What 2019-dated coin would you nominate for Coin of the Year?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.

Without a doubt, the U.S. Mint’s “Fiasco Coin”: 2019-S Enhanced Reverse Proof silver Eagle should be the Coin of the Year!

Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.

I would say 100 percent the 2019 gold Buffalo. It has a beautiful design and it’s gold.

Name and address withheld

The “W” mintmark Lincoln penny.

Andy Kadisak
via Facebook

The post Dec. 1 Numismatic News eLetters appeared first on Numismatic News.

Do you purchase coins for holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions? Which one(s)?

Here are some responses from our eLetter readers. 

I purchase a 1-ounce silver coin from around the world for the birthday of each of my children and grandchildren. I also purchase a 1-ounce silver Christmas round for all of them each year.

John Cuthbertson
Alsip, Ill.

Yes. Sometimes I purchase them as a gift for other people.

Conner Hopfer
Address withheld

I have given a silver Eagle to each member of my immediate family since the series started. However, this may be the final year of that tradition. With rising spot prices and absolutely insane premiums, they are getting priced out of my pocket.

Bob Fritsch
Nashua, N.H.

The post Coins for Special Occasions appeared first on Numismatic News.

Do you think living people should be portrayed on circulating coinage?

Here are some answers from our e-Newsletter readers.

A qualified no. I would like to see a series of Medal of Honor winners on circulating coins, living, and those that have passed.

Name and address withheld

Absolutely not! Everybody will think that they are entitled and in the end, nobody will be satisfied no matter what happens.

Phil Iversen
Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Big NO.
Let’s return to what the founding fathers determined as most suitable; don’t honor individuals because we are not a monarchy. We should represent metaphors to Liberty, free thought, ending slavery, and servitude (the plebeian hat).

Richard Venberg
Address withheld

It would set the coin collector on fire. I say yes if nothing else, it would be the topic of discussion, at a coin club meeting, coin show and in our coin store (old school barbershop, environment).

Carl Hornberger
Integrity coin store
Poquoson, Va.

As long as the Individual is deserving of such an honor, of course.
As a Marine Corps Veteran, it won’t do me much good for someone to say ” Thanks for Your Service ” to my gravestone. Rocks just don’t listen, nor can they see.

Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.

Absolutely NOT. NOT EVER. And who’s Kindergarten decision was it anyway to change the reverse of the silver American Eagle? This is not a coloring book contest! Someone needs to teach these children some respect.

Name and address withheld

Living people should not be memorialized on U.S. coins like Arkansas and Alabama commemoratives.
Also, foreigners like Isabella should be barred.

S. Schwartz
Address withheld

Yes, it would be a nice touch if the U.S. mint put people that are alive on coins, instead of fossils.

Name and address withheld

NO, remove all the dead presidents also.

Joe Lynch
Address withheld

No. Look at Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington. They all had slaves. and they are dead. It’s safer to put Fords, Chevys, and Plymouth on coins.

Ronald B Ruisinger Sr
Address withheld

No living persons on coins; you never know what they are up to before they die.

Eddy Absil
Address Withheld

No. Not living or dead. Coins should commemorate the country, not an individual.

Name and address withheld

The post Oct. 23 e-Letter Responses appeared first on Numismatic News.

Should the U.S. Mint be doing more to facilitate support of the country’s charitable organizations?

Here are some answers from our e-Newsletter readers.

No. The U.S. Mint shouldn’t be in the business of marketing for or financially supporting charities. Charities should be supported by the public, not the government.

Name and address withheld

No. I don’t believe the U.S. Mint should be supporting charities. They should support things like the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, the VA, NSF youth initiatives, Head Start, the Post Office, etc.

Wayne Wheeler
Address withheld

I am not aware of the U.S. Mint’s involvement in charitable organizations.

However, anything and any support it can provide to these type of entities is more than welcome and very important. This way you kill two birds with one stone. Give and then you will receive back. Getting more people into numismatics is a win/win situation. Even low-income people and the uneducated can enter into the coin “business.”

Becoming more knowledgeable of something interesting and culturally gratifying is an asset to any individual.

Miguel A. Casellas Sastre
San Juan, Puerto Rico

First, for decades, some nations via respective stamp issues have “charity stamps,” with part of the charge for a specific charity. New Zealand has had “health stamps” and the United States has the “breast cancer.” They are both nice and noble issues.

Second, who or what decides what charity or cause? That is the issue. If Congress becomes involved, then it becomes a political “pork-barrel” or an advantage for a candidate’s re-election. Both scenarios are at the expense of the coin hobbyist.

Third, while the nobility and intention may be provocative, the real issue is that American coin hobbyists have abandoned and distanced themselves from the United States Mint, which over 40 years since the return of commemorative coinages, has become the “world’s largest coin dealer.”

Lastly, the charges and costs would only be increased, adding surcharges. This adds to the problem that most all U.S. Mint issued products are too expensive, period.

In conclusion, let the U.S. Mint submit, via a Friday Numismatic News Poll Question, suggestions about charities and ascertain the responses.

Michael S. Turrini
Vallejo, Calif.

The post eletters Nov. 10, 2020 appeared first on Numismatic News.

What coin or series are you most looking forward to in 2021 and why?

Here are some responses from our e-newsletter readers.

’ve started the American Innovation dollar series so that is what I will be really excited to see. It is a very interesting series and has really good themes and coins.

Mark N.
Address withheld

First, if the question implies from  the United States Mint, my answer is short and sweet: nothing, save the intended centennial Morgan and Peace dollar commemoratives, maybe. This is because the original submitted legislation provides funding for the American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Second, for what might or could be: New Zealand type coins to fill my album, Bay Bridge commemoratives, certain “so-called dollars” and the never-before-seen obsolete $10 note from The Searsport Bank of Searsport, Maine; all for my collection completion.

Why? My collecting, long ago, advanced from what could be called “common collector coins.” I simply do not need more recent dated modern commemoratives, annual sets, middle-grade Morgan dollars or Franklin halves.

Third, for the serious endeavor: assembling a Carson City Mint Morgan dollar collection in G-4. If I can’t obtain/afford the high-end graded dollars, I’ll switch to the “bottom of the barrel!”

Michael S. Turrini
Vallejo, Calif.

I would have to say the 2021 Morgan dollar. I enjoy the Morgans and being the 100th anniversary year since the 1921 Morgan, it should be a success.

Mark Fowler
Milford, N.H.

I am looking forward to the 2021 Morgan and Peace dollar commemorative coins.

Name and address withheld

I am looking forward to the silver Eagles because it is the first of the new style and won’t be changed in my lifetime.

Name and address withheld

I am most looking forward to the 2021 Morgan and Peace silver dollars, provided the Senate passes the House-approved bill authorizing these coins.  My interest stems both from a feeling of nostalgia for coins I have admired since I was a kid and from my hopeful anticipation of seeing these classic designs produced in high relief proof versions using today’s minting technology. I think the program will be a huge success for the Mint and the coin collecting hobby.

Kudos to CCAC Chair Tom Uram and CCAC member Michael Moran for their efforts to see this program through the Congressional approval process. I hope it happens.

Gary Marks
Former Chairperson
Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee

None of them because all of them are boring and have no imagination.

Name and address withheld

I’m looking forward to getting all the 2020 “W” ATB quarters! I’m also excited about another one. This one isn’t from the U.S. Mint, but I’m excited about receiving the 10th and final coin of the Queen’s Beast series.

Michael Morton
Address withheld

The post 2021 Coins and Coin Series appeared first on Numismatic News.

What do you think of the newly released reverse designs for the 2021 gold and silver American Eagle coins?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.

It is a nicer reverse. These coins are not circulated, therefore not subject to wear. We must remember the amount of these coins sold as collectibles versus bullion hoarding. How often will these coins be viewed by the owner versus being placed into a safe for later use as bullion?

Carl Hornberger
Integrity Coin Store
Poquoson, Va.

I like the older versions; they seemed more detailed, refined and beautiful.

Name and address withheld

They don’t appeal to me. The designs feel busy. Since I won’t buy them, though, it doesn’t matter.

Henry Mensch
Syracuse, N.Y.

I prefer the original designs for both coins. There was more going on in the original designs, and they were more appealing to me.

I think the new designs are going with the “less is more” effect. They are simpler and do look nice, they are just not my preference.

Mark Fowler
Milford, N.H.

It’s lackluster and looks like a beginner, not a professional’s work. It’s not really a real coin anyway, so they could have a picture of a Hoover on it.

Name and address withheld

The large head design is, in its own way, heraldic and strong-looking. While the second is not bad, it more resembles the scrawny eagle of some early U.S. silver dollars.

Jeffrey S. Wiesenfeld
New York, N.Y.

Change is always good when it comes to coins.

Michael McLoughlin
Manchester, U.K.

I don’t like it. I loved the Walking Liberty design way better than just an eagle.

Name and address withheld

I like the reverse eagle for the one-ounce silver eagle, but I think that the reverse eagle for the gold coin is terrible.

Allan Parker
White Plains, N.Y.

They are both wrong for our country.

Name and address withheld

First, it is obvious these are computer-generated with some graphic program. Whatever happened to great engravers who sketch on paper and then hand-made galvanos?

Second, is the Mint, whose sales have declined over recent years, attempting to attract new interest? Designs are not the attraction, a fair charge is.

Third, the real poll question should be: does a coin design influence purchase? The real retort would be price and resale value, for bullion products.

Buffalo nickels, Lincoln cents, Morgan dollars, Mercury dimes, etc., all remain popular because the designs were never changed or were limited in change.

True, nothing should last forever, save the Lincoln cent’s face side at 111 years!

Michael S. Turrini
Vallejo, Calif.

The post 2021 gold and silver American Eagle coins appeared first on Numismatic News.

Do you think 90 percent silver is the best form of silver investment? Why or why not?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.

Yes, I do think it is a good investment because the U.S. made 90 percent coins for years, so they are easy to come by and you can buy them cheap when silver is low and sell them for lots when silver is high.

Conner Hopfer
Salem, Ore.

Yes, I believe 90 percent silver, as well as 40 percent silver, are a good investment. It’s always a possibility that silver will rise in price. If not, it’s always worth face value.

Ken
Batavia, Ohio

Yes, because it’s not only the silver content but the numismatic value as well. Plus, it’s a thrill to watch over and over again the coins in your collection. It’s like family and not just bulk globs of silver.

John Essington
Pennsylvania

In a crisis situation, 90 percent United States silver coins would be the optimum means of paying for something. It comes in denominations of 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents and $1 and they are recognized by people. Obviously, their value would be more than their face value, but it would be easy to determine the value of a dime, a quarter, or a half dollar. For example, people would know a dime is worth $2.50, a quarter worth $6, a half dollar worth $12 and silver dollars worth $24. It’s easy to remember as a medium of exchange.

Name and address withheld

If a coin, for example, has 1 ounce of silver in its composition, then I suppose it really doesn’t matter whether it’s 90 percent or 99 percent unless you intend on melting it down to plain silver. I’ve never understood why some so-called “collectors” would buy raw precious metals in ounce-weight when they could buy a collectible coin instead with the same weight of gold, silver or platinum, thereby increasing the value of what they own from two angles instead of just one.

Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.

No, I buy them for my collection but prefer bullion as an investment.

Name and address withheld

I believe 90 percent U.S. silver coins are one of the best ways to buy and own silver. It is minted to an exact government standard and is dated. No need to have it assayed.

Michael McKinnon
Southport, N.C.

Yes, if you hunt you can find some fabulous deals on 90 percent silver at around spot or a wee bit over. Paying the premiums on silver Eagles, in my opinion, is silly and overrated. I got four rolls of proof Washington quarters for $162 a roll when the silver price was about $5 a coin, or $200 a roll.

Bill Zearfoss
Philadelphia, Pa.

Forget about 90 percent silver. If you want to invest in silver, buy the new American silver Eagles in 99.9 percent silver.

Name and address withheld

Absolutely. One, it is easily recognized, is rarely questioned, retains its “spending face value,” which is most likely irrelevant to its silver content and can be brokered in small convenient units.

Most transactions are $1,000 face value bags; but, coin silver can be sold and bought in smaller increments. Also, there can be the “fun of the search” going through an accumulation of old silver; you might discover something.

Decades ago, one of my primary mentors, one referred to in a previous Friday Poll Question, preached, “purchase and save silver in various formats: coin, one ounce, small ounce bars and silver Eagles, which allows diversity in selling and unloading.”

So, yes “coin silver” is preferred but diversity offers more opportunity if the need or chance arises. Lately, that seems almost daily!

Michael S. Turrini
Vallejo, Calif.

Since this format encompasses most U.S. silver coins, I would say that is a good investment form. While pure silver bullion is an attractive format, I think that over time investing in regular-issue U.S. coins will probably be more valuable.

Robert Kane
Johnstown, Pa.

The post e-Letters: Sept. 29, 2020 appeared first on Numismatic News.

Is the current strong investor interest in the marketplace good for the collecting hobby? Why or why not?

Here are some responses from our e-Newsletter readers. 

I think the strong investor demand for gold and silver is good for the hobby, and if there aren’t enough modern bullion coins available, then I believe it will encourage investors to look for older silver and gold coins on the secondary market, which could breed a new generation of coin collectors.
Ryan Kordziel
Schenectady, N.Y.

It is more good for the interest of the investor because they can add more price to the commodity, especially if it is in good condition and desirable for the collector. On the other side, it is also good for the collector, as they can purchase their wanted item at a much cheaper price than buying from a coin dealer.
Name and Address Withheld

The collectors that we are catering to are very happy with the rise in gold and silver spot prices. I have silver Eagle collectors that state they know that their cost average into the collection is showing a positive rate of return on its value. Many collectors are expanding their collections to include modern commemoratives, seeing the value of silver for the cost of the item. Our early date type coins are selling no matter what spot prices do, as the value is in the date/condition and mintage. For the most part, we have seen an increase in the collecting of paper money and coins.
Richard Schornak
Integrity Coin Store
Poquoson, Va.

The collectible coin and currency market slightly affects the price of the collectible piece. We have seen no decline in the collectible side of this business. We actually think that it is good for the market and the collector, as coins that were purchased in a low silver market have increased in value. One Morgan collector is so happy that his PCGS and NGC MS-63s have increased with the rise in silver. He is anxious in completing his set. Since we display two-page ads in Numismatic News, we have extended our reach to the coin collector world.
Carl Hornberger
Integrity Coin Store
Poquoson, Va.

Let me respond with these three comments:

Decades ago, with my early ventures into our “world of money” hobby, someone causally but correctly remarked that until recently, most coin hobbyists were involved with investment as a secondary thing or it wasn’t even an influence; it was for the hobby to be enjoyed.

Next, anyone reading Numismatic News and other numismatic periodicals would glean that all the high end and “six figures or more” pieces dominate the market, particularly due to the investment aspect.

Plus, the vast majority of coin hobbyists simply cannot afford or even consider the high-end and “six figures or more” collectibles. They are left to paraphrase a statement by an active coin hobbyist some years back: “common collector coins.” “CCC,” which are a dime a dozen to many coin dealers.

The high-end pieces get the front-page coverage in Numismatic News. The rest of the hobby enjoys what may be affordable on a budget or opportunity.
Michael S. Turrini
Vallejo, Calif.

I say yes and no because some investors just buy a bunch of precious metals without looking into the hobby while others invest and then see how fun the hobby is and start collecting for a hobby.
Conner Hopfer
Salem, Ore.

The post Current Investor Impact on Hobby appeared first on Numismatic News.

Are you more interested in gold or silver? 

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.

I’m interested in both but rely more on silver. If our mighty U.S. dollar collapses, silver will be more portable to use when buying small items like groceries, which means gold would be used when buying much larger items.

I would recommend having some of each if you can afford to.

David P. Cafferata
MSG (Retired), USA

In my opinion, I think silver is under value. So, if you can hold on to it for a while, eventually you can make some money in return in the future!

Kwok WaAu
Hanover, Md.

Gold.

Michael McKinnon
Southport, N.C.

Silver! Why? The ratio disparity is great between the two metals, but I don’t believe it will stay that way and will return to a more normal ratio like 10:1 to 15:1. When, and if, this happens, I will sell my silver and purchase more gold. I believe silver will go up at a faster percentage rate than gold, making an excellent buying opportunity for gold by selling one’s silver.

Rodney Pelles
Toccoa, Ga.

I prefer buying silver as opposed to gold simply because the cost basis is affordable when you consider price points. Secondly, there is more of an upside; liken it to a value stock over time, you will see a gain if you hold.

Adamjam
Pasadena, Md.

I’m more interested in silver. I can’t afford gold.

Larry Rattin
Address Withheld

I like both gold and silver. As for gold, I have some collections of jewelry like rings and necklaces. I also have some necklaces and rings with 925 silver. I bought my mother two sets of silver necklaces, rings and earrings. I have some collections of old coins when the Philippines were under Spanish Regime: 10 centavos, 20 centavos and 50 centavos, both King Alfonso XII and Queen Isabella II of Spain. I also have some collections of coins from the time we were a commonwealth of the United States. I have 1 centavo, 5 centavos, 20 centavos, 50 centavos and 1 peso. I have no gold coins in my collection, just silver and some commemorative coins from the present time.

Name and Address Withheld

The short answer is silver. From an economic viewpoint, silver has a better chance of doubling in price than gold. I hope to cash in my common-date coins that only have intrinsic value and start a new series. A collectible Standing Liberty quarter, BU, for instance, will rise in value but not double.

Horst Seeley
Manchester, N.H.

Oh my goodness, no. If I wasn’t buying $17 silver (and I wasn’t) why on earth would I be buying $27 silver? I go to recently returning local auctions and find great deals on building my early American copper while everyone else fetishizes gold and silver. Remember “buy low and sell high?” It’s a thing.

V. Kurt Bellman
Harrisburg, Pa.

Gold prices are high right now, but silver prices are also rising. Although silver prices are going up, it is still affordable. Right now I collect silver coins. I have gold coins, and their value is impressive; I prefer silver coins for now.

Doug Fields
Laredo, Texas

I prefer silver over gold. The risk is much lower purchasing silver. Silver 90  percent is so cost-effective that anyone is able to spend a $20 bill on dimes or quarters. At the end of the year, I have enough of a hoard that a small working-class guy like myself is able to hold a physical asset.

Carl Hornberger
Integrity Coin Store
Poquoson, Va.

Most of our customers prefer silver due to the spread percentage to gold ratio.  We sell more silver troy ounces than gold at present.

Generic silver .999 bars and rounds are the customer’s choice, due to the lowest spread; Canada Maple Leafs are second. The spread on American silver Eagles is so high that we sell less than 20 a week. Gold American Eagles are the customer preference over K-Rands or Maple Leafs.

Richard Schornak
Integrity Coin Store
Poquoson, Va.

The post Are you more interested in gold or silver? appeared first on Numismatic News.

What non-collecting activities or projects have you taken up in light of hobby events being canceled?

Here are some responses from e-newsletter readers.

Without coin shows for these past several months, I have had a lot of time to read books and coin magazines (especially Numismatic News), and tend to my garden.

Ryan Kordziel

I work in the minting/bullion manufacturing trade (I have been for over 30 years). Since the end of March, I have been working 60+ hour weeks and we are running double shifts trying to keep up with the precious metal market demands. So there has been no time for numismatics or any other hobby as I must keep feeding the monster.

Sean Moffatt
OKC, Okla. 

I’ve been making wood projects. It’s cheaper than collecting coins. I may build some wooden boxes to display some of my collection.
Ken S.
Address Withheld 

I was able to spend my free time working and hanging out at our local coin shop; it is a lot like the old school barbershop, where friends gather and tell stories. I occasionally purchase a coin.

Carl Hornberger

I have been brushing up on my coding skills. I am trying to make a nice coin app for your desktop that keeps track of your coins and numismatic items. It’s very time- consuming but satisfying to me to code and be able to create something out of nothing!
Tony Brubaker
Elkton, Md.

Read more e-letters. 

The post Activities and Projects During COVID appeared first on Numismatic News.