Coin Collecting - The Hobby of Kings

Coin Trivia for 1 Jul 2008

New Book Teaches Techniques and Tips on How to Photograph Coins

Here's a press release I received from Zyrus on a new book coming out in July.

(Irvine, CA) - As the use of the Internet and electronic visual media becomes more of a vital part of the coin industry, photographing coins, either raw or slabbed, has become an increasing concern with collectors and dealers. How do I get a good detailed image of this coin? What are the tools I need? Do I need to purchase any expensive equipment? What kind of lighting should I use? What techniques can I use to produce a good image of this coin?

In Numismatic Photography (published by Zyrus Press), Mark Goodman teaches the reader in an easy-to-read and visually rich guidebook format on how to image quality photos of coins with your digital camera. Whether you are using a digital camera for the first time or you already have experience in other fields of photography, Goodman addresses typical problems faced by the photographer, recommends ways of improvements and offers specific tips and techniques for raw and slabbed coins.

"[Mark] Goodman's first numismatic book is an impressive addition to the coin collector's arsenal of knowledge… Numismatic Photography is recommended for anyone interested in making better coin photos, or in learning how these images are made."

--Roger Burdette, Author of the Renaissance of American Coinage series

Some of the chapters included are Imaging Concepts, Color and Luster, High Contrast Coins, Low Contrast Coins, Toned Coins, Special Imaging Techniques and Image Presentation, among others. The book also includes two appendices: a Troubleshooting Guide and General Rules for Coin Photography.

Releasing on July 15th, look for copies of Numismatic Photography in bookstores nationwide, your local coin shop, or Amazon.com. You can also order from Zyrus Press by mailing to PO Box 17810, Irvine, California 92623, calling (888) 622-7823, or online at Zyrus Press.

Coin Trivia for 24 June 2008

1. Who appears on the obverse of the $50 gold Panama-Pacific commemorative?

2. What is the monetary unit of Austria?

3. When did the BEP produce its first American Numismatic Association souvenir card?

4. What is a Civil War sutler's token?

5. Employees at what U.S. Mint place the Mint marks on the dies?

Coin Trivia for 17 June 2008

1. What date appears to the right of Chief Black Fish on the 1935 Daniel Boone commemorative half dollar?

2. Who designed the reverse of the English coins that show St. George and the dragon?

3. What type of federal note was declared illegal to own in 1933?

4. What U.S. Mint produced the famous doubled die cents of 1955?

5. What is the name of the monthly magazine of the American Numismatic Association?

Coin Trivia for 10 June 2008

1. "NE" appears on what silver Colonial coinage?

2. What mint mark is found on 1917 coinage of Newfoundland issued by the Royal Canadian Mint?

3. What Kentucky man born in 1809 appears on a 1923 $5 silver certificate?

4. What was the highest denomination Canadian coin struck in 1982?

5. What coin of a European country imitates the Spanish Colonial "Pillar Dollar"?

Coin Trivia for 3 June 2008

1. When were the last 90% silver dimes minted?

2. On Polish coinage a grosz is a fractional unit of what denomination?

3. A numismatic bibliophile might collect what?

4. Where is the mint mark on the silver 3-cent piece?

5. What is the name for a coin showing one side with an intaglio mirror-image impression?

Coin Trivia for 27 May 2008

1. Where is the mint mark located on a 1974-D dime?

2. When was the English half penny discontinued?

3. How is the Federal Reserve Bank identified on a modern note?

4. What famous kite-flyer is the symbol of the Franklin Mint?

5. Where is virtually all of the Royal Canadian Mint's foreign coin production?

Coin Trivia for 20 May 2008

1. What event is commemorated on the reverse of the 1971 dollar?

2. What two men were portrayed on the 1983 20-mark commemorative coins of East Germany?

3. What coins appear on 1886 $5 silver certificates?

4. Through 1984, what official U.S. uncirculated set had the highest issue price of the series?

5. When the Royal Canadian Mint was founded, it was a branch of what other Mint?

Would you buy a regular quarter for $0.60?

David Lazarus of the LA Times wrote about the latest World Reserve Monetary Exchange yesterday, discussing their offer of a roll of 50 $1 coins for $124. He notes you can purchase a roll at your bank for the face value of $50.

As part of his data gathering work he contacted Monica Wallace at WRME input from several coin dealers, a representative of the American Numismatic Association and the U.S. mint. He also called WRME to place an order.

A representative from the U.S. Mint said that officials are, "aware of World Reserve Monetary Exchange's ads but are largely powerless to do anything about the company's claims." They advised people with complaints to contact the Federal Trade Commission or their state's attorney general.

Lazarus concludes with a quote from Jim Foster, a Long Beach coin dealer, who said he'd discourage people from buying slickly packaged rolls of presidential coins.

"It's like taking generic aspirin and putting it in a super-exclusive box," he says. "It's still just aspirin."

As always, it's wise to thoroughly research any coin purchases you make.

New Book on Walking Liberty Half Dollars Available

(Irvine, CA) - The second book of the "Strategy Guide Series," Collecting and Investing Strategies for Walking Liberty Half Dollars is the perfect tool for the collector or investor of Walking Liberty Half Dollars.

As the only book available on the subject today, Ambio completely reevaluates the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series in light of profound changes in the market during the past 20 years. Following a classic date-by-date analysis of each Business Strike from 1916-1947 and Proof Issues from 1936-1942, this book provides vital information on strike, luster, rarity analysis, pricing data, prices realized and significant examples. Each section concludes with Ambio's trademark "Collecting and Investing Strategies," which provides invaluable tips and insights into how and what to buy.

If you order the book before June 1st you'll receive free shipping. Order online at www.zyruspress.com, Amazon.com or call at 888-622-7823 to reserve your copy today.

Coin Trivia for 13 May 2008

1. Have pattern coins ever circulated?

2. Various countries struck coins for World Food Day. In what year was this?

3. Where does the star appear on a modern silver certificate?

4. By the ANA's definition, how large must a medallion be?

5. The first unquestionable Proof coins were struck by the U.S. Mint in what year?

Steel cents and nickels in our future?

The numbers just don't add up, as coinflation so adeptly illustrates. The mint pays more to make cents and nickels than their face value. Efforts have begun to remedy the situation. The first pass at a bill is to create steel cents with a copper coating and to use steel in the nickel as well.

Mint Director Edmund Moy is not pleased with the demands the bill places on his organization so it's not likely to happen just yet. However it's encouraging to see progress being made in this direction.

Creators of the bill estimate savings of over $1 billion in 10 years.

Negotiate Live for Coins Online

One of the negatives of buying coins on eBay is the delay between bidding and when you win (or lose) the auction. Unlike a live auction you may have to wait several days before you get to admire your newly acquired coins.

A site by the name of fididel.com (pronounced fih-diddle) is trying to put the fun back into buying items (including coins) by letting buyers and sellers negotiate in real time. If they come to an agreement on the price, the sale is made. If not, the buyer moves on and the seller keeps their item for another day.

It's a new site so the selection is limited. Last I checked there were only 20 coins, but that will likely grow in time.

It's great to see new sites like Fididel coming up with new ways to make purchases online. Bartering has been used in street markets around the world for hundreds of years. It's about time we got to do it online too.

Coin Trivia for 6 May 2008

1. Who appears on the obverse of the Cleveland Great Lakes Exposition commemorative half dollar?

2. Why are so many coins of Ceylon in shapes other than round?

3. When did the motto "In God We Trust" first appear on U.S. paper money?

4. A medalet has a diameter no greater than what?

5. Where were all the U.S. half cents struck?

World Reserve Monetary Exchange Exclusive - Insider Tells All

Here is some information I received from a former call center employee taking calls for the World Reserve Monetary Exchange. They asked not to be identified.

Update: 7 May 2008 This post has been removed after receiving a cease and desist from Monica Wallace, Corporate Counsel for the World Reserve Monetary Exchange. Questions for WRME can be directed to custserv@uni-syn.com.