Here comes another round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the web. As mentioned, I am currently on vacation, but will continue to make periodic updates whenever possible. First, the Royal Canadian Mint is taking some heat on the missing gold after the results of an external audit. Also, the US Treasury and Cash4Gold, precious metals investment taxation, new releases from the US Mint, undated 20p coins, the next 2009 Lincoln Cent launch ceremony, coin pricing, and notable auctions. On to the links...

The latest in the ongoing story about the missing gold at the Royal Canadian Mint. An external audit was released confirming that 17,500 ounces of gold worth about $15.3 million is missing. The loss was not the result of accounting or bookkeeping errors, but a still unexplained physical loss.

This is a little bit funny. A satirical segment on the Onion reported that the US Treasury came up with a plan to sell its gold reserves to Cash4Gold. A similarly satirical press release was issued. The press release was picked up by Commodity Online and reported as actual news.

A bill has been introduced in the Senate known as the Fair Treatment for Precious Metals Investors Act. If passed, precious metals investments in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium would be taxed at rates used for stock investments rather than the higher "collectibles gain" tax rates which currently apply.

The US Mint prepares to launch two new products on July 2nd- the Letitia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coin and the John Tyler Presidential Dollar Coin Cover.

Special Gold Panda and Silver Panda coins will be issued to mark the 30th anniversary of the issuance of Chinese modern precious metal commemorative coins.

The Royal British Mint has accidentally left the date off some 20p coins. At least 100,000 of the errors are estimated to have been released into circulation. This separate article reports that one of the errors has sold for £7,100 on eBay despite predictions that the coins would be worth £50.

An early article on the next 2009 Lincoln Cent release ceremony planned for August 13 in Springfield, Illinois.

CoinLink runs a few articles on coin pricing. Here is the second article about how one dealer prices rare coins.

And now for some notable auctions. To go with one of today's stories, here are the auctions for the undated 20 Pence coins.

A nice example of the 1918 Lincoln Illinois Commemorative Half Dollar PCGS MS66. This coin has gotten more attention following the release of the 2009 Lincoln Commemorative.

A Morgan Dollar tough to find in top grades. Here's the 1883-S Morgan Dollar PCGS MS64.

That's it for now. See you at the next update!

Here comes another round up of coin collecting news from a variety of sources around the internet! First, the price of gold makes a come back. Also, sales statistics for United States Mint products, the end of the Last Opportunity Sale, the Formative Years Bootstrap Lincoln Cent, Victor D. Brenner, Boy Scout Commemorative designs, new coins added to Coin Review, and notable auctions. On to the links...

The price of gold has bounced back quickly, posting a gain for the fourth consecutive day. This will mark gold's first positive week in a month.

Numismaster's Mint Stats provides the latest sales figures for products available from the US Mint.

The US Mint's Last Opportunity Sale is drawing to a close. Products will remain available until June 30, 2009.

The latest in 2009 Lincoln Cent discoveries. A die crack that resembles a bootstrap is found some Formative Years Cents.

An interesting dissertation on why people collect and the art of collecting is posted on the Heritage Blog.

An article on the life and work of Victor David Brenner, the designer of the original Lincoln Cent. According to the article, when the coins were originally released in 1909, the price of the coins went from 3 for a nickel to 25 cents a piece! Sound familiar?

Design choices for the upcoming Boy Scouts Commemorative coins to be issued in 2010 were met with disappointment according to this Numismatic News article.

PCGS examines added mint marks. It would have been nice if the images of the counterfeit and genuine were larger, but they do explain different ways in which the mint marks can be added.

Over on Coin Review new designs have been added, including some design proposals for 2010. The site allows you to rate and review coins based on the design, historical significance, and investment potential. What do you think of the 2010 Lincoln Cent Design Proposal LP-13?

And now for some notable auctions. The key date 1893-S Morgan Dollar offered with no reserve. It's graded VF35 by ANACS.

A unique rainbow toned Morgan Dollar up for sale. The center features a shade of blue, which lights as it moves away from the center and fades in hues of yellow, orange, and russet towards the edges.

A single seller has listed a total of 5 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagles on eBay. All are graded PCGS MS70 First Strike.

That's it for this week. On a related note, starting next week I will be traveling and vacationing overseas. I will endeavor to write at least one update per week to keep things going!

We're back with another round up of coin collecting news from around the web. First, a story that hasn't gotten much mainstream attention- the IMF Gold sale is one step closer to reality. Also, premiums for physical precious metals have returned to normal, the US Mint cancels Gold Buffalo bullion coins, the Royal Canadian Mint revives bullion programs, coin dealer ethics, Harvey Stack retirement, CAC Population report, and notable auctions. On to the links...

In gold related news, the US House of Representatives has approved a bill which will allow the IMF to sell 400 tons of gold. What does this mean for gold?

Premiums for physical precious metals have more or less returned to normal levels. Here's a great examination of the rapid expansion and contraction of precious metals premiums that occurred over the past year.

The US Mint has canceled the bullion coin offering for the 2009 American Gold Buffalo. The one ounce proof coin for collectors will still be produced, although a release date remains unknown.

Ironically, while the US Mint is canceling bullion programs, the Royal Canadian Mint is reviving programs. They have restarted production of the Platinum Maple Leaf and expect to produce the Palladium Maple Leaf.

Susan Headley has written frequently on the subject of coin dealer ethics. Here are her Top 10 Coin Dealer Ethics columns.

While the news has been circulating for a while, here is the official statement from Stack's about the retirement of Harvey Stack.

The US Mint has added a subscription option for sales of the 2009 Lincoln Cent Two Roll Sets. The subscription would cover the final two design releases.

CAC has added a population report to their website, which lists all CAC stickered coins by denomination. Access to the report is free and updated on a weekly basis.

NGC has opened a new submission center in China. It will assist collectors and dealers in sending submission to NGC, NCS, and PMG for certification.

And now for some notable auctions. A nice example from one of my favorite series. Here's a 1921 Peace Dollar graded PCGS MS64. For this year the coins were struck in high relief and generally have wonderful deep luster.

While there have been numerous auctions for "perfect" Proof Bronze 2009 Lincoln Cents graded by NGC, there have been much fewer graded by PCGS. How much will this set of 2009-S Lincoln Cents graded PCGS PR70DCAM sell for?

This Lincoln Cent Error is quite unique. It has a flip over, off center, double strike, which results in a coin shaped like Mickey Mouse.

Have a great evening!

We hope you enjoyed the weekend and a belated Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. Now it's time for another round up of stories and articles on coins. First, a slightly different take on the gold dispensing ATM story. Also, an update to the US Mint's product schedule includes release dates for several key products, the coin shortage in Argentina (again), Presidential Dollar discovered with a reeded edge, old generation holders, US Marshals coin proposal, personalizing your coin collection, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Gold and all precious metals continued to decline. Gold reached a six week low around $920 per ounce.

A more skeptical article on the gold dispensing vending machines which will be placed around Germany. The gold will reportedly be sold for 30% higher than market value.

The US Mint updates their product schedule with new releases for July. Highlights include the Letitia Tyler First Spouse Gold Coins, 2009 Silver Proof Set, and American Samoa Quarter bags and rolls.

There certainly have been a lot of stories about the coin shortage in Argentina. The author of one of the earliest reports says that the story has officially jumped the shark.

Ken Potter reports the discovery of a 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollar with a reeded edge. But he is still not sure how could an error like this could happen.

A market report from Coin Values Online that includes some interesting observations about "Old Generation Holders" for third party graded coins.

An article on the recently proposed U.S. Marshals Commemorative Coins. The legislation would provide for a one ounce gold coin struck in high relief with edge lettering.

There seem to be many more reports of finding 2009 Formative Years Cents in circulation than the prior Log Cabin design. Dave Harper writes that an intern found one. Another report from someone who received one in change and then went striaght to his local bank where he was able to purchase 10 rolls.

How can you make your coin collection more interesting? Personalize it.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a complete collection of 1986-2008 Proof American Silver Eagles. All coins are in the original boxes as issued by the US Mint.

This design has always been a favorite of mine. It's the 1988-W Olympics $5 Gold Commemorative graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo featuring a rendition of Nike, the goddess of Victory.

When will silver find a bottom? Hopefully soon. Here's a Green Monster Box containing 500 2009 American Silver Eagles.

That's it for today!

We have one more round up of coin collecting news and articles to wrap up the week. First, without any new releases for the rest of the month, which currently available US Mint products deserve a second look? Also, latest sales statistics for US Mint products, 2009 Proof Sets arriving, the case for $500 million in sunken treasure, an alternative design for 2010 Lincoln Cents, two headed coin, 1876-CC 20c coin, and notable auctions. On to the links...

What previously released US Mint products deserve a second look?

Numismaster posts the latest sales statistics for United States Mint products. One surprising stat is the low sales for the Guam Quarter, which boasts the lowest quarter mintage in decades.

Collectors are receiving their 2009 Proof Sets from the US Mint much faster than some of this year's earlier products shipped. Coined for Money opens the box and shares pictures of his set.

David L. Ganz examines the latest developments in the court battle between Odyssey Marine Exploration and Spain over $500 millin worth of sunken treasure.

Revisiting the topic of the reverse design for the 2010 Lincoln Cent, here's an interesting composite design, which integrates different aspects of some of the 18 official proposals.

Another update in the ongoing story about the gold and silver bullion payroll system trial. Prosecutors have narrowed their subpoena for information on only certain people who commented on the story. Previously they had demanded information on all 173 people who had left comments.

There really was a coin designed with two "heads." It was the Lewis and Clark Exposition Gold Dollar, a commemorative coin issued in 1904 and 1905.

News and history of the three 1876-CC Twenty Cent coins sold this spring. Fewer than twenty of the coins are known.

And now for some notable auctions.First, a complete 18-coin Booker T. Washington Commemorative Set that ranks fifth on the NGC Registry. All coins are graded MS66.

Apparently, four coin sets of the 2009-S Proof Lincoln Cents are selling briskly for $20. This is two-thirds of the cost of the entire set from the US Mint.

A gem 1998 Lincoln Cent struck on a dime planchet. Beautiful large sized pictures accompany the auction.

Want to take a chance? Here's an auction for an GSA Morgan Dollar in an unopened mailing box dated March 6, 1973.

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

Here's another round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet! First, the gold and silver rationing programs previously in place at the US Mint have finally come to an end. Also, the world's most valuable coin, the 1990 "No S" Lincoln Cent, an unexpected follow up to the Las Vegas gold and silver payroll story, 2009 ANA Elections, Matthew Dent wins an award, coin related book release, and notable auctions. On to the links...

The US Mint quietly announced the end of the Gold and Silver Eagle allocation programs. The long standing programs had limited the number of gold and silver bullion coins that authorized purchasers were able to order.

Separately, the US Mint will now be subleasing a portion of their headquarters to a Cuban restaurant and rum bar.

Susan Headley examines the world's most valuable coin, the 1933 Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle and the fate of the 20 or so coins that escaped the Mint.

The Heritage Blog takes focus on mint marks, or lack there of, with the 1990 "No S" Proof Lincoln Cent.

Remember the story about the Las Vegas business owner on trial for implementing a payroll system which recorded payment of bullion coins at face value? The newspaper that published the story has been subpoenaed for the names of every reader who posted a comment on the article.

Is the Hispanic Society of America preparing to sell its historic and valuable coin collection? The collection is reported to be worth $30-$40 million.

Have you sent in your ballot for the 2009 ANA Elections? To be counted, ballots must be received by the accounting firm compiling the results by June 26, 2009.

Matthew Dent received an award for his reverse designs on the 1p to £1 UK coins. The 1p to 50p coins can be arranged together to display the Shield of Royal Arms, which is displayed in full on the £1 coin.

A new book is released which recounts the story of the author's father who became obsessed with hoarding gold and silver to protect his family against potential economic collapse and the ensuing anarchy.

And now for some notable auctions. First, the 1996-W Smithsonian $5 Gold NGC MS70. This commemorative coin sports a low mintage of 9,068.

While the Formative Years Lincoln Cent has gotten the recent attention, the District of Columbia DDR is much more dramatic. Here's the 2009-D DC Quarter Double Die Reverse.

Last, can you believe that single 2009-P Jefferson Nickels are still selling for over $50 each?

That's it for today. Back on Friday!

Here comes another round up of coin collecting news from around the internet! First, adventures in buying gold as the price of the metal falls to a three week low. Also, an interesting proposal for US Marshal Commemorative Coins, 95% copper 2009 Lincoln Cents, 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollars, Colnect, new stories on the missing Royal Canadian Mint gold and Liberty Dollars, Whitman Coin and Currency Expo, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Adventures in Buying Gold. A blog author accompanies a friend as he journeys online and offline to buy gold.

US Marshals Commemorative Coins have been proposed. There are would be several interesting aspects to the gold commemorative coin. It would contain one ounce of gold, have a face value of $5, include edge lettering, and be struck in high relief.

A post on the 2009 Proof Set, specifically focused on the 95% copper 2009 Lincoln Cents contained in the set.

Prices for the 200o "Cheerios" Sacagawea Dollar variety have declined significantly after the excitement over the discovery subsided. Coin Values Online examines prices realized for examples of the variety sold during 2009.

TechCrunch covers collectibles site Colnect.com, a community site for collectors of coins, banknotes, stamps, and more.

The Royal Canadian Mint plays damage control after as much as $20 million in precious metals were reported missing. According to the RCM Chief Operating Officer, "all individual customer holdings and metal deposits entrusted with the Royal Canadian Mint are secure and have been fully accounted for."

Another article on Liberty Dollars, taking focus on how the coins circulated. According to the article, the $20 coins contained about $15 worth of silver, were sold to merchants at $18, who would give them out as change at a value of $20.

The author of Coin Collector's Blog just attended the Whitman Baltimore Expo. In a series of posts, he shares his exhibit "The Bicentennial In Numismatics" and some of his experiences from the show.

Remember the US Mint's proposed Strategic Coin Reserve? This newspaper columnist takes a decidedly unfavorable view of the Mint's proposed plan.

A coin market report from Legend Numismatics covering the Baltimore show, CAC, buying opportunities, and what's hot and what's not.

And now for some notable auctions. To go with one of today's stories, here are the auctions for 2009-S Bronze Proof Lincoln Cent Sets graded NGC PF 70 RD Ultra Cameo.

The scarce 1856 Flying Eagle Cent NGC PF 45. Only 2,000 or so pieces were struck as patterns, but they are usually collected like a regular issue of the series.

A lot of 20 unopened 1954 Proof Sets. All of the boxes are sealed and come in the original cardboard shipping container.

That's it for today!

Here comes one final round up of coin collecting news to take you into the weekend. Doesn't it seem like every time gold is on the verge of a breakout, the price experiences a two week rout? Also, two somewhat strange sell outs at the US Mint, US Mint employees and their lunch break, counterfeit First Spouse Gold Coins, Forbes on the Royal British Mint, 1895 Morgan Dollar, more on the 2009 Double Die Lincoln Cent, coin collecting as affordable recreation, early US gold, and notable auctions. On to the links...

After recently touching the $990 per ounce level, gold is on the retreat once again. This morning gold is trading around the $940 level.

The John Tyler Presidential Dollar Rolls didn't last long for the second round of sales. After less than two days of returning for sale, they are once again sold out.

Apparently, there is such a thing as a free lunch. The US Mint recently discovered that it had been paying employees for lunch when they should not have been.

Forbes.com covers the new Henry VIII coin from the Royal British Mint. The story includes this somewhat surprising quote, "The Royal Mint's coins, expensive as they may be, are some of the least collectable in the world."

The Heritage Blog examines the 1895 Morgan Dollar. Although Mint records indicate 12,000 pieces were produced for circulation, none have ever turned up, which makes the 880 proof coins minted even more desirable.

Ken Potter reports on the 2009 Double Die Lincoln Cents for Numismatic News. He explains the cause of the doubling as Tilted Hub Doubling, which confines the doubling to the central area of the coin.

A refreshing article which reminds us about the joy of coin collecting, which is sometimes forgotten when coins are viewed as investments.

For anyone considering starting a collection of early US Gold Coins, here's a Coin Link article summarizing the various types and popular ways of collecting.

And now for some notable auctions. An impressive low mintage key date, the 1909-S Lincoln Cent graded NGC MS66RD in an older style holder.

One of the highest graded circulation strike 2009 Lincoln Cents. The Formative Years Cent graded NGC MS68RD. The coin has been listed with no reserve.

More 2009 Proof Coins are coming back from the grading services. Here's the 2009 Native American Dollar NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo. I still think the obverse design looks strange without the date and mint mark, which were moved to the edge.

That wraps up the week. Have a great weekend!

We're back with another round up of news and articles on coins and coin collecting. First, the intriguing story behind e-gold, the digital currency backed by gold which became the unforeseen tool of criminals. Also, a sold out product unexpectedly goes back on sale at the US Mint, the "Stories on Money" exhibit, an amicus brief filed for the 1933 Double Eagles case, Lincoln cent and gold coin rarities, encouraging new collectors, numismatic photography, and notable auctions. On to the links...

Wired.com examines the rise and fall of the first digital currency backed by gold and silver known as e-gold. At e-gold's peak, the currency was backed by 3.8 metric tones of gold worth more than $85 million.

After "selling out" more than a week ago, John Tyler Presidential Dollar Rolls make a reappearance on the US Mint's online catalog. Despite now being available at the original price, rolls continue to sell on eBay for nearly double the price.

An exhibition at the National Museum of American History called "Stories on Money" will open June 12. The exhibit will draw from some of the 1.5 million objects in the museum's National Numismatic Collection.

The Professional Numismatists Guild filed an amicus curiae brief in the court case for the ten 1933 Gold Double Eagles.

An examination of the 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Cent, called "one of the most explosive and irresistible items" of the series. The coin boasts a low mintage and low survival rate.

On the continuing topic of rarities, Blanchard has sold an 1843 three coin gold proof set. The set is the finest known, with estimated five coin mintages for each denomination.

And now for some notable auctions.First, the 2008 W Proof Platinum Eagle 4 Coin Set with all four coins graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo.

Someone already has a full set of 2009-S Bronze Lincoln Cents graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo available for sale. That was quick.

Last, a sealed box of 50 2009 Lincoln Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins.

Have a great evening!

We're back to bring you another round up of coin collecting news and articles from around the internet! First, a second story about the missing gold at the Royal Canadian Mint. Also, the four double die reverse varieties identified for the 2009 Formative Years Lincoln Cent, new coins for Henry VIII, how to avoid purchasing counterfeit coins, NGC's Edge View holder, two articles on the $3 gold piece, and notable auctions. On to the links...

A follow up on the previous story about missing precious metals at the Royal Canadian Mint. According to the article, the discrepancy could amount to several million dollars.

US Mint gold and silver bullion sales saw declines from the prior month, however, they remain above the amounts from the same year ago period.

Four different varieties have been identified for the 2009 Lincoln Formative Years Doubled Die. The doubling occurs on the reverse of the coin around the area of Lincoln's hand holding the book.

The Royal British Mint is issuing coins featuring Henry VIII. Coins will be available in platinum, gold, silver, and copper nickel. The platinum version is limited to a mintage of 100 and is priced at £4,400.

David Hall writes about how to avoid purchasing counterfeit coins. Although the issue has gotten increased attention lately, he points out there have been many instances of counterfeit coins in the past.

What do you think of NGC's Edge View Holder? Here's the first and second impressions from A.C. Dwyer.

Larry Stack recently departed from the numismatic firm Stack's after more than three decades. No formal statement was given for his departure and he was not permitted to provide comments.

The Heritage Blog takes a look at the $3 Gold Piece.

Over at CoinLink, Doug Winter takes a look at recent prices for some choice $3 Gold Pieces and provides some impressions on the market for the odd denomination.

An interesting local story that takes a look at precious metals, coins, and currency as an investment class. Quote from the article: "Stock prices can bounce wildly - a $1,000 investment might be worth twice that in a short time but just as easily could drop to half that in value. Precious metals, coins and currency seem to have long-term stability."

And now for some notable auctions. To go with one of today's stories, here are the current eBay auctions for 2009 Lincoln Cents with the Double Die Reverse.

Incredibly, a 1936 Proof Set, which remains sealed and unopened in the original box.

Last the 2008 Proof Gold Eagle 4 Coin Set.

Have a great evening!