleasure for our curators and experts to collaborate on this project to commemorate a joint history of such national significance.”

Coin title	The Tower of London Collection – The Royal Mint 2020 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin	The Tower of London Collection – The Royal Mint 2020 UK £5 Silver Proof Coin	The Tower of London Collection – The Royal Mint 2020 UK £5 Silver Proof Piedfort Coin	The Tower of London Collection – The Royal Mint 2020 UK £5 Gold Proof Coin
Denomination	£5	£5	£5	£5
Alloy	Cupro-nickel	925 Ag	925 Ag	916.7 Au
Weight	28.28g	28.28g	56.56g	39.94g
Diameter	38.61mm	38.61mm	38.61mm	38.61mm
Obverse Designer	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark
Reverse Designer	Timothy Noad	Timothy Noad	Timothy Noad	Timothy Noad
Quality	Brilliant Uncirculated	Proof	Proof	Proof
Edge Lettering	–	THE ROYAL MINT	THE ROYAL MINT	THE ROYAL MINT
Maximum Coin Mintage	Unlimited	1510	410	135
RRP	£13.00	£82.50	£155.00	£2,640

ANA Budget Approved for FY 2020-21

Oct 10, 2020 | ANA, Announcements

American Numismatic Association Board of Governors Approves $5.17 Million Budget for FY 2020-21

At a Sept. 29 teleconference meeting, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Board of Governors unanimously passed a $5.17 million budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 – a nearly 10 percent decrease from the previous year’s approved budget. The new fiscal year begins Nov. 1.

“It’s no secret that COVID-19 has hit us hard financially,” said ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “But we’re making lemonade from lemons. This budget represents common-sense measures to sustain the Association through unpredictable times.”

“We devoted more time to this budget than in any year I can remember,” said ANA President Steve Ellsworth. “It was a combined effort of the Finance Committee, headed by volunteer Treasurer Larry Baber; newly hired Chief Financial Officer Brent Howe; and the ANA staff and Board.”

One of President Ellsworth’s primary objectives was that the Board thoroughly understand the budget. Staff was asked to prepare their budgets earlier this year to give the Board sufficient time to acquaint themselves with the Association’s finances, allowing for clarifying questions.

According to CFO Howe, revenues in 2020-21 include recognition of $900,000 in unrealized gains on investments. “The gain on ANA investments will be realized throughout the fiscal year,” he noted. “The recognized revenue will be used to help offset the expenses of fulfilling the mission of the ANA.”

ANA 2020-21 revenues are budgeted at $4.92 million, with an additional $204,692 transferred from restricted funds designated for specific programs, plus $31,100 for capital projects. The ANA is projecting the need to use $72,232 of unrestricted reserve funds in 2020-21.

“The budget is a living, flexible document,” said Treasurer Baber. “What we do drives the budget; the budget doesn’t drive what we do.”

Executive Director Kiick made repeated reductions to the 2019-20 budget as it became clear that the pandemic and forced cancellation of ANA events, such as its acclaimed Summer Seminar and World’s Fair of Money, were taking a toll on the organization’s finances. In all, the Association cut $574,379 from its 2019-20 operating budget and nearly a third of its staff.

In a separate motion, the Board voted 5-3 (with one absent) to authorize utilization of funds from the Ben E. Keith holdings to provide operational and program support through Fiscal Year 2020-21.

Treasurer Baber noted that the ANA is in an enviable position because of its reserves. “The ANA is extremely fortunate to have received Kenneth Keith’s bequest in 1977 of Ben E. Keith corporate stock to support the Association’s mission and programs. The value of the stock the ANA holds has grown from under $5 million in 2006 to $25 million in 2019, with additional stock, currently held in trust for the ANA, to be received in the future,” he said.

According to Baber, the details of Kenneth Keith’s bequest is a fascinating and little-known slice of ANA history that continues to shape the trajectory of the Association.

History of the Ben E. Keith Company Stock Endowment

Kenneth Keith of Jolly and Wichita Falls, Texas, was the nephew of Ben E. Keith and an heir to the food-and-beverage company bearing his uncle’s name. He also was an avid numismatist. In July 1975, five men broke into Kenneth Keith’s home, which he shared with his brother Jim, in search of a valuable coin collection that, unbeknownst to the burglars, had been donated to the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum in 1971. Jim was killed during the armed robbery, while Kenneth was beaten and bound. The ANA posted a reward for the capture and conviction of the men, who were later apprehended and convicted of murder. In 1976 Kenneth Keith set up his will naming the ANA one of the remainder beneficiaries to his shares of stock in the Ben E. Keith Company, a closely held business that is a leading food-and-beverage distributor, serving customers across dozen-plus U.S. states. Kenneth Keith died the following year.

The Ben E. Keith Company, one of the largest Anheuser-Busch InBev distributors in the nation, is listed by Forbes as the 121st largest privately held company in the United States.

A copy of the approved budget is available online at www.money.org/financial-reports.

The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect coins and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000-plus members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of educational and outreach programs, to include its museum, publications, conventions and webinars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.

2020 United States Mint Annual Set of Uncirculated Coins Goes on Sale on November 30

Oct 8, 2020 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

Premium nickel from the West Point Mint will not be included

WASHINGTON–The 2020 United States Mint (Mint) Uncirculated Coin Set® (product code 20RJ) will be available for purchase starting on November 30, at noon (EDT). The set is priced at $25.25. This is the final annual set to be released this year. Due to the effects of COVID-19 at the Mint’s manufacturing facilities, this set has a limited production quantity of 213,000. In addition, we are not able to include the premium West Point nickel with an uncirculated finish as previously planned. This change was necessary to free up manufacturing resources for other legislatively-mandated products that will be released for sale in 2020.

The 2020 Uncirculated Set contains two folders with 10 coins each—one with coins from the United States Mint at Philadelphia and the other with coins from the United States Mint at Denver. Each folder has the following uncirculated finish coins:

Five America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coins honoring the National Park of American Samoa, Weir Farm National Historic Site (Connecticut), Salt River Bay National Historic Forest Ecological Preserve (U.S. Virgin Islands), Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park (Vermont), and Tall Grass National Prairie (Kansas).
One Native American $1 Coin with a reverse design depicting Elizabeth Peratrovich, whose advocacy was considered a deciding factor in the passage of the 1945 Anti-Discrimination Law in the Alaskan Territorial Government. The foreground features a symbol of the Tlingit Raven moiety, of which she was a member. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top border, “ELIZABETH PERATROVICH” across from the portrait, and “ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAW OF 1945” and “$1” along the bottom border. The obverse design (heads) retains the central figure Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
One Kennedy half dollar
One Roosevelt dime
One Jefferson nickel
One Lincoln penny

The Mint strikes its uncirculated coins on dedicated presses that use greater force than those used to produce circulating coins. This technique results in a sharp, intricately detailed image. A blister secures the coins in a folder.

For more information about this product and our annual sets currently on sale, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/mint-annual-sets/. To sign up for Remind Me alerts, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/uncirculated-coin-set-2020-20RJ.html. Order early as supplies are limited.

United States Mint Announces Mayflower 400th Anniversary Program Products

Oct 7, 2020 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON–The United States Mint (Mint) today announced the Mayflower 400th Anniversary products it will offer, including some in collaboration with The Royal Mint (UK). The products are expected to be available later this fall.

The coin and medal designs come together to tell the story of the Mayflower’s historic voyage, the Pilgrims, and the impact the Pilgrims’ arrival had on the native Wampanoag people.

The four products in the United States Mint’s product portfolio include:

Two joint sets product options:

A limited edition two-coin gold proof set, featuring a one-quarter ounce proof £25 coin from The Royal Mint, and one-quarter ounce proof $10 coin from the United States Mint (20XA).
A limited edition silver set featuring a one ounce £2 silver coin from The Royal Mint (UK) and a silver medal from the United States Mint (20XB), both struck in proof finish in .999 fine silver.

Two single product options:

The individual United States Mint gold coin (20XC) struck in a reverse proof finish.
The individual United States Mint silver medal (20XD) struck in a reverse proof finish.

Limits on each of these product options will be available on the product pages this fall.

The United States Mint coins and medals, and the reverse of the UK coins, were all designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Chris Costello, who used multiple stylistic elements to tie the series together. These include the choice of font and North Star on the U.K. coin, which connects to the image of the sun in the U.S. coin, symbolizing a new day. That symbolism is also a reference to the Wampanoag people who inhabited the region, and were known as the “People of the Dawn.”

The U.S $10 Gold Coin obverse depicts a Wampanoag family watching from the border of the design as the Mayflower arrives from foreign shores. A young boy steps on the border, representing the intersection of the Wampanoag people in their Patuxet homeland and the Mayflower passengers. Inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “PATUXET,” and “$10.”

The U.S. $10 gold coin reverse depicts portraits of a Pilgrim man and woman, representing the beginnings of a transition from monarchy to democracy. The dual portraits symbolize a democratic organization, with their resolute expressions focused on a self-determined future. A pair of mayflower blossoms flank the design. Inscriptions are “1620,” “PLYMOUTH,” “2020,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” and “AU 24K 1/4 OZ.”

As with all UK currency, the obverse of the 24-karat gold coin and the .999 £2 silver coin from The Royal Mint (UK) feature the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Jody Clark. Costello’s reverse design on these coins depicts the Mayflower bursting out of the frame as it sails through the rough seas.

The silver medal obverse features a Mayflower family bracing against the cold and windy weather, foreshadowing their coming hardships, while the ship is anchored in the harbor. A pair of mayflower blossoms flank the design. Inscriptions are “A CIVIL BODY POLITICK,” “1620- 2020,” and “MAYFLOWER COMPACT.”

The silver medal reverse depicts a Wampanoag man and woman employing a planting technique used to grow several crops that were staples for the Wampanoag people. This method helped keep the soil healthy, maintaining the resources for annual plantings and successful harvests. The inscription “SUSTAINERS OF LIFE” recalls not only this sustainable planting technique, but also the critical skills the Wampanoag people afforded to the Pilgrims by teaching them how to successfully plant and harvest the land. The additional inscription is “PEOPLE OF THE DAWN.”

The gold coins will be priced according to the range in which they appear on the Mint’s “Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, Platinum, and Palladium Products” table located here.

The on-sale dates for the Mayflower 400th Anniversary products will be published on the Mint’s Product Schedule here. To sign up for Remind Me alerts, visit:

https://catalog.usmint.gov/400th-anniversary-of-the-mayflower-voyage-two-coin-gold-proof-set-20XA.html (product code 20XA)
https://catalog.usmint.gov/400th-anniversary-of-the-mayflower-voyage-silver-proof-coin-and-medal-set-20XB.html?cgid=product-schedule (product code 20XB)
https://catalog.usmint.gov/mayflower-400th-anniversary-gold-reverse-proof-coin-20XC.html?cgid=product-schedule (product code 20XC)
https://catalog.usmint.gov/mayflower-400th-anniversary-silver-reverse-proof-medal-20XD.html?cgid=product-schedule (product code 20XD)

U.S. Mint News Release: 2020 American Innovation $1 Coin Proof Set on Sale on October 8

Oct 7, 2020 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON–The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for the 2020 American Innovation™ $1 Coin Proof Set (product code 20GA) on October 8 at noon EDT. The set is priced at $24.00.

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 2020 American Innovation $1 Coin Proof Set contains coins that recognize innovations or innovators from the following states:

American Innovation – Connecticut

The Connecticut $1 Coin recognizes the Gerber Variable Scale. The 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.”

American Innovation – Massachusetts

The Massachusetts $1 Coin recognizes the invention of the telephone. The design depicts the dial of an early rotary telephone. Inscriptions are “MASSACHUSETTS,” “TELE-PHONE,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

American Innovation – Maryland

The Maryland $1 Coin recognizes the Hubble Space Telescope. The design depicts the telescope orbiting the earth surrounded by a field of stars. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE,” and “MARYLAND.”

American Innovation – South Carolina

The South Carolina $1 Coin recognizes educator and civil rights activist Septima Poinsette Clark. The design depicts Ms. Clark marching with three young African American students who carry books and an American flag, representing that education and literacy among oppressed people are necessary for empowerment and enjoyment of civil rights. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “SEPTIMA CLARK,” and “SOUTH CAROLINA.”

Coins in the 2020 American Innovation $1 Coin Proof Set feature a common obverse (heads) design that depicts a dramatic representation of the Statue of Liberty in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “$1.” The obverse also includes a privy mark of a stylized gear, representing industry and innovation. The inscriptions “2020,” “S” mint mark, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are incused on the coins’ edge.

The Mint will accept orders for this product only at https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-innovation-2020-1-coin-proof-set-20GA.html. To sign up for Remind Me alerts, visit https://catalog.usmint.gov/american-innovation-2020-1-coin-proof-set-20GA.html.

United States Mint Opens Sales for 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set™ On October 8

Oct 7, 2020 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON–The United States Mint (Mint) 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set™ will be available for purchase beginning on October 8 at noon EDT. This is the final five-coin set in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program, which ends in 2021.

This set contains five circulating coins from the Philadelphia Mint and five circulating coins from the Denver Mint with reverse (tails) designs honoring the National Park of American Samoa, Weir Farm National Historic Site (Connecticut), Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve (U.S. Virgin Islands), Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (Vermont), and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (Kansas).

The America the Beautiful Quarters coins feature a common obverse (heads) that depicts the restored 1932 portrait of George Washington by sculptor John Flanagan and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”

The coins are held in a durable plastic card. The packaging allows the coins to be removed if desired.

The 2020 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set (product code 20AC) is priced at $10.00 and will be available for purchase only at https://catalog.usmint.gov/america-the-beautiful-quarters-2020-circulating-coin-set-20AC.html. Information about shipping options is available at https://catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.

The Mint launched the America the Beautiful Quarters Program in 2010 as authorized by Public Law 110–456, the America’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008 (Act). The Act called for the Mint to issue 56 quarter-dollar coins with reverse designs depicting national parks and other national sites in each state or territory and the District of Columbia. 2020 marks the 11th year of the program. A final coin will be issued in 2021, marking the program’s conclusion.

Whitman Publishing Releases Expanded 4th Edition of “Cash In Your Coins: Selling the Rare Coins You’ve Inherited”

Oct 5, 2020 | Announcements

(Pelham, Alabama) — Whitman Publishing is releasing a larger, updated new edition of Beth Deisher’s Cash In Your Coins: Selling the Rare Coins You’ve Inherited. The 336-page fourth edition will debut in October 2020. It will be available online (including at Whitman.com) and from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide for $19.95.

Cash In Your Coins tells readers who have inherited a numismatic collection how rare their coins are, how to value them, and how to sell or donate if they decide to liquidate all or part of an estate. Author Beth Deisher, an award-winning journalist and retired editor of Coin World, draws on more than 35 years of experience helping people understand and collect coins, paper currency, medals, and tokens.

“I wrote Cash In Your Coins to inform and protect the millions of Americans who already collect coins, and those who will someday inherit their collections,” Deisher said.

The revised fourth edition of Cash In Your Coins has 32 more pages than the third edition. New features include an in-depth illustrated chapter on the increasingly deceptive counterfeit coins emerging from China. This is an area of expertise for Deisher. After retiring from Coin World she served as director of anti-counterfeiting for the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation. The advice she shares is valuable for anyone unfamiliar with coins—and even for longtime hobbyists. This eye-opening chapter will help collectors’ heirs identify risks and avoid mistakes.

To help family members navigate the often-confusing world of inheritance, Deisher has updated the sections on state and federal taxes, trades, and exchanges. Current information is crucial in making wise decisions in declaring values, organizing tax-exempt charitable donations, figuring capital gains and losses, establishing trusts, reporting transactions, and similar activities. Many numismatists who have collected for decades are unfamiliar with the ins and outs of these topics. The chapters on appraisals and taxes should be read by hobbyists and their heirs alike.

Other guidance covers how to create an inventory, manage an independent appraisal, find a trustworthy coin dealer, communicate with potential buyers, and fairly divide a numismatic estate.

The book includes photographs and specifications of every U.S. coin type, including modern issues of the United States Mint; a bibliography for further research; and expanded bullion-value charts.

Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker said, “Since the beginning of 2020 we’ve seen evidence that more and more Americans are turning to popular classic hobbies like coin collecting. Demand for guide books and coin albums has increased. It’s important for collectors to have a copy of Cash In Your Coins in their bank box or safe so their heirs can appreciate and benefit from their years of wise collecting.”

# # #

Cash In Your Coins: Selling the Rare Coins You’ve Inherited, 4th edition
By Beth Deisher; foreword by Q. David Bowers
ISBN 0794848326
Softcover, 6 x 9 inches
336 pages
Full color
Retail $19.95 U.S.

United States Mint Unveils New American Eagle Gold and Silver Coin Reverse Designs

Oct 2, 2020 | Announcements, U.S. Mint

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) today unveiled new reverse (tails) designs for bullion and collectible versions of American Eagle Gold and Silver Coins. 2021 marks the 35th Anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program, and the new designs will begin appearing on these coins in midyear 2021.

“These beautiful designs build on the United States Mint’s heritage of artistic excellence and fortify the American Eagle Coin Program’s status as an icon in the numismatic and art worlds,” said Mint Director David J. Ryder.

Redesigned American Eagle Gold Reverse

The design depicts a portrait of an eagle. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “50 DOLLARS,” and “1 OZ. FINE GOLD.” Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer Jennie Norris created the design that was sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon.

Ms. Norris, a former volunteer raptor handler, drew inspiration for her design from her deep connection with wildlife, noting that, “The American Eagle is such a noble bird. I was hoping to capture the intensity of his stare through the close cropping. His gaze speaks of pride and wisdom passed down through generations of time.”

Redesigned American Eagle Silver Reverse

The design depicts a single eagle coming in for a landing, 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.” AIP designer Emily Damstra created the design, which was sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso.

Reflecting on her design, Ms. Damstra commented: “My inspiration for this design grew from a desire to show our national bird—with all of the values it embodies—in a unique way that could also convey traits such as diligence, cooperation, care, and protection.”

The obverses (heads) of the redesigned American Eagle Gold and Silver Coins will continue to bear versions of the historic designs that have been featured on these coins for more than three decades. The gold coin obverse will display a refreshed depiction of the 1907 design by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, while the obverse of the silver coin will display a refreshed depiction of the 1916 “Walking Liberty” design by famed sculptor Adolph A. Weinman.

The San Francisco-minted 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (20EM) and the West Point-minted 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin (20EH) will be the last issues of these coins featuring the current design.

The 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (20EM) bearing San Francisco’s S mint mark will go on sale October 13, 2020, and the 2020 American Eagle One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin (20EH) on November 19, 2020. To sign up for Remind Me alerts, visit:

The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.