Welcome to Coin Update!
We’re back with another fresh round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet! Following the decline in precious metals prices, sales of United States Mint numismatic gold coin showed a decline for the latest week. Also, the three versions of the American Gold Eagle, ancient Roman gold coin, half dollar denomination, Collectors Universe transcript, half dimes, commemorative coin themes, gold prospecting in the Yukon, motel buyers low offer, 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Cents, and notable auctions. On to the links…
The latest US Mint numismatic sales report shows a dramatic slow down for sales of gold coins. The Eliza Johnson First Spouse Gold Coins had the lowest initial sales figures for the series in a year.
Covered in a separate article, the 2011-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle had sales of 1,098 in the opening days. The difference between the three different versions of the American Gold Eagle is explained.
Meanwhile, the 2010 Proof Gold Buffalo has sold out. This comes just before the release of the 2011-dated proof coin.
An ancient Roman gold coin sold for $1.4 million, establishing a new record.
Should the half dollar be abolished?
The transcript of the Collectors Universe quarterly earnings conference call. Some points of note, grader productivity increased by 22% as measured by units processed, the modern or bulk business generated $4 million in revenue for the quarter, and about 750,000 people visit PCGS.com per month.
Numismaster provides a history of the half dime.
The majority of commemorative coin programs for the current and coming years are focused on military themes.
A holed 1870-CC Half Eagle previously graded XF details by NGC was purchased by someone and then expertly plugged and re-engraved, resulting in an extremely deceptive altered coin.
The New York Times has an article on gold prospecting in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Shawn Ryan and Cathy Wood have more than 35,000 claims, estimated to contain gold worth billions of dollars.
The Bank of Canada will begin circulating new $100 polymer notes in November. Polymer $50 notes will follow in March 2012; and $20, $10, and $5 by the end of 2013.
Another article about traveling motel buyers of coins and precious metals. The buyer offered a little over $5 each for a group of 52 Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars.
There were a number of counterfeit 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Cents produced, which led to the confiscation of some genuine examples by the Secret Service.
And now for some notable auctions. First, a two piece set of mint errors that illustrate dramatic die failure. The 2007 Roosevelt Dimes are struck from a shattered obverse die and both grade PCGS MS66.
Next, a collection of Barber Dimes in a Whitman folder that is complete, except for the rare 1894-S.
Last, the 2008-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle with reverse of 2007, graded PCGS MS70.
That’s it for another update. Have a great evening!
