Jan 24, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WHAT: The United States Mint and the National Park Service will launch the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coin honoring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at 10 a.m. ET.
The ceremony will be held at the Mather Elementary School Auditorium. Additional event highlights include a performance by the Munising High School Concert Choir, a ceremonial coin pour and an exchange of $10 rolls of newly-minted Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarters after the ceremony. Paul Balan, designer of the quarter will also attend.
WHO:
- Marc Landry, Acting Associate Director, Numismatic and Bullion Directorate, United States Mint
- Paul Balan, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarter designer, United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program
- Timothy Williams, Deputy Director, External Affairs at the Department of the Interior, for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke
- Jay Gage, Regional Manager, Upper Peninsula Northern Michigan, for Senator Debbie Stabenow
- Katelyn Rader, Upper Peninsula Regional Coordinator, for Senator Gary Peters
- David Horne, Superintendent, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Katherine Reynolds, Executive Director, Greater Munising Bay Partnership, Alger County Chamber of Commerce and the Munising Downtown Development Authority
WHEN: Wednesday, February 7, 2018, 10 a.m. ET
WHERE: Mather Elementary School Auditorium
411 Elm Avenue
Munising, MI 49862
COIN FORUM
The United States Mint will host a coin forum the evening before the launch ceremony-Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 6-7 p.m. ET-at the Munising Township Office, E9630 Prospect Street, Wetmore, MI 49895. 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 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore quarter is the 41st 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 18, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the 2018 Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin (product code 18EJ) on January 25, 2018, at noon Eastern Time.
This coin is the first release in the three-year (2018-2020) Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin Series. The series features all new obverse (heads) designs, as well as a new common reverse (tails) design on a one ounce, 99.95 percent platinum proof coin each year.
The series portrays Liberty planting seeds for future sustenance, lighting the way westward, and harvesting the well-worked crops. The inscriptions “Life,” in 2018, “Liberty,” in 2019 and “Happiness” in 2020, are in the likeness of the handwritten words from the Declaration of Independence.
The obverse of the 2018 coin features “Life” personified by Lady Liberty teaching a small child to sow seeds in a field. The sword she carries symbolizes the power to defend life. The furrowed earth represents the forethought and labor required to sustain life. The tree and stream represent nature, suggesting the need to be good stewards of an environment that sustains life. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “2018,” and “LIFE.”
Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Justin Kunz created all the obverse designs of this platinum proof coin series. The 2018 platinum proof coins were sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
The coins’ common reverse design for this series depicts an eagle in flight with an olive branch in its talons. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ.,” “.9995 PLATINUM,” and “$100.” AIP designer Patricia Lucas-Morris created the reverse design, which was sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.
Produced at the West Point Mint, this coin is packaged in a black velvet satin-lined presentation case with outer box and sleeve, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
As with all Mint products containing a precious metal, this coin will be priced according to the range in which it appears on the Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, and Platinum Products table. Current pricing information is available online at catalog.usmint.gov/coins/gold-coins/.
Orders will be accepted at catalog.usmint.gov and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Information on shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
The 2018 platinum proof coin mintage is limited to 20,000 while orders are initially limited to one coin per household. This product may also be available at various United States Mint sales centers once the household order limit is lifted.
Jan 16, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – Sales will open for the 2018 United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set™ (product code 18AP) on January 23, 2018, at noon Eastern Time (ET).
This year’s set-priced at $15.95-consists of five proof-finish America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coins that honor 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). A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each set.
Orders will be accepted at www.catalog.usmint.gov, and at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Information about shipping options is available at www.catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Sets are also available for purchase through the bureau’s Product Enrollment Program. For details, visit catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/.
Jan 16, 2018 | Announcements, Bureau of Engraving and Printing
First Day of Sale: January 16, 2018 (8:00 a.m. ET) – The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is pleased to introduce the 2018 Happy Birthday Currency Note, featuring a $1 note with a serial number beginning with “2018.” The note is protected by a clear, acid-free polymer sleeve in an attractive folder. The 2018 Happy Birthday Currency Note is $5.95.
Please visit our website for additional product information at www.moneyfactorystore.gov.
Jan 11, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar and the World War I Centennial Silver Dollar and Medal Sets on January 17 at noon Eastern Time. Product information is below.
| Product Option |
Product Code |
Intro. Price |
Reg. Price |
| Proof |
18CA |
$51.95 |
$56.95 |
| Uncirculated |
18CB |
$48.95 |
$53.95 |
| Army Special Set Coin & Medal |
18CC |
N/A |
$99.95 |
| Air Service Special Set Coin & Medal |
18CD |
N/A |
$99.95 |
| Marine Corps Special Set Coin & Medal |
18CN |
N/A |
$99.95 |
| Navy Special Set Coin & Medal |
18CM |
N/A |
$99.95 |
| Coast Guard Special Set Coin & Medal |
18CP |
N/A |
$99.95 |
The introductory sales period ends on February 20, 2018, at 3 p.m. ET, when regular pricing takes effect. Product descriptions are below.

World War I Centennial Silver Dollar
The obverse (heads), titled “Soldier’s Charge,” depicts an almost stone-like soldier gripping a rifle. Barbed wire twines are featured in the lower right-hand side of the design. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “1918,” “2018,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The wire design element continues onto the reverse (tails), titled “Poppies in the Wire,” which features abstract poppies mixed in with barbed wire. Inscriptions include “ONE DOLLAR,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Public Law 113-212 authorizes the bureau to mint and issue up to 350,000 silver dollar coins. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins minted within the authorized mintage limits.
The price of each coin includes a $10 surcharge, which the law authorizes to be paid to the United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars, to assist the World War I Centennial Commission in commemorating the centenary of World War I.
In support of the coin program, the Mint has created special companion medals honoring each of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that were active during the War. Each World War I Centennial Silver Dollar and Medal Set includes a proof silver dollar and a proof 90 percent silver World War I Centennial Medal. The medals are available only in these sets. Medal descriptions are as follows:
World War I Centennial Army Medal – West Point Mint
The obverse depicts a soldier cutting through German barbed wire, while a second soldier aims a rifle amid a shattered landscape of broken trees and cratered earth. A shell explodes in the distance. The reverse features the United States Army emblem, which was also in use during World War I, with the inscriptions “OVER THERE!,” “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” and “UNITED STATES ARMY.”
World War I Centennial Marine Corps Medal – San Francisco Mint
The obverse depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Belleau Wood. One Marine stands guard as the other kneels to pay respect to the fallen. The inscription quotes a report to the American Expeditionary Forces: “WOODS NOW U.S. MARINE CORPS ENTIRELY.” The reverse features the World War I-era version of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem with the inscriptions “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” “OVER THERE!,” and “BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOOD.”
World War I Centennial Navy Medal – Philadelphia Mint
The obverse depicts a U.S. Navy destroyer on escort duty after deploying a depth charge in defense of a convoy. Above the destroyer, kite balloons provide Navy personnel a platform to spot submarines and other dangers. The inscription “OVER THERE!,” appears at the bottom of the design. The reverse features an Officer’s Cap Device* used in World War I. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES NAVY,” “2018,” and “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I.” (*Note: An official, uniform seal of the United States Navy had not been adopted at the time of World War I.)
World War I Centennial Air Service Medal – Denver Mint
The obverse depicts the iconic SPAD XIII, a World War I fighter flown by many Americans and valued for its speed, strength, and firepower, viewed from the top and side. The inscription “SPAD XIII” identifies the aircraft. The reverse design features the Military Aviator Insignia with the inscriptions “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” “OVER THERE!,” “AIR SERVICE,” and “AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.”
World War I Centennial Coast Guard Medal – Philadelphia Mint
The obverse depicts a lifeboat from the Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Seneca heading out in heavy seas toward the torpedoed steamship Wellington. The reverse features the World War I-era Coast Guard emblem, with the inscriptions “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” and “OVER THERE!”
The coin and medal sets are limited to 100,000 units across all five product options and can be ordered only between noon on January 17, 2018, and 3 p.m. on February 20, unless the limit is reached prior to that date. Production will be limited to the orders received within this window. Fulfillment of these sets will begin in late May 2018.
Orders will be accepted at catalog.usmint.gov/ and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Information on shipping options is available here.
Jan 10, 2018 | ANA, Announcements
2018 Theme Celebrates Unity Across Borders
To recognize the role of numismatics in building bridges and promoting unity and reconciliation, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) selected “Connecting Cultures: From Many, One” as the theme for the 95th annual National Coin Week, April 15-21. The theme was provided by ANA member Linda Mosvick.
The Association will host a variety of National Coin Week activities online and at the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo. Events and educational content focuses on U.S. and world coins throughout history, commemorative medals, monetary unions, designs on euro notes, and more.
ANA-sponsored activities for National Coin Week include:
- A writing contest open to ANA members about how numismatics creates unity. Topics can be historical and research based, or personal experiences about people coming together through numismatics. Winning and high-quality entries will be featured on the ANA National Coin Week blog and webpage. Selected entries qualify for prizes.

- An online trivia challenge. Every day from April 15-21, a new question will be released on the ANA’s social media channels and www.NationalCoinWeek.org. Participants submit their answers online for a chance to win proof sets and one-year memberships to the ANA.
- The annual coin club trivia challenge, where ANA member clubs test their numismatic knowledge and compete for prizes.
- A youth activity, “Bridges on Coins.” Children are provided close-up illustrations of bridges featured on coins and paper money, and challenged to identify the objects.
- Online resources on www.NationalCoinWeek.org, including articles from The Numismatist, promotional documents, links and suggestions from the ANA library and more.
- An open house at the Money Museum in Colorado Springs on Saturday, April 21, which will include free admission, activities for children and adults, and the minting of the 2018 National Coin Week medallette in the museum’s Mini-Mint.
“Symbolism is often an important part of designs on coins and currency,” said Andy Dickes, ANA collections manager and coordinator of the 2018 National Coin Week. “For example, the first coins struck for circulation at the United States Mint in 1793 were large copper cents about the size of today’s quarter-dollars, and the “tails” side design on those cents depicted a chain with 13 links forming a circle. It symbolized the unity of the 13 original colonies.”
For additional information, e-mail ncw@money.org, call 719-482-9814, or visit www.NationalCoinWeek.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.
Jan 10, 2018 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
February 2018 Long Beach Expo “Tyrants of the Thames” Display Will Feature $15 Million of Superb Portrait Coins Spanning 1,400 Years of England’s Numismatic History
(Long Beach, California) January 10, 2018 – The first public display of a portion of the extensive numismatic treasures in the recently revealed Tyrant Collection (www.TheTyrantCollection.com) will be at the February 22 – 24, 2018 Long Beach Coin, Currency, Stamp & Sports Collectible Expo (www.LongBeachExpo) and will feature a $15 million exhibit of historic English coins.
Labeled “The Tyrants of the Thames,” the inaugural exhibition in a planned multi-year series of displays from the collection will showcase more than 500 superbly preserved examples of portrait coins minted in the Thames Valley over the last 1,400 years. Among the many highlights will be a complete King Edward VIII pattern proof set produced in 1937 by the Royal Mint. It is the only privately owned set.
The collection’s owner wants to remain anonymous while he plans to share the coins through a series of exhibitions for their educational value.
“Because the collection includes the Edward VIII proof set, it is the only privately held collection that contains an example of every portrait coin denomination issued by English monarchs since the early 7th century. The upcoming exhibition will showcase many of the superb quality rarities in this amazing collection,” stated the owner.
Special exhibit cases with LED lighting for easy viewing have been constructed for the exhibits planned for each of the upcoming Long Beach Expo shows over the next several years. Limited edition, illustrated hardbound, educational reference books are also in the planning stages, and these will be offered at future exhibits.
Highlights of the Treasures of the Tyrants of the Thames exhibit at the February 2018 Long Beach Expo will include:
- The finest privately held example of the gold Thrysma issued by Eadbald, King of Kent (616 – 640 AD), London Mint, S-758, graded PCGS MS64. This was the first English coin to carry the name of the issuing king.
- Edward III, Plantagenet King (1327 – 1377), gold Double Leopard, S-1476, third coinage (1344 – 1351), graded PCGS MS-62. There are only three known examples of this historic coin, and the other two are in museums. It is described as perhaps the most important English coin in The Tyrant Collection.
- Henry VIII, Tudor King (1509 – 1547), gold Fine Sovereign, second coinage (1526 – 1544), S-2267, graded PCGS MS63. The largest coin issued during Henry VIII’s turbulent reign. This example is believed to be the finest known.
- Elizabeth I, Tudor Queen (1558 – 1603), gold “ship” Ryal, sixth issue (1583 – 1600), S-2530, graded PCGS MS61. This specimen is one of the finest known and features a fabulous design emblematic of the English navy’s historical importance.
- Charles II, Stuart King (1660 – 1685), proof or presentation gold 5 Guineas dated 1670, S-3328, graded NGC PR64 and one of the great treasures of The Tyrant Collection.
- George III, Hanover King (1760 – 1820), pattern proof gold 5 Guineas by Tanner dated 1770, S-3723, graded PCGS PR63. This is one of the rarest coins of this denomination in the English series, and another of the great treasures of the collection.
- George IV, Hanover King (1820 – 1830), gold proof Pound dated 1826, S-3797, graded PCGS PR65+ Cameo. Unlike most other 1826 issues, this magnificent cameo specimen is not marred by marks or hairlines.
- Victoria, Hanover Queen (1837 – 1901), graded PCGS PR64 Deep Cameo, this is one of the finest known examples of the world-famous Una & the Lion gold 5 Pound piece, which was obtained by the Tyrant Collection as part of a pristine original complete set of Proof 1839 coins issued for Victoria’s coronation. It is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful coins.
The February 2018 Long Beach Expo exhibit will be the first time that the public will be able to view in the United States the historic Edward VIII proof set, the single most valuable item in English numismatics. It will also be the first time the rare King Eadbald and King Edward III coins mentioned above will be publicly exhibited in the U.S.A.
On December 11, 1936, Edward VIII abdicated his throne to marry “the woman I love.” Edward VIII then became known as the Duke of Windsor, and during his lifetime he was never able to acquire even a single English coin bearing his image.
Three of the four known complete Edward VIII proof sets are owned by Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Mint, with one of the Mint’s two sets on long-term loan to the British Museum. A fifth set, lacking gold coins, was broken up over the years and the coins were sold off separately.
“The Tyrant Collection contains the most valuable collection of English coins in private hands, and the entire coin collection undoubtedly is the world’s most valuable in private hands, worth hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Ira Goldberg, President of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, Inc. (www.GoldbergCoins.com) in Los Angeles, California.
“These exhibits with different coins displayed at upcoming Long Beach Expos will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many collectors, dealers and the public to see in person some of the world’s most significant rare coins,” added Goldberg, who provided guidance in assembling The Tyrant Collection.
The February 2018 Long Beach Expo will be held in the Long Beach, California Convention Center located at 100 S. Pine Ave. Additional information is available at www.LongBeachExpo.com.
Jan 6, 2018 | ANA, Announcements
Talks at the World’s Fair of Money Focus on Poor Richard
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) is currently accepting proposals for the 2018 Maynard Sundman Littleton Coin Company Lecture Series. Presentations will be given Aug. 15 during the symposium at the Philadelphia World’s Fair of Money®. Proposals must be received by Feb. 26.
Beloved historical figure, scientist, inventor and author Benjamin Franklin is revered for his contributions to American numismatics. To highlight the Founding Father’s role in shaping U.S. money, the 2018 theme for the Sundman Lecture Series will be “Fugio to Franklins: The Influence of Poor Richard.”
Those who wish to present at this year’s symposium must submit a lecture summary of 500 words or less. Each summary should contain an introduction, a brief discussion of the subject, sources and research method. Summaries will be reviewed and speakers evaluated and chosen based on originality, persuasiveness and relevance to the symposium topic. Selected presenters will receive a $250 honorarium.
Electronic submissions are preferred and can be emailed to seminars@money.org or mail to:
American Numismatic Association
c/o Amber Bradish
818 North Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Philadelphia World’s Fair of Money
The five-day Philadelphia World’s Fair of Money features nearly 1,000 dealers buying and selling coins, currency and related items; a wide range of seminars and educational presentations by notable numismatists; major auctions by Stack’s Bowers Galleries and Heritage Auctions; as well as exhibits showcasing priceless rarities from the Money Museum and private collections.
Show hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Aug 14; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 15-17; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 18. Admission is $8 for adults; ANA members and children 12 and under are always free. Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
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.
Jan 6, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint will open sales for the 2018 versions of its popular special occasion sets starting on January 11, 2018, at noon Eastern Time (ET).
Designed to celebrate the arrival of a newborn, the 2018 United States Mint Birth Set (product code 18RD) features teddy-bear themed packaging with gender neutral colors. The set includes the following five proof-finish coins from the San Francisco Mint:
- One Kennedy half dollar
- One Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Quarter – the first quarter of the year from the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program
- One Roosevelt dime
- One Jefferson nickel, and
- One Lincoln penny
The coins are held in a presentation folder that contains space for the baby’s vital statistics, a personalized message, and a 3″ x 5″ photograph (photograph not included). The back of the folder displays the Certificate of Authenticity, while the coordinating slipcase displays the coins’ specifications. This set is priced at $19.95.
The 2018 United States Mint Happy Birthday Coin Set (product code 18RE) includes a presentation folder with the following five proof-finish coins from the San Francisco Mint:
- One Kennedy half dollar
- One Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Quarter – the last quarter of the year from the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program
- One Roosevelt dime
- One Jefferson nickel, and
- One Lincoln penny
Emblazoned with red, gold, and silver balloons, the presentation folder holds the encapsulated coins in place while allowing visibility of both sides of the coins. The back of the folder displays the Certificate of Authenticity, while the back of the coordinating slipcase displays the coins’ specifications. This set is priced at $19.95.
A unique gift to celebrate any occasion, the 2018 United States Mint Congratulations Set (product code 18RF) consists of a presentation folder with a 2018-dated American Eagle Proof Silver Dollar bearing the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint. The attractive folder allows visibility of both sides of the encapsulated coin. The back of the presentation folder displays the Certificate of Authenticity, while the back of the sleeve displays the coin’s specifications. This item is priced at $56.95.
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/customer-service/shipping.html.
Jan 3, 2018 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions, video
See a Penny Worth $100,000!
Starting Thursday! If you have never been to FUN Coin Convention, sponsored by the Florida United Numismatists, now is the time. Thousands of collectors from all over the United States and world will come to see millions of dollars of old coins and currency including:
- Coins including pennies you could find in your pocket worth thousands of dollars
- Spanish Treasure Fleet gold & silver coins
- Displays of valuable old coins, gold and silver bullion, old bank notes and more
- More than 1000 display booths with more than 1500 dealers buying and selling
- Free educational lectures about coins & collecting
- Information about how to invest in precious metals
- Free appraisals for rare coins, gold and silver, and currency and paper money
Why not dig out those old coins that Grandma left you and bring them down for a free appraisal? You may have a fortune hidden away!
And if you sponsor a new young coin collector you could receive a FREE brand new uncirculated Mercury dime!
What: FUN Coin Convention (Florida United Numismatists)
Where: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida
When: Jan 4-7, 2018, this Thursday through Sunday, doors open daily at 10am.
The 63rd annual FUN Convention will be January 4-7th, 2018 at the Tampa Convention Center. 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa FL 33602. Dealer set-up is January 3rd from 2:00-8:00 PM. Early Birds get in at 2:00 PM.
The show will feature over 600 dealer booths, a competitive exhibit area, 15 educational programs, Coins & Kids booth, the Young Numismatists & Scout Merit Badge programs, FUN Coin Club Get Together, the Heritage Auction, and so much more.
Board Member Bernie Ososky and Nancy Casey are the Co-Chairmen for this convention and his theme, “March to FUN”. This will be a patriotic show you will not want to miss.