September 2, 2009: US Mint Coin Production, Price of Gold, Finding 2009 Coins at Banks

Welcome to Coin Update!

We bring you a round up of stories, blog posts, and articles about coins and coin collecting from around the internet! Today’s update is slightly abbreviated as I am leaving for a brief trip right after posting. First, the latest coin production figures from the US Mint might signal a change in trend. Also, gold begins its best performing month, the perception and use of coins, pending coin legislation, trying to find 2009 coins at banks, a Kennedy Half with a convex reverse, and notable auctions. On to the links…

The US Mint has released their coin production figures through the month of August. Surprisingly, the overall James K. Polk Dollar mintage came in higher than the previous release for John Tyler. Are the low 2009 mintages starting to rebound?

It’s now September, which has historically been the been the best performing month for gold. On cue, gold is up over $20 on the day.

Gold’s rise has already set off a price increase for the US Mint’s gold numismatic products. The popular UHR Double Eagle had its price raised from $1,289 to $13,339 $1,339.

A story from CNN that examines the perception and use of coins. It’s a broad ranging article moving from piggy bank sales, to the small denomination phenomenon, to Coinstar, to coin bandits.

There are many bills awaiting Congress this fall related to coins and medals. David L. Ganz provides a run down of all of the legislation still being considered.

Many people are finding it difficult or impossible to obtain the latest 2009 coins at their local banks. Here’s a collector who tried taking the issue to federal lawmakers and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. From the article: “I talked to the people I thought could help, and they were appalled. But after a couple of calls, I stopped hearing from them.”

Ken Potter examines some Kennedy Halves found with a convex reverse. This is the first time he has encountered something of this sort.

An unusual off-metal error. This month Stack’s will auction a 1906 Indian Head Cent struck in gold.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a set that continues to be in demand. The 2008-W Proof Platinum Eagle 4 Coin Set. All four coins are graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo.

Remember when these black box silver proof sets used to cost so much more? Here’s a complete collection of the 1992-1998 Silver Proof Sets.

Last, an undated Lincoln Cent struck four times, all off center. It’s authenticated and graded by NGC as MS 65 RD.