October 1, 2008: Numismatist’s Life Story, Mark Twain Coins, Shrunken Coins
Welcome to Coin Update!
Let’s start off the new month right with a fresh round up of coin collecting new! First, interesting times for gold and silver. Also, the stock market’s impact on coin collectors, big developments for Collectors Universe, 2008-W Gold Eagles, Mark Twain coins proposed, Littleton Coin Company, and notable auctions. On to the links…
The Gold ETF ranks seventh for the most tonnes of gold held.
Silverseek on the CFTC investigation of the silver market. A previous article “Smoking Gun” may be responsible for many of the complaints that lead to the investigation.
Turmoil in the stock market is spilling over into the numismatic world. Recently both Dave Harper and Tom Michael have written on the topic.
Two important announcements from Collectors Universe, the parent company of PCGS. First they released their fourth quarter operating results, posting a loss of $13.1 million. The loss is mainly attributable to a write down of $11.2 million related to their jewelry business.
Second, Ron Guth the president of PCGS has resigned to become president of CoinFacts.com. CoinFacts is also owned by Collector’s Universe.
It seems likely that the turbulent year of 2008 will give rise to some new low mintage rarities. Mint News Blog takes a look at some of the sales figures to date starting with the 2008-W Uncirculated and Proof Gold Eagles.
The touching life story of a “numismatist’s numismatist. “
CoinNews.net reports on the latest commemorative coin proposal. If passed, Mark Twain would be honored on gold and silver coins. Would he be the first writer to be featured on a US commemorative coin? I can’t think of any others.
Have you ever seen shrunken coins? There is a recent article on Numismaster and here is the site where you can view and purchase the shrunken coins.
A good, old fashioned letter to the editor regarding the practices of Littleton Coin Company.
And now for some notable auctions.First, a really gigantic accumulation of coins in a single lot. There are over 100 albums, plus rolls, 2X2’s and much more.
Did you konw there are Palladium Maple Leaf coins? These palladium bullion coins were briefly sold by the Royal Canadian Mint. Here’s the one ounce version.
And last, an interesting 1964 Kennedy Half Error Coin. It was struck on a quarter planchet.
That’s it for today!
