The CoinNews Saturday eNewsletter and the short post Sunday morning included information about the Sunday night 60 Minutes news segment titled, Should We Make Cents?
Morley Safer reports on how the penny and nickel are worth less than the U.S. government cost to manufacture them - the penny almost two cents and the nickel almost a dime.
Archaeologists don’t expect to find gold in the middle of a downtown city, but that’s exactly what they did find.
Main Plaza is the historical center of downtown San Antonio. Texan construction crews have been working in the area for months in revitalization efforts for the Main Plaza Redevelopment Project. The area is the oldest part of San Antonio and designated a historical site.
When you’re pulling out a few bills or loose change to pay for something, it just happens. There’s little if any consideration to how the US monetary system came to be or how it works. It just happens.
Numismatists will typically have a better grasp of information, but it’s easier to get caught into the history and dynamics of certain coins or banknotes and not take the time to study the origins of all US money, its centralized structure and why it was needed and created.
Striking of the first Oklahoma state commemorative quarters began in the U.S. Mint’s Denver facility this week with a single ceremonial push of a button.
Oklahoma’s First Family was on hand to receive the very first shiny minted quarters. In a NewsOK.com article, Oklahoma’s image is in mint condition, Governor Brad Henry was quoted at the event saying:
“I think there’s tremendous Oklahoma pride here today,” Henry said after the ceremony. “Coming on the heels of the state centennial, I think it’s appropriate that the Oklahoma quarter is the first one in 2008, and it gives Oklahoma a chance to shine throughout the land.”
While the quarter is now going through its production paces, it won’t enter public circulation quite yet. Hundreds of millions will be minted and then placed into circulation later this month. The video article by KTEN.com is currently the best source to see an actual photo or image of the Oklahoma quarter.
We’ve said it before … "The emergence of Internet on-demand videos has not only provided the excitement of action-packed movies that can be viewed straight from your computer, but the availability of interesting, educational and free video content."
However, just like it’s nearly impossible to find good videos on minting coins, it’s difficult to track down and find good videos on making and printing currency.
There’s naturally a security component of having to hide facets of producing money and perhaps that’s one reason so few videos are available. Fortunately, there are at least two videos worth recommending that cover the creation and design of currency.
You’re tearing out plaster from a bathroom wall and suddenly wads of cash appear before your eyes. The cash hoard is enormous with a face amount totaling $182,000.
Better yet, it’s not just any old cash, but 70-year old bank notes in great condition with some on the rare side. Suddenly, the $182,000 starts to seem small.
There’s just one problem. The wall you were ripping out wasn’t yours. You’re a contractor working on renovating a home.
You do the right thing. Instead of taking the money without saying a word, you notify the homeowner. Like you, she’s excited.
At first everything is amicable. Then the reality of the find sets in and the situation becomes a legal battle.
Earlier in the month we started to report on news accounts of generous people dropping gold coins into Salvation Army kettles throughout the US. Unfortunately, we had to stop. People were just being too generous and we couldn’t keep up!
This time of the year often brings out the best in people, but it’s my opinion that so many are generous throughout the year. We just hear about it less often.
(Which reminds me… you may be interested in checking out HappyNews.com. It’s not a fluff site. As their tag line indicates, it offers real news, compelling stories and is always positive.)
If you’re a Friday Fun Blog reader, you’ve probably noticed I enjoy short videos. This week is no different. I was browsing YouTube™ and came across a WGAL News 8 report on donations. The gold tooth will catch your attention immediately along with the Krugerrand gold coin.
The emergence of Internet on-demand videos has not only provided the excitement of action-packed movies that can be viewed straight from your computer, but the availability of interesting, educational and free video content.
While coinage related video content is somewhat scarce in the numismatic world, there are indeed a few gems out there. The History Channel website through History.com has an example of one such gem.
The History Channel is known as a leading provider of exceptional content that won’t put you to sleep. For anyone - not just new or experienced coin collectors - their video production on how coins are made will intrigue you while keeping your interest.
It’s that time again… our one and only "blog" of the week. Don’t worry, you won’t hear what I had for breakfast…
For this Friday’s blog, I wanted to highlight coins - dimes and quarters specifically - and their value in solving problems. Yes, it’s a trip back to memory lane and a revisit to high school algebra!
If you enjoy math and problem solving, you’ll have fun with this video. If you don’t, well… you’ve probably already stopped reading. 
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend,
I’ve been pondering the ups and downs of gold to help in my gold coin buying decisions. Unlike the experts who have analyzed the numbers and stabbed at their predictions for gold’s future, I’ve taken what I believe to be the soundest approach. What’s that… you’re wondering?
Well, it’s kind of like throwing darts for stock picks. And it’s almost as fun.
