The United States Mint officially confirmed today that the one-ounce 2009 American Platinum Eagle Proof Coin will be available for purchase at noon Eastern Time (ET) December 3, 2009 — the same date it had tentatively provided back in October. As part of the announcement, the US Mint released an image of the new theme for the reverse, which will change annually on platinum coins until 2014.

Platinum Eagles have not been available from the Mint all year and, as it announced in October, no bullion versions will be struck until at least 2010. This makes the one-ounce proof eagle the only coin available to collectors and investors who desire a 2009-dated platinum American coin. (The Mint discontinued all Platinum Uncirculated Eagles and the fractional Platinum Eagle Proofs in 2008.)

The reverse of this year’s coin will feature the first design of a six year series commemorating the core concepts of American Democracy by showcasing six principles of the Preamble of the United States Constitution. Read the rest of this entry »

Zachary Taylor Presidential $1 coins in dollar rolls went on sale at the US Mint today at Noon ET. The coins mark the fourth and final release this year of a Presidential Dollar and the twelfth for the series overall.

"The idea that I should become President seems to me too visionary to require a serious answer. It has never entered my head, nor is it likely to enter the head of any other person," said Zachary Taylor when the idea of his running for President of the United States first appeared.

But, after winning the office with 47.3% of the popular vote, Taylor said : "I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish — nothing to serve but my country," and that is what Taylor tried to do for his short tenure.

Born into a comfortable farmers family and brought up on the frontiers of Kentucky, Taylor had little time or access to receive much of a formal education, which was not uncommon for the era. Upon reaching adulthood, Zachary joined the Army and shortly received a commission as a first lieutenant from his cousin James Madison (current President of the United States). Continuing to serve with distinction, Taylor climbed the ranks and was instrumental in the defeat of several Native American tribes before being promoted to brigadier general and given the command of the southern division of the United States Army.
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NEWPORT BEACH — Cornerstone’s first album, the National Park Quarters Album, is proving to be a successful addition to the quarter enthusiast’s collection. After sending out test samples to select coin shops, we received an overwhelming number of positive reviews! Here is what people are saying:

“I received a set of samples sight-unseen. When they arrived they were even more impressive than I expected and I sold through them within hours.”

–John Lenertz, www.CoinSupplyExpress.com

“Zyrus Press shipped me samples to review and now that I have it in my hand, I have to say, I’m very impressed. There is no doubt this album will be a hit with our customers. I look forward to seeing the full line.”

–Andrew Auletta, www.Brent-Krueger.com

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"Beautiful Places: Landmarks and Mintmarks" is the theme of 2010 National Coin Week, April 18-24. The theme celebrates the many landmarks and scenic places that have inspired the designs on coins and paper money. It was chosen by a panel of American Numismatic Association staff and club members active in the annual celebration.

Clubs are invited to help the ANA celebrate the week by participating in a number of fun and educational events involving geography on coins. A scavenger hunt will be held in the form of a "road trip" visiting beautiful places that have inspired designs on currency, and a program will be available for clubs to hold at their April meetings. Prizes will be awarded for individuals and clubs. Read the rest of this entry »

The Royal Canadian Mint is inviting Canadians to save the latest circulation coin in its Vancouver 2010 collection — the 25-cent coin celebrating the women’s hockey gold at Salt Lake City in 2002.

The launch of the coin was commemorated today at a special event for local hockey youth with special guests including member of the 2002 women’s Olympic hockey team, Danielle Goyette and members of the Montreal Juniors Hockey Club.

"Canada’s women’s hockey team demonstrated the true meaning of spirit and determination when they won the gold medal on February 21, 2002, which triggered celebrations from coast to coast to coast," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "Employees of the Mint are extremely proud to have produced a coin commemorating this extraordinary moment in Canadian Winter Olympic Games history."

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Collectors are eagerly awaiting the first sale of rare and exceptional Coins and Banknotes to be presented by Bonhams New York. Taking place on December 3rd, the sale consists of over 400 lots ranging from 1692 to the early 21st Century. 

Amongst the most coveted lots will be an exceptionally rare 1796 $10 AU50 NGC (pictured, above). Bright green-gold with warm honey and orange highlights, the coin’s intense mint bloom glows broadly in the fields and within the protected design areas. The obverse is of the Turban Head type with stars to both sides. The reverse motif, also used on the contemporary half eagle, depicts the national bird solidly perched on a branch of palm, holding aloft a victory wreath without any olives or berries.

The die work is excellent being BD-1, Breen-6832, Bass-3174, Taraszka-6, R.4, the only known die pairing for the year. From the earliest years of the regularly issued coinage of the United States which started in 1796, this highly important and elusive issue is estimated at $65,000-75,000. Read the rest of this entry »

Leading the pack in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Burke and Wills expedition, the Royal Australian Mint unveiled new coin designs alongside an exclusive Burke and Wills display at the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne.

Modern day explorer Jesse Martin together with Assistant Treasurer Senator Nick Sherry revealed the new coin designs today in Melbourne.

Jesse Martin, the current record holder for the youngest person to sail solo around the world non-stop and unassisted, was able to, after looking through the Burke and Wills collection, empathise with taking on such a major expedition, the hardships that came with it and the sense of achievement at the end. Read the rest of this entry »

By placing 107 rare coins into circulation, Jeff Angello, owner of American Coin & Stamp Co., hopes that this will delight coin collectors as well as stir up interest in the hobby.

For some lucky shoppers, that pocket change could contain super rare coins worth thousands of dollars.

To Jeff Angello, of American Coin & Stamp Company, Inc., rare coins and precious metals are a hobby, a passion and a thriving business. As a token of his gratitude for the many years of collecting, buying and selling rare coins, he is placing 107 coins back into circulation. With a face value of only a few dollars, the rare coins add up to an approximate value of $4000.00.

One of these coins is a penny from 1955, which is the year that his father Joseph Angello founded the business. This particular penny is very valuable due to fact that it was minted with a mistake. The penny, which was minted in Philadelphia, had been stamped twice, causing a doubling of the numbers and letters on the face of the coin. Read the rest of this entry »

One of Australia’s biggest television personalities and well-known wildlife experts has been named as an inspirational Australian and now appears on a new $1 coin.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint Graham Smith was joined by Terri Irwin and a few of her friends including "Sanchez" the Alligator to officially launch the new coin design at Australia Zoo.

"Steve would have been so proud to see his work elevated to yet another level. His efforts in conservation recognised on a national coin! We are all very proud of him," said Mrs Irwin.

The Royal Australian Mint’s Inspirational Australians collector coin series recognises and celebrates individual achievements and commemorates unique Australians who have made an extraordinary contribution to our society. Read the rest of this entry »

Classics of American coinage ready for Heritage’s final Signature® Numismatic Auction of the year in Houston on Dec. 3

DALLAS, TX — A rare and highly desirable branch mint proof 1884-CC Morgan dollar, graded PR66 Cameo by NGC, leads the list of highlights for Heritage Auctions’ December 2009 Signature® U.S. Coin Auction, to be held in Houston, TX. It is estimated at $140,000+.

Though the Carson City Mint had neither the personnel nor the resources to strike proof coins on a par with those produced at the main Philadelphia Mint, it did turn out a small number of special pieces, or branch mint proofs.

"In the second half of the 19th century Philadelphia struck virtually all proof coins," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions. "Only a handful of proofs were struck at branch mints such as Carson City — some with official authorization and some without. While this branch mint proof dollar does not appear in any official records, it is clearly unlike any Morgan dollar struck for circulation."

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