CoinNews

Don't expect U.S. coin compositions to change any time soon, and never for the penny. There are "no alternative metal compositions that reduce the manufacturing unit cost of the penny below its face value," according to the United States Mint 2014 Biennial Report to Congress on the research and development (R&D) of alternative metals for circulating coins.

However, there are alternatives for other denominations that could cut U.S. Mint coin production costs, with one tested alloy rising to the top of the list [...]

Not many world mints are releasing new products this close to the end of the year. The United States Mint is one of the few that is with its Coin Discovery Set launching on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Previously discussed here, it's a good product idea with three Kennedy halves in three different finishes. They're packaged inside a box that also holds coin collecting supplies and a booklet showing how coins are made [...]

While one may not normally associate numismatics with the planet Mars, NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day blends the two seemingly disparate interests with an image sure to excite coin and space enthusiasts alike.

Posted today, Dec. 12, 2014, the Astronomy Picture of the Day depicts an image of elongated crystal shapes taken on the surface of Mars by the Curiosity rover. An inset on the picture shows the 1909 VDB Lincoln cent that is attached to a calibration target used by the rover's camera known as the Mars Hand Lens Imager, or MAHLI [...]

The Royal Canadian Mint's Star Charts Glow-in-the-Dark series is proving popular with collectors. The Mint is promoting the silver series through a four-coin subscription and 91% of the 7,500 have sold.

Undoubtedly, the unique subject matter, intriguing designs and a number of firsts for the Royal Canadian Mint have aided in the set's desirability [...]

Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) tours and facilities will close between the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the agency announced Wednesday.

Along with printing facilities, both Tour and Visitor Centers will be closed to the public at the end of business on Tuesday, Dec. 23 [...]

World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal Wednesday, Dec. 10, at a ceremony held in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

Surviving CAP members along with leaders of the U.S. House and Senate attended the ceremony. The medal was [...]

Today we'll take a quick look at updated sales of recently sold out collectible from West Point to include the American Gold Buffalo and American Eagle coins in gold and silver.

Before getting into summary details, note that these coins have sales that are higher than past issues so they won't go down in the books as "scarce." In that sense, their sellouts are less exciting but they're worth discussing nevertheless [...]