Precious Metal & Rare Coin Market News

In 1854 the U.S. Mint's chief engraver, James B. Longacre, reached a milestone in his career. For the first time, he would choose the design for a piece of currency: in this case the three-dollar gold coin. Much of the currency up to that point favored designs that referenced the Romans and the Greeks. However, Longacre decided to go in a different direction. He wanted to choose something that was closer to the American identity ... >> Read More        

By Mark Ferguson Mark Ferguson is the editor and publisher of CAC Market Values. He has graded coins professionally for PCGS and served as the principal market analyst while managing updates for more than 65,000 price points for Coin World magazine. In other words, Mark knows his coins! Demand for investment-grade rare coins has surged since the coronavirus pandemic and economic crisis began six months ago; and this demand has been strong for CAC coins.  ... >> Read More        

Throughout history only a few men rose to such prominence to be instantly recognized by their initials. Oh, there's a few of course. Like FDR, JFK and LBJ. Within the numismatic world, expert collectors instantly recognize the initials VDB. Who is VDB? Victor David Brenner. If you haven't heard the story, pour yourself a cup of tea and settle in for a treat. Born Viktoras Barnauskas on June 12, 1871 in Shavli, Lithuania, Brenner immigrated ... >> Read More        

Charles E. Barber, the sixth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, set out to design a set of coinage consisting of a new dime, quarter and half dollar. While the coins would ultimately carry his name (“Barber coins”) he decided to invite artists to submit designs for the new pieces. Artists were asked to submit models in low relief for judging. Barber’s guidelines were more stringent than those of previous competitions. He required that ... >> Read More        

If you collect rare coins, you are probably familiar with the Winged Liberty Head Dime, popularly known as the “Mercury” Dime. The U.S. mint struck this beloved coin from 1916 until 1945. This is one of the most popular and iconic coins that numismatists acquire for sets. Easy availability of most of the years is one reason that even beginning collector will reach the satisfying goal of owning a Mercury Dime set. Within the Mercury ... >> Read More        

Many numismatists acquire rare coins for their rich history, exquisite beauty and absolute uniqueness. Owning early U.S. American gold and silver coins opens a window to a bygone era in history and invites exploration of the exciting years as our nation developed. Once you begin learning about rare coins, the interest, love and appreciation for this unique asset class grows stronger. Beyond the pure aesthetics of rare coin ownership, there is proven historical research that ... >> Read More        

The California Gold Rush changed the firmament of American life. Nearly 300,000 people came to the state seeking to stake their claim and pull new found wealth from the ground. However, this adventurous spirit precipitated some serious problems. Many indigenous populations were forced off their lands by opportunistic “forty-niners,” a reference to those flocking to California during the peak of the gold rush in 1849. In fact, the gold rush was so momentous that its ... >> Read More        

Soon after World War I ended, the US decided to commemorate the peace that followed with a dollar coin. When it came time to design the artwork officials had the idea to host a competition. Artists could submit designs and a winner would be selected and receive the honor of seeing their work on an approved piece of US currency consisting almost entirely of silver. Additionally, the winner would be awarded $1,500 in prize money ... >> Read More        

It is often called one of the most beautiful U.S. coins. For serious collectors, the impressive 1907 High Relief Double Eagle designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens is often their first major purchase. For others, this prized $20 gold coin represents an aspirational trophy, which is highly coveted in the numismatics world. What makes this unique coin so special? For starters, the story behind the development of these coins is legendary. Affectionately known as "Saints," these awe-inspiring ... >> Read More        

She is a busty beauty with flowing long hair. This 1806 classic silver half dollar, the Draped Bust, has outstanding eye appeal and a natural heft to hold in your hand. Congress first authorized the creation of a half dollar in April, 1792. The Draped Bust version was struck from 1796 through 1807. Collectors have numerous varieties to choose from when selecting 1806 half dollars. The one in our current inventory is one of the ... >> Read More