Coin Collectors News

Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation Helps Rid Marketplace of $1+ Million of Fakes in 2020

Dec 10, 2020 | ACEF/ACTF, News

(Temecula, California) December 10, 2020 – Funded only by donations, the nonprofit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (www.ACEFonline.org) worked with law enforcement agencies in 2020 to protect collectors, dealers and the general public by helping remove from the marketplace over $1 million of counterfeit rare coins and precious metals items, according to a year-end update from the foundation.

Among the cases, ACEF and its Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF) assisted Customs and Border Protection investigators in seizing over 1,500 counterfeit silver American Eagles at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and aided two investigations by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) involving the seizure of fake rare coins valued at over $450,000.

“ACEF/ACTF has become a central repository for offenses related to counterfeit coins and precious metals. We’ve developed a searchable database for offenses and intelligence information and are continually providing a tool for law enforcement to identify trends, patterns, suspects, manufacturers, as well as uncovering websites and social media platforms offering counterfeits,” explained Doug Davis, ACEF Director of Anti-Counterfeiting.

“The ACEF Task Force has over 80 active cases being reviewed and investigated. During 2020 we assisted law enforcement agencies in locating and seizing over $1 million dollars in counterfeit coins and precious metals,” said Davis who conducted a half dozen anti-counterfeiting seminars for law enforcement officers across the country during the past year.

ACEF also is currently assisting Treasury OIG with three cases involving elderly victims who unsuspectingly bought counterfeit coins housed in fake NGC and PCGS holders sold by a telemarketing firm.

With assistance from the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation, New Jersey legislators are considering a law that would impose criminal penalties for anyone selling counterfeit coins and precious metals.

“To effectively combat counterfeits, all states need to have statutes that address counterfeit coins and precious metals and provide criminal penalties. This would allow local, county and state law enforcement officers the tools to investigate, arrest and prosecute counterfeit coin and precious metal cases at a state level. ACEF is in the process of identifying states that do not have current statutes and providing legislators with a model bill for review and adoption,” said Davis.

“The work of the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force is supported entirely by donations made to the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation, a non-profit corporation,” emphasized ACEF Executive Director Robert Brueggeman. “The donations, large or small, are making a difference to help prevent collectors, dealers and the general public from becoming victims of fakes.”

A section of the educational exhibit of confiscated counterfeit coins displayed by the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation in cooperation with U.S. Homeland Security at the 2018 ANA World’s Fair of Money. (Photo credit: Donn Pearlman.)

Monetary contributions can be made online at www.acefonline.org/donate or by check mailed to ACEF, 28441 Rancho California Rd., Ste. 106, Temecula, CA 92590. For additional information about donating, contact ACEF Executive Director Brueggeman at info@ACEFonline.org.

ICTA Announces New Executive Director

Dec 8, 2020 | Announcements, ICTA/NCBA

The Industry Council for Tangible Assets today announced that Jimmy Hayes will step down as executive director at the end of the year, and its board of directors has appointed David Crenshaw as the new executive director, effective January 1, 2021.

Of the change, Hayes said, “I have very much enjoyed my tenure as executive director. I appreciate ICTA’s historic role as a watchdog for the industry, but with the Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision, we have realized a need for a watchdog for the collector as well. David Crenshaw has the experience and perspective of both a dealer and a collector to lead and strengthen our organization in its mission. Thanks to all the dealers and collectors with whom I have worked.”

Hayes is returning to the Coalition for Equitable Regulation and Taxation (CERT) as a consultant, where he intends to focus on legislative initiatives related to the numismatic and bullion marketplace. CERT is a separate entity that functions as the lobbying arm of ICTA.

“We are fortunate to have someone of David Crenshaw’s caliber and experience step up to lead ICTA,” said board chair John Brush. “He is a strong communicator, who is member-focused and has deep leadership capabilities. Furthermore, as ICTA’s chief operating officer for the past seven years, Crenshaw has a solid understanding of our mission.” Speaking on behalf of the board, Brush added, “We have very much appreciated Crenshaw’s efforts and his service to ICTA since he joined us in 2013. His experience will be a great asset to the association and will build off the momentum that Hayes left us.”

Crenshaw said, “I am honored and excited to lead ICTA. I am looking forward to working with our dedicated board of directors and members. Together, we will continue to build upon ICTA’s successful history, focused on promoting and safeguarding the interests of its members.”

About ICTA

The Industry Council for Tangible Assets is a 501(c)(6) tax-exempt trade association dedicated to the coins, currency, and precious-metals bullion communities for over 35 years. ICTA exists to promote and safeguard the interests of its members, serving as the industry watchdog to maintain a favorable legislative and regulatory climate in the United States federal government and individual state governments. For more information, visit ictaonline.org/membership or email icta@ictaonline.org.

NGC Experts Join Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation Team to Fight Fakes

Dec 7, 2020 | ACEF/ACTF, Announcements

Temecula, California) December 7, 2020 – Authentication experts from Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (www.NGCcoin.com) are now assisting the nonprofit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (www.ACEFonline.org) in the ongoing fight against rare coin and bullion-related fakes in the marketplace.

“NGC is now the official authentication service for the foundation and its Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force. ACEF assists federal, state, and local law enforcement as well as prosecutors to fight counterfeiting and the sales of counterfeit coins. This important work has resulted in the seizure of thousands of fakes and the apprehension and conviction of sellers of counterfeit items,” explained ACEF Executive Director Robert Brueggeman.

“In addition to the foundation’s volunteer expert network, under a recently signed three-year agreement we also have added the knowledgeable services of NGC’s world-class numismatic experts. ACEF considers the alliance with NGC as a natural progression because both organizations are extensively involved in curtailing the amount of counterfeits we see in the market,” said Brueggeman.

NGC is the world’s largest third-party grading service for coins, tokens, and medals, and is the official grading service for the American Numismatic Association (www.money.org) and the Professional Numismatists Guild (www.PNGdealers.org). Since 1987, NGC has authenticated and graded more than 48 million coins, each backed by the industry-leading NGC Guarantee of authenticity and grade.

“NGC is honored to be named the official grading and authentication service of the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation,” stated Mark Salzberg, NGC Chairman and Grading Finalizer. “This appointment reflects NGC’s longstanding leadership position in counterfeit detection, a result of our world-class team of experts and state-of-the-art technology.”

Collectors, dealers and the general public can assist in the fight against fakes.

“See it? Report it!,” advised former Police Chief Doug Davis, ACEF Director of Anti-Counterfeiting. “If you have information about a counterfeit, you can easily go to the ACEF website, www.ACEFonline.org, and click on the Counterfeit Alert tab, www.acefonline.org/counterfeit-alert/report-a-counterfeit.”

“The important work of the foundation and the task force is supported entirely by donations,” explained Brueggeman. “The ACEF is a 501(c)(3) corporation and all donations to ACEF are tax-deductible.”

For additional information or to make a donation, contact the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation by phone at 817-723-7231, by email info@ACEFonline.org or visit the web site at www.ACEFonline.org.

The Royal Mint sends a coin into space in honour of ‘Starman’ David Bowie

Dec 7, 2020 | Announcements

The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has today launched a commemorative coin celebrating the career of one of Britain’s most enduring musical icons – David Bowie.

It is the first time that a UK coin has been sent into space, and celebrates the intergalactic legacy of David Bowie and his hits including Starman, Life on Mars? and Space Oddity. The coin reached 35,656m and orbited the Earth’s atmosphere for 45 minutes before safely descending back to Britain. The coin will now be offered as a competition prize for David Bowie fans via The Royal Mint’s Facebook page.

Bowie Coin in space

The David Bowie commemorative coin is the third in The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ collection, and follows coins in honour of Queen and Elton John. The latest coin celebrates rock’s definitive chameleon with a design inspired by an image of David Bowie from his time spent living and recording in Berlin. The coin’s design includes the iconic lightning bolt motif from Aladdin Sane, and captures Bowie’s career journey.

Using the latest innovative technology and manufacturing techniques, the lightning bolt that features on a number of the special edition coins appears laced with stardust to create a glitter effect – elevating the stunning detail of the coin.

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said, “We are thrilled to unveil the third coin in The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ series, honouring the intergalactic legacy and career of David Bowie. In recognition of Bowie’s first hit single ‘Space Oddity’, we felt it was fitting to send his coin into space and celebrate the Starman in his own pioneering fashion. David Bowie’s music has inspired and influenced generations of musicians and we hope this commemorative coin will be cherished by fans around the world.”

Born in Brixton, South London in 1947, Bowie started life as David Robert Jones. By the time he was 19 he had taken on his iconic name and began pursuing a career in pop music. Five days ahead of the Apollo 11 launch in July 1969, ‘Space Oddity’ was released in the United Kingdom. The single reached number five in the charts, making it Bowie’s first success as a writer and performer. David Bowie’s influence can be seen and heard everywhere and he continues to inspire hundreds of millions of musicians worldwide.

Available as limited-edition precious metal Proof editions and a standard Brilliant Uncirculated edition, the Brilliant Uncirculated coin is also available in three different slipcase covers exclusive to The Royal Mint – a fitting tribute to the career of one of British music’s most enduring icons. View the full collection on The Royal Mint’s website www.royalmint.com/DavidBowie.

David Bowie 2020 UK Brilliant Uncirculated Commemorative Coin Specifications
Coin title	David Bowie 2020 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin – Edition 1	David Bowie 2020 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin – Edition 2	David Bowie 2020 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin – Edition 3	David Bowie 2020 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin – Edition 4
Denomination	£5	£5	£5	£5
Issuing Authority	UK	UK	UK	UK
Alloy	Cupro-Nickel	Cupro-Nickel	Cupro-Nickel	Cupro-Nickel
Weight	28.28g	28.28g	28.28g	28.28g
Diameter	38.61mm	38.61mm	38.61mm	38.61mm
Obverse Designer	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark
Reverse Designer	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark
Quality	Brilliant Uncirculated	Brilliant Uncirculated	Brilliant Uncirculated	Brilliant Uncirculated
Edge Lettering	–	–	–	–
Maximum Coin Mintage	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Limited Edition Presentation	Unlimited	15,000	15,000	15,000
RRP	£13.00	£15.00	£15.00	£15.00

David Bowie 2020 UK Silver Proof Commemorative Coin Specifications
Coin title	David Bowie 2020 UK Half Ounce Silver Proof Coin	David Bowie 2020 UK One Ounce Silver Proof Coin	David Bowie 2020 UK Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin	David Bowie 2020 UK Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin
Denomination	£1	£2	£5	£10
Issuing Authority	UK	UK	UK	UK
Alloy	999 Ag Fine Silver	999 Ag Fine Silver	999 Ag Fine Silver	999 Ag Fine Silver
Weight	15.71g	31.21g	62.42g	156.295g
Diameter	27.00mm	38.61mm	40.00mm	65.00mm
Obverse Designer	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark
Reverse Designer	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark
Quality	Proof	Proof	Proof	Proof
Edge Lettering		–	THE STARS ARE NEVER FAR AWAY	–	–
Additional Features	–	–	‘High Relief ‘Stardust’ feature on bolt	‘High Relief ‘Stardust’ feature on bolt
Maximum Coin Mintage	13,500	8,100	550	500
RRP	£65.00	£97.50	£195.00	£520.00

David Bowie 2020 UK Gold Proof Commemorative Coin Specifications
Coin title	David Bowie 2020 UK Quarter-Ounce Gold Proof Coin	David Bowie 2020 UK One Ounce Gold Proof Coin	David Bowie 2020 UK Two Ounce Gold Proof Coin	David Bowie 2020 UK Five Ounce Gold Proof Coin	David Bowie 2020 UK Kilo Gold Proof Coin
Denomination	£25	£100	£200	£500	£1,000
Issuing Authority	UK	UK	UK	UK	UK
Alloy	999.9 Au Fine Gold	999.9 Au Fine Gold	999.9 Au Fine Gold	999.9 Au Fine Gold	999.9 Au Fine Gold
Weight	7.80g	31.21g	62.42g	156.295g	1005.00g
Diameter	22.00mm	32.69mm	40.00mm	50.00mm	100.00mm
Obverse Designer	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark
Reverse Designer	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark	Jody Clark
Quality	Proof	Proof	Proof	Proof	Proof
Edge Lettering	–	–	–	–
Additional Features	–	–	‘High Relief’ ‘Stardust’ feature on bolt	‘High Relief’ ‘Stardust’ feature on bolt	‘High Relief’ ‘Stardust’ feature on bolt
Maximum Coin Mintage	1,400	400	100	60	11
RRP	£615.00	£2,425.00	£4,760.00	£11,815.00	£72,195.00

PCGS Celebrates Certification of 45 Million Coins and Banknotes

Dec 5, 2020 | News

Professional Coin Grading Service closing out a banner 2020 with over 45 million coins, banknotes, medals, and tokens graded, and more than 20,000 members now in its popular Collectors Club

(Santa Ana, California) December 4, 2020 – Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) is winding down a year of incredible growth by marking two major milestones. The world’s leading third-party coin and banknote authentication and grading company marked the encapsulation of 45 million coins, banknotes, medals, and tokens, and also welcomed its 20,000th member to the PCGS Collectors Club.

PCGS, which began its operations on February 3, 1986, became the first third-party coin grading company to authenticate, grade, and seal coins in tamper-evident holders at scale. When the service was unveiled it was a novel concept that quickly attracted submissions from throughout the United States and around the world. It wasn’t long before the company holdered 1 million coins. In 2018, the company reached a major grading and authentication milestone of 40 million coins, banknotes, medals, and tokens.

The company’s historic 45 millionth numismatic specimen recently crossed the desks in the grading room of PCGS Headquarters in California. The milestone piece was a special medal honoring the funeral of first United States President George Washington, who passed away on December 14, 1799. The death of Washington, who many saw as the “Father of America,” inspired processions to be held in cities around the young nation, including Boston.

“For this occasion, medals were made, holed, and distributed to mourners who could string the pieces around their necks as a solemn reminder of the great man who had given all he had to the new country,” explains PCGS Director of Numismatic Education and Outreach Steve Feltner.

One type of medal carries a design depicting a skull and crossbones, and another features a funeral urn.

“The coin recently graded is of the funeral urn variety and is the only Mint State example graded by PCGS. As they were meant to be worn, very few survived uncirculated, and this one grades PCGS MS61.”

Just as PCGS marks the grading of 45 million coins, banknotes, medals, and tokens worth a cumulative $41.7 billion, there is more cause for celebration as the company also has surpassed 20,000 Collectors Club members. “This makes the PCGS Collectors Club the second-largest coin club in the United States,” remarks PCGS President Brett Charville.

He adds, “We are proud to be marking so many accomplishments during a year that has also seen us launch our PCGS Banknote grading service and unveil Near Field Communication (NFC) anti-counterfeiting devices in all of our holders. As we prepare to mark our 35th anniversary next year, we are closing 2020 on a high note and are excited for what we have in store for 2021.”

About Professional Coin Grading Service

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is a third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. Over nearly 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified more than 45 million U.S. and world coins, medals, and tokens with a combined value of over $41.7 billion. For more information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, please visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.