Precious Metal & Rare Coin Market News

Welcome coin investors! The history of coins and money is fascinating. Test your coin IQ with the questions here. Let us know how you did in the comment section below! What is the first commemorative coin in U.S. history? Answer: The 1892 Columbian Exposition half dollar was minted to commemorate the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as Chicago's World Fair. These half dollars with a face value of 50 cents were sold for $1 to ... >> Read More        

In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt was a man on a mission. Intent on improving America's image world-wide, Roosevelt was preparing the United States Navy battle fleet for an ambitious journey around the globe that began in 1907. Nicknamed the Great White Fleet, 16 U.S. battleships made friendly goodwill visits to numerous nations around the world, while simultaneously showcasing the naval power and might of America. President Roosevelt, well-schooled in the gorgeous high-relief designs on ancient ... >> Read More        

Here are four new questions to challenge coin collectors in our monthly trivia column. Test your knowledge with this coin collecting quiz. Then, let us know how you did in the comment section below! Can you name 4 types of error coins? Error coins are prized by collectors and are often worth significantly more than the coin that has been minted correctly. Multiple strike - This means a coin has at least one additional image ... >> Read More        

Have you ever wondered what makes the price of gold coins rise and fall? Check out our top 5 list here. Factor 1: Price of Spot Gold A key factor that drives the price of gold coins higher and lower is the value of spot gold (the open market price for gold bullion that fluctuates every day.) As gold prices climb, gold coins tend to climb – sometimes even more dramatically than spot gold. There ... >> Read More        

Investing in rare coins is not only fulfilling financially, it's fun too. Owning a rare coin is the opportunity to walk back in history. Learn more about the era in which the coin was circulated and the rich heritage of the coin itself. Here are four questions. Let us know if you already knew the answers. 1. Question: What is the most expensive coin sold? Answer: The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. Minted in 1794, sold ... >> Read More        

Today we associate gold with investments and stores of wealth. However, a look at history reveals that gold had even more pragmatic uses. Some of the earliest Irish coinage served as payments from convicted criminals to victims or victims’ families. These early pieces of gold were rings, rather than coins. Coinage was a natural step in the evolution of economies. Celtic coinage was produced from the late second century B.C. to, approximately the mid-first century ... >> Read More        

In 1857, the S.S. Central America left the Panamanian port of Colón, sailing for New York City. It never arrived. The crew braced for a category two hurricane off the coast of the Carolinas. Winds exceeded 100 MPH. In the dark of the night, the ship sank killing 425 people. A few survivors remained afloat in lifeboats and were rescued. Onboard were 15 tons of Federal gold totaling nearly $300M in today’s value. The lost ... >> Read More        

Part of the fun of coin investing is the rich history that comes along with each unique coin. Who touched that coin? What was that coin used to purchase in 1909? Why are certain markings on different coins? If you have been amassing your coin portfolio for some time, you may already know the answers to these questions. Just for fun, let's test your coin IQ here. Dive in! Let us know your favorite fact ... >> Read More        

Errors are something to be avoided unless of course, you’re a coin collector. Error coins represent rare instances of oversight in the minting process. Often, such coins are rare because officials catch the mistake before the currency finds its way into circulation. However, the 1955 Lincoln double die error is an exception. It’s also one of the most sought-after error coins from The United States Mint. The error comes from the Philadelphia mint. It started ... >> Read More        

Sometimes you just need a fresh look. This was the thinking of the U.S. Mint in 1890. In fact, they decided everything needed a new look. In September of that year, legislation was signed which made all denominations of U.S. coins available for a redesign. Chief engraver Charles Barber decided to hold a contest. Participants could submit low relief models of their designs for the half dollar. Next, they drafted a list of invitees. While ... >> Read More