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U.S. Mint Basketball Coin Surprise

Wife Plays Key Role in Obtaining Basketball Coin OK, I see people all the time that say “I got this, or I got that,” so you can say   “Hey, it’s my turn.” I had read about the Basketball coins in one of your mags, and about all there would be offered. Then we got COVID-19 and things changed. So, now we had the proof, clad, or gold. So I got the proof. It was a great coin – but what about the other stuff? Besides the magazine, I saw the coins advertised in an email, but you had to order it on Aug. 28 by noon. So I told my wife, “You have to get this coin for me!” She is really good at this stuff. And I told her “Remember, I want the clad one.” She gave me this funny look (I never go after clad stuff.). So Aug. 28 comes around and she said “nothing.” When we got to the 30, I asked her “What’s up? Did you order the coin?” She said, “Oh. Yes, I did.” And so I waited. On Sept. 4, in my wife walks with a box from the Mint. I had a little smile but when I got to the box, I said: “It ...

American Innovation Proof Set to Become Available

For those who missed out on buying any of the coins in the American Innovation 2020 series so far, the Mint has you covered. On Oct. 8 at noon EST, the Mint is releasing the American Innovation 2020 $1 Coin Proof Set. The set features four coins celebrating and honoring significant American innovation and pioneering efforts of individuals or groups in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and South Carolina. The coins have sharp relief and mirror-like backgrounds with frosted foregrounds, giving them a cameo effect. Each coin weighs 8.1 grams, has a diameter of 1.043 inches and a lettered edge. The coins are produced at the San Francisco Mint, and each set comes with a certificate of authenticity. The cost is $24 and there is no mintage, product, or household order limit at the time of this writing. These sets can be purchased online at catalog.usmint.gov. Phone ordering is currently unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The post American Innovation Proof Set to Become Availab...

Mythology Featured on Early Indian Banknotes

The origin of the universe can be explained by modern astronomers and astrophysicists, while archaeologists and historians try to clarify the origin of human societies. A mythology is a collection of stories about a specific culture or religion. They often feature supernatural characters. Cultures around the world are filled with such ales about relationships between gods and humans. In the distant past, however, before any sciences existed, the beginnings of the world and of society were explained by MYTHOLOGY. Mythology is a common topic of expression through artwork. Not just dance; painting, sculpting, the mythology is a way of expression during many facets of day to day life. Even on Indian coins, stamps, and banknotes Mythology is featured with distinct concepts. The blog covers the topic: Mythology Featured on Early Indian Banknotes. As the British colonial reign strengthened in India over the years, their paper currency became the new normal. More denominations came in, layou...

Gold, Silver and Platinum Score Weekly Gains

Gold, silver and platinum retreated on Friday, paring their gains on the week. Palladium also declined on Friday, barely, standing by itself with a weekly loss. Gold for December delivery declined... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Curved Colorized Silver Dollars Enter Ranks

August 28 saw a milestone for both the U.S. Mint and interested collectors: Sales began of the Mint’s first-ever colorized coins. As part of the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame offerings, a curved colorized silver dollar and a curved colorized clad half dollar became available for purchase. After 10 days on sale, the Mint reports that a total of 20,609 of the colorized silver dollar were sold and 24,996 of the colorized clad half dollar were picked up. Best-sellers this week will be familiar to those who follow Mint Statistics. The top spot is occupied by the 10-coin clad proof set with “W” nickel; it totals 342,842 sold. With silver still dominating the precious metals market, it comes as no surprise that the 2020-W proof silver American Eagle is a top contender, coming in a close second this week with a total of 341,948. The number three spot goes to the Basketball Hall of Fame colorized half dollar. Number four is occupied by another silver Eagle, the 2020-W uncirculated version, ...

e-Letters: Sept. 29, 2020

From the Sept. 4 Numismatic News e-Newsletter.  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 me...

Disturbances, Interruptions on Coin Edges

The reeded edge of a coin I recently examined appears to be disturbed. Any thoughts on what this might indicate? Disturbances or interruptions to the reeding on a coin’s edge may suggest the coin has been repaired, especially if the coin at some time was used as jewelry and a loop that had been fastened has since been removed. The reed count on coins in some series helps detect altered dates or counterfeit coins.   Large and Small Mintmarks appear on several dates of Mercury dimes, yet only the 1945 S-dated coins are generally treated as varieties. Is there a reason why? The Small Mintmark or Micro S variety of the dime of which you spoke has received more publicity than other dates. This impacts the interest and value of this Small Mintmark, but it doesn’t mean that as a specialist in Mercury dimes you should trivialize other lesser-known dates with Mint-produced varieties.   I have a 1983-P Kennedy half dollar that has a completely plain edge. The die rotation is off b...