Welcome to Coin Update!
We’re back with another round up of coin collecting news and related articles from around the internet! First, this week’s US Mint sales report shows a continuing decline in sales for numismatic gold coins, with the drop for First Spouse Gold Coins the most dramatic. Also, DC & US Territories Silver Proof Set sells out, Theodore Roosevelt, highlights from the upcoming Stack’s and Bowers and Merena auctions, silver market manipulation, “The Penny Lady,” polymer banknotes, two articles on collecting modern coins, and notable auctions. On to the links…
The latest US Mint sales report shows a continued slow down in the pace of numismatic gold coin sales. Options for proof Gold Eagles fell by half or more, and just 54 First Spouse Gold Coins were sold across all options.
After more than 19 months of availability, the 2009 DC & US Territories Quarters Silver Proof Set has sold out. With last reported sales of less than 300,000, it is the lowest mintage silver quarter proof set to date.
Today marks the 152nd anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s birth. Despite his accomplishments and connection to numismatics, he has still not been featured on a U.S. coin (although he has been on some medals).
Highlights from the upcoming Stack’s 75th anniversary sale held November 2-3, which contains over 2,500 lots.
Separately, here are highlights from Bowers and Merena’s Baltimore auction held November 4-5, including a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter graded PCGS MS67FH.
There was big news in the silver market this week when the CFTC Commissioner alleged price manipulation. Here is Patrick Heller’s column on the topic and an article from the Wall Street Journal.
The story of Charmy Harker or “The Penny Lady” who got started collecting cents in her late 30′s. She talks about the collection she inherited, how she learned about Indian Head Cents from books and dealers, buying coins, and eventually selling coins.
An interesting introduction to polymer banknotes. Eight countries have now fully converted to polymer notes.
Coin Rarities & Related Topics discusses collecting modern coins, playing down condition rarities in favor of collecting coins available at lower premiums.
As an interesting contrast, John Brush of DLRC mentions that slabbed modern coins are currently one of the “hottest types of coins”.
And now for some notable auctions. First, two different 1921 Morgan Dollar Mint Errors available in separate auctions. The first is a 1921-D uncentered broadstrike and the second is a 1921-S struck off center.
Next, a 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar graded NGC XF 40. This was the second year of mintage for the first U.S. silver dollar series.
Last, one of the 5,000 2000 Sacagawea “Goodacre Presentation” Dollars graded PCGS SP68. The original ICG insert is signed by Randy L Teton, who was the model for the obverse.
That’s it for this update. See you next time!
