For its first-ever participation at the annual Beijing International Stamp & Coin Exposition, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) produced special insert labels written in Chinese for encapsulated coins distributed as souvenirs. As part of the company’s expanding international programs, Mandarin dialect marketing materials describing coin authentication and grading were produced for the first time by PCGS and distributed at the big show held October 24 – 27, 2008.
"There was high interest in the PCGS services from Chinese collectors and retailers attending the show and visiting our booth," said Muriel Eymery, Director of International Development for PCGS, a division of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT).
"Grading is embedded in the hobby culture in China, and collectors there value the PCGS services to help them build their collections. I was repeatedly told by collectors and dealers that PCGS-graded coins achieve higher premiums than other companies’ graded coins in the Chinese secondary market because of our conservative approach to grading and authenticating."
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Gold lost nearly one-third of its highest peak on Monday, but still gained more than $12 on the day. The announcement of China’s massive $586 billion stimulus package on Sunday helped spur precious metals investors forward. New York silver, gold and platinum futures gained 2.6 percent, 1.7 percent and 0.9 percent, respectively.
December crude-oil surged $1.37, or 2.2 percent, to close to $62.41 a barrel. The contract had fallen as low as $59.10, which was a level not seen since March of 2007.
December silver gained 25.7 cents to end at $10.22 an ounce.
January platinum rose $7.90 to settle at $859.90 an ounce.
Gold for December climbed $12.30 to close to $746.50 an ounce. Its intraday high was $768.90.
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The United States Mint announced on Monday that it will discontinue more than 300 coin and medal products in 2009, to include several bullion coins, and it will conduct a "Last Chance Sale" to clear out out inventory in preparation for its move to a new fulfillment center.
"We are responding to the collector community which has spoken loudly and clearly," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. "Customers have told us there are just too many products. We agree, and it’s time the United States Mint trims down and concentrates on the products our customers love most."
The Mint adds that the "Last Chance Sale" will be a limited-time, first come, first serve offer, available online and by phone and without household order limits in place. Sales will include discontinued products that will "never be available again from the United States Mint."
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The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) announced on Monday that it is offering the 2009 Intaglio Print Subscription Program entitled "Lincoln Bicentennial Series."
The series includes five 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Series intaglio prints featuring an "exquisite compilation of unique engraved postage stamps, portraits and vignettes showcasing the age old art of intaglio printing."
According to the BEP, this year’s Intaglio Print Program is:
Dedicated to commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday by featuring five stages of his life: "Humble Beginnings," "Family," "A Nation Torn Apart," "Emancipation," and "Legacy."
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The American Numismatic Association is calling on its members to provide the theme for the 86th annual National Coin Week, April 19-25, 2009. The coming year’s weeklong event will celebrate the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln and his role in United States history and numismatics; all theme submissions should focus on the nation’s 16th President.
The contest is open to all ANA members, with the winning theme announced in early January. Prizes including valuable coins and paper currency featuring Abraham Lincoln will be awarded to the individuals who submit the first, second and third-place themes. All submissions will be posted online and member input will be considered when choosing the winning theme.
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American Numismatic Association members are encouraged to share their creativity and research with fellow hobbyists by delivering a Numismatic Theatre presentation at the 2009 National Money Show™, March 13-15 in Portland.
Numismatic Theatre consists of short presentations on a wide range of topics, and is a great opportunity for collectors to discuss their ideas, expertise and collections with the numismatic community. The presentations are a popular part of every ANA convention, and many focus on topics pertaining to the convention’s host city or state. Presentations from previous conventions include "Women in Power, on Coins & in Art," "Money in Olde New York," and "Gold, Silver & the Wizard of Oz."
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