Nov 16, 2018 | Announcements, News
(Santa Ana, California) November 15, 2018 – Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) has announced the resignation of Don Willis who served as PCGS President since 2008.
“We sincerely thank Don for his service during the past 10 years and appreciate his contributions to the company, the hobby and the profession,” stated Joe Orlando, President and Chief Executive Officer of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT), parent company of PCGS. Collectors Universe is the leader in third-party authentication and grading services for high-value collectibles including rare coins, trading cards, tickets, autographs, and memorabilia.
“In addition to further developing our current team, we will be adding new talent to PCGS as part of our long-term investment in providing outstanding products and services. We eagerly look forward to 2019 as an exciting year for us and our worldwide customers,” Orlando stated.
“Since its founding in 1986, Professional Coin Grading Service has represented the industry standard in third-party certification. PCGS provides outstanding service to collectors and dealers around the world through our offices in the United States, Paris, Shanghai, Australia and Hong Kong as well as on-site service at major coin shows,” he added.
PCGS experts have certified over 40 million coins with a total market value of over $34 billion. The popular PCGS Set Registry® (www.PCGS.com/setregistry) now contains more than 93,000 U.S. and world coin sets. The free PCGS Photograde™ Online (www.PCGS.com/photograde) feature makes it easy to determine the approximate grade of your coins, and the ever-expanding www.PCGSCoinFacts.com is the most comprehensive online resource for information and illustrations about United States coins.
For PCGS related inquiries, dealers should contact Sandy Locker at SLocker@collectors.com and for customer service inquiries contact David Talk at DTalk@collectors.com. 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.
Nov 16, 2018 | ANA, Announcements
ANA Coin Press Offers Original Numismatic Content
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) launched a new blog in November. A project that has been in the works for over a year, the new blog features exclusive articles for beginning and intermediate collectors, stories that previously ran in The Numismatist (the ANA’s monthly hobby publication), articles highlighting specimens and collections from the ANA Money Museum and more. Both ANA members and non-members can access the blog.
The name “ANA Coin Press” was selected for the new blog after the Association ran a naming contest. Collectors were asked to submit blog name ideas for the chance to win a prize valued at $100. The winner for the contest is Jake Miller, who received an MS-65 1881-S Morgan dollar as the grand prize.
For questions or more information regarding the blog, contact pr@money.org.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of instructional and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Nov 7, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will offer bags and rolls of quarters honoring Block Island National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island starting on November 13 at noon Eastern Time (ET). This coin is the fifth and final release of 2018 in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program.
The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter reverse (tails) design depicts a black-crowned night-heron flying above a view from the beach at Cow Cove that looks towards Sandy Point. The North Lighthouse is seen in the background. The inscriptions are “BLOCK ISLAND,” “RHODE ISLAND,” “2018,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The obverse (heads) features the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Product options and their prices are as follows:
| PRODUCT CODE |
PRODUCT OPTION |
MINT MARK |
PRICE |
| 18ABN |
100-Coin Bag |
P |
$34.95 |
| 18ABP |
100-Coin Bag |
D |
$34.95 |
| 18ABQ |
100-Coin Bag |
S |
$34.95 |
| 18ARM |
Two-Roll Set |
P, D |
$32.95 |
| 18ARP |
40-Coin Roll |
S |
$18.95 |
| 18ARQ |
Three-Roll Set |
P, D, S |
$46.95 |
The Mint produces the coins in the rolls and bags at three of its six facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The three-roll set contains coins from all three facilities. Unlike the “P” and “D” mint mark quarters, those with the “S” mint mark will not be released into circulation.
The special numismatic wrapping for the coin rolls displays the name “Block Island National Wildlife Refuge;” the abbreviation “RI” for Rhode Island; “$10,” the face value of its contents; and “P,” “D,” or “S” for the mint of origin. The canvas bags have a tag with “Block Island National Wildlife Refuge,” “RI,” and “P,” “D,” or “S.”
The Mint accepts orders online 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.
Nov 7, 2018 | ANA, Announcements
Deadline for Award Nominations is Dec. 15
Each year, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) presents awards to deserving individuals in recognition of outstanding dedication to numismatics. The ANA is now accepting individual nominations for 2019 awards and Numismatic Hall of Fame “Modern Era” candidates.
All nominations can be submitted in writing and online—300 words or more for the Numismatic Hall of Fame, and 50-100 words for all other awards. Nominations are accepted through Dec. 15, 2018 by 12 p.m. (MST).
- Numismatic Hall of Fame—“Modern Era,” living or deceased within 25 years of induction
- Farran Zerbe Memorial Award—The ANA’s highest honor, this award recognizes years of outstanding, dedicated service to numismatics.
- Lifetime Achievement Award—Presented to an individual, family, firm or judicial entity for contributions to organized numismatics.
- Elvira Clain-Stefanelli Memorial Award for Achievement in Numismatics—This award honors women who have made a lasting impact to numismatic community and demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the betterment of numismatics, whether through research, leadership or mentorship.
- Numismatist of the Year—Recognizes individuals within the numismatic community who have demonstrated long-term leadership in the field and to the ANA.
- Harry J. Forman Dealer of the Year Award—Honors professional numismatists who exhibit uncommon dedication to strengthening the hobby and the ANA and displays exemplary ethical standards as a numismatic dealer.
- Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture—The award honors an artist whose cumulative lifetime achievements in the field of medallic sculpture have been of the highest order.
- Adna G. Wilde Jr. Memorial Award for Exemplary Service—Awarded to an ANA member who has dedicated time and resources to strengthen the hobby and further the ANA’s educational mission, setting an example for others to follow.
- Medal of Merit—Recognizes individuals who have dedicated numerous years of service to the ANA and promotion of the hobby.
- Glenn Smedley Memorial Award—This award honors individuals who have devoted their efforts to the betterment of the ANA.
- Lawrence J. Gentile, Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Adult Advisor—Recognizes individuals who have devoted time to recruit beginning young numismatists and aid in their development of intermediate to advanced young numismatists.
- Young Numismatist of the Year—Honors numismatists under the age of 18 for outstanding contributions to the hobby and who are active in volunteer service and numismatic research.
- Outstanding District Representative—Recognizes the District Representative who most fully promotes coin collecting, coin clubs and the ANA.
Submit a nomination for a numismatist you find deserving of an award. Information about each of the awards and online submission forms can be found here.
For questions about the awards, please contact awards@money.org or call (719) 482-9811.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging the study and collection of coins and related items. The ANA helps its 25,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of instructional and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications and conventions. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.
Nov 7, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WHAT: The United States Mint will join representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m. (ET) to launch the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coin honoring Block Island National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island.
Ceremony participants include the Chariho High School Student Choir, students from Chariho Middle School, and members of Boy Scout Troop #15. Chris Costello, designer of the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter reverse (tails), will attend. Following the ceremony, $10 rolls of Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarters will be available for exchange.
WHO:
- David Ryder, Director, United States Mint
- Janet Coit, Director, Department of Environmental Management, on behalf of Governor Raimondo
- James Kurth, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Charlie Vandemoer, Manager, Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Chris Costello, Designer, United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program
WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 2018, 10:30 a.m. (ET)
WHERE:
Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters
Kettle Pond Visitor Center
Charlestown, RI 02813
The event will be livestreamed at https://www.fws.gov/northeast/live/Block-Island-Quarter.html. The livestream will also be available at the Block Island School so that all students can watch the ceremony in real-time.
Note: Parking for the event is located at Ninigret Park, Rte. 1A, Park Lane, Charlestown, RI 02813. (GPS Coordinates: 41.374504 -71.665873) Shuttles will be provided from 9:00 am to 10:15 am and following the event. Dress warmly for outside tent event.
COIN FORUM
The United States Mint will host a coin forum the evening before the launch ceremony—Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, 5–6:30 p.m.—at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Kettle Pond Visitor Center. 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 Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter is the 45th 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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Interview with Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter engraver Phebe Hemphill.
- Learn more about the United States Mint.
- Information about the United States Mint, America the Beautiful Quarters Program, and the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Oct 20, 2018 | Announcements, PNG
Century-old U.S. Liberty Head Eagles ($10 denomination gold coins). Photo courtesy of Donn Pearlman.
“Comments we’ve been hearing from members of our Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program (https://apmddealers.org) indicate that with the recent uptick in the spot price previous clients are again buying gold bullion coins. The dealers are also getting some inquiries and sales from new customers,” said PNG President Barry Stuppler of Woodland Hills, California.
“In addition to the U.S. American Eagle and Canadian Maple Leaf bullion coins, some common date, century-old U.S. gold coins are selling now for just a small fraction above their precious metal content. The same is true for some late 19th and early 20th century U.S. silver coins. There’s an opportunity now to acquire these kinds of coins at a low premium over their melt value,” said Stuppler.
“Many of the dealers I’ve talked to believe that inflation will be coming back by June 2019 and that will drive more gold and silver buyers,” added Stuppler.
“We actually started seeing interest when gold was in the $1,180 to $1,200 range with the return of long-time buyers,” said PNG Vice President Richard Weaver of Broomall, Pennsylvania. “We are seeing some new faces, but they’re not making large quantity purchases.”
“While precious metals are firming up from their June/July skid to 2018 lows, the strong declines in stocks have been a bigger driver of public buying of gold in my opinion,” stated former PNG President Dana Samuelson of Austin, Texas. “Investors are clearly taking some stock profits as Wall Street volatility increased and they’re moving some of those profits to safer or more opportune areas, including gold and silver.”
PNG-APMD member David Nelkin of Eugene Oregon cited apprehension as one of the motivating factors bringing buyers into the gold market again or for the first time: “Lots of customers feel like precious metals should go up given the present political and economic atmosphere in the country and the world. We also have many clients who see a collapse coming and think they will need precious metals to survive.”
PNG Treasurer Wayde Milas of Willowbrook, Illinois cited some of the historic U.S. gold coin types now selling close to melt value. “Some Liberty Head and Saint-Gaudens design $20 denomination Double Eagles, $10 Indian Head and $10 Liberty Head Eagles and $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle in Mint State 64 (on a 1 to 70 grading scale) are at or near premium lows,” he said.
Several Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program members believe the future depends on the stock market.
“Primarily from what our customers are saying, I am gathering that mostly they want to diversify their investments,” explained PNG-APMD member Tony Adkins of Bloomington, Minnesota.
Former PNG President Gary Adkins of Minneapolis, Minnesota called it “a mixed bag with less buyers than sellers taking advantage of the higher gold price to liquidate. Until we see higher interest rates, that will be the case.”
“We need a more sustained and stronger move up (for gold prices) and more downward pressure on the Dow,” stated PNG-APMD member Warren Mills of Milford, New Hampshire.
PNG-APMD member Diane P Rapanotti of Kingston, Washington says her customers’ outlook for gold is based on political affiliation: “My liberals don’t think the economy, as it is, can be sustained and metals will go up. My conservatives think we are in a great economy and it can be sustained through the Trump term. Thus, metals will go down.”
All members of the Professional Numismatists Guild Accredited Precious Metals Dealer program undergo a background check, must adhere to a strict code of ethics in the buying and selling of numismatic items and guarantee the authenticity of the numismatic merchandise they sell.
A nationwide directory of PNG-APMD members can be found at www.apmddealers.org/apmd-dealers.
Oct 20, 2018 | Announcements
The best coins, such as this crossed-over 1801 Draped Bust dollar, always end up in PCGS holders. Photo credit: Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS.com.
“The best coins always end up in PCGS holders because collectors and dealers know that PCGS certification helps maximize the value, liquidity, and security of their coins,” stated PCGS President Don Willis.
Each PCGS holder has covert and overt security features and is virtually impossible to replicate providing collectors and dealers with anti-counterfeiting as well as environmental protection for their PCGS-certified and encapsulated coins.
For the October 2018 Baltimore Winter Expo, PCGS will be at booth #1217 to accept coins for crossover submitted by PCGS Authorized Dealers and Collectors Club Members in either ANACS, ICG or NGC holders.
The standard grading fee (plus one percent Guarantee Premium) will apply to all qualifying coins that cross into a PCGS holder. An examination fee of $10 will be charged for coins that do not cross, and a $10 per order handling fee will apply to all orders.
PCGS Representatives will be on-site to answer questions, accept submissions (including Bulk on a limited basis), and provide specific hours for submission cutoff times. If your on-site submissions will include world coins, please contact PCGS Customer Service prior to the show at 800-447-8848 for pre-approval.
“This is an excellent opportunity for East Coast collectors and dealers to submit their coins to PCGS, the industry standard in third-party certification,” stated Willis.
For additional information about the PCGS Crossover Special, visit www.pcgs.com/crossover.
Oct 20, 2018 | Announcements, Auctions
Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency Auctions have experienced very strong growth in 2018, with two sales containing enough material to justify two-day auction events. The boutique concept LRCA has created clearly found a niche that was long overlooked. The market for hand-selected, high-quality U.S. coins was much stronger than even we suspected. It is with great pride in that growth and demand for the Legend brand auctions that the firm is announcing that starting in 2019, there will be six Regency Auctions, including the first time that a Regency Auction will be a “stand-alone” event (being held in January), that will not be in conjunction with a PCGS Members Show, all others for 2019 will be held in conjunction with PCGS’ Shows.
To accommodate the additional Regency Auction, LRCA is also announcing that the December 2018 Premier Session will be the firm’s final monthly internet only auction. While these sales have been very successful, due to the overwhelming demand for Regency Auctions from both consignors and buyers, the firm is redirecting its efforts into the Regency Auctions to ensure that they become the best U.S. numismatic auction events of the entire year. However, to give the monthly Premier Sessions the farewell they deserve, LRCA is pleased to announce that the December Premier Session will be the biggest and best yet—the firm is billing it as mini-Regency Auction.
“From its outset, LRCA was designed to be different, and offer a different level of quality,” explained the firm’s president, Julie Abrams, “and we mean not just the quality of the coins being sold, but the quality of the customer service and the experience for both buyers and sellers. To that end, we thought the monthly Premier Sessions provided a great opportunity for collectors of coins in the $1,000-$10,000 range. While we are sad to see them go, we are very excited for what the future holds for our Regency Auctions.”
The remaining 2018 monthly Premier Sessions will continue on as scheduled, with a very impressive offering being planned for December’s final session. Lot viewing will take place at the December PCGS Member’s Show, December 12-14.
The first 2019 Regency Auction will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the Beverly Hills Marriot, and will begin at 4:30 PST. This will be a stand alone sale, held just prior to the always popular Long Beach Expo. More details about collections already consigned will be announced in the coming weeks. Due to the holiday season, consignments must be in house no later than Wednesday, November 28.
Regency Auctions will be conducted as the Official Auction for the PCGS Member’s Show throughout the rest of the year. Specific dates and locations to be announced shortly.
Legend Rare Coin Auctions is a boutique auction company specializing in the finest and rarest U.S. coins. Founded in 2012 by Laura Sperber, the owner and president of Legend Numismatics, the premier rare coin retail firm. LRCA was, from the outset designed to be a different kind of rare coin auction firm. LRCA’s staff of numismatic auction industry veterans includes Julie Abrams, president; Greg Cohen, senior numismatist; and Jessica Berkman, consignment coordinator. The firm’s Regency Auctions serve as the official auction for the PCGS Members’ Shows, held six times per year. Since its founding, LRCA has sold many important collections, resulting in world-record prices, including the Coronet Collection of Morgan Dollars (#1 all time PCGS set); the David Hall—Bob Simpson Collection of Liberty Head Eagles; the Sunnywood-Simpson Collection of Morgan Dollars; the Phil Flannagan Collection of Territorial Gold, Toned Dollars, and 1795 coins; duplicates from the Gerald Forsythe Collections of Buffalo Nickels and Mercury Dimes; the Bob Simpson Collection of Standard Silver Patterns; the Northern Lights Collection of Monster Toned Morgan Dollars; the Crow River Collections of Indian Head $10s and Peace Dollars; the P.F.M Collection (former #6 PCGS Set of Morgan Dollars with varieties); the Oak Crest Collection of Carson City $5 gold; the Konstatine Collection of Capped Bust Half Dollars, the #1 PCGS Set of Red Book varieties, 1807-1836. The firm has the 2nd highest APR in 2016 with the sale of Bob Simpson’s duplicate 1879 $20 “Quintuple Stella” which realized $1,880,000.
Oct 11, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The 2018 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set (product code 18RC) will be available for purchase beginning on October 18 at noon Eastern Time (ET). The set is priced at $144.95.
The following proof quality coins are included:
- One American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin;
- Five quarters from the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program honoring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan), Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin), Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota), Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia), and Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (Rhode Island);
- One Kennedy half dollar; and
- One Roosevelt dime.
The half dollar, quarters, and dime are composed of 90 percent silver—generally referred to as “coin silver”—while the American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin is composed of 99.9 percent silver. All coins bear the “S” mint mark of the San Francisco Mint.
A Certificate of Authenticity comes with each set. The United States Mint (Mint) has limited this product to 50,000 sets, with orders limited to two sets per household.
The Mint accepts 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.
Oct 11, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) unveiled the designs for the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program today. 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 Mint, the five-ounce silver proof coin will be curved, as will 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.
-
-
Gary Cooper of Belfast, Maine designed the obverse of the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin
-
-
U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill designed the reverse of the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin representing the iconic ‘Buzz Aldrin on the Moon’ photograph taken July 20, 1969
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 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 Mint will announce the release date and pricing for this coin program prior to the opening of sales in January 2019.
(Santa Ana, California) November 15, 2018 – Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) has announced the resignation of Don Willis who served as PCGS President since 2008.
