Boscastle Supplies Coin Collecting News and Views

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT! Canada Coin Collectors Album SET 11-Folders PLUS BONUS World Coin Album

2012-11-14T16:25:00.002-08:00

GREAT GIFT! Canada Coin Collectors Album SET 11-Folders BONUS World Coin Album

GREAT GIFT!

Canada Coin Collectors Set of 11 Folders

Complete Set PLUS BONUS World Coin Album

Blue vinyl covers with silver coloured stamping - Each folder has four clear vinyl pages with pockets to completely cover the coin for ultimate protection while leaving both sides of the coin in view.

The inside cover of each folder has a date listing for the appropriate denomination.

Picture shows the 5 Cent folder only - but this is the ** complete set ** of 11 Album Folders

PLUS a BONUS World Coin Album

Your coin folder set will include all the matching folders for other coin values;

Canada CENTS - 1858-1920 (1 folder)

Canada CENTS - 1920-date (1 folder)

Canada Nickels (5 cents) - 1922-date (1 folder)

Canada Dimes (10 cents) - 1920-date (1 folder)

Canada Quarters (25 cents) - 1937-1999 (1 folder)

Canada Quarters (25 cents) - 2000-date (1 folder)

Canada 50 Cents - 1937-1983 (1 folder)

Canada 50 Cents - 1984-Date (1 folder)

Canada Dollars - 1935-1986 (1 folder)

Canada Dollars - 1987-date (1 folder)

Canada Two Dollar - 1996-date (1 folder)

Coins of the World Coin Album / 6 Pages with 142 Slots for Different Sized Coins - The cover is brown Vinyl with gold and silver coloured stamping. Total of 142 pockets - 24 for large coins - 48 for medium coins and 70 for small coins

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United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin & First Spouse Medal Set™ - Chester Arthur Available October 18

2012-10-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON - Collectors may begin placing their orders for the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin & First Spouse Medal Set - Chester Arthur on October 18, 2012, at noon Eastern Time (ET).

The set includes an uncirculated quality Chester Arthur Presidential $1 Coin and an Alice Paul and the Suffrage Movement Bronze Medal. The bronze medal bears the likeness of Alice Paul that is featured on her first spouse gold coin. The coin and medal are enclosed in a durable plastic card that is enhanced with beautiful representations of the portraits of the President and Alice Paul, with background information on the back.

Alice Paul's image appears on the obverse of the First Spouse Gold Coin and Bronze Medal in accordance with a provision in the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-145), which maintains continuity in the First Spouse Gold Coin Program during times when the President served without a spouse. In the case of President Arthur, whose wife Ellen died before he took office, the law specifies that the obverse design incorporate the name and likeness of Paul and that the reverse be representative of the suffrage movement.

The United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin & First Spouse Medal Set - Chester Arthur is priced at $9.95. The bureau will accept orders at its Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, and at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A $4.95 shipping and handling charge will be added to all domestic orders.

The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792. This year marks the bureau's 220th anniversary. The United States Mint is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products including proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins. The United States Mint's numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.

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Source: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/?action=press_release&id=1398

Boscastle Stamp and Coin Supplies are getting ready for the holiday season by stocking up with best selling stamp and coin supplies

2012-10-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

We are approaching our busy season at www.boscastlesupplies.com We are stocking in all our major categories for all stamp and coin collector customers.

Here is a list of our major Boscastle Supplies Store categories : - FRAMES for Coins/Medals, World Coin / Banknote Albums, USA Coin Albums, Canada Coin Albums, Numis Coin / Banknote Albums, Optima Coin / Banknote Albums, Grande Coin / Banknote Albums, Universal Coin/Banknote Albums, Vario Banknote Albums & Pages. Coin / Pages 3-RNG Binder
Coin & Banknote Wallets, Coin Travel Cases, Boxes/ Cases /Albums - Slabs, Boxes / Cases - Capsules Coins, Boxes / Cases - 2x2s or Quads, Coin Capsules, Square Quadrum Coin Holders, 2x2 Coin Holders & Flips, Standard Stapled 2x2, Self-Adhesive 2x2, Vinyl 2x2 Flips
Banknote Sleeves, Coin Cleaner / Tongs / Gloves, Coin Scales & Calipers, Coin Books & Catalogs, Microscopes, Magnifiers, 2010 STAMP ALBUM SUPPLEMENTS, Stamp Album Binders/ Blank Pgs, Quadrilled & Brilliant Pages, Mint Sheet Albums, Stamp Stockbooks, Vario Stocksheet Binder/Pages, Linder Stocksheet Binder/Pages, Other Stamp Stocksheets, Stamp Catalogues & Books, Drying & Record Books, Dealer Selection Cards / Pages, Glassine Envelopes, Watermark Detectors, Stamp Remover Liquids, Stamp Mounts & Cutters, Sized Pre-Cut Mounts
Sized Strip Mounts, Packs of Assorted Sizes, Mounting Corners, Mount Cutters, Stamp Tongs, Stamp Hinges, Perforation Gauges, UV Lamps / Lights / Linen Test, Stamp Color Keys, Flags / Labels / Stickers, FDC Albums, FDC / Postcard Sleeves, Postcard Albums
Collecting Kits for Kids, Stamps, Medals

Remember if you need any help with your stamp and coin collecting supplies - we are one of the biggest on the Internet with a huge inventory and great prices - check us out at www.boscastlesupplies.com

Silver Content of Popular US Coins

2012-09-19T12:28:00.002-07:00

Silver Content of Popular US Coins

Coin Type	Weight (troy grams)
Morgan Dollar	24.0566 g
Peace Dollar	24.0566 g
Walking Liberty Half Dollar	11.2501 g
Franklin Half Dollar	11.2501 g
Pre-64 Kennedy Half Dollar	11.2501 g
Liberty Head (Barber) Half Dollar	11.2498 g
Liberty Head (Barber) Quarters	5.62475 g
Standing Liberty Quarter	5.62475 g
Pre-64 Washington Quarter	5.62475 g
Liberty Head (Barber) Dime	2.25 g
Winged Liberty Head (Mercury) Dime	2.25 g
Pre-64 Roosevelt Dime	2.25 g

Heritage Auctions: Nearly $20 Million In Rare Coins Sold In Long Beach

2012-09-19T04:29:00.000-07:00

Rare early proof coinage was featured as over $9.3 million in rare coins sold in the September 6-9 Heritage US Coins Signature Auction. The US Coin auction was one of four Heritage auctions held as official auctioneers of the Long Beach Coin and Collectibles Expo over the week. Overall, the Heritage Long Beach auctions combined to sell over $19.7 million in rare coins and currency. All prices include Buyer’s Premium.

As any serious collector of 19th century proof coinage knows, proof coins of any denomination and year before 1858 or so are quite rare. As such, it should not be surprising that the two top prizes to change hands during the floor sessions of this auction were both pre-1858 proofs. A Gem Cameo proof 1853 quarter with Arrows and Rays, formerly from the Eliasberg collection, brought $94,000. In 1853, arrows were added around the date and rays were added to the reverse as a way of signifying a reduction in weight for both quarters and half dollars. While the arrows would remain until 1855, the rays were removed in 1854, making the Arrows and Rays design an important one-year subtype.

Perhaps five proof 1853 Arrows and Rays quarters are known, making this example the most important issue among proof seated quarters.

Even rarer is the 1854 proof eagle, a coin that was unconfirmed to exist until very recently, and which may very well be unique. This coin, whose provenance remains unknown, is an unmistakable proof despite a light amount of wear consistent with a grade of Proof-55, and it sold for $88,125 at the Long Beach auction.

The second edition of the Garrett-Guth Gold Coin Encyclopedia, published as recently as 2008, called the existence of a 1854 proof eagle doubtful. In the book, the authors related an unsubstantiated story about a set of 1854 proof gold coins presented to the city of Bremen. At the time of the book’s publication only the gold dollar, $2.50, and $3 were known and none could be connected to the Bremen set. Should this 1854 eagle be the Bremen coin, it might begin to substantiate the story, while simultaneously suggesting the existence of at least one proof 1854 half eagle and double eagle.

Post-auction sales resulted in the finest known 1897 double eaglechanging hands for $147,500. Proof gold coinage of the 1890s is known for its beauty, and this coin, assigned a grade of Proof-67 Cameo, combines unparalleled technical merit with aesthetic beauty. Only 20-25 examples of the proof 1897 double eagle are believed known.

The Philip Clover of US Large Cents, a nearly complete collection of early US large cents by variety, altogether realized over $900,000, led by a 1795 Jefferson Head cent with Very Fine details that sold for $38,187. This collection contained over twenty die marriages that were so rare that Dr. William Sheldon, whose Penny Whimsy remains the standard reference book for early large cents, considered them uncollectable.

Just a few of the other highlights of this auction included:

1793 1C Wreath Cent, Vine and Bars MS63 Brown NGC. Sold for $64,625.
1869 $5 PR65 Cameo NGC. Sold for $58,750.
1796 25C AU53 NGC. Sold for $55,813.

Our Long Beach World and Ancient Coins auction, held September 6-11, accounted for sales of nearly $7.9 million, highlighted by an 1820(B) gold Brazilian 4000 Reiswhich sold for $129,250 against a pre-auction estimate of $50,000-$75,000. This coin, struck at the Bahia mint without a mintmark, is so rare that every reference we could find listed it simply as “Rare” or “Extremely Rare”. The fact that this is also a mint state coin — graded MS62 by NGC — only adds to the tremendous appeal caused by the coin’s extreme rarity.

Additional highlights of this auction included:

Cuba: Republic Proof gold 20 Pesos 1915, KM21, Proof 65 Cameo NGC. Sold for $99,875.
Danish West Indies: Christian IX Proof 10 Daler – 50 Francs 1904, KM73, Proof 64 NGC. Sold for $70,500.
Great Britain: Henry VIII (1509-47) gold Sovereign ND, S-2267, Tower Mint London (struck 1537-42), AU50 NGC. Sold for $64,625.
Thraco-Macedonian Tribes. The Edones. King Getas (ca. 480s-460s BC). AR octadrachm Ca. 476-473 BC. Kraay, Archaic and Classical Greek Coinage (Methuen 1976), pl. 26, 483. gEF. Sold for $55,812.

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Source: http://www.coinweek.com/auctions-news/heritage-auctions-nearly-20-million-in-rare-coins-sold-in-long-beach/

New UK Coin honour to mark Benjamin Britten's centenary

2012-09-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

Preparations at the Royal College of Music in central London, prior to the launch of Britten 100 which will mark the birth of the composer Photo: PA

The Royal Mint has unveiled plans to design a new fifty pence coin to celebrate composer Benjamin Britten's centenary.

Britten, who was educated at Gresham's School, Holt and spent most of his life on the Suffolk Coast, will be honoured as part of a year-long celebration of his life.

The coin, which comes into circulation next year, is part of a huge anniversary celebration of his life and work - including performances in 140 cities across the world.

All of his 14 major operas will be performed, including a performance of Peter Grimes on the beach at Aldeburgh - the Suffolk town where he lived.

Richard Jarman, Director of the Britten-Pears Foundation, said the plans underlined the composer's "truly global appeal".

The celebrations begin in September but will be focused on next year - the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Mr Jarman said: "We are also thrilled and honoured that he is being given tangible public recognition in this centenary year.

"It is truly exciting that the Royal Mint has today announced that Britten will feature on a fifty pence coin.

This will literally put Britten in the hands and pockets of every person in this country

– Richard Jarman, Director of the Britten-Pears Foundation

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Source: http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2012-09-11/coin-honour-to-mark-composers-centenary/

Mint Hosting Coin Exchange for New Grey Cup Football Piece

2012-09-07T04:36:00.002-07:00

The Royal Canadian Mint is hosting a coin exchange today until Saturday where football fans can pickup the new 100th Grey Cup one-dollar coin.

Five million of the special edition coins were put into circulation in late August and celebrate the league’s annual championship game.

Winnipeg fans can exchange their coins in the Mint’s boutique, located at 520 Lagimodiere Boulevard, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. until Saturday, September 8.

Source: http://www.chrisd.ca/2012/09/06/grey-cup-one-dollar-coin-royal-canadian-mint/

US Seizes Gold Coins Found in Safe Deposit Box - 10 rare gold coins valued at roughly $80 million that have been missing for decades.

2012-09-06T04:15:00.001-07:00

A federal judge awarded the U.S. government ownership of 10 rare gold coins valued at roughly $80 million that have been missing for decades.

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle, named after its designer Augustus St. Gaudens, is "one of the most sought-after rarities in history," according to the U.S. Mint.

Though the double eagle was originally valued at $20, one such coin that belonged to King Farouk of Egypt sold for more than $7.5 million at a Sotheby's auction in the summer of 2002, making it the most valuable coins ever auctioned at the time.

The Philadelphia Mint struck 445,500 double eagles at the height of the Great Depression, but it pulled them back weeks later as President Theodore Roosevelt ordered U.S. banks to abandon the gold standard.

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Source: http://reason.com/24-7/2012/09/04/us-seizes-gold-coins-found-in-safe-depos

Huge Bank Note Auction for whopping £1.5 million - The Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet fiver: How provincial banks used to print their own notes and now they're worth millions

2012-09-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

Between the late 18th century and 1921 provincial banks across the country produced their own notes
Multi-millionaire David Kirch has decided to sell off his 4,000 note collection and give the proceeds to charity
All corners of Britain are represented in the collection which has taken about 30 years to assemble

The biggest collection of provincial British bank notes ever assembled is to be sold and could net its owner a whopping £1.5 million.

David Kirch, a multi-millionaire whose charitable giving is legendary, has decided to cash in his immense collection of 4,000 notes and give the proceeds to the elderly.

Between the late 18th century and 1921 provincial banks across the country produced their own notes.

Old money: A Glastonbury & Shepton Mallet bank £5 note from the 1830s. Many people are unaware that almost every town had its own bank that issued notes to be used in the locality - but many banks often went under

Cashing in: A £5 note from Town & County of Poole Bank from the 1800's. Multi-millionaire David Kirch has decided to sell his collection of provincial Bank notes and give the estimated £1.5million proceeds to the elderly

All corners of Britain are represented in the collection that is so big it is having to be sold in a series of auctions.

The paper notes were marked with the bank’s name, its logo and the amount it was worth, and they were hand signed.

The collection has taken about 30 years to assemble and is being sold along with Mr Kirch’s collection of 350 Bank of England notes, which is worth about £2million.

Many people are unaware that almost every town had its own bank that issued notes to be used in the locality.

Big spender: An Uxbridge Old Bank £5 note from 1894. All corners of Britain are represented in the collection that is so big it is having to be sold in a series of auctions. The collection has taken about 30 years to assemble

Just like Northern Rock, however, there was often a run on these banks and they went under, leaving customers owning almost worthless cash.

Mr Kirch, who lives on Jersey and made his money from property developing, has recently been diagnosed with cancer, a life-changing event which has given him a new perspective on life.

He said: 'I started the collection in 1973 when I moved to Jersey and of all my collections it’s been the finest investment.

'Bank notes seem to be in fashion at the moment and a lot of people seem to have started to collect them.

'When I began collecting there were not many general collectors, but people who mainly collected the notes for specific regions.

Note-worthy: A Weymouth & Dorsetshire Bank £1 note from 1825. The paper notes, popular among collectors, are marked with the bank’s name, its logo and the amount it is worth, and they were always hand-signed

'But you have to draw the line somewhere so I didn’t collect from Scotland or Ireland, but I did include Wales.

'People are amazed that there were such a large number of banks issuing notes from so many towns. I collected them from auctions and from dealers, but I didn’t buy many from the internet.

'I used to get so excited when a note came up that I didn’t have that I had to go and get it. Some were bargains and others I paid too much for, but they evened out. I enjoy the fun of collecting and got carried away and when I wanted a note I just couldn’t let it go.

'Many of these banks went bust when there was a run on them, often in the 1820s and 1830s. It is very similar to today and is like Northern Rock, which was a viable business until there was a run on it.

Old money: A Glastonbury & Shepton Mallet bank £5 note from the 1830's Many people are unaware that almost every town had its own bank that issued notes to be used in the locality - but many banks often went under

'None of the notes are the same although the differences can be quite small, like the names of a partner changing. There are also lots of proofs. There is also my collection of Bank of England notes being sold and all the money will go to charity for the elderly in Jersey.'

Barnaby Faull, from London auctioneers Spinks, said that the notes date approximately from the 1790s to the 1920s but most are from the 1820s and 1830s when many banks went bust.

He said: 'The banks started when merchants in a particular town got together and formed one for ease of use. The notes were circulated in just the local area where people trusted the bank.

Auction: A Chatham Bank £5 note from the 1840's. The notes are in numerous denominations, but rarely bigger than £5. The bank notes were always printed on high quality paper and are larger than today's £50 note

'If a bank went bust there was not a lot people could do, but rather than throw away the notes they would keep them just in case.'

The notes are in numerous denominations, but rarely bigger than £5. There are also guinea notes.

Mr Faull said: 'They are generally on high quality paper often with a watermark and they usually have a picture of the bank or a coat of arms and they usually are black and white.

'They are a bit bigger than a modern 50 pound notes and they are hand signed and hand numbered. They sell for about £200 to £300 each and the rare ones are about £2,000.

Charity: A Stuckeys Somersetshire bank £5 note from 1909. The notes will be sold in four sales starting with the south and south west region, with the first sale on October 10 and the proceeds will be donated to charity

'Most people are unaware of all the provincial banks that used to exist and the notes they produced. They are easily affordable and are of great interest because they come from so many towns and counties across the country.

'If you live in a town it’s nice to have an old note issued from the local bank. The last in this collection is from 1921 in Wellington, Somerset.'

The provincial notes will be sold in four sales starting with the south and south west region, with the first sale on October 10. All proceeds will be going to the David Kirch Charitable Trust.

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Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2198035/Largest-collection-provincial-banknotes-assembled-banks-Glastonbury-Chatham-goes-sale.html#ixzz25b6CqUZJ

New Costa Rica Bank Notes

2012-08-05T17:54:00.003-07:00

The new notes of ¢ 5,000, ¢ 10,000 and ¢ 50,000 start circulating on the 27th of August, the central bank said Saturday. The old bills of ¢ 5,000 and ¢ 10,000 retain their value as payment until December 31, 2012.

This means that you can use to make payments until the end of this year.

Then, from 1. January 2013 until 30 April, the old notes only be exchanged at commercial banks in the national banking system. The person takes them and give new ones.

From 1. St May 2013 exchange of notes of ¢ 5,000 and ¢ 10,000 from the “old family” may be made in the Central Bank.

People can review the features of the new notes in the Central Bank’s website, at: l http://www.bccr.fi.cr/billetes_monedas/seguridades.

The Central Bank announced yesterday that provides public training courses, for which registration can be done via email at the address sinpecap@bccr.fi.cr.

London Olympic Games: Canada Mint issues Lucky Loonie Coins

2012-07-20T14:19:00.002-07:00

CALGARY - The Royal Canadian Mint has issued its latest commemorative circulation coin, the 2012 Lucky Loonie.

The coin was unveiled Thursday at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary.

It will serve as a good luck charm for Canadian athletes competing in London at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In what is now a legendary tale, a Loonie was buried at centre ice prior to the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City to bring good luck to Canada's gold medal-winning men's and women's hockey teams.

The mint has since produced a Lucky Loonie circulation coin for each subsequent games.
The 2012 Lucky Loonie circulation coin features the iconic loon as it spreads its majestic wings while sitting on rippling Canadian lake waters.

Designed by artist Emily S. Damstra, the coin also features the Canadian Olympic Team logo.

Original source article: London Games: Mint issues Lucky Loonie

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US Mint Adds Eagles, Coins and Sets to 2012 Product Schedule

2012-07-20T14:06:00.003-07:00

US Mint image of the presentation case holding its 2012-W Proof American Eagle, one of the prominent products listed on its updated product schedule

This week the United States Mint updated its product schedule with the addition of coins and sets for release in August and September.

Upcoming sets include the Making American History Coin & Currency Set and 2012 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set. Forthcoming coins include 2012-W Proof American Platinum Eagles, 2012-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagles, Benjamin Harrison Presidential $1 coins and more America the Beautiful Quarter coins.

A list of the updated product schedule follows. Summaries for some of the major ones appear after the grid.

Date	U.S. Mint 2012 Numismatic Product Schedule
8/02/2012	2012-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagles
8/07/2012	Making American History Coin & Currency Set
8/9/2012	"S" Acadia Quarters in Bags and Rolls
8/9/2012	2012-W Proof American Platinum Eagles
8/13/2012	2012-P Acadia 5 Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins
8/16/2012	Benjamin Harrison Presidential $1 Coins in Bags, Rolls & Boxes
8/27/2012	P&D Hawaii Volcanoes Quarters in Bags and Rolls
9/06/2012	2012 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set
9/24/2012	2012-P Hawaii Volcanoes 5 Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins

Making American History Coin & Currency Set

In an unexpected new product addition, the Making American History Coin & Currency Set is already getting discussed in detail by collectors. As described earlier this week, the coin and currency set is a joint U.S. Mint and Bureau of Engraving and Printing product that includes a Series 2009 $5 note and a 2012 Proof American Silver Eagle from San Francisco.

Priced at $72.95, the set was created, according to the U.S. Mint, to celebrate its 220th year in service and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the BEP. Each $5 note will begin with a ’150′ serial number and a San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank designation.

2012 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set

Also unexpected is the Mint’s listing of the 2012 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set. While its price and product page are yet to be published by the bureau, it is expected that the set will contains this year’s four Presidential $1 coins, the 2012 Native American $1 coin and an uncirculated American Silver Eagle from West Point — the same one that will be sold individually beginning on August 2, 2012.

Same named sets were released in 2007 and 2008, but annual releases stopped when sales of the uncirculated American Silver Eagle were canceled in calendar years 2009 and 2010. The set did not reappear last year when the uncirculated Silver Eagle returned after its two-year hiatus.

A date of September 6, 2012 is currently provided for its release.

2012-W Proof American Platinum Eagles

Back tracking a bit, this year’s proof American Platinum Eagle from West Point is expected out on August 9, 2012. With a reverse design representative of "For the Common Defence," the Eagle is the fourth annual issue to feature a design that explores the core concepts of American democracy. The specific focus is on the Preamble of the Constitution. There will be six coins in total in this series, released at a rate of one per year.

Proof American Platinum Eagle coins bearing the West Point "W" mint mark were first introduced in 1997. Each contains 99.95% pure platinum. The new coin’s price will be known one day before its release, on August 8. Last year’s proof with a design representative of "To Insure Domestic Tranquility" is available from the U.S. Mint for $1,692.

Other Coins and Products

Other coins listed in the Mint’s updated product schedule continue issues within the America the Beautiful coin and Presidential $1 coin series.

Still missing are specific release dates for the 2012 First Spouse Gold Coins.
The product schedule is also available directly on the U.S. Mint website at

http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.

Source: http://www.coinnews.net/2012/07/20/us-mint-adds-eagles-coins-and-sets-to-2012-product-schedule/

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Sarnia backdrop for Coast Guard’s 50th

2012-07-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

SARNIA - The Canadian Coast Guard celebrated its 50th birthday in Sarnia Friday morning, as the Royal Canadian Mint unveiled a silver collector coin honouring the nation's maritime protectors.

The coin features the first surface ship to reach the North Pole, icebreaker CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, the flagship of the Canadian Coast Guard that has been involved in guarding the country's Arctic sovereignty.

Marc Rothwell, commanding officer of the icebreaker CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, welcomed the distinction.

"The whole fleet -- officers, the crew, commanding officers -- are quite proud to serve on our three coasts and inland communities," said Capt. Rothwell, who first sailed to the Arctic 20 years ago, from St. John's, Nfld.

"This is a great milestone. Not just for the Government of Canada to commemorate, but for Canadians to celebrate the tremendous courage of the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard," said Jeff Watson, MP of Essex.

The 50th milestone comes on the heels of federal cuts to the Coast Guard, which has taken the brunt of Department of Fisheries and Oceans cuts.

The Central and Arctic Region office in Sarnia is to lose about 35 positions over three years, part of a national plan to reduce the Coast Guard's five operating regions to three, and includes moving management positions from Sarnia to Montreal.

Watson doused public and expert concerns over potential jeopardizing of maritime safety and search-and-rescue operations, as Coast Guard communications centres monitor distress calls and broadcast safety information such as weather and traffic warnings.

"The consolidation will enhance marine safety by streamlining the overall organizational command structure of individual communities," said Watson.

Despite job losses, Coast Guard assistant Commissioner Wade Spurrell emphasized Sarnia is "critical" for operations on Great Lakes with its Marine Communications and Traffic Services centre.
"While there will be changes here in Sarnia and its role will change as the new regional headquarters moves to Montreal, there will also be some additions and improvements to our MCTS centre here," said Spurrell.

The red-and-white icebreaker CCGS Griffon, stationed at the Sarnia Government Dock, was chosen as the backdrop for the golden jubilee commemoration.

Each silver coin is accompanied by a vial containing a small piece of steel from the bow of the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, collected when the ship was refitted.

Source: http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2012/07/13/19985486.html

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Is Canada's new plastic money melting? Video - Bank of Canada says No

2012-07-14T08:09:00.002-07:00

Does Canada's plastic money have a heat problem? According to reports in the Canadian news, the polymer bills are melting in extreme heat -- shriveling up like bacon, and occasionally sticking together when left in a hot car.

"We have seen it a few times now where there have been either three to four, or five to 10 [bills] all melted together," Brittney Halldorson, a teller at a Credit Union in Kelowna, B.C., told Metro Ottowa.

A man in Halifax told the Toronto Star that when he left the money on a toaster, it curled up like a Coke bottle. The paper also talked to a man who placed a stack of eight $100 bills in a tin can near a heater, only to find they had shriveled up.

However, the Bank of Canada is not buying it.

"The bank has encountered no evidence that polymer bank notes are being affected by heat as has been suggested in recent news reports," the bank wrote in an email to the Los Angeles Times. "Bank notes printed on polymer material have been used in many countries for years, most of which have climates far hotter than Canada."
Malancha Gupta, who teaches chemical engineering at USC, agreed that tales of the notes melting seemed unlikely. "The melting point of polypropelene -- the material the notes are made of -- is in the range of 130 to 175 degrees Celsius [about 265 to 340 degrees Fahrenheit] and should be able to withstand high temperatures you would experience in everyday life," she said.

Canada introduced polymer currency last November, starting with the $100 bill. A $50 plastic bill was introduced last spring, and a $20 bill is coming by the end of this year. Plastic $10 and $5 bills are to be in circulation by late 2013.

The polymer notes are more expensive to produce than the previous paper bank notes, but the Bank of Canada says the plastic money will last 2.5 times longer. The plastic bills are also recyclable.

But the real impetus to move to the polymer bills was to make Canadian currency more difficult to counterfeit.

The new bills are tricked out with all kinds of security measures that include certain areas where the ink is raised, special transparent windows with specific images etched in them, and numbers that appear if you hold the bill up to the light -- some of which are reversed for extra security.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-canadas-plastic-money-is-reportedly-melting-at-extreme-heats-20120713,0,3016165.story
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2012 American Silver Eagle Two Coin Set Final Sales

2012-07-10T06:05:00.002-07:00

Ending Sales were reported for the 2012 American Silver Eagle Two Coin Set

United States Mint sales of the 2012 American Silver Eagle Two Coin Set from San Francisco ended after being available for four weeks.

The Two Coin Set went on sale June 7, 2012 and was sold by the U.S. Mint through 5 PM ET on Thursday, July 5, 2012. It closed with orders totaling 251,302.

Collectors closely watched sales in the final few days to get a sense of where its mintage would end. Unlike similar releases in the past, the Mint did not establish a maximum mintage cap but instead accepted orders for four weeks with the intent to fill all valid purchases received during that period.

This was a markedly different approach from the similar 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle Set issued last year. That set had a mintage of 100,000 and sold out within hours. Some potential buyers were unable to place their orders because of ordering difficulties on the Mint’s website and telephone ordering system.

In an apparent move to insure those issues were not repeated, the U.S. Mint in this latest release opted to utilize the limited four week ordering period. With that procedure in place, many expected a sales surge on the final day. "Sales odometer" updates on the Mint’s 2012 American Silver Eagle Two Coin Set product page offered approximate sales on week-days around 3PM.

While sales were higher during the last few days, those expecting a last minute surge would be proved wrong. With a mintage of 250,738 apparent in the closing hours, collectors added just 564 units. In comparison, the first day of sales saw 85,341 ordered. Four other days during the set’s availability window had sales over 16,000, with three of them occurring toward the end.
A complete list of daily sales is shown below:

U.S. Mint Reported Sales of 2012 American Silver Eagle Two Coin Set

	Sales Total Reported By Day
June 7, 2012	Released
June 8, 2012	85,341
June 9, 2012	Weekend
June 10, 2012	Weekend
June 11, 2012	115,059
June 12, 2012	121,304
June 13, 2012	125,371
June 14, 2012	128,540
June 15, 2012	131,512
June 16, 2012	Weekend
June 17, 2012	Weekend
June 18, 2012	135,468
June 19, 2012	136,678
June 20, 2012	138,863
June 21, 2012	141,892
June 22, 2012	145,173
June 23, 2012	Weekend
June 24, 2012	Weekend
June 25, 2012	152,047
June 26, 2012	156,569
June 27, 2012	162,581
June 28, 2012	166,836
June 29, 2012	175,588
June 30, 2012	Weekend
July 1, 2012	Weekend
July 2, 2012	201,059
July 3, 2012	217,351
July 4, 2012	245,131
July 5, 2012	250,738
July 6, 2012	251,302

It should be noted that these are un-audited sales figures from the U.S. Mint. The final mintage is expected to change as cancelled or invalid orders along with customer returns lower the total. Some valid orders may also be added to the final number as mail orders sent in the final days are added. (This article will be updated with any published changes.)

The 2012 American Silver Eagle Two Coin Set contains two proof quality Silver Eagles struck at the U.S. Mint’s facility in San Francisco. One features a standard proof finish with the other showcasing a reverse proof finish.

Shipments of the Two Coin Sets from San Francisco are expected to begin on or about July 27, 2012. They will continue on a first ordered, first shipped basis through approximately mid-October.

For information, sales and mintages on other coins in the series since 1986, visit our sister site about American Silver Eagles.

Source: http://www.silvercoinstoday.com/2012-american-silver-eagle-two-coin-set-final-sales/106931/

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How the 2012 Olympic medals are made

2012-07-09T05:34:00.005-07:00

LLANTRISANT, WALES (CNN) - The medals for this year's London Olympics are locked away at the tower of London, ready for the games to begin.

The newly-minted gold, silver and bronze discs will be entrusted to the Beefeaters, custodians of the crown jewels.

The Royal Mint may be owned by the British government, but that was no guarantee it would win the contract to make the 4,700 medals to be presented at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The mint says it beat out more than two dozen other contenders to make sure the medals have a real British connection.

"This wasn't about making money, this was about us having the right to do it," said Adam Lawrence, CEO at The Royal Mint. "Now, we are a broader licensee of the games too. So, we make quite a decent range of commemorative coins and products for the Olympic Games. And that's where we will make money on it."

So no profit from these medals, but the pride here is palatable among the workers.

"It was really nice [to win the contract], for the Royal Mint, but also for the people around who will get jobs doing this, as well," said Sian Merry, a seamstress at The Royal Mint.

The Royal Mint said its engraver is likely the only person who will touch every single London medal.

"Nice, I didn't even realize until now. I was the only person to touch every medal. Quite nice," said engraver Marie Buckley.

Before the etching, the medals have to be formed and then dipped in sulfuric acid.

There is a vat for the bronze medals and another for the silver ones, but none for gold.

Because the medals aren't really gold; they're same as the silver ones with just six grams of gold mixed in.

To put any more in there would make it far too expensive. Later in the process it will be gold plated. But in truth it is a silver medal made to look like gold.

And a bronze medal is mostly copper and tin, which is mined by Rio Tinto in Utah and Mongolia.

"It's a hell of a series of milestones you've got to meet to get the materials here in time and then make the medals in time," said Andrew Harding with Rio Tinto. "You can't be late, because the athlete is not going to stand there and wait for you."

You might also have noticed that the London medals are big - very big. Compare these to the ones presented in Athens in 2004.

"We effectively went for the biggest medal that we could, that we could manufacture," said Gavin Elliot with The Royal Mint.

Once the medals are struck, they have the goddess Nike on one side and the River Thames and a bit of 2012 branding on the other.

Joseph E. Boling Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Numismatics

2012-07-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

Longtime Summer Seminar instructor Joseph E. Boling was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Numismatics from the American Numismatic Association’s Florence Schook School of Numismatics on Thursday in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Boling is the eight recipient of this honor – a fact sure to please Boling, as he is an avid collector of items containing the number 8, including purchasing the eighth official medal set struck for the World’s Fair of Money^SM every year.

Boling has taught at 14 consecutive Summer Seminars.

“Only Joe knows, without looking it up, exactly how many students he has taught in his Military Payment Certificate, Exhibit Judging and Detection of Counterfeit World Paper Money classes. He is, after all, a numbers guy – and, we might add, a very dedicated and effective instructor,” said ANA Executive Director Jeff Shevlin.

The ANA’s current Chief Judge, Boling is also a former member of the ANA Board of Governors, the 2005 recipient of the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award for Distinguished Service and an ANA member for 37 years. He is a former president of the International Bank Note Society and former secretary of the Pacific Northwest Numismatic Association.

Boling is a retired Army colonel, with a dual concentration MBA.

Upon receiving the award, Boling said, “I am terribly honored to receive this. I called (Summer Seminar Project Manager Susan McMillan) to recommend someone for the award who wasn’t here his week. But I’m happy to be his replacement.”

The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 27,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or go to www.money.org.

Source: http://www.coinweek.com/coin-clubs/joseph-e-boling-awarded-honorary-doctorate-of-numismatics/

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Rhode Island hand surgeon admits guilt in NY rare-coin case with twist

2012-07-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK — A prominent coin collector thought he had some valuable, ancient pieces with a problem: They shouldn't have been taken out of Italy.

The coins turned out to be fakes, but they led to very real trouble for the collector, noted Rhode Island hand surgeon Dr. Arnold-Peter Weiss. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to criminal charges in a case that set the numismatic world abuzz.

It also added to a string of court cases and disputes over collecting and trading in objects that Italy and other countries consider looted pieces of their cultural patrimony.

An orthopedics professor at Brown University's Alpert Medical School and author of a hand-surgery textbook, Weiss is no less accomplished in the coin world.

A collector and investor for 35 years, he's been on leadership boards of the American Numismatic Society and the Rhode Island School of Design's art museum, according to his biography on Brown's website. The coin society said no one was available to comment Tuesday on Weiss' history with the organization; a RISD spokeswoman didn't immediately return a call.

Weiss was arrested in January amid a coin auction at the posh Waldorf-Astoria hotel, planning to sell what was listed as a silver tetradrachm, a Greek coin from the fourth century B.C., according to a criminal complaint. Weiss expected it to net about $350,000, according to the complaint.

Under Italian law, antiquities found there after 1909 can't be removed from the country. But Weiss said in a secretly recorded conversation: "I know this is a fresh coin. This was dug up a few years ago," according to the complaint.

Modern metal detectors have turned up long-buried coins, often obvious because of the way they have been cleaned, among other signs, Weiss told a Manhattan court Monday.

He acknowledged that he knew what to look for, was aware of Italy's antiquities rules and believed that two other coins that he had in his possession at the auction had been found after the 1909 deadline. All three coins were described as having been found in Sicily.

The other two coins were similarly ancient decadrachms, worth about $1.2 million apiece _ or so Weiss thought at the time.

"I believed that the coin was authentic" in each instance, he said.

But after his arrest, an expert examined them and found they "were, in fact, forgeries _ exquisite, extraordinary forgeries, but forgeries nonetheless," Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos said.

Still, Weiss was criminally implicated because he believed what he had were illegally obtained coins.

Under his plea deal, Weiss must forfeit his interest in 23 coins seized from him when he was arrested, perform 70 hours of community service and write an article about the problem of trading in unprovenanced coins _ those of uncertain origin _ and "the continuing threat of this practice to the archaeological record." He also must try to get it published in the numismatic society's magazine or a similar venue.

The article "will raise needed awareness about unprovenanced coins and will promote responsible collecting among numismatists," district attorney's office spokeswoman Joan Vollero said.

Weiss and his lawyers declined to comment after court.

Italy has aggressively campaigned in the last decade to get back ancient Roman, Greek and Etruscan artifacts the government says were looted or stolen. Institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles have agreed to return various items.

There have been some criminal prosecutions, including a Rome trial of a former Getty assistant curator. It ended in 2010 with a judge saying the statute of limitations had expired.

In April, federal prosecutors in Manhattan announced that a Renaissance painting and a Roman sculpture from about the first century were being returned to Italy after turning up at auction houses in New York.

Other countries, including Turkey and Greece, also have taken action in recent years to reclaim antiquities.

Coin Auctions: Proof-69 Ultra High Relief $20 Saint brings $2.7 MIllion at Stacks Bowers Auction

2012-07-02T08:17:00.003-07:00

The finest-graded specimen of America’s “most beautiful coin,” the MCMVII (1907) Proof Ultra High Relief double eagle graded Proof-69 by PCGS, crossed the auction block on the evening of Friday, June 29, 2012, and with the fall of the hammer a record price of $2,760,000 had been won at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Expo in Baltimore, Md. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is a subsidiary of Spectrum Group International, Inc. (SPGZ.PK) (“SGI”).

The coin, minted in 1907, has the date expressed in Roman numerals as MCMVII. It is one of about 20 coins with Ultra High Relief or sculptured detail. The story goes back to President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 when he employed Augustus Saint-Gaudens, America’s most famous sculptor, to redesign the coinage. The artist, working in his studio in Cornish, N.H. (now a National Historic Site), began with the $20 gold double eagle, the largest denomination gold coin.

For the obverse he created a bold image of Miss Liberty in the figure of Victory, striding forward holding a torch and palm branch with the U.S. Capitol in the distance. For the reverse, an eagle in flight was sculpted. In early 1907 about 20 coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and given to the president and dignitaries. Later in the year the same design was modified to lower relief and 12,367 were struck.

Today, several of the MCMVII Ultra High Relief coins are in museums including one on display at the Smithsonian, and time and again surveys among numismatists have rated this as America’s most beautiful coin design. Only rarely is one available at auction. The coin auctioned today opened at $2,125,000 and the room enjoyed excited bidding competition. This coin is considered one of the great icons of American numismatics, the example is the finest graded specimen known.

Steve Contursi, president of Rare Coin Wholesalers from Irvine, Calif., purchased the coin via phone participation. He is in 50/50 percent partnership on the coin with Don Kagin, president and owner of Kagin’s Inc. Contursi and Kagin are no strangers to purchasing the finest, rarest and most valuable coins in the world. Seven years ago they partnered on the unique 1787 Brasher Doubloon, America’s first gold coin, which was sold December 2012 for $7.4 million.

“This coin now ranks as No. 7 in the top 10 prices realized at auction,” said Chris Napolitano, president of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. “The all-time record for a coin sold at auction is $7.59 million when we partnered with Sotheby’s to sell the only 1933-dated $20 Saint-Gaudens double eagle ever to be auctioned.”

“We are extremely excited about owning this finest graded specimen of one of America’s most desirable coins,” stated the new owners. “It combines all the elements of rarity, desirability, artistic design and historical importance. President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to emulate the beautiful high relief of the ancient Greek coiners by bringing in the world renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and he achieved just that.”

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Source: http://www.coinweek.com/auctions-news/coin-auctions-proof-69-ultra-high-relief-20-saint-brings-2-7-million-at-stacks-bowers-auction/

Marines Medals, 2012-W Gold Eagle, $1 Coin Sets End US Mint June Releases

2012-06-25T05:52:00.002-07:00

Next week is the last week of June, and the United States Mint will end it with product launches that include a collector Gold Eagle, two four-coin dollar sets and two bronze medals for the Montford Point Marines.

Starting on Tuesday, June 26, the U.S. Mint will release two different 2012 Presidential $1 Four-Coin Sets, at $9.95 each. The sets contain the four 2012 Presidential $1 coins in circulating quality. The originating city is the difference, as one of the offerings is from Philadelphia and the other is from Denver. The packaging will allow easy access to the coins so collectors can move them into coin albums.

Once available, collectors may order either set, plus any of the Presidential $1 Coin products on the U.S. Mint website page here.

Thursday, June 28 is when the U.S. Mint will release the 2012-W Uncirculated American Gold Eagle, but the price for the one ounce, 22-karat gold coin is not set until the day before its launch.
When the coin goes on sale, purchased it from the U.S. Mint via its online product page.

Also on Thursday, the Montford Point Marines Bronze Medals in 1.5- and 3-inch sizes go on sale. These medals recognize their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II. The Montford Point Marines were the first black Americans to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps after President Franklin Roosevelt issued an Executive Order establishing the Fair Employment Practices Commission in June 1941.

The larger bronze medal is $44.95 and the smaller one is $7.95. Once released, order the medals through this U.S. Mint online product page.

Each new product will be available from the United States Mint on their respective release date beginning at 12:00 noon ET. For collectors who prefer to order by phone, the U.S. Mint’s toll-free phone line is 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

Below is a table that lists the above numismatic releases and the schedule for other upcoming products.

June, July and August US Mint Numismatic Product Releases

Release Date	U.S. Mint 2012 Numismatic Product	Product Price
6/26/2012	2012 Presidential Four-Coin Dollar Sets (P)	$9.95
6/26/2012	2012 Presidential Four-Coin Dollar Sets (D)	$9.95
6/28/2012	2012-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle	TBD
6/28/2012	The Montford Point Marines 3" Bronze Medal	$44.95
6/28/2012	The Montford Point Marines 1.5" Bronze Medal	$7.95
7/09/2012	Chaco Culture National Park 5 Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin	$204.95
8/02/2012	2012-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle	TBD
8/13/2012	Acadia National Park 5 Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin	$204.95
8/16/2012	Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar Rolls, Philadelphia	$32.95
8/16/2012	Benjamin Harrison Presidential Dollar Rolls, Denver	$32.95
8/16/2012	Harrison Presidential $1 100-coin Bags, Philadelphia	$111.95
8/16/2012	Harrison Presidential $1 100-coin Bags, Denver	$111.95
8/16/2012	Harrison Presidential $1 250-coin Boxes, Philadelphia	$275.95
8/16/2012	Harrison Presidential $1 250-coin Boxes, Denver	$275.95
8/16/2012	Harrison Presidential $1 500-coin Boxes, Philadelphia	$550.95
8/16/2012	Harrison Presidential $1 500-coin Boxes, Denver	$550.95
8/27/2012	Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Quarter Two-Roll Sets	$32.95
8/27/2012	Hawaii Volcanoes Quarter Bags, Philadelphia	$34.95
8/27/2012	Hawaii Volcanoes Quarter Bags, Denver	$34.95
TBD	Alice Paul First Spouse Gold Proof	TBD
TBD	Alice Paul First Spouse Gold Uncirculated	TBD

Source: http://www.coinnews.net/2012/06/22/marines-medals-2012-w-gold-eagle-1-coin-sets-end-us-mint-june-releases/

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Numismatist’s Roman Coin Collection to be Sold to Benefit British Museum - The Kenneth Day Collection expected to raise £30,000

2012-06-23T08:59:00.001-07:00

Roman coins collected by numismatist the late Ken Day are to be sold in a specialist London auction on Tuesday July 3 and the proceeds donated to the British Museum.

Auctioneers Morton & Eden will divide the coins between two sales and expect the collection to raise a total of around £30,000. The proceeds of both sales will be added to the acquisition fund set up to enable the museum to purchase coins of significance to Britain as well as to increase the accessibility of the national collection using new digital technology.

Kenneth Edwin Day, who lived in Thames Ditton, was a leading figure in the Kingston Numismatic Society, a longstanding member of the Royal Numismatic Society, and a constant attender at the RNS London lecture programme. He was also a strong supporter of the British Museum’s Department of Coins and Medals and was a regular visitor to the museum for many years, where he was always keen to share his knowledge of Roman coins and his new acquisitions with curators.

A spokesman for the British Museum said: “Ken decided some years ago that he would leave his collection to the BM, and we are delighted to have added some of his coins to the national collection for public benefit. It is a fitting testimony to his generosity and to a lifetime’s passion for Roman coins.

“Ken had a passion for sharing numismatic knowledge and would certainly have embraced the museum’s use of new digital media to make its collections more accessible to the general public. Ken’s generosity will ensure a continuing public legacy for his important contribution to numismatics in Britain.”

A wide-ranging collection covering the period from the Roman Republic through to early Byzantine coins of the 6^th century AD, the Kenneth Day Collection also contains a number of rare examples. Among them is a denarius which shows on the reverse a triumphal arch inscribed DE BRITANN. This coin commemorates Claudius’s invasion of Britain in AD 43 and is estimated at £400-500.
A gold aureus of Marcus Aurelius depicting the emperor as Caesar (AD 139-161) with Mars the God of War on the reverse is among the most valuable single coins with an estimate of £800-1,000.
Part 1 of the collection will be sold on the first of a two-day auction of Ancient, Islamic, British and World Coins and Medals, held in association with Sotheby’s, on Tuesday and Wednesday July 3-4. It will be on public view at 45 Maddox Street W1 on Thursday June 28, Friday June 29 and Monday July 2 from 10am-4.30pm or by previous arrangement. Part 2 will be sold in the autumn.

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Source: http://www.coinweek.com/auctions-news/numismatists-collection-to-be-sold-to-benefit-british-museum/

Rare US 1796 coin collection sale set - Stack's Bowers to offer Werner coins

2012-06-23T08:55:00.003-07:00

The Werner Family Collection of 1796 Coinage will cross the auction block in Stack’s Bowers Galleries Aug. 4 to 12 sale held in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia.

The patriarch who built the Werner Family Collection began assembling the collection of 1796 U.S. coins in 2006, soon after his Old West Collection, of gold $5 half eagles and $10 eagles struck at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, was auctioned by American Numismatic Rarities at the ANA World’s Fair of Money.

The first acquisition for the Werner Family Collection was a 1796 Capped Bust, No Stars on Obverse gold $2.50 quarter eagle graded Mint State 61 by Professional Coin Grading Service and stickered by Certified Acceptance Corp. The coin, illustrated on the opposite page, is the Bass-Dannreuther 1-B variety (Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795–1834 by Harry W. Bass Jr. and John W. Dannreuther).

The CAC sticker means the coin has been verified by CAC’s numismatic experts as meeting the standard for strict quality within its grade.

The year 1796 was the inaugural year for the quarter eagle denomination, and the No Stars on Obverse type was struck for only a few months before 13 stars were added to the obverse design.
The reason for the absence of stars is not known, but numismatic researcher Q. David Bowers suggests that as the design had 13 stars on the reverse, it might have been considered redundant to also display stars on the obverse.

Whatever the reasoning, stars were indeed added later in the year, giving 13 on both obverse and reverse.

As the West Coast collector researched the 1796 date, he quickly learned that the year held more unique and first-year issues than any other year, according to Stack’s Bowers Galleries. For the past six years, the collector focused on coins dated 1796 for him and his family to enjoy.

The collector’s numismatic interests were originally sparked in the 1950s and 1960s by his father, who would go to a local bank and pick up rolls of change from which to assemble sets of Indian Head cents, Indian Head 5-cent coins, and Winged Liberty Head dimes.

The collector soon began to put together his own collections of Winged Liberty Head dimes, along with Jefferson, Wartime Alloy 5-cent coins. Beginning in the 1990s, the collector graduated to collecting the Carson City Mint series, acquiring half eagles and eagles, before parting with the coins at the 2006 auction and moving on to the 1796 issues.

The 1796 issues to be offered, in addition to the Capped Bust, No Stars quarter eagle, are:

➤ 1796 Liberty Cap, With Pole half cent, Cohen 2 (American Half Cents: The “Little Half Sisters” by Roger S. Cohen Jr.), graded PCGS MS-64 brown, CAC.

“The coin is exceptionally well struck and with eye appeal rarely seen,” noted Chris Napolitano, president of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

➤ 1796 Liberty Cap cent, Sheldon 84 (Penny Whimsy by William H. Sheldon), PCGS Secure MS-65 brown, and 1796 Draped Bust cent, S-119, PCGS MS-64 brown, CAC. “These large cents are among the finest examples of their respective types that I have ever seen,” Napolitano said.

➤ 1796 Draped Bust, Small Eagle half dime, Logan-McCloskey 1 (Federal Half Dimes 1792-1837 by Russell Logan and John McCloskey), PCGS About Uncirculated 58, CAC.

➤ 1796 Draped Bust, Small Eagle dime, John Reich 4 (Early United States Dimes 1796-1837 by David J. Davis, Russell J. Logan, Allen F. Lovejoy, John W. McCloskey, and William L. Subjack), PCGS AU-58, CAC, representing the first year of issue of that denomination.

➤ Two 1796 Draped Bust, Small Eagle dollars — a Large Date, Small Letters variety, Bowers-Borckardt 65 (Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States, A Complete Encyclopedia by Q. David Bowers, with Mark Borckardt), PCGS AU-55, CAC; and a Small Date, Small Letters example, BB-66, PCGS AU-58, CAC.

➤ 1796 Capped Bust, With Stars quarter eagle, BD-1-A, PCGS Fine 15, CAC.
The catalog presentation for the Werner Family Collection will be accompanied by a historical overview of coinage of the year.

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Source: http://www.coinworld.com/articles/1796-coin-collection-sale-set/

Stanley Gibbons Waterloo Medals - The Defeat of a Monster

2012-06-18T04:54:00.001-07:00

Stanley Gibbons letter to customers about the sale of some Battle of Waterloo medals:

Let me take you back a couple of centuries as I prepare to offer you something rather special…
In a rain sodden field to the south of Brussels a man, the "Monster of Europe" stands surrounded by his officers, 74,000 of his imperial troops and his 250 "Belle Filles" – his "beautiful daughters" as they are affectionately known - his beloved cannons.

To the north on a low ridge stands the enemy, a ramshackle army of men from many nations. 23,000 English, Scots, Welsh and Irish affectionately known by their commander as the "Scum of the Earth" are supported by 44,000 Germans, Belgians and Dutch, hastily formed into battalions from local militia units.

Many of them are in battle for the first time. Others less than a year ago were fighting on the side of the enemy…

At the head of this Allied army is a man, unbeaten in battle who had driven from the field every army the "Monster" had ever thrown at him, yet they had never faced each other as they would today.

He knows that unless his men can stand against the inevitable oncoming onslaught the day will be lost; his hopes rest on a promise…

A promise by a 72 year old Prince at the command of an army of battle weary Prussians that had been defeated by the "Monster" three days earlier.

The promise was a simple one - if you stand and fight I will come and join you - the problem was that they were 30 miles to the east, separated by boggy countryside and impassable roads.

So the scene is set, what happens over the next six hours will decide the history of Europe and become the stuff of legend.

The historic defence of a small chateau by the allies, where a few thousand men outnumbered more than 10 to 1 hold firm will help decide the battle.

The allies hold firm, even when the chateau becomes a blazing inferno, ammunition is running low and the enemy has broken through the outer gates and they are fighting hand to hand.

Two cavalry charges, one from each side both heroic beyond the call of duty and both equally self destructive in result just add to the drama.

The Prussians arrive just when all seems lost as the drummer boys beat out their fateful rhythm accompanied by shouts of "Vive la France" and "Vive L'Empereur". The Imperial Guard, the crack troops of the Emperor of France, never beaten in battle, take to the field.

All the allied soldiers had been asked to do that fateful day was stand. Stand is exactly what they did. Hour after hour as thousands of their comrades fell, torn to pieces by shot and shell.

Now was their chance to do what they did best - fire, volley after volley into the approaching French attack, three rounds a minute until they were driven from the field.

And driven from the field they were. The "Monster" was defeated and the rest, as they say, is history.
No, this not the script of the latest Hollywood blockbuster. I am of course talking about the Battle of Waterloo - the epic end to the tyranny of Napoleon, his quest for European domination and his defeat by the allied armies led by The Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blücher, which took place on that rain sodden field 197 years ago today.

I read a great line on a British battles website that said this about the Battle of Waterloo:
For Britain, Waterloo is not just a battle. It is an institution.

Now you can become part of that institution.

Every British troop that fought in the Waterloo campaign was given a medal. I have a selection of those very special medals for you today.

We only have six available for you, but they will not break the bank as they range in value from £2,950 to £9,750.

Of course, the 200 year anniversary of the battle is just 3 years away. You could see the prices of memorabilia relating to the Battle of Waterloo rising steadily as we move towards this key date.

Royal Mint Launches Massive Queen's Diamond Jubilee Gold Kilo Coin

2012-06-18T04:42:00.001-07:00

It is a reflection of the immense importance of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee that The Royal Mint has been authorised to create this commemorative UK coin containing over a kilo of fine gold. As befits such a once-in-a-lifetime historic occasion, the coin is impressive in size, design and presentation. Struck to finest Proof quality, it features the Coat of Arms found on the gates of Buckingham Palace, depicted in astonishing detail by the master sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

Just 60 of these extraordinary coins will be made available, each one housed in a wooden case made from sweet chestnut taken from the trees of the Great Windsor Park, the crown estate of Windsor Castle, one of The Queen’s private homes.

Only once before has Britain witnessed a Diamond Jubilee, when Queen Victoria celebrated 60 years on the throne in 1897. The royal Coat of Arms from Buckingham Palace was chosen as a symbolic link to this other great jubilee of the past. This majestic heraldic image, complete with supporters and crest, perfectly captures the pageantry and heritage of the unique occasion.

The coin is struck to a deeper relief than any other Diamond Jubilee coin which has allowed the artist to achieve a design of unprecedented detail. The reverse is also by Ian Rank-Broadley, and features Her Majesty resplendent in Garter Robes.

Each coin comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity and booklet together with a numbered plaque. Highly valued for its importance and its rarity, this precious, breathtakingly beautiful coin is the ultimate collectable for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

•Huge coin weighing one kilo struck in .999 fine gold
•Limited edition of just 60 coins
•Exquisite design by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
•Bespoke wooden case crafted from royal timber

Source: http://www.royalmint.com/features/the-queens-diamond-jubilee-kilo-coins

Gold coin collecting a deadly business as metals prices rise

2012-06-14T10:50:00.002-07:00

As gold and silver prices have soared, thieves are now targeting rare coins, coin collections and rare coin dealers.

The Washington Post noted in a recent article, “Coin thieves are often part of organized rings, some from Colombia and others with ties to the Russian mafia, that orchestrate sophisticated, lightning-quick and sometimes ruthlessly violent heists, according to the Numismatic Crime Information Center.”

Steve Ellsworth, a coin security expert, told the Post, “Why rob a bank with cameras, witnesses and a good chance your picture will end on up the evening news? Coin thefts often don’t have witnesses, and criminals can make off with far more money.”

The FBI estimates only about 4% of stolen precious metals and jewelry is recovered annually.

Boscastle Supplies have a full selection of coin supplies for your coin collecting needs - check out our web site we ship worldwide.

Source: http://thevictoryreport.org/2012/06/12/gold-coin-collecting-a-deadly-business-as-metals-prices-rise/