Welcome to Coin Update!
We’re back with another round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet! First, the latest US Mint numismatic product sales report shows more than 6,000 of the Buchanan’s Liberty Gold Coins sold in the opening days. Also, updated US Mint circulating coin production figures, Silver Eagle rationing, Collectors Universe financial results, numismatic nostalgia, anti-penny video, top ten Saint Gaudens Double Eagles, Roosevelt Dime design, and notable auctions. On to the links…
The James Buchanan’s Liberty First Spouse Gold Coin sold more than 40% of the maximum mintage during the first few days of availability, according to the latest weekly US Mint sales report.
United States Mint circulating coin production fell during the month of August 2010. More than 60% of the 743.78 million coins produced during the month were Lincoln Cents. The preliminary mintage for the Grand Canyon National Park Quarter was also revealed.
On September 3, 2010, the US Mint ended the long running rationing program for Silver Eagle bullion coins. This is a positive development for collectors hoping for collectible versions of the coin this year.
Collectors Universe, the parent company of PCGS, announced their fourth quarter and 2010 fiscal year results. Net service revenue for the quarter was up 11%, driven by an increase in coin service revenues from bulk grading.
Seeking Alpha has a transcript of the Collectors Universe conference call. Some interesting points from the call: there are 3,750 monthly subscribers to CoinFacts, Secure Plus had a sequential revenue growth of 24%, and modern coin submissions were up 60% this year.
Q. David Bowers speaks of nostalgia in numismatics, laments on the current state of coin designs, and reflects favorably about the 1988 Olympics $5 Gold Coin designed by Elizabeth Jones.
An off beat coin related story. A gold coin worth $9,000 was stolen from a coin store and brought back hours later by someone bought the coin for $167 from the alleged thief.
An anti-penny rant posted as a video on YouTube that is currently making the rounds.
Here are the top ten scarcest mint state Saint Gaudens Double Eagles along comments on the rarity/value relationship for each.
The latest Coin Rarities & Related Topics discusses the PCGS lawsuit against alleged coin doctors, the concept of coin doctoring, and classification of dipping.
Is the Roosevelt Dime in need of a redesign? Here’s a Numismatic News Viewpoint making the case.
And now for some notable auctions. First, a two piece set of the 2004-D Wisconsin Quarter extra low leaf and extra high leaf varieties, both graded PCGS MS65.
Next, an 1879-S Morgan Dollar graded NGC MS 67 with the star designation and CAC sticker. The coin has some beautiful rainbow toning on the obverse.
Last, this year’s 2010-P Native American Dollar graded NGC MS 69 SMS. Many collectors have called the reverse design of this coin the best of the year.
That’s it for this week. See you next time!
