A coin collector can hardly experience anything worse with a collection than having it stolen. After the theft, there is always the hope that some or all of the coins will eventually be recovered. But imagine if your coins were stolen and then spent or traded like every day circulating change, as if they had absolutely no collectible value.

That is exactly what happened to one man’s collection in Enfield, Connecticut. He found out that he had been taken to the cleaners by a woman he hired to clean.

The woman apparently discovered the collection, called another man into the home, and together they took the collectible coins and paper-money. Even worse, the coin collection was then swapped for cash using a coin cash machine at a local store.

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Today, Jan. 7, the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has confirmed the existence of counterfeit replica holders.

NGC was founded in 1987 to objectively provide third party grades to coins. Coins sent to NGC are analyzed, graded, recorded and then encapsulated in tamper resistant, protective holders.

While there are several coin grading services in existence, NGC is considered to be one of the top two - PCGS being the other.

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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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We’ve all stored change now and again. But few can claim the prize of hoarding coins for 7 years with the intention of buying a big screen TV and DVD player.

That’s exactly what Tim Thraves, a man from Hillsboro, did and plans to do.

Real coin collectors or numismatist, those who study and collect coins for that enjoyment alone, may feel some dismay, but also amusement.

Many collectors have a hard time parting with their collection. But if you’re going to give it up, few - well, at least most men - would argue against Thraves’ decision.

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They’re not the home run makers in the series of Mint coinage but they do make a big hit every now and again… The 2007 Uncirculated Coin Sets are almost up to bat.

They’re on deck, in fact. Standby because on October 9th, you can purchase them through the United States Mint.

Them? In short, a complete set of 2007 uncirculated coins from the U.S. Mints at Denver and Philadelphia. The sets are a special breed of coins many collectors like to own because they’re different.

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There’s nothing better than some variety between coins to peak a person’s interest and excitement. The 50 State Quarters® and new Presidential $1 Coins highlight how changing a coin’s design every few months can kindle passion with at least collectors.

What’s your excitement level when a batch of coins gets minted but a percentage of them have slight variations compared to others in that coin’s series?

Hold your thoughts… In this case, we’re not talking about coins with errors due to mint manufacturing mistakes or unintended die varieties. (Although these are very intriguing for many collectors too.) Let’s dig in a bit more…

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The United States Mint has released the 2007 Wyoming Official First Day Coin Cover.

These limited edition covers hold two Wyoming state quarters that were each minted on the very first day of the coin’s production.

Just like the Jefferson $1 Coin Cover recently released, one coin included is from the United States Mint at Philadelphia while the other is from Denver.

Also placed on the cover is an American Flag postage stamp and a postmark date of September 4, 2007, which indicates the day the Wyoming state quarters were first released to the public.

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eBay’s trying to step up efforts to stymie fraudulent numismatic listings and the selling of counterfeit coins.

Last week they implemented an updated policy for how certified coins could be listed in online auctions. What’s changed?

In writing, not much. The policy guidelines aren’t exactly long. However, the changes they detail are significant.

eBay’s policy update for certified coins

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For the lucky few able to get one of the Jefferson Liberty First Spouse Gold Coins, take heart. If you haven’t already received yours, they’re on the way.

And the coins are, if you’ll forgive me… SWEEET!

Although variation in delivery dates were given based on order times, no orders were actually shipped when the Jefferson Spouse coins were first sold on August 30th.

The U.S. Mint receipts listed the coins in the "backordered" category for everyone.

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Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee - who are they and what do they do?

Since the government is responsible for minting coins, you could suspect it’s more than one or two people who are responsible for designing them.

But wait, we’re talking about the government… Obviously, we need to be thinking about committees when it comes to decision making!

There are, in fact, many layers in getting a new coin design out the door. And although there’s some jest when it comes to talking about the government, the design of coinage - whether it’s good or bad - is no simple thing.

An interesting party in one phase of a coin’s design is the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, or CCAC for short.

Unless you read Public Law or have been in the numismatic world and have followed the development path of a new coin, the CCAC is likely foreign to you.

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