Jan 30, 2019 | ANA, Announcements
Nominations are being accepted for the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) 2019 Board of Governors election through March 1, 2019. The ANA is a nonprofit, educational organization and is governed by a nine-member Board, which includes a president, vice president and seven governors at large. The ANA’s federal charter, granted in perpetuity by the United States Congress, rests control of the Association in the hands of this Board.
This year, the terms of all nine current officers will expire. The newly elected members will be installed August 16, 2019, at the ANA’s 128th Anniversary Convention (World’s Fair of Money®️) in Chicago and will serve for the next two years.
ANA members with voting privileges can nominate candidates for the Board of Governors. Individual members 13 years of age or older as of March 31, and who have been members of the Association for at least one year as of that date, are entitled to vote. (ANA member clubs are entitled to one vote.) Nominations must be in writing and received by Executive Director Kim Kiick no later than March 1, 2019.
In order to be a candidate for office, a member must receive at least 25 nominations from member clubs in good standing and/or individual members in good standing. No member may nominate himself or herself and each individual member or club is allowed to nominate one person for president, one for vice president and seven for governor. Members 18 years of age or older as of March 31, and who have been a member of the Association for at least three consecutive years as of that date, are eligible to hold elected office.
To nominate an individual for the Board, or to view an outline of the election process, visit money.org/election. A video, “What It Takes to Be an ANA Board Member,” presented by the current Board of Governors at the 2018 World’s Fair of Money, also can be viewed online. A booklet containing the same information is available for reference. Direct questions and requests for information to Donna Nunez, ANA Executive Assistant, at (719) 482-9811 or email her at dnunez@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 educational and outreach programs as well as its museum, library, publications, and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Jan 29, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WHAT:
The United States Mint will officially launch the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coin honoring Lowell National Historical Park on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. EST. The ceremony will take place at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
The Lowell High School JROTC Honor Guard, Senior Class President, band, and chorus will participate in the ceremony. $10 rolls of newly minted Lowell National Historical Park quarters will be available for exchange immediately following the ceremony.
WHO:
- Marc Landry, Acting Associate Director for the Numismatic and Bullion Directorate, United States Mint
- Eileen Donoghue, Lowell City Manager
- Jacqueline Moloney, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Celeste Bernardo, Superintendent, Lowell National Historical Park
WHEN:
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, 10 a.m. EST
Note – in the event of a statewide snow emergency, the launch will be held on Thursday, February 7, at 10 a.m. (same location).
WHERE:
Lowell Memorial Auditorium
50 E Merrimack St.
Lowell, MA
COIN FORUM
The United States Mint will host a coin forum the evening before the launch ceremony–Tuesday, February 5, 2019, 6:30-7:30 p.m. EST—at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater, 246 Market St, Lowell, MA. The coin forum is an opportunity for the public to learn about upcoming United States Mint coin programs and initiatives, and express their views about future coinage.
The Lowell National Historical Park quarter is the 46th release in the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a 12-year initiative that honors 56 national parks and other national sites authorized by Public Law 110-456. Each year, the public will see five new national sites depicted on the reverses (tails sides) of the America the Beautiful Quarters. The United States Mint is issuing these quarters in the order in which the national sites were officially established.
Jan 25, 2019 | ANA, Announcements
There are members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) who go above and beyond to share their passion for the hobby. These are the individuals who help the hobby evolve. Last summer, one such dedicated ANA member passed away, leaving behind a numismatic legacy dedicated to nurturing the next generation of numismatists.
Charles “Charlie” Browne was a passionate numismatist, educator, mentor and friend to many collectors during his storied life. The long-time ANA member taught at the ANA’s Summer Seminar since 2005. To pay homage to Charles, and support the cause he was most passionate about, a scholarship has been established benefitting Summer Seminar students (ages 15-25) who want to enroll in “Advanced United States Coin Grading and Problem Coins” offered during session two (June 22-27).
The Charles O. Browne Memorial Scholarship will fund one student for each year that Charlie volunteered his time instructing at the ANA Summer Seminar. Applications for the scholarship are being accepted until March 15. To apply, visit www.money.org/ANA-summer-seminar-scholarships, call (719) 482-9810 or email seminars@money.org.
“It is hard to explain what a joy it has been to volunteer in this capacity and to see the students’ anxiety disappear as their confidence grows,” said Browne in 2014. “Numismatics has helped me enjoy every aspect of life.”
To honor a devoted educator and support the Charles O. Browne Scholarship, contact Donna Frater, ANA development manager, at (719) 482-9856 or email dfrater@money.org about donation options.
Summer Seminar is a once-a-year opportunity for numismatic learning and camaraderie that offers students a varied selection of week-long courses designed for discovery or continued study. For 50 years, Summer Seminar has featured classes to suit virtually every collector’s hobby needs. Most importantly, everyone attending Summer Seminar shares a common trait: a passion for numismatics.
Other ANA scholarships available to Summer Seminar attendees (both young numismatists and adults) include the Eric P. Newman Young Numismatist scholarship, the ANA Young Numismatist Scholarship Program, the Robert Lecce Advanced Scholarship Program and the Art of Engraving Scholarship. The deadlines for these applications are Feb. 1 and March 15, respectively.
To learn more about the ANA’s annual Summer Seminar or scholarships visit www.money.org/summer-seminar, call (719) 482-9810 or email 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 educational and outreach programs as well as its museum, library, publications, and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Jan 24, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will release the second coin in its Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin Series on January 31 at noon EST. Launched in 2018, this three-year platinum proof coin series features all new obverse (heads) designs created concurrently by one designer and a new common reverse (tails) design.
The obverse (heads) of the 2019 “Liberty” version of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin (product code 19EJ) portrays Lady Liberty keeping watch over prairies, lakes, and mountains as pioneers head westward. The wild terrain in the background evokes the quintessential American spirit to explore new territory and the freedom to pursue new landscapes, ideas, and ways of life. In the foreground, Lady Liberty’s lips are parted, symbolizing freedom of speech. Her torch is an emblem of the guiding light that liberty provides, while the open book represents the rule of law and its equal application. Inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2019.”
Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer Justin Kunz created all obverse designs in this series. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted the 2019 design.
The reverse (tails) design of all coins in this series depicts an eagle in flight with an olive branch in its talons. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$100,” “1 OZ.,” and “.9995 PLATINUM.” AIP designer Patricia Lucas-Morris created the design, which former Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart sculpted.
The 2019 Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin carries the West Point mint mark. This exquisite coin is packaged in a black velvet, satin-lined presentation case that is enclosed in an outer box and sleeve. The Mint’s Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Pricing is based on the range in which this coin appears on the Mint’s Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum Products table. Current pricing information is available here.
Mintage for the 2019 coin is capped at 15,000 units. The Mint has limited orders to one coin per household for the first 24 hours of sales, after which the Mint will lift the limit. This product will not be available via the bulk purchase program on the launch date.
If customers want to collect all three, the 2018 platinum proof coins are still available while supplies last. Customers should look for the final coin in this series in 2020.
The Mint accepts orders at www.catalog.usmint.gov and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at www.catalog.usmint.gov/customerservice/shipping.html.
Jan 24, 2019 | Announcements, PNG
(Temecula, California) January 24, 2019 — The annual Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org) Young Numismatist (YN) Scholarship Competition has opened. The PNG will provide a scholarship to a deserving YN to attend one session of the 2019 American Numismatic Association (www.money.org) Summer Seminar in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 15-20 or June 22-27.
“This is the 15th consecutive year that PNG will be providing airfare, tuition for one of the ANA Summer Seminar sessions, meals and five nights of dormitory accommodations on the campus of Colorado College, site of the ANA headquarters,” said PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.
“All young numismatists between the ages of 13 and 22 are eligible to enter and are cordially invited to apply for the scholarship. Entrants must submit a short essay outlining why they should be chosen as this year’s scholarship recipient. The deadline for receipt of the entries is Friday, March 29, 2019,” explained Brueggeman.
Entries must include the applicant’s name, age and contact information. The essays can be sent by email to info@PNGdealers.org or by mail to the PNG Executive Director, 28441 Rancho California Road, Suite 106, Temecula, CA 92590.
“We’re most appreciative to PNG for again making a scholarship available to a young numismatist,” said ANA Executive Director Kim Kiick. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow into a more informed collector. Many previous Summer Seminar attendees have gone on to become hobby leaders and successful dealers.”
The two separate Annual ANA Summer Seminar six-day sessions will be held on Saturday, June 15, to Thursday, June 20, and from Saturday, June 22, to Thursday, June 27, 2018. Participants ranging from teenagers to seniors take class instruction on specific numismatic-related topics or the hobby’s technical and business aspects. Additional information about the ANA Summer Seminar can be found on the ANA website at www.money.org/summerseminar.
“The money to pay for the annual PNG YN Scholarship is administered from the PNG’s Gerald Bauman Memorial Fund. Bauman, who died in 2001, served for many years as a prominent coin dealer with Manfra, Tordella & Brookes in New York City,” explained PNG President Barry Stuppler.
The PNG is a nonprofit organization composed of many of the top rare coin and paper money dealers in the United States and four other countries. PNG member-dealers must adhere to a strict Code of Ethics in the buying and selling of numismatic merchandise.
For additional information about PNG or the young numismatists scholarship program, visit online at www.PNGdealers.org or call (951) 587-8300.
Jan 23, 2019 | Announcements
(Pelham, Alabama) — Whitman Publishing will release an enlarged, updated second edition of the Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins, by Q. David Bowers, in February 2019. The 400-page book, volume 20 in the popular Bowers Series of numismatic references, will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide, and online (including at www.Whitman.com), for $29.95.
The second edition has been expanded by 16 pages. New features include a foreword by Barber Coin Collectors Society president John Frost; updated values (with price trends) for each coin; a gallery of remarkable error coins; newly revealed photographs and history from Charles Barber’s family archives; new historical images, including Barber coin love tokens; and an expanded index.
The subject of the book is the silver coinage—dimes, quarters, and half dollars—designed by U.S. Mint chief engraver Charles E. Barber and minted from 1892 to 1916. These were America’s workhorse coins of that era, remaining in circulation into the 1950s. At first criticized by the public, today Barber’s silver coins are among the most popular U.S. series, with many enthusiastic collectors and students. The Barber Coin Collectors Society is one of the hobby’s most active and fastest-growing specialty groups.
In the Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins Q. David Bowers shares insightful study by date and mintmark for every issue of the three denominations (277 major varieties), in-depth historical background, and detailed data analysis. His text is illustrated by more than 800 photographs, engravings, and other images. Bowers—the “Dean of American Numismatics” and the most prolific numismatic author of all time—tells collectors how to evaluate quality, determine value, understand the market, and make smart purchases to build significant collections. He takes the reader on a journey through what he calls “the most interesting and evolutionary period in American history,” from the Gilded Age through the Progressive Era.
Bowers provides a wealth of information including mintages, date-by-date estimates of the total number of pieces existing for both circulated and Proof issues, illustrated grading standards, values in up to 12 grades, and keys to collecting based on availability and sharpness of strike. Year-by-year historical background details the landscape of American life (and the state of the coin-collecting hobby) in the time of the coins’ design and production.
The second edition of Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins includes “A New Look at Charles Barber,” by John Frost, which publishes Barber family photographs and other archives recently revealed. This information corrects many popular misconceptions about Charles Barber, his personal life, and his relationships with George T. Morgan and President Theodore Roosevelt. Bowers also explores the mints, Mint directors, and Mint superintendents responsible for Barber coinage; the story of the fabled 1894-S Barber dime; and off-center Barber coins and other rare and valuable errors.
Kenneth Bressett, Editor Emeritus of the Guide Book of United States Coins, calls the book “a landmark account touching on every aspect of Charles Barber’s fascinating coins.”
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Jan 22, 2019 | Announcements

Vera Lynn was a popular recording artist of 22 when war broke out in 1939, and ‘the Forces’ Sweetheart’ went on to become a symbol of the wartime era and an inspiration to the Allied troops worldwide.
Dame Vera Lynn will be 102 in March, and is an iconic artist synonymous with World War 2, recognised as the Briton who best exemplified the spirit of the 20th century. She performed at the Royal Albert Hall on fifty-two occasions, was most recently seen there in a video recording on 6 June 2014 at the BBC Radio 2 ‘D-Day 70 Years On’ concert, and is delighted to see this final portrait of her, the first in decades, to hang there on public display for posterity.
It is currently being painted by the Norwegian artist Ross Kolby (www.rosskolby.com), famous for his portraits ‘The Kings of the Liberation,’ a triple portrait to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Norway from German occupation. The paintings feature the three generations of Norwegian monarchs attached to the events of World War 2, and now hang in Norway’s Resistance Museum in Oslo.
He captures Dame Vera in a painting full of symbols pointing at her life and events in World War 2. The London Mint Office (www.londonmintoffice.org) is at the centre of British numismatics, bringing the fascinating world of coin collecting to both existing and new collectors, and is working with Dame Vera on a collection to mark this year’s 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Dame Vera said: “It was a pleasure to meet Ross earlier this year and I am delighted that he is painting my portrait. I have seen the draft sketch and it is wonderful how he has managed to include so many of the key elements of my life into the painting.
“I am very excited to hear the completed portrait will be housed in the Royal Albert Hall, which is a great honour. I have performed at the Royal Albert Hall on many occasions during my career and it will be very special to have a permanent presence there. My sincere thanks go to the London Mint Office. The association with this well-regarded organisation is an honour and I am especially grateful that my Children’s Charity will benefit from the project.”
Her BBC radio programme ‘Sincerely Yours’ featured messages and songs to the British troops worldwide, each one ending with the legendary ‘We’ll Meet Again’ which inspired and comforted troops and civilians alike. Another of her timeless songs, ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ brought hope of freedom in the darkest hours.
Vera Lynn joined The Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) which provided troops with entertainment worldwide, touring Egypt, India and Burma and giving outdoor concerts for tens of thousands of military personnel. She often faced the threat of being captured by the Japanese, giving rise to tour leader Captain Bernard Holden’s note of “her courage and her contribution to morale.”
Her enduring popularity produced a No. 1 album in 2009 for ‘We’ll Meet Again: The Very Best of Vera Lynn,’ and she became the oldest recording artist in the world when she reached No. 3 on the charts with ‘Vera Lynn 100’ in 2017.
Liz Harper, Archive Manager at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “Dame Vera has played a special part in the Hall’s storied history, performing here more than 50 times between 1937 and 2006. As we look ahead to our 150th anniversary in two years’ time, we’ll be spotlighting our venue’s unique heritage more than ever, and we’re delighted to accept this portrait of Dame Vera as part of those celebrations.”
The London Mint Office is part of the Samlerhuset Group which produces the medal for the annual Nobel Peace Prize, and worked with Kolby on ‘The Kings of the Liberation’.
Kolby said: “It is a true honour to be able to portray Dame Vera, who by her personality and her dedication became the heart of a nation. Through her music, BBC broadcastings and travels she spread hope, inspiration and joy to both the Allied forces as well as to the public all over the world during WW2.
“Dame Vera is a symbol of the uniting of countries and peoples that brought down the dark forces in the world during WW2. This uniting is no less important today, and she remains a true inspiration of how much one single person can mean and do in difficult times.
“I am delighted to work with The London Mint Office on this project, and it is a true honour that the painting will find its place in the Royal Albert Hall.”
Kolby met with Dame Vera at her home in Ditchling and made sketches that he is working from for the painted portrait. It will be made in oil on wood, and will, appropriately, have a handmade, high quality wooden frame. The size of the portrait will be approximately 90 cm x 70 cm.
Managing Director of The London Mint Office, Daniel Penney said: “Dame Vera is an iconic figure who has illuminated the world with her astonishing voice, her personality and sincerity. The London Mint Office is excited and hugely honoured to be working with Dame Vera, and with an artist of Ross’ calibre, and our many thousands of collectors can look forward to something really special during 2019.”
Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity: dvlcc.org.uk
Jan 22, 2019 | Announcements
NGC has announced a new NGC Small Multi-Coin Holder, a single holder that can encapsulate two coins. This holder provides a visually appealing and convenient display option for two-coin sets or matched pairs, such as the 2012-S San Francisco Silver Eagle Set or a 2018 Mint State Silver Eagle and a 2018-W Proof Silver Eagle.
The Small Multi-Coin Holder is composed of the same high-quality materials as NGC’s standard holder and features the same security elements, including an advanced hologram and a tamper-evident seal. A single NGC certification label is placed at the top, printed with the NGC set description, coin descriptions, grades and unique NGC certification numbers.
more →
Jan 19, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for the Thomas Jefferson Presidential Silver Medal (product code S803) on January 25 at noon EST. The medal is the first of four .999 fine silver presidential medals slated for release this year.
The obverse (heads) of this medal depicts a side view of Jefferson’s head and shoulders. Inscriptions are “TH. JEFFERSON,” “PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,” and “A.D. 1801.”
The reverse (tails) depicts a symbolic handshake of friendship between the American government and the Indian nations. Above the hands are a crossed pipe and tomahawk, with the inscription “PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP” intertwined through the design. The design is by John Reich.
The medal arrives packaged in a clamshell case with a standardized Presidential Silver Medal Certificate of Authenticity.
The Presidential Silver Medals have the same designs as their bronze counterparts and are being issued at a rate of four per year. They have a matte finish similar to an uncirculated coin. (Note: The term “uncirculated” is exclusive to coins.) The medals may be produced across multiple production facilities and will not have a mint mark.
The Mint accepts orders at www.catalog.usmint.gov and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at www.catalog.usmint.gov/customerservice/shipping.html.
Jan 19, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program on January 24 at noon EST.
This unique four-coin program includes the Mint’s first reeded five-ounce proof silver dollar, a $5 gold coin, a silver dollar, and a half dollar. All coins are curved. This year, the Mint increased the silver content of its commemorative standard silver dollars to 99.9 percent silver. In the past, these coins were 90/10 silver–90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. Product options, pricing, and order limits are below.
| PRODUCT CODE |
PRODUCT OPTION |
INTRO PRICE |
REGULAR PRICE |
ORDER LIMIT |
| 19CA |
Proof Five-Dollar Gold Coin |
Per Grid (-) $5 |
Per Grid |
1 |
| 19CB |
Uncirculated Five-Dollar Gold Coin |
Per Grid (-) $5 |
Per Grid |
1 |
| 19CC |
Proof Silver Dollar Coin |
$54.95 |
$59.95 |
100 |
| 19CD |
Uncirculated Silver Dollar Coin |
$51.95 |
$56.95 |
100 |
| 19CE |
Proof Half Dollar Coin |
$27.95 |
$32.95 |
N/A |
| 19CG |
Uncirculated Half Dollar Coin |
$25.95 |
$30.95 |
N/A |
| 19CH |
Five-Ounce Silver Proof Dollar Coin |
$224.95 |
$229.95 |
5 |
| 19CF |
Half Dollar Set |
N/A |
$53.95 |
5 |
The Half Dollar Set celebrates the connection between President Kennedy and the American space program. It includes one Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Proof Half Dollar and one Kennedy Enhanced Reverse Proof Half Dollar. This product is limited to 100,000 units.
The Mint set pricing for the gold product options according to its Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum Products table, available here. Introductory sales prices are in effect until February 25, 2019, at 3 P.M. EST, after which regular pricing will take effect. The household order limits are in effect for 24 hours.
Coin prices include surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each $1 silver coin, $5 for each half-dollar coin, and $50 for each five-ounce silver proof coin. The law requires the Mint to distribute the surcharges collected as follows:
- One half to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s “Destination Moon” exhibit,
- One quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and
- One quarter to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Gary Cooper of Belfast, Maine created the obverse (heads) design that appears on all coins in this program. Cooper’s design features the inscriptions “MERCURY,” “GEMINI,” and “APOLLO”–separated by phases of the Moon–and a boot print on the lunar surface. The design represents the efforts of the United States space program leading up to the first manned Moon landing. Additional inscriptions are “2019,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “LIBERTY.” Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted the design.
The coins’ reverse (tails) design features a representation of a close-up of the iconic “Buzz Aldrin on the Moon” photograph taken July 20, 1969, showing just the visor and part of the helmet of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The reflection depicted in Aldrin’s helmet includes astronaut Neil Armstrong, the United States flag, and the lunar lander. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the respective denomination, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill created and sculpted the reverse design
The Mint accepts orders at www.catalog.usmint.gov and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Visit www.catalog.usmint.gov/customerservice/shipping.html for information about shipping options.