Several times per week, we bring you a round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet! First, the new design is revealed for the 2010 Lincoln Cent. Also, US Mint price adjustments, PCGS reference grading set, ancient Roman coins, world gold production, perspectives on the gold "frenzy", the coins in Big Ben, naturally toned coins, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Yesterday, the United States Mint released the fourth 2009 Lincoln Cent with an official launch ceremony in Washington DC. They also unveiled the 2010 Lincoln Penny design.

The US Mint made some significant adjustments to the last reported sales figures for 2008 Proof and Uncirculated Gold, Platinum, and Silver Eagles. Following the changes, the 2008-W Uncirculated $50 Platinum Eagle now has a final mintage of only 2,253!

Yesterday, the US Mint raised prices for numismatic gold coins. Prices are now at their highest levels ever with the UHR at $1,489, Proof Gold Buffalo at $1,410, and First Spouse Coins at $716 and $729.

At the end of this month, PCGS will be presenting the full PCGS Reference Grading Sets online. High resolution detailed images of 25 different series will be presented.

The Director of NGC Ancients continues to do a nice job discussing ancient coins from an introductory perspective. Here's the latest article on Roman coins featuring famous historical figures.

An article about Barrick Gold winding down their hedge book, which also includes some insight into the continuing decline in world gold production.

Gold has been in a lot of other headlines recently, but the type of frenzied buying indicative of a market top is still not happening occurring to this Numismaster article. In fact, the frenzy still seems to be around people selling gold in the form of unwanted jewelry.

Some 150 year old pennies that have helped keep London's Big Ben keep accurate time have been replaced with a 5 pound crown produced for the 2012 Olympics.

An article from CoinLink about collecting and appreciating naturally toned coins.

And now for some notable auctions. First, here's a full sealed 50 roll box of the new 2009 Lincoln Presidency design, already on eBay.

Next, the key date 1893-S Morgan Dollar NGC AU53.

Last, here's the 2008-W Uncircualted Platinum Eagle Four Coin Set in an unopened shipping box. The US Mint only sold 1,283 of the sets according to the updated figures.

Have a great weekend!

We're back to bring you another round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet! First, the upcoming launch ceremony for the final 2009 Lincoln Cent and some of the related events. Also, a new coin video on Peace Dollars, weekly US Mint sales report, 2010 Austrian Mint schedule, counterfeit coin warning, "In God We Trust" controversy (again), 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent spent into circulation, coin collector viewpoint, elongated pennies, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Tomorrow will mark the release of the fourth 2009 Lincoln Cent design. The US Mint will hold an official launch ceremony in Washington DC, provide coin exchanges, and also unveil the design for the 2010 Lincoln Cent!

A new coin video has been released on CoinsTV.com. Check out the Peace Dollar video for some interesting information about the origins and history of the series.

The latest weekly sales report from the United States Mint is now available. The 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo reached sales of 27,955.

More from Coin Update News:
Austrian Mint 2010 Coin Release Schedule

Following recent warnings from hobby leaders and numismatic publications, the US Mint has issued a counterfeit coin advisory on their website.

Ponterio & Associates has announced their auction schedule for 2010. The first auction will take place at the New York International Numismatic Convention from January 7-10, 2010.

In a recent speech Sarah Palin expressed concern about the placement of the "In God We Trust" motto to the edge Presidential Dollars. A news anchor fact-checked her "conspiracy theory." Coin collectors will already know that the motto was moved to the obverse of the coin starting in 2009.

Take a second look at your pocket change. A New Jersey coin company has spent into circulation rare coins with an approximate value of $4,000.00. The coins include a 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent.

A Numismatic News Viewpoint article from a coin collector writing to inform others about one of the potential pitfalls of collecting. He had some unpleasant surprises when he decided to sell his collection.

Do you have any elongated pennies? My wife and I always get one as a keepsake when we come across one of the penny squashing machines.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a very unique short set of Walking Liberty Half Dollars. The collection includes all 20 uncirculated coins and 2 proof coins from 1941 to 1947, with each coin housed in a first generation PCGS rattler holder.

Next, the 2008-W Uncirculated American Gold Eagle 4 Coin Set. This set contains some very low mintage Gold Eagles.

Last, the #1 Ranked Registry Set for 1999-2008 Silver and Clad State Quarters. All 100 coins are graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo!

That's it for now. Have a great evening!

We're back to bring you another round up of coin collecting news from around the internet! First, a bill authorizing Medal of Honor commemorative coins has been signed into law. Also, other upcoming commemorative coins, the US Mint's Last Opportunity section, reforming America's currency, 1933 Gold Double Eagle litigation, New York Times on gold, interview with a double eagle collector, Collectors Universe quarterly results, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Late last week, a bill authorizing commemorative coins for the Medal of Honor was signed into law. The program will include $5 gold and $1 silver coins to be issued in 2011.

The schedule for commemorative coins to be issued over the next few years is filling up quickly. Here's an outline of the upcoming commemorative coin programs, including designs for next year's coins.

The US Mint has revived the Last Opportunity section of their website to highlight products which will only remain available for a limited time.

Here's part four and part five of the series on reforming America's currency from Coin Collector's Blog. Ideas are presented for making changes to commemorative coin programs and bullion.

A story on coins from public radio with some off color observations about coin collectors from the reporter. I think it was supposed to be humorous.

A lengthy examination of the litigation related to the 1933 Gold Double Eagle by David L. Ganz.

The New York Times covers the "global frenzy" for gold. One quote describes a structural shift on the investing side of gold. The characteristics of gold buyers have changed and gold's appeal has broadened.

An interview with collectors A.C. Dwyer about gold double eagles that covers the history of the $20 gold denomination, varieties, rarities, and shipwreck gold coins.

One final story related to gold from Dave Harper discussing collector interest in gold and silver over time.

Collectors Universe, the parent company of PCGS, has reported quarterly results. Net service revenue increased and net income swung to a profit. Coin service revenue increased 11% compared to the same quarter last year.

And now for some notable auctions. First, an 1871 10c Pattern J-1087 struck in copper with a reeded edge. It's graded PCGS PR65 in an old rattler holder.

An 1887 Proof Morgan Dollar graded PCGS PR65 offered with no reserve.

Last, the 2009 Gold Buffalo NGC MS 70 with multiple available at a Buy it Now price.

We're back with another round up of coin collecting news and articles from all over the internet! First, details on a recently introduced bill which seeks some unique gold commemorative coins for the US Marshals Service. Also, US Mint bullion sales for October, NGC grades ten 1933 Double Eagles, US Virgin Islands Quarter Cover, reforming America's currency, a counterfeit gold penny, Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set, amazing metal detector find, and notable auctions. On to the links...

A recently introduced bill seeks to authorize commemorative coins for the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Marshals Service. The program would include one ounce $5 face value gold coins struck in high relief with incuse edge lettering.

More from Coin Update News:
US Mint Gold and Silver Bullion Sales for October 2009

The next product from the United States Mint will be the U.S. Virgin Islands Quarter First Day Cover, scheduled for release on November 10.

NGC has encapsulated and graded the ten 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagles, which are the subject of an ongoing lawsuit concerning their ownership. The highest grade of MS 66 was awarded to a single coin. NGC was asked to certify the coins on behalf of the U.S. Secret Service.

More from Coin Collector's Blog about the authors ideas to reform America's currency. Here's part two and part three of the series.

Collector praise for the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set. I have received my set and have to agree that it was very well done.

The Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar will be used for the coin toss at an upcoming Notre Dame football game.

An offbeat story about a counterfeit gold penny. Usually counterfeiting turns something of little value into something perceived to have greater value. In this case, an artist intentionally did the opposite.

In the wake of the theft of coin dealer Julian Leidman's inventory following a show, some recommendations from the president of the Numismatic Crime Information Center about how to avoid becoming a victim.

An amateur treasure hunter discovered more than £1 million worth of Iron Age gold after "about seven paces" of his first ever outing.

And now for some notable auctions. Despite a flood of listings, the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set continues to sell for more than double the issue price. There are currently more than 400 sets listed for sale on eBay.

A key date coin in top grade. Here's a 1916-D Mercury Dime graded PCGS MS63. The seller has listed the coin with no reserve.

All five 1999 Silver State Quarters graded PCGS PR70DCAM. These coins drive a big premium in top grade.

That's it for today. Have a wonderful evening!

Here's another round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet! First, the price of gold reaches a new all time high. Also, opening sales figures for the 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo, new coin legislation, finest known 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin, improving the coining process, 1913 Liberty Head Nickel at auction, Coins for Anything, Walking Liberty Half Dollar coins, branch mint proof coinage, and notable auctions. On to the links...

The price of gold reached a new record high above $1,080 per ounce today. Gold rallied on news that the IMF sold 200 tonnes of gold to India's central bank.

The US Mint sold 19,468 of the 2009 Proof Gold Buffalo coins in the opening few days of sales. This already puts sales at nearly the level of the one ounce 2008 Proof Gold Buffalo coin.

Check out complete US Mint sales figures at Coin Update News.

More from Coin Update News:
Bill Introduced for Civil Rights Center and Museum Commemorative Coins
Finest Known 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle on Display

The first post in a series from Coin Collector's Blog that should prove to be interesting reading. The author will look at how to improve the  administration of the coining process including circulating coins, bullion, commemorative coins, and medals.

Stack's will highlight a 1906 Ultra High Relief Pattern during their auction from November 9-11, 2009  in Baltimore, Maryland.

Separately, the historic Olsen specimen 1913 Liberty Nickel will be auctioned by Heritage on Platinum Night at the FUN auction in January 2010.

A story from the Washington Post about Coins for Anything from its humble beginnings to its current $5 million in annual revenue.

At a coin show in Honolulu, collectors were looking forward to a 20 Euro coin minted by the Royal Belgian Mint to commemorate the canonization of Saint Damien, but the coins did not arrive in time.

Some observations about market prices for "just-miss" grades in the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series.

The Heritage Blog examines some of the proof coinage produced by branch mints outside of the "defined schedule" including the Proof 1884-CC Morgan Dollar, which Heritage will offer at auction in December.

And now for some notable auctions.  First, 2009-P Jefferson Nickel rolls offered at a fixed price with multiple rolls available. Prices are down significantly from the levels of earlier this year.

A complete set of all eight 2009 P & D Satin Finish Lincoln Cents PCGS SP 69.

Last, the 2008 Proof $100 Platinum Eagle NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo. How will this year's proof Platinum Eagle fare?

That's it for today. See you again soon!

We're back with a round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet!  First, the 2009 Gold Buffalo Proof Coin is now on sale at the United States Mint. Also, the weekly US Mint sales report, coin value trends and inflation, Austrian Mint cuts gold production, Indian Head Gold Eagles, an interesting challenge coin, wrong planchet errors, 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent, coin counterfeit suspect arrested, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Today, the United States Mint releases the 2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof Coin. Early indications suggest that the US Mint has not seen the rush of orders experienced for the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set launch.

From Coin Update News, the weekly US Mint sales report. Sales declined for most products, especially gold coin offerings. Sales of the 2009 UHR Double Eagle came in at only 562 coins.

Dave Harper examines the trends of some coin values over time and what factor inflation plays.

The Austrian Mint is planning to cut gold output by 32 percent next year based on anticipated weaker investment demand. When demand for gold was climbing in the past few years, the Austrian Mint had been ahead of other world mints in increasing production.

The latest coin collecting video guide has been posted on CoinsTV. Watch the Indian Head Gold Eagle video.

An article about TD Bank's Penny Arcade. These coin counting machines have taken in $87 million so far in 2009, which is about on par with last year's $115 million annual total.

The writer of Coin Collector's Blog spoke to the people of the United States Visitor & Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program and received a challenge coin made specially for US-VISIT.

The Heritage Blog has a nice post describing how a wrong planchet error is created.

An article on the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent. Did you know that many of the coins were found in cigarette packs purchased from vending machines?

Information supplied by PCGS has helped police arrest a couterfeit coin suspect. The couterfeits were created by slicing two genuine coins in half and placing them into a tampered PCGS holder.

And now for some notable auctions. First, the 2000 Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar still affixed to the original certificate of authenticity. Even though 5,500 of the coins were distributed in Cheerios boxes, they seem to be very rarely encountered.

An amazing looking Triple Struck Jefferson Nickel Error.

A 1999-S Silver Delaware Quarter graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo and offered with no reserve. This is one of the toughest Proof State Quarters to find in top grade.

Last, the 2008-W Proof $50 Gold Buffalo PCGS PR70DCAM. Will this year's coin prove to be a similar secondary market success?

Hope you enjoyed this update! This will probably be the only update for the week due to travel and other events. Next week, we will be back to our usual schedule.

Welcome to Coin Update!

We're here to bring you another round up of coin collecting new and articles from around the internet! First, the eagerly awaited details of the United States Mint's 2009 Poof Gold Buffalo coin offering. Also, other US Mint news, Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set recap, gold as financial insurance, Medal of Honor commemorative coins, Lincoln Cent history, coin auction results, and notable auctions. On to the links...

The US Mint has released information on the upcoming 2009 Gold Buffalo Proof Coin. To the surprise of many, the coin will be offered without an ordering limit and without a maximum mintage.

Additional news related to the US Mint, including sold out products, order limits, and a technical amendment to the law behind the 2009 Lincoln Cents.

Numismatic News provides another recap of the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles offering. The article states that the US Mint is searching for a new chief information officer to lead an upgrade of their website.

Dave Harper invites collectors to share their opinions on the state of the numismatic industry for possible inclusion in a special issue of Numismatic News.

A prediction that pension funds will increase gold holdings as a form of "financial insurance." Gold currently represents a mere 0.4 percent of total global financial assets, according to a quote from the article.

More coin related legislation is moving along. The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act has now passed the Senate. In order to become law the bill requires the President's signature.

More from Coin Update News:
20 Ounce Gold Philharmonic Coins from Austrian Mint

An article briefly recapping the history of the Lincoln Cent, through its design and composition changes.

One hundred years later, the story of a broken bottle filled with gold and silver coins discovered while plowing a field. Only two coins and the broken bottle remain, the rest of the coins were sold or distributed to family members over the years.

Coinlink has the results of an auction mentioned in the previous update. The highlight of the auction, which was expected to bring 2 million euros, surprisingly sold for the opening bid of 800,000 euros.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a coin on many people's radar screens right now, the 2008-W Proof $50 Gold Buffalo NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo.

This is the first offering that I have seen for complete 8 coin sets of the satin finish 95% copper 2009 Lincoln Cents in PCGS SP69RD.

To finish for the week, let's flashback to the one ounce 1986 Proof Gold Eagle in original US Mint box. Back then, the US Mint made more than 400,000 of the proof coins for collectors.

Have a great weekend.

We're back to bring you another round up of coin collecting news from around the internet! First, the latest sales figures for United States Mint products. Also, the 2009 Gold Buffalo, Girl Scout Commemorative Silver Dollars, upcoming coin auctions, DGS grading, 100 kilogram gold coin goes on tour, ancient Greek coin designs, value trends for key date Lincoln Cents, and notable auctions. On to the links...

From Coin Update News, the latest sales figures from the United States Mint. The 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin has surpassed the closely watched 100,000 mark.

Data is now available from the initial few days of sales for the 2009 Gold Buffalo bullion coin. An incredible 79,500 coins have already been sold. The post examines some possible implications for the proof version of the coin to be issued later this month.

An Act, which will authorize the production of Girl Scout Commemorative Coins, has now passed both the House and Senate. The silver dollar coins would be issued in 2013 with a maximum authorized mintage of 350,000.

An auction will be held in Barcelona tomorrow for a unique set of 2,200 gold coins. A single coin is expected to reach a final value of 2 million euros.

Bowers and Merena will feature more than 6000 coins at the upcoming auction for the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo. Check out some of the highlights.

An explanation about Dominion Grading Service (DGS) from John Feigenbaum.

One of the five 100 kilogram Gold Maple Leaf coins will go on tour in advance of its sale in 2011. The coin is worth $3.4 million based on gold value alone, and is the size of an extra large pizza!

A nicely illustrated discussion of design varieties for selected ancient Greek coins.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a complete 1938 Proof Set graded by PCGS. The grades range from PR64 to PR67.

Prices for the Abigail Adams/Louisa Adams Mule Medal have declined a bit following the buzz surrounding the initial discovery. Here' s an auction for the mule error in original Four Medal Set.

A nice example of the 1909 VDB Lincoln Cent graded PCGS MS65RD. It's the Philadelphia Mint coin, not the rare "1909-S VDB" so you won't have to break the bank.

That's it for today. Have a great evening!

We're back after the weekend with another round up of coin collecting news from around the internet! First, a recap and thoughts on the 2009 Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set. Also, a former US Mint Director passes away, another update on the Julian Leidman robbery, more on the US Mint's canceled collector coins, coin mintages, a possible Civil Rights commemorative, coin flips, and notable auctions. On to the links...

The Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set has now sold the maximum 50,000 sets, although the US Mint continues to take order for its waiting list. Here's the Mint News Blog recap of the release and sales period with some thoughts on future potential for the set.

Jay Johnson, a former Director of the United States Mint, passed away over the weekend. Following his time as Mint Director, he wanted to be executive director of the American Numismatic Association. Here are some thoughts from Dave Harper on how the hobby could have been different if this happened.

From Coin Update News, the reward for information on the Julian Leidman coin theft has grown to $159,250 with more than fifty dealers and organizations pledging money to the reward fund.

Coin Collectors Blog has a post on the cancellation of the 2009 Proof Gold and Silver Eagles and other collectible offerings this year.

The post has already prompted one collector to write this letter to the President concerning the current management at the US Mint.

Mintages are available for the first three 2009 Lincoln Cent designs. The Birthplace design remain as the design with the lowest overall mintage.

An arrest has been made for a man selling a type of very deceptive counterfeit coin mentioned in a previous update.

Some food for thought for mintage watchers. Low mintages don't mean high values. The article also makes the point that high mintages don't always mean low values in the future.

Are the odds of a coin flip really 50/50? According to some researchers, the odds might be skewed to as much as 60/40. This article from the Boston Herald takes a look at the study and some coin tosses throughout history.

The story behind a potential commemorative coin for the 50th anniversary of a famous Civil Rights event. A bill has not yet been introduced, but it sounds like the person who came up with the idea has been speaking to all the right people.

With the price of gold at an all time high, many are looking for gold to reach its inflation adjusted high of $2,287 reached in 1980.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a coin that I am surprised has not been more popular this year. The 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar featuring a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse designed by George T. Morgan.

A popular US Mint product from yesteryear, still in an original unopened box. It's the 2001 American Buffalo Coin & Currency Set.

Last, a better grade example of one of the tough dates of the Barber Half series. Here's the 1904-S Barber Half graded PCGS XF40.

We're back for one final round up of coin collecting news from around the internet to take you into the weekend! First, the debut of the much awaited Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set. Also, follow up on the Julian Leidman robbery, legislation introduced to allow coins in retirement accounts, ANA conventions, low ball collectors, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Medals, State Quarter quiz, three articles on gold, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Yesterday, the United States Mint's Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set went on sale at 12:00 Noon ET. Despite expectations for a prompt sell out, the sets are still on sale as of mid-day Friday. To catch some of the excitement of the opening day, check out this Mint News Blog post with over 400 comments! Also, here's a follow up post with potential sales levels.

An update on the Julian Leidman robbery. The reward is now up to almost $150,000.

On the coin legislation front, a bill has been introduced which seeks to amend the Tax Code to allow the purchase of certified coins for retirement accounts.

The American Numismatic Association conventions were a major topic of discussion at the October 13 board meeting. Numismatic News has details of the major points and proposals from the discussion.

Rather than searching out the highest graded coins, some collectors search for the lowest grades. For all of the Low Ball Registry Set collectors and the curious, here's an 1887-S Half Eagle graded PCGS P-01 highlighted by CoinLink as one of their unusual items.

Another article from CoinLink describing the very unique 2010 Olympic Winter Games Medals produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in collaboration with the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Teck Resources Limited.

Test your knowledge of the State Quarters designs.

An article about a company called Cash for Gold (not the notorious Cash4Gold) which has been focusing on the wealthiest communities for their gold buying. Residents of wealthy towns like Greenwich, CT supposedly bring in twice as much gold as anyone else.

On a related note, here's a pretty frank story urging caution when selling gold, especially if prompted by "a late-night infomercial promising fast and easy cash for simply mailing your jewels in a pre-paid plastic envelope,"

One final gold related story. An upscale department store in London has begun selling bars of gold. They offer sizes ranging from one gram to 12.5 kilogram bars.

And now for some notable auctions. To go with today's opening story, here's a look at the pre-sales for the Lincoln Coin and Chronicles Set on eBay. Recently completed auctions show pre-sale prices ranging from around $125 to $200. (Remember these are still on sale at the US Mint.)

More Lincoln. Here is a set of the satin finish 95% copper 2009 Lincoln Cents graded NGC MS 69 RD. The auction is for the four Denver Mint coins.

Last, a unique US Mint product offering of yesteryear. In 1997, they produced the Impressions of Liberty Set, which included one ounce 1997 Gold, Silver, and Platinum Eagles. Less than 5,000 of the sets were sold.

Have a great weekend!