December 1, 2009: 2010 Native American Dollar, Northern Mariana Islands Quarter, Penny Free Store
Welcome to Coin Update!
We hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and weekend. We're back to bring you another round up of coin collecting news from around the internet! First, the reverse design is revealed for next year's Native American Dollar coin. Also, a follow up on the 2009 Proof Platinum Eagle design, Northern Mariana Quarter products, Vatican Euro coins, inside a £1 counterfeiting operation, Congressman asks for 2009 Proof American Eagles, two rarities up for auction, money quiz, and notable auctions. On to the links...
The United States Mint has announced the reverse design that will be used on the 2010 Native American Dollar. The design depicts the Hiawatha belt with five arrows bound together.
As a follow up to another recently announced design, here is the narrative "To Form a More Perfect Union" by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. that inspired the design for the 2009 Proof Platinum Eagle.
Yesterday the US Mint released Northern Mariana Quarter bags and rolls. The Mint News Blog post also includes last reported sales figures for all of this year's quarter bags and rolls.
More Vatican Euro coins will be issued for circulation following a recommendation from the European Central Bank. Until now, most were sold to tourists at a mark up.
A member of one of Britain's most successful coin counterfeiting operations describes the process and how to spot fake £1 coins. The articles include images of fake coins and pictures from one of the counterfeiting workshops.
An office supply store in downtown Berkeley does not accept or pay out pennies. They have a sign stating "We are a Penny Free Store" and round down every transaction to the nickel.
A Michigan Congressman has written a letter to the US Mint Director asking for 2009 Proof Gold and Silver Eagles to be produced. He also wrote "Dear Colleague" letter to other members of the House of Representatives asking for their support.
The January 2010 FUN U.S. Coin Auction will include the 1913 Liberty Nickel of Hawaii Five-O fame. It was called "The $100,00 Nickel," but is now worth considerably more.
Another rarity is coming up for auction in January. Here's a story on the Canadian "King of Pennies," the 1936 Dot Cent.
Take this Money Matters Quiz from U.S. News & World Report with questions on US coins and currency. I scored 10 out of 10.
And now for some notable auctions. First, the 1995 Gold Eagle Five Coin Proof Set in original US Mint packaging. This set includes the rare 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle.
Revisiting an important coin from last year, which still drives a big premium, the 2008-W Silver Eagle Reverse of 2007. This one is graded PCGS MS70.
Last, an attractive 1914-D Lincoln Penny graded PCGS MS64RB.
