Annealing & Whirlaway B-Roll

This b-roll shows the blanks arriving at the annealing furnace, where they will be heated to soften the metal. [NOTE: For most coins, annealing is done in a large furnace. However, because this process is difficult to capture on film, this video includes a shot of a 3-inch medal being annealed by a blowtorch. Because medals are made in lower quantities, it is possible to anneal them by hand.]

From the furnace, the blanks drop into a quench tank to reduce the temperature. Next, the blanks travel through a huge cylindrical tube called the "whirlaway." Suspended high above the ground, these tubes tilt at a 45-degree angle toward the washing and drying station. As the blanks travel up the whirlaway toward the washer, excess liquid is drained.

After leaving the whirlaway, blanks are placed in a washing machine. Similar to the washing machine process you might have in your home, the blanks go through a series of cycles that soak and shake the blanks in various chemicals.  This is to remove any oxides, tarnish, discoloration or contamination that remains after annealing.

Blanking B-Roll

 

All coins start as a sheet of metal. The United States Mint buys metal strips that are about 13 inches wide and 1,500 feet long, and these strips are wound into giant coils, which are easier to move. Each coil is fed through a blanking press, which punches out round discs called "blanks." The strip of metal that's left over is called webbing, and it will be shredded and recycled—usually into another sheet of metal.

The Mint doesn't make blanks for pennies—it buys them. However, the Mint supplies fabricators with the copper and zinc that are used to make the penny blanks.

Busting The Top 5 Myths Of Coin Collecting!

 

We busted the top coin collecting myths and misconceptions that every collector should know! Don't miss out on these essential tips to enhance your numismatic journey.

How Much is Dental Gold Worth?

The average dental gold item weighs 3.5 grams and is made of 18 karat gold, which is 75% gold content. Based on the current gold price per gram of ($157.31) as of February 6, 2026, the average value of a dental gold item is $412.95. But you can expect to get around 40–70% of the actual value when you sell it, for a total of around $165.18–$289.07 on average per dental gold item that you sell.

What is Dental Gold?

Dental gold is a specialized type of gold alloy used in dentistry for various dental procedures, including fillings, crowns, and bridges. This precious metal is valued for its unique properties, such as biocompatibility, durability, and malleability, which make it an ideal choice for dental restorations.

Dentists use gold for fillings because it is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, ensuring that the restoration remains intact and functional for an extended period.

Additionally, gold has a similar wear rate to natural tooth enamel, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding teeth. Its excellent biocompatibility also means that gold is less likely to cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects in patients.

Overall, dental gold offers a reliable and long-lasting solution for various dental treatments, making it a popular choice among dental professionals.

How Much Gold is in Dental Gold?

Dental gold crowns often use dental alloys with a karat value ranging from 10 to 22.

The gold karat system is a method used to measure the purity of gold by indicating the proportion of gold in an alloy. The system uses a scale from 1 to 24, with 24 karats representing pure gold. Each karat represents 1/24th of the whole, so one karat is equivalent to approximately 4.167% gold content.

For example, if you have a 14-karat gold item, it means that 14 parts out of 24 are pure gold, and the remaining 10 parts are made up of other metals. To calculate the gold content percentage, you can divide the karat number by 24 and multiply by 100. In this case, 14/24 x 100 = 58.33%, which means a 14-karat gold item contains 58.33% pure gold.

Similarly, an 18-karat gold item is composed of 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals. To find the gold content percentage, you would calculate 18/24 x 100 = 75%, meaning an 18-karat gold item contains 75% pure gold.

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Is Scrap Gold Worth Anything?

Yes, scrap gold holds real value based on its purity and weight.

Buyers calculate offers using the current market price of gold, then adjust based on the karat level of each piece. They then sell to refiners who melt down scrap gold to extract pure metal, which they resell to manufacturers for new jewelry, electronics, and other products.

The karat stamp determines how much pure gold an item contains:

• 10K gold contains 41.7% pure gold
• 14K gold contains 58.3% pure gold
• 18K gold contains 75% pure gold
• 24K gold contains 99.9% pure gold

Higher karat pieces yield better returns because they contain more actual gold. For example, a 10-gram 18K bracelet is worth more than a 10-gram 10K bracelet of the same weight. Buyers typically pay a percentage of the melt value to cover refining and overhead costs. 

Scrap gold refers to any gold item valued for its metal content rather than its appearance or function. 

These pieces are typically broken, damaged, or unwanted, and buyers purchase them to melt down and refine. The condition doesn’t matter; only the amount of actual gold it contains.

Here are some common examples of scrap gold:

• Broken or tangled jewelry chains
• Mismatched earrings or damaged bracelets
• Old class rings or outdated gold pieces
• Dental crowns, fillings, and bridgework
• Gold components from electronics
• Worn coins or bars that have lost collector value

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Coin Storage Tips | How and Where to Keep Your Collection Safe

 

Keep your coin collection safe and secure with these expert tips for storing coins and explore the best coin storage options for collectors. If you're serious about protecting your investment, former ANA Education Director Rod Gillis covers options for collectors from affordable coin tubes and cardboard flips to high-end plastic holders and graded cases.

Rod breaks down the pros and cons of various coin storage methods, discussing how to protect your collection from damage while keeping it organized. Whether you're looking for economical solutions or premium options, you'll learn how to store your coins with confidence.

In addition to physical storage, Rod offers essential advice on where to store your collection—whether it's at home or in a secure safety deposit box. He shares valuable security tips, including choosing discreet hiding spots, investing in flame-retardant safes, and safeguarding high-value coins in bank vaults.

2026 Semiquincentennial Coin & Medal Program | U.S. Mint

 

The U.S. Mint presents the 2026 Semiquincentennial Coin & Medal Program, a one‑year tribute to America’s legacy, its people, and enduring ideals.