December 5, 2008: Bald Eagle Commemorative, Ultra High Relief Gold Demand?

Welcome to Coin Update!

Here's a fresh round up of coin collecting news to take you into the weekend! First, a local article and interview on gold. Also, Susan Headley's series on Chinese coin counterfeiting, demand for the Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle, Bald Eagle Commemoratives drawing to a close, Indian Post Office gold, and notable auctions. On to the links...

A local article on the strong demand for gold. The dealer interviewed receives 20 to 30 phone calls a day from people looking to buy and maybe one call a day from someone looking to sell.

An interview with the well regarded Peter Schiff with his opinions gold.

The series on Chinese  coin counterfeiting authored by Susan Headley is now available online. The series ran in the print edition of Coin World and was very well received by readers.

Will the US Mint have problems handing the demand for the upcoming Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle? They plan to mint the new coins to public demand, but this year have had problems meeting demand for even regular bullion coins.

There's only one week left to purchase Bald Eagle Commemorative Coins from the US Mint.  The 2008 American Legacy Collection will also go off sale, which might be worth noting.

A while back, Indian Post Offices began selling gold coins to the public. They have been "overwhelmed with the very good response from the public" and will be expanding the program.

PCGS launches a wiki for Coin Facts.

CAC posts a nice reference set for identifying Full Bell Lines Franklin Halves.

Numismaster examines two different designs for US Mint Director Edmund Moy's medal.

Here's an interesting new coin design from Latvia. It's called a Lucky Coin and portrays a chimney sweep  and a playful cat.

And now for some notable auctions. First, the complete 2008-W Uncirculated Gold Buffalo 4 Coin Set with all coins graded PCGS MS70 First Strike!

A nice example of a key date coin. It's the 1916-D Mercury Dime graded NGC AU 58.

And last, a multi error State Quarter. This 2004 Florida Quarter is 30% off center with a 26% straight clip.