Two firsts meet — Australia’s very first coin and its very first million dollar coin — at the Coinworks Dollars & Dumps Exhibition in Melbourne.
The Australian Proof 1930 Penny is valued at more than one million dollars. Alongside the penny, and not to be short-changed by much in comparative uniqueness, if at all, is the first Australian coin, the 1788 Holey Dollar.
These two coins have been described as iconic. It’s easy to see why. The Proof 1930 Penny, 1778 Holey Dollar and several other rare coins make up an over $4 million presentation from Coinworks. That presentation can be viewed through November 30.
History of the Holey Dollar, Dump and 1778 Holey Dollar
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It’s always nice to hear about the generosity of one’s neighbors. It’s perhaps more special — and certainly unique — for collectors when you hear of a collectable coin freely donated during the holidays.
In this case, a one-half ounce American Eagle Gold coin was dropped into a Salvation Army kettle. There’s was no word on whether it was a Proof or Uncirculated coin, but you’d suspect it was the latter.
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Today, November 27, the United States Mint released pictures of how the last state commemorative quarters will look. 2008 is the final year for the highly successful 50 State Quarters® Program - a program that has stimulated the excitement and the coin collecting spirit into millions.
The final five quarters and their pictures as shown from left to right are: Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii.
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Most are familiar with the age-old Christmas song, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. It’s become a tradition during Christmas in more ways than one.
The first through its lyrics that are joyfully song during the holidays. The second way is through the financial and interesting aspects of the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ Price Index.
According to PNC Wealth Management, who created the light-hearted Christmas Price Index 23 years ago, the cost to buy your true love everything in the list is now $19,507. That’s an increase of 3.1% over last year. (Interesting, the PNC Christmas Index trends closely with the Consumer Price Index.)
What’s a big price jumper in the list? For bullion investors and coin collectors, that’s not a hard one to guess - the “5 Golden Rings”. It’s up 21.5% and will now cost $395.
If there’s any good news for coin collectors, it’s the fact that you can still buy your true love a gold ring for Christmas. Unfortunately, one item many coin collectors would like to receive in return - uncirculated 2007 gold American Eagles coins - is less likely to happen given the U.S. Mint’s ever-lasting eagle suspensions. But that’s another story…
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Last month the Royal Australian Mint had an evening gala where they introduced their 2008 theme and series of coins.
The gala was likely a blast, the theme - the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) - a bit of a mouthful, and the coins, well… they were undoubtedly the talk of the party.
The uniquely interesting Kangaroo at Sunset coin had to be, no question, the party prize-winner. It’s simple, clean and just stands out.
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Inflation touches every purchase and knowing its affects can be insightful and interesting. Especially when it’s compared over time - past to present, or anytime between.
It’s that measurement that can now be seen through CoinNews.net’s Inflation Calculator. Is this a tool specifically for coins and collecting? The obvious answer is no. It’s broader.
However, the historical aspects and rates of inflation are in itself worthwhile to know. If you check the calculator out, we think you’ll agree.
As a sneak peak and before you use it, did you know that something purchased back in 1913 for $20 would now cost $416.77? That’s interesting… right?
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New products were recently made available from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s (BEP) Online Store.
The items were so hot that BEP’s website and phone lines were reportedly down for a time.
New Series 2001 $50
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An early Northeastern settler back in the late 1700’s heard of an approaching Indian attack. Instead of packing up his gold and silver coins, he decided to bury them for later retrieval.
The man, John Johnson, didn’t escape but instead was captured along with his family. They all spent several years as captives, but were fortunately later freed.
Unfortunately, Johnson’s luck still wasn’t on his side. He returned to his home and couldn’t remember where he had buried the gold and silver coins. Imagine that one…
The tale takes a further spin south. One of Johnson’s daughters was with him when he hid the coins. She couldn’t remember where they were either.
Worse, the unsuccessful attempts at finding the stash eventually lead Johnson to believe she took them. No such luck for her - it was untrue.
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The vast majority of coin collectors collect for the joy and experiences the hobby brings - not for financial gain. On the flip side, collecting coins can place a burden on the wallet so most collectors are savvy in at least the basics of finance.
To that end, CoinNews.net has added a FREE and simple Rate of Return (ROR) Coin Calculator. The calculator is a fast and easy tool that provides a mechanism for checking how much coins have made in value over time.
By entering a coin’s purchase price and date along with its selling price (or estimated current value) and date, the calculator will return its:
- Annualized return rate
- Return percentage for the entire period
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Precious metal prices were up this week, although silver remained nearly static with a gain of only $.03. It closed at $14.55.
Platinum was more robust throwing up a gain of $19 an ounce (Monday AM to Friday PM).
Gold recovered from last week’s loss to end up at $815.25, experiencing a positive gain of $26.75 (Monday AM to Friday PM).
The U.S. Mint’s Uncirculated Gold American Eagle coins are still suspended for sale. It would appear their American Eagle Silver Uncirculated "W" coins have sold out with no further coins being minted.
Above is the CoinNews.net chart showing this week’s London Fix (PM) prices for silver, gold and platinum. The previous Friday is included for reference.
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