Then & Now- United States Mint

 

 

"Then & Now" Part 1: looks at the early years of the Mint, featuring 1940 documentary footage from the US National Archives​.

The $200 Million Coin Collection

The Pogue Collection will likely be the most expensive coin collection ever sold at auction. The face value of the 681 coins? $969.14.

Caring For Your Coin Collection

To retain the value and look of your coin collection, proper care and storing are essential.

Tools to help you organize and care for your collection include:

• A high-quality magnifying glass for coin inspection
• A soft cloth or pad to hold coins over when viewing them
• A plastic ruler (metal rulers may scratch coins)
• A general coin reference book that includes information on dates, mint marks, major varieties, grading guidelines, and prices
• Good lighting
• Soft cotton gloves
• Coin holders or albums for storing your coins 

Handling Your Collection

Hold a coin by its edges between your thumb and forefinger over a soft towel or surface. Wear soft cotton gloves to protect the coin’s surface from fingerprints and the natural oils on your skin, which can be corrosive.

While you may be tempted to polish your coins to make them look shiny and new, proceed with caution. Polishing and/or cleaning coins can reduce their value. Older coins that show deep age coloration are more desirable than coins whose surfaces have been stripped away by improper polishing or cleaning.

If you do polish a coin to remove dirt, use mild soap and water. Once you’ve washed the coin, pat it dry with a soft towel. Brushing or rubbing can scratch a coin’s delicate surface.

Storing Your Collection

Keep coins cool and dry

Sharp changes in temperature and moisture cause discoloration that devalues coins. Avoid talking directly over coins; tiny droplets of saliva can also create spots on a coin. Just like fingerprints, these marks are difficult to remove.

Use original holders

All modern coin sets and coins should be bought and sold in original cases and capsules. The Mint sells coin sets in protective plastic cases called lenses or in folders. Individual coins are packaged in capsules fitted into folders or boxes.

In addition to original holders, other storage options include:

• 2″ x 2″ cardboard or plastic holders
• Plastic tubes or capsules
• Sleeves or envelopes
• Albums

For high-value coins, use hard plastic holders. Professional coin grading services use sealed holders called slabs to protect authenticated and graded coins. Use acid-free cardboard and plastic holders free from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Acid and PVC can ruin a coin’s surface. PVC eventually coats a coin with sticky green slime.

Save documentation

Some coins and coin sets come with a certificate of authenticity and/or an information card.

Keep them safe

A safe-deposit box at a bank is ideal. If you have a home collection, ensure that your home insurance covers full replacement costs. Source

What Types of Coins are Good for New Collectors?

Many who are just getting started in coin collecting ask themselves this very question. Here are some tried and true suggestions for beginners who would like to build a coin collection:

Rare Pennies and Cents;

Many collectors start off with the Wheat Penny. This is the longest-running coin series in United States history. Lincoln Cents were first minted back in 1909 for the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. Although the design has changed several times, the coins have been continuously minted since 1909. A complete collection of Lincoln Cents from 1909 to date numbers about 300 different coins. This is a great starting point as many coins are relatively inexpensive in circulated grades.

Morgan Silver Dollars;

Another great series to collect is the Morgan Silver Dollar. These coins have great appeal and are some of the most collected coins worldwide. While many are very accessible even for beginners, there are a few expensive coins in this collection – 1889-CC, 1893-S, 1895 – that would set you back thousands of dollars for even low-grade examples. Morgan Dollars were minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City and Denver.

U.S. Classic Commemorative Coin Collections;

There are 50 basic types of coins, which include quarter, half dollar and dollar coins, and every design is different. All coins were minted between 1892 and 1954 and all are silver. Commemorative coins were minted to celebrate grand and trivial events alike.

Buffalo Nickels;

One of the more popular coins to collect are Buffalo Nickels. These unique coins are a historic callback to the Old West, and many collectors aim to have a complete set of the nickels. Some of these coins have exceptionally rare variants with errors, such as the three-legged buffalo or the raised ground reverse. Nickels produced by the San Francisco mint are highly sought after for their rarity. Alternatively, common buffalo nickels are relatively easy to come by, but the rare ones are much more interesting to pursue.

Roosevelt Dimes;

After President Roosevelt’s death in 1946, the U.S. Mint designed a tribute coin in his honor. Today, you can collect dimes from date, mint, and strike. Avid collectors of the Roosevelt Dimes strive to find a set of fully struck coins as well as full torch sets. Unlike other collectable historical coins, these dimes only have one rarity: the 1982 No Mint Mark variety.

Kennedy Half-Dollars;

Another tribute coin to a beloved leader, the Kennedy Half-Dollars have many different varieties that make them highly coveted collectables. When first issued after Kennedy’s death in 1964, these coins were made with 90% silver. Because of the high precious metal content, this initial version is the most desirable. In 1965, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and then eliminated entirely in 1971. Notable rarities in this series are those with unique mint marks and special editions, such as 200th anniversary of America’s independence which featured a special reverse design. Source

Ted Talk: Coin Collecting, a Worthwhile Hobby | Yu-Tsang (Ray) Lin

 

 

In his TEDx presentation titled "Coin Collecting, a Worthwhile Hobby," Ray Lin shares his passion for collecting coins and highlights why it is a valuable pursuit. He reminisces about how he developed an interest in coins when his friend showcased a beautiful and ancient coin during an art class. Lin describes how his collection of coins provided inspiration for a school project, earning him recognition and a high grade. He emphasizes the benefits of coin collecting as a hobby, particularly for beginners, and encourages them to seek advice from experienced collectors online. Lin also dispels the notion that coin collecting is an unpopular hobby by citing the U.S. Mint's statistic of over 140 million coin collectors in the United States alone. Lastly, he discusses the financial responsibility that coin collecting can foster, urging collectors to manage their budgets and adapt creative strategies, such as selling unwanted coins, to acquire desired pieces.

How Did the Discovery of Gold Help the U.S. Mint Expand?

 

 

"Moments at the Mint" is a series focusing on the intersection of important moments in  U.S. history with the work of the United States Mint. In this video, they explore how the discovery of precious metals influenced current and historic Mint locations across the U.S.

History of The Nickel Coin

The history of the nickel coin dates back to the 19th century, when it was first introduced in the United States. Over the years, the nickel coin has featured a variety of designs. Including the Shield nickel, the Liberty Head nickel, the Buffalo and the Jefferson nickels of today.

Today, nickel coins continue to be an essential part of the U.S. modern currency system, providing a low-value denomination for use in everyday transactions.

Nickel Three Cent Pieces (1865-1889)

Today, nickel coins in the U.S. are synonymous with five cent pieces, But you may be surprised to learn that wasn't always the case.

America's first nickel coins actually had a face value of three cents. Hoarding of silver coins after the Civil War caused shortages. So in 1865, the U.S. Mint introduced nickel three cent coins as an alternative to silver three cent pieces (known as "trimes").

The denomination was minted in both silver and nickel from 1865-1873. However, the nickel coins were easily recognized from their silver counterparts. Their reverse was similar, with a Roman numeral III for the denomination. But while silver trimes bore a star on their obverse, the obverse of three cent nickel coins depicted Liberty

Shield Nickels, 1866-1883

The history of 5¢ "nickels" begins with the Shield nickel. It was introduced in 1866 because silver half dimes – like all silver coins – were hoarded following the Civil War.

The Shield nickels of 1866-1883 were struck in 25% nickel and 75% copper – the same composition used today. These nickel coins featured a Union Shield on the obverse, which was a symbol of unity commonly used during the Civil War era.

During 1866 and early 1867, the large numeral "5" on the reverse was surrounded by alternating rays and stars. These short-lived Shield nickels "With Rays" were replaced during 1867 by the "Without Rays" variety, which continued for the rest of the series.

Liberty Head "V" Nickels, 1883-1913

During the year 1883, the design of America's 5¢ nickels was changed to the now-famous Liberty Head nickel motif by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber. Liberty is seen on the obverse with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY.

These coins are commonly known as "V" nickels because the reverse featured a large Roman numeral V (5) for the denomination.

Some 1883 Liberty Head nickels were gold-plated by individuals who were trying to deceive others by passing them off as $5 gold coins. This was possible because the word "CENTS" was omitted on the reverse side of the nickel coin and the size of the coin was similar to that of Liberty Head $5 gold coins of the time.

The most infamous of these racketeers was Josh Tatum. A deaf mute, he was caught but never convicted because he apparently never claimed the coins were anything other than nickels. He simply accepted whatever change he received (from 5¢ or $5).

Something had to be done. So after some 5.5 million coins were struck, the U.S. Mint added the word CENTS below the Roman numeral "V" on the reverse of the Liberty "V" nickels.

An equally interesting event occurred at the end of the series, when five unauthorized 1913 Liberty Head nickels were struck by some mint insider (no other 1913 Liberty nickels were produced). These extremely rare "V" nickels are among the most legendary of all U.S. coins.

Buffalo Nickels, 1913-1938

The Buffalo nickel – also known as the Indian Head nickel – showcases an American motif designed by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser.

During the early 20th century, most circulating U.S. coins received new designs that were highly acclaimed and influenced by President Theodore Roosevelt, who served from 1901-1909. And the nickel was no exception.

Fraser's new design was an instant classic, due in large part to its distinctly American motif. The obverse displays a portrait of a proud Native American chief, while the reverse features an American bison (often called a buffalo).

When introduced in 1913, the buffalo stood on a raised mound inscribed with FIVE CENTS (Type 1). But the raised mound caused the inscription to wear off quickly. So the design was changed midway through 1913 to protect the words FIVE CENTS by placing them in a recessed area below the buffalo (Type 2).

These revered U.S. nickel coins were struck until 1938 in very modest quantities compared to modern nickel mintages.

Jefferson Nickels, 1938-Present

Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, is featured on the Jefferson nickel.

In 1938, the design of nickels was changed after 25 years of featuring the Buffalo motif. The new design showcased the profile of Thomas Jefferson, primary author of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd U.S. president who significantly expanded the country with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

His Virginia home Monticello was depicted on the reverse.

From mid-1942 to 1945 during World War II, Jefferson nickel coins were produced using a special silver alloy to conserve nickel for the war effort. These silver wartime issues are easily recognized by their larger mint mark, which appears on the reverse above Monticello.

Aside from this, the design remained unchanged for over 65 years. In 2004, special designs were introduced to commemorate the bicentennial of the 1804-1806 Lewis & Clark Expedition – authorized by President Jefferson to explore the vast, newly acquired Louisiana Purchase.

The "Peace Medal" and "Keelboat" reverse designs were minted exclusively in 2004. In 2005, they were followed by the "American Bison" and "Ocean in View" issues – both of which bore a new obverse design showed a close-up portrait of Jefferson.

In 2006, the nickel's design changed yet again. For the obverse, a new forward-facing portrait of Jefferson was introduced. While the reverse changed to once more feature Jefferson's home, Monticello. This design remains in use today. Source

How Coins Are Made

 

 

This video is a brief description on how a coin is made and the detail that goes into the process.

How to Start Watch Collecting: A Guide for Beginners

Embarking on the journey of watch collecting is a fascinating venture that transcends the mere measurement of time; it's an exploration of craftsmanship, design, and personal style. For beginners, the world of horology might seem vast and intricate, but fear not, as this guide aims to illuminate the path to building and maintaining a watch collection.

1. Define Your Style and Purpose

Before delving into the multitude of watches available, take a moment to consider your personal style and the purpose behind your collection. Are you drawn to classic elegance, modern minimalism, or robust sports watches? Understanding your preferences will guide your choices and make your collection more cohesive.

2. Set a Budget

Watch collecting can be as affordable or extravagant as you make it. Define a realistic budget that aligns with your financial comfort. Fortunately, the market offers a variety of watches at different price points, making it accessible to collectors with diverse budgets.

3. Learn the Basics of Watch Movements

Understanding the different types of watch movements is crucial for any collector. Watches typically fall into three categories: quartz, automatic, and manual. Quartz watches are powered by a battery, automatic watches are self-winding, and manual watches require regular winding. Knowing the distinctions will help you make informed choices based on your preferences.

4. Research Iconic Brands and Models

Immerse yourself in the world of horological history by researching iconic watch brands and models. Familiarize yourself with the craftsmanship, history, and distinct features that set each brand apart. Whether it's the timeless elegance of Rolex, the innovation of Omega, or the avant-garde designs of Audemars Piguet, each brand has its unique story to tell.

5. Start with Versatile Pieces

For beginners, it's wise to start with versatile and timeless pieces that can be worn in various settings. A classic dress watch or a versatile sports watch can serve as a cornerstone for your collection, complementing different outfits and occasions.

6. Connect with the Watch Community

Watch collecting is a communal experience. Engage with fellow enthusiasts, both online and offline. Attend watch events, join forums, and participate in discussions. Learning from seasoned collectors and sharing your experiences will enhance your journey and provide valuable insights into the world of watches.

7. Embrace the Journey

Watch collecting is not a race; it's a journey. As your collection grows, each watch will carry memories and stories. Whether it's a watch handed down through generations, a milestone purchase, or a timepiece you assembled with your own hands, every watch adds a layer to your unique narrative.

Starting a watch collection is a delightful endeavor that combines passion, aesthetics, and a sense of history. It's a journey of self-discovery and appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each tick. Source

Early Coin Collecting

The long-held view that coin collecting began with the Italian Renaissance has been challenged by evidence that the activity is even more venerable. Suetonius (ad 69–122) relates in his De vita Caesarum (Lives of the Caesars; Augustus 75) that the emperor Augustus was fond of old and foreign coins and gave them as gifts to his friends. In addition to this account and a variety of other literary accounts of collecting from Greek and Roman sources, there is tangible archaeological evidence that coins have been collected at least from the Roman era and probably for as long as they have existed. For example, a hoard of some 70 Roman gold coins found at Vidy, Switzerland, did not contain any two specimens of the same type, which implies that the coins were collected during the period of Roman rule in that town.

The broader field of art collecting, for which specific and reliable accounts do exist, began in the 4th or 3rd century bc. Since coins of that period are universally recognized as works of art, and since they were among the most affordable and transportable objects of the art world, it is not surprising that they would have been collected even then. Certainly, they were appreciated for more than their value as currency, because they were often used in jewelry and decorative arts of the period.

During the reign of Trajanus Decius (ad 249–251), the Roman mint issued a series of coins commemorating all of the deified emperors from Augustus through Severus Alexander. The designs on these coins replicated those of coins issued by the honoured rulers—some of the original coins being nearly 300 years old by that time. It would have been necessary for the mint to have examples of the coins to use as prototypes, and it is hard to see such an assemblage as anything but a collection. In ad 805 Charlemagne issued a series of coins that very closely resemble the style and subject matter of Roman Imperial issues—another example of collected coins providing inspiration for die engravers of a later era. The Nestorian scholars and artisans who served the princes of the Jazira (Mesopotamia, now Iraq, Syria, and Turkey) in the 12th and 13th centuries designed a magnificent series of coins with motifs based on ancient Greek and Roman issues. Some of these so accurately render the details of the originals that even the inscriptions are faithfully repeated. Others were modified in intriguing ways. The only difference, for example, between the reverse of a Byzantine coin of Romanus III and its Islamic copy is that the cross has been removed from the emperor’s orb in deference to Muslim sensibilities. The great variety and the sophisticated use of these images reveal the existence of well-studied collections. The eminent French numismatist Ernest Babelon, in his 1901 work Traité des monnaies Grecques et Romaines, refers to a manuscript dating to 1274, Thesaurus magnus in medalis auri optimi, which recorded a formal collection of ancient coins at a monastery in Padua, Italy. Petrarch (1304–1374), the famed humanist of the Italian Renaissance, formed a notably scientific and artistic collection of ancient coins. Source