Precious Metal & Rare Coin Market News

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        

It was the year 1835. Large quantities of gold were being shipped overland to the East, only to be waylaid by bandits en route. So the U.S. Congress, in a moment of wisdom, declared that branch mints be established in three southern cities, including the grand dame herself: New Orleans. From its beginning, the New Orleans Mint was vitally important. One reason is New Orleans’ location at the mouth of the Mississippi River, which made ... >> Read More        

The US three-cent silver coin was one of the many repercussions of the California gold rush. The country experienced a surging supply of gold as new discoveries opened in the east. This development created an economic scenario in which the price of gold relative to silver dropped. Thus, silver could be traded for ever increasing amounts of gold. As a result, a shortage of silver developed in the country. This was the new setting in ... >> Read More        

What's that coin worth? After John Reich designed the Capped Bust dime, citizens and foreigners no longer wondered what that coin in their hand was worth. The Capped Bust dime was the first dime that stated its face value on the coin. Minted from 1809 through 1837, Reich is credited with this important innovation of including the value "10C" on the coin. Reich developed the popular 'Liberty with a cap' concept, which was struck on ... >> Read More        

This coin is heavy and large, and it has eight sides. Its face value is $50. One side doesn’t have a portrait, Lady Liberty, or anything else you might expect on a numismatic rarity. No, it has a pattern, created through a process called “engine turning.” It’s an odd coin. You might even call it weird. Take a look at the eagle. It’s a bit scrawnier than our modern numismatic eagle, and it’s holding a ... >> Read More        

The 1776 Continental dollar coin represents, perhaps more than any other piece of US currency, the state of upheaval within the nation's colonies in 1776. Consider, for example, that there is no known documentation authorizing the issuance or approval of this coin. Moreover, the word currency is misspelled on the obverse of one of the varieties of the coin suggesting that the design and minting was rushed. Under the circumstances, these errors are not surprising ... >> Read More        

The Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollars were minted from 1916 through 1947 with broad public and artistic acclaim and are widely considered to be one of America's most beautiful coins. It was no secret the public disliked its predecessor: the Barber half dollar. In April 1915, Robert Woolley took over as U.S. Mint Director and one of his first acts was to request new designs for silver coinage including a new silver half dollar. Acclaimed ... >> Read More        

If you are reading this blog, you either want to learn more about tangible assets investing or you already own bullion and maybe even rare coins. No matter what your experience level, you have come to the right place. Blanchard has been helping individuals protect and grow their wealth through tangible assets investing since 1975. Blanchard is the trusted tangible assets investment firm for over 450,000 clients. Many of our clients come to us with ... >> Read More