December 1, 2008: Social Network for Coin Collectors, More on Obama Coins
Welcome back to Coin Update!
We hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday! Now it’s time for another round up of coin collecting news. First, a new coin collecting social network launches. Also, two bullish calls on gold, Native American Dollar designs, more on the widely marketed unofficial Obama coins, variety coin nicknames, and notable auctions. On to the links…
Over at Mint News Blog, I announced the launch of a brand new social network for coin collectors called Coin Network. Joining the network is free. All members have the ability to create a personalized home page, upload photos and videos, join discussions in the forums or write a blog. To help get things started, anyone who joins the network between now and December 7, 2008 will be eligible to win a free 2008-W $10 Uncirculated Platinum Eagle. To enter the contest all you have to do is join by December 7!
Two bullish analyst calls on gold. Citigroup says that gold could rise above $2,000 in the next year. JP Morgan encourages buying the gold space for the run into the holidays.
On Friday, the US Mint unveiled the reverse design for the 2009 Native American Dollar. This “new” series will feature the obverse design of the Sacagawea Dollar with reverse designs which will change annually.
An opinion piece on the continuing push to encourage Americans to use dollar coins instead of bills. I think the figures mentioned for production of the penny and nickel are out of date, but other than that the column makes some strong points.
I previously linked to an article by Susan Headley Obama Coins Rip-Off which discussed the many unofficial Obama Coins being sold as marketing ploys. Collector scorn over these unofficial coins has gone main stream in many news reports like this one. (For the record, the only “official” Obama Coins released so far are the coins struck by Winston Elizabeth & Windsor discussed in this article.)
Mexico is the latest country that wants to alter coins due to metals prices. They want to switch to stainless steel as well as shrink the size of coins.
An interesting examination of some of the nicknames for variety coins such as “Peg Leg” Ikes, and “Rat Head” Cents.
And now for some notable auctions. First, a nice example of a tough date Liberty Nickel. Here’s the 1912-S Liberty Nickel in PCGS MS63.
I like this 1990 Washington Quarter Off Center Error. It’s 75% off center with just enough of the coin struck to reveal the date.
A 1921-S Morgan Dollar graded NGC MS 64. The coin looks nice for the grade and is housed in an older style NGC holder.
And last, the popular 1995 Double Die Lincoln Cent PCGS MS67RD at a reasonable fixed price. These might make nice Christmas gifts.
Have a great evening!
