Jan 18, 2019 | ANA, Announcements
Applications for college scholarships provided by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) are being accepted through March 15. The scholarship fund was established in 2014 to provide a graduating high school senior who is also a member of the ANA with $1,000 to use at the university, community college, or trade school of the student’s choice. Scholarship winners will be chosen based on numismatic merit and financial need.
The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, or supplies directly related to class requirements. Up to two scholarships may be awarded annually. Students with a full class schedule, who maintain a B average throughout their higher education, can receive the $1,000 scholarship up to four years.
“The ANA’s primary goal is education,” said Rod Gillis, the ANA’s education director. “Generally, students who are involved in numismatics are the best and brightest scholars. It stands to reason that we should do all that we can to invest in our members at such a critical time in their lives.”
Besides holding membership in the ANA, applicants must be a graduating high school senior with a cumulative grade-point average of at least a 3.0. The winning students may use the scholarship at any two- or four-year college, university, or trade school within the United States.
Two letters of reference must be sent on the applicant’s behalf. The authors of the references may not be family members. Reference letters must be submitted by the person writing the reference, not the scholarship applicant, and must be received at the ANA by March 15.
The first scholarship was graciously underwritten by Brian Fanton, ANA Education & Young Numismatist Committee Chair and former ANA Governor, and Walter Ostromecki Jr., ANA Governor and past President. Funds for future scholarships will be raised through donations.
Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2019. Completed applications and references should be sent to:
ANA College Scholarship Committee
c/o Rod Gillis
818 N. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
For additional information, contact Rod Gillis via email at gillis@money.org or call him at (719) 482-9845.
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 18, 2019 | Announcements
(Santa Ana, California) January 17, 2019 – The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (https://www.amfcse.org), a nonprofit organization that honors and memorializes those astronauts who have sacrificed their lives for the nation and the space program by sponsoring the Space Mirror Memorial, and by implementing innovative educational technology programs, has selected Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) to create a special label to celebrate the launch of the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins.
PCGS has prepared special inserts featuring the AMF logo juxtaposed against the sun rising behind the earth. These commemorative coins will also receive the First Strike® designation, when eligible, and Apollo 11 50th Anniversary pedigree. The new Apollo 11 commemorative coins, and other specified U.S. and world coins will be eligible to receive the AMF label.
A portion of the proceeds received by PCGS from submitters for the grading and encapsulation of the coins commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the first moon landing will be donated directly to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. AMF, which is based at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was founded in the wake of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in 1986. AMF is the proud sponsor of the 42-foot high by 50-foot wide polished granite monument known as the Space Mirror Memorial. The National Memorial, also located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, glows with the names of astronauts who have given their lives in the line of duty.
“The Astronauts Memorial Foundation is excited about partnering with PCGS on the grading and encapsulation of these historic Apollo Commemorative Coins. We chose to work with PCGS due to their high-regard in the numismatic community and the safety, security, and aesthetics of the PCGS holder,” said Thad Altman, President and CEO of AMF, “AMF’s mission is to memorialize the twenty-four astronauts who have lost their lives in the pursuit of space exploration and to educate future generations to become the explorers of tomorrow, we feel that this special label, with the added benefit of being available to coins beyond just the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins, will help to further honor our fallen heroes.”
AMF funds the Center for Space Education in Florida where students, teachers, and mentors experience building rockets, robotic competitions and other hands-on learning activities. AMF also partners with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to provide technology training to educators throughout the nation with a particular emphasis on space-related technology.
“PCGS is pleased to partner with the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and help support AMF’s mission to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians through their many programs and outreach activities. This is a perfect way for the hobby to pay tribute and memorialize the 1969 Apollo 11 mission and the United States Mint’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins,” said PCGS President Brett Charville.
On January 24, the U.S. Mint will begin sales of four different Apollo 11 coins: A Clad Half Dollar, Silver Dollar, $5 denomination gold coin and a Five-ounce Proof Silver Dollar.
Prices for the coins include surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each Silver Dollar, $5 for each Clad Half Dollar, and $50 for each Five-ounce Proof Silver Dollar. Under federal legislation authorizing the coins, the surcharges will be divided 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.
“In addition to the mandated surcharges, we will donate 50% of the $18 label fee from encapsulation of all Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemoratives and other qualifying coins that receive the special insert,” explained Charville.
- The following coins will qualify for this special label and pedigree;
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary $5 Gold Coin
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary $1 Silver Dollar
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Clad Half Dollar
- 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Five Ounce Proof Silver Dollar
- Additionally, the AMF label can be used for the following coins:
- 2019 Native American $1 Coins in all finishes
- 2004 Florida “Gateway to Discovery” State Quarters
- All U.S. Kennedy Half Dollar Coins (including all mint state, proof, specimen, and commemorative versions in all metals)
- All U.S. Eisenhower $1 Coins
- All American Eagle Coins (including all mint state, proof, specimen in all metals, and denominations)
- 2019 Pobjoy Mint / Ascension Island Apollo Coins
- 2019 Royal Australian Mint Apollo Coins
Full submission guidelines are available here: https://www.pcgs.com/labels.
The PCGS Set Registry® will be hosting a new set for coins featuring the special Apollo 11 50th Anniversary label featuring all of the above coins.
Since its founding in 1986, PCGS experts have certified over 40 million coins from over 100 different counties with a total market value of over $34.5 billion. For information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
Jan 14, 2019 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
The Long Beach Expo will host an in-depth Numismatic Crime Investigations class on January 31, 2019, in Long Beach, California. The class will be presented by the Numismatic Crime Information Center and will provide investigators with the basic skills, knowledge, and resources to effectively investigate a crime related to coins, paper money, and related numismatic items. The class will be taught by Doug Davis Founder/President of NCIC and is accredited by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Attendees will receive 8hrs of in-service education and a certificate of attendance.
“We are excited to collaborate with the Long Beach Expo in presenting this educational opportunity to California law enforcement”, said Doug Davis Founder/President of NCIC. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the bourse floor to enhance their classroom experience.
NCIC teams up with PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, PMG, and ANACS to provide each attendee with examples to take back and share with other investigators within their department or agency. In addition, NCIC works closely with the Anti- Counterfeiting Task Force and includes a portion of the curriculum to address the increasing counterfeit problem.
The NCIC’s crime alert network and investigative resources are dedicated to making a difference in the fight against numismatic crimes. The center’s resources are available to dealers, collectors, and law enforcement and offense reports may be reported 24 hours per day, seven days a week, through a special form on the center’s website.
About the Numismatic Crime Information Center: The Numismatic Crime Information Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and supported entirely by donations from the Numismatic Community. All donations are tax deductible.
Jan 11, 2019 | Announcements, Auctions
1860 Clark Gruber & Co. $20. Genuine, Tooled, Repaired & Cleaned PCGS.
(estimate: $90,000-110,000)
A decade or so after the California Gold Rush began in the late 1840s, gold was discovered on the South Platte River, near the future city of Denver. Clark, Gruber & Co., a reputable bank and brokerage firm in the state, established a coinage facility and remained in operation through 1862. It was elbowed out of the coining business in April 1863 when it was turned first into a federal assay office, then 43 years later, into the Denver branch of the United States Mint in 1906.
Highlights of this important collection include: a Gem Brilliant Uncirculated 1931-D $20 (MS65 PCGS) (est. $80,000-100,000) which is accompanied by a series of other dates and mints of the popular Saint-Gaudens $20 series; an 1879-CC $20; a rare 1864 $5; 1796 Small Eagle Silver Dollar; 1879 to 1883 Proof Trade Dollar set; many modern world gold proof sets and coins; many Chinese Proof Panda coins; U.S. modern gold and silver commemorative sets and Proof and Uncirculated American Gold Eagles. Large size U.S. currency includes: 1882 $50 Date Back NBN of New Brighton, PA; 1882 $100 NBN Louisville National Banking Co.; and a 1902 $100 NBN Date Back FNB of Lancaster, OH.
Additional highlights from the sale include:
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1923-S 50C MONROE MS67 PCGS
(estimate: $9,000-12,000)
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931-D $20 MS65 PCGS
(estimate: $80,000-100,000)
Jan 11, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) announced today a collaborative project with the Royal Australian Mint. The two Mints will produce a commemorative coin set in celebration of the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing on July 20, 1969. The set will feature a U.S. Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Half Dollar paired with an Australian 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing 1 oz. $5 Silver Coin.
The limited production set will be sold and distributed by the Royal Australian Mint, and will include a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Director of the United States Mint and the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint. The United States Mint will market the set on its website and provide a link to the Royal Australian Mint’s website for U.S. customers who wish to purchase the product.
“This jointly–issued coin set magnificently symbolizes our long standing alliance and friendship with Australia,” said United States Mint Director David Ryder. “Many Americans will remember listening for the critical reports from the tracking stations in Australia at Carnarvon, Honeysuckle Creek, Tidbinbilla and Parkes, as the Apollo 11 spacecraft traveled to, orbited and landed on the Moon.”
“We are very pleased that the Royal Australian Mint is entering into a product partnership with the United States Mint to bring customers a unique collectible that marks one of mankind’s most remarkable achievements,” said Senator the Hon. Zed Seselja, the Australian Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance. “The collaboration highlights the unique part Australia had to play in sending a man to the Moon.”
The United States Mint unveiled the designs for the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program on October 11, 2018. The obverse and reverse designs will be featured on the four coins in the program: a $5 gold coin, a standard size $1 silver coin, a half dollar clad coin, and a five ounce $1 silver proof coin. In a manufacturing first for the U.S. Mint, the five ounce silver proof coin is curved, as are the other coins in the program.
The obverse design was selected from entries in a juried competition as required by the authorizing legislation, Public Law 114-282. The winning design is by Gary Cooper of Belfast, Maine. It features the inscriptions “MERCURY,” “GEMINI,” and “APOLLO”– separated by phases of the Moon–and a footprint 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 reverse design is by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. It 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 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.” Ms. Hemphill also sculpted the design.
The law that authorizes the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program also requires the United States Mint to collect surcharges from coin sales–$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 Mint is authorized to distribute the surcharges 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.
The United States and the Royal Australian Mint will announce the release date for the two-coin set as soon as it has been determined.
Jan 10, 2019 | ANA, Announcements
The art of engraving has been around since the dawn of time. From artistic printmaking and mapmaking to storytelling through printed illustrations, engraving has been a profound artistic method for creative minds over the years. Even today, engraving remains as an important artistic expression and one that is seen every day—in our pocket change. Engraved steel dies are used to stamp a metal disk to transfer designs to coins or medals.
Six applicants interested in the medium will have the opportunity to explore the ancient art of hand die-engraving together with more modern processes used to create coins and medals during a week-long, all-expense paid workshop on “The Art of Engraving.” The class will take place during the American Numismatic Association’s popular Summer Seminar, June 15-20 on the campus of Colorado College in Colorado Springs. The course is led by Laura Stocklin, engraver at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Selected participants will receive a scholarship provided by the Gilroy and Lillian P. Roberts Foundation in honor of Gilroy Roberts, ninth chief engraver of the United States Mint. The scholarship includes tuition, lodging, and meals for one week, and up to $400 reimbursement for transportation costs. Students who successfully complete the first year will be invited back for the second year (June 2020) to continue their study of this fascinating art form (and will receive a second scholarship, as outlined above, to allow participation in 2020).
“My intention for the course is not only to bridge the gap between artists and numismatics with insight into the craft and artistry of the objects of the hobby, but also to further what are slowly disappearing crafts,” said Stocklin, who has instructed the course since 1999. “Hand engraving is an ever-shrinking field; as such, expanding exposure to numismatic art forms is paramount to me.”
Applicants need not be professional artists to attend the workshop. To apply, send a letter to Seminars Manager Brianna Victor that addresses the following:
- Explain your art background, including education and interests.
- List any exhibits where your art has been shown publicly. Please list any awards your artwork has received.
- List any art organization of which you are a member.
- What, if any, are your numismatic interests?
- What, if any, interest do you have in die making or the coining process?
- Do you have a special project or skill you would like to develop during the class?
Please submit five examples of your artwork for consideration during portfolio review. Digital images preferred, but not required.
Completed application should be sent to bvictor@money.org with the subject line: “2019 Art of Engraving Scholarship.” Electronic submissions are preferred but not required. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, March 15.
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 8, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will make a complete set of proof–finish 2019-dated America the Beautiful® Quarters available for purchase on January 15, at noon (EST).
Coins in the 2019 United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set™ (product code 19AP) honor Lowell National Historical Park (Massachusetts); American Memorial Park (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands); War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam); San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Texas); and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho). Each set comes with the Mint’s customary Certificate of Authenticity.
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.
United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Sets are also available for purchase through the Mint’s Product Enrollment Program. Visit catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/ for details.
Jan 8, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The 2019 United States Mint Congratulations Set (product code 19RF) will be available for purchase beginning on January 10 at noon EST. The set is ideal for celebrating special occasions or marking life’s milestones.
The set features one American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin from the West Point Mint. The coin is placed in an attractive presentation folder so that both the obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) are visible. The back of the folder displays the Certificate of Authenticity and the back of the coordinating sleeve displays the specifications of the coin.
The United States Mint Congratulations Set is priced at $56.95. The Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
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 Jan. 10, 2019, at noon EST.
Jan 8, 2019 | Announcements, Auctions
Regency Auction 30 to feature important Buffalo Nickel, Barber Half Dollar, Type, and Morgan Dollar collections.
(Lincroft, NJ- January 2, 2019)—After a year of strong growth, Legend Rare Coin Auctions begins 2019 with its most valuable January Regency Auction ever. Due to the PCGS Members Show schedule, the 30th Regency Auction is also the firm’s first “stand alone” auction. The auction will take place on Sunday, January 27 at the Beverly Hills Marriott hotel (the former Crowne Plaza, site of many numismatic auctions over the years).
“Everyone is accustomed to Regency Auctions being associated with the PCGS Members’ Only shows,” explains Julie Abrams, president of Legend Rare Coin Auctions. “This year, the first PCGS is not scheduled until March and because of all the fantastic consignments we had received, we decided to conduct a standalone auction in January. Our Regency Auction will be one of the auctions that takes place in Southern California just prior to the Long Beach expo, a tradition that goes back generations.”
All told, 491 lots from important holdings including the following collections:
- The Maybach Collection-a fresh to the market collection of Buffalo nickels, all graded MS65 by PCGS, and put together mostly 15-20 years ago by a dedicated specialist collector;
- The Formula 1 Collection-a partial set of some of the FINEST Barber half dollars known to collectors, all graded by PCGS. Featuring pedigrees like Norweb, Eliasberg, Price, Duckor, Akers, and Shireman, these coins will attract strong bidding;
- The Star City CAC Morgan Dollar Collection—a top-10 PCGS Registry Set of Morgan Dollars, with every coin being verified by CAC. Each coin was hand selected for a high end luster, smooth cheek, and bold strike.
- The Sand Hill and Symphony Collections—two collections of assorted type coins and gold that play off each other quite nicely. Clearly selected for strong eye appeal and quality, these coins will delight all collectors.
“It was such a privilege cataloging these great collections for the Regency Auction,” stated Greg Cohen, Senior Numismatist. “Throughout the process, I feel like I have gotten to know the collectors personally—you learn a lot about them by looking at what they have chosen to place into their collections. After having cataloged the vast majority of the coins in the auction, I can say that each coin in these collections was carefully selected for eye appeal and quality.”
Further highlights of the sale include:
Lot 1: Marvelous GEM 1831 Restrike half cent, PCGS PR66 BN CAC
Lot 80: GEM 5C 1926-S from the Maybach Collection
Lot 172: The Eliasberg-Stellar FINEST KNOWN 1896-O Barber Half from the Formula 1 Collection
Lot 233: 50C 1956 PCGS MS66+ FBL CAC—the twin to the record breaking 1958 in our last auction.
Lot 318: KEY PCGS AU55 CAC $1 1893-S from the Star City Collection
Lot 385: One of the FINEST $20 1854 Kellogg, graded PCGS MS62+ CAC from the S.S. Central America
Lot 411: GEM DCAM 1878 $3 PCGS PR65 DCAM CAC—GORGEOUS!
Lot 454: The AMAZING, FINEST KNOWN PCGS MS67 CAC $20 1909-D, ex Eliasberg-Duckor-A&A.
Lot 483: Amazing transitional 1865 “With Motto” 50C, J-427. PCGS PR66 CAC
“This numismatic offering is a great way to start out the year!” exclaimed Laura Sperber, the founder of LRCA. “This sale has more than double the pre-sale estimated value of any January Regency Auction we have conducted in the past. It shows how strong our auctions have become! We have worked very hard to grow our auctions into the premier boutique numismatic auction house in the United States. The amazing quality and diversity of the coins included in the sale further proves that.”
The auction will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Presale lot viewing will be held on Friday, January 25 and Saturday January 26, as well as Sunday the 27th. As a special for anyone who views lots, PCGS will be set up Friday and Saturday to accept submissions for grading. Coins submitted at lot viewing will be among the first coins returned at Long Beach. You may also request to view lots at Legend’s offices, by appointment, by calling 732-935-1168.
Jan 4, 2019 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will release the 2019 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (product code 19EA) on January 10, at noon (EST). The coin is priced at $55.95.
This exquisite coin is struck on 99.9 percent fine silver blanks at the Mint’s West Point facility, where it is encapsulated and mounted in a satin-lined blue velvet presentation case with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The obverse (heads) design features renowned sculptor 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 reverse (tails) design features former Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti’s rendition of a heraldic eagle with shield, an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left.
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.
