The Central Bank of Malta issued a numismatic commemorative coin on May 9 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Malta’s adoption of the euro currency. This coin was struck by the Royal Dutch Mint in Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel and has a limited mintage of just 2,000. The coin weighs 15.5 grams and has a diameter […]
Affordable Capped Bust silver coinage
The Capped Bust series was the main design on United States silver coinage from 1807 to 1839, with half dollars being struck for the entire period, and half dimes, dimes, and quarters being struck for shorter periods during that same timeframe. Designed by John Reich, the design of these silver coins has a classic feel […]
Bowers on collecting: Coins of the presidential administrations — John Adams
This week I give another overview of the coins issued during the administrations of various presidents from George Washington to date with a small selection of illustrations. To include all of the design types—never mind different dates and varieties—would far exceed the space available. For that information see A Guide Book of United States Coins. […]
A few bank notes of the German hyperinflationary period
The hyperinflation period of Germany from 1922 to 1923 is one of the most turbulent times in economic history. In August 1914, at the start of World War I, it took 4.19 German Marks to get one U.S. dollar. By January 1922, this had increased to 207.82 Marks, and a year later in January 1923, […]
How interest rate hikes and a lack of scarcity brought the U.S. Mint’s American Eagle gold coin sales to the lowest levels in a decade
U.S. government data regarding the Mint’s recent sales figures has provided us with some fascinating revelations. American Eagle gold coin sales have fallen to their lowest in 11 years, not seeing so few sales since April 2007. 4,500 ounces of American Eagle gold coins were sold in April 2018, which is 25 percent less than […]
Q&A: Can recovered money issued by the Confederate States of America be redeemed for modern money?
The following Q&A is excerpted from Clifford Mishler’s Coins: Questions & Answers, 5th edition: Q: What is the difference between “Confederate money” and “Southern States currency”? A: “Confederate money” is considered to be that issued under the specific authorization of the Confederate States of America, with the first notes being issued in Montgomery and Richmond in […]
Red Book recollections: Jeff Garrett
Coin Update continues its series dedicated to reflecting on the long history of Whitman Publishing’s Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book, now in its 72nd edition. “Red Book Recollections” features personal reflections written by Red Book contributors, collectors, and others with the aim of providing different perspectives on the […]
Bowers on collecting: Fifth Ward Museum Hotel
The Fifth Ward Museum Hotel was conducted by Thomas Riley and partners at 94 Broadway in New York City. Opened in 1826, it was an attraction from the start, further emphasized when a flagpole soaring 174 feet into the sky was erected on the ground next to it.[1] The exhibits, mainly in a room up […]
A brief history of the modern American Buffalo gold coin
The U.S. Mint’s 2018 American Buffalo One-Ounce Gold Proof Coin (product code 18EL) is set to be released on May 10 at noon. The popular gold bullion coin features the modified version of James Earle Fraser’s design of a buffalo for the Indian Head nickel on the reverse. Inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST, UNITED STATES […]
Even though they’re primarily paying with cards, millennials still prefer the feel of metal between their fingers
On April 23, 2018, an article by payments risk expert Douglas A. King revealed some shocking insight into the transaction habits of millennials, which Pew Research defines as an individual born between 1981 and 1996 (me). In a departure from the typical narrative, none of the eight millennials that participated in the panel currently live […]
