Precious Metal & Rare Coin Market News

On the American Plains in 1937, a Buffalo with three legs could easily have been shot by a rancher or eaten for dinner by a pack of wolves. In the rare coin world, however, a 1937 Nickel with a three-legged Buffalo has become a legendary numismatic prize. You've probably heard of the Indian Head or Buffalo nickel. Many Americans of a certain age remember these coins surfacing in their pocket change regularly even into the ... >> Read More        

What currency should be used in world trade? Over 150 years ago, China and the United States wrangled over that very question – just as they do today. For those of you that don't follow global economics closely, today, importers and exporters that buy and sell goods across country lines like crude oil, diamonds, cars and vehicle parts and even computers – primarily use the U.S. dollar to complete the transactions. Example: when China wants ... >> Read More        

In 1688, the city of New Rochelle, New York was founded by French Protestants. Colonist Jacob Leisler executed the formal agreement when he purchased 6,000 acres from Sir John Pell who originally owned the land. In return for the acreage that represents the city today Pell required "one fatt calfe" on the following year and every year after. More than two hundred years later the Westchester County Coin Club began to rally interest in having ... >> Read More        

Wass, Molitor & Company, a legendary California Gold Rush era private gold firm, had its origins in Hungary just ahead of the Hungarian revolution. The firm's founders, Count Samuel C. Wass and Agoston P. Molitor, both pursued metallurgy studies in Germany before returning home to Hungary to launch their careers in the Hungarian mining regions. Then, revolution broke out! In 1848, Hungarian revolutionaries seeking their independence went to war with the Austrian Empire. After the ... >> Read More        

In 1891, Congress authorized U.S. Mint Director Edward Leech to redesign silver coins in the country. Chief engraver Charles Barber began the process by hosting a contest and inviting artists to participate. He requested low relief designs and made clear that the winner would be awarded a cash prize. While open to the public, Leech specifically sought out the ideas and artwork of several specific artists. The value of the prize was $500. This plan ... >> Read More        

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Norfolk, Virginia's growth from a township first formed in 1682 to a royal borough in 1736 – an exciting commemorative silver half dollar was struck – the 1936 Norfolk Virginia Bicentennial. A husband and wife team – William and Marjorie Simpson created the elaborate design for the Norfolk Bicentennial silver half dollar which honors the city's seaport heritage. It might be one of the most complex designs you've ever ... >> Read More        

The year 1914 marked the dawn of a new age as the Panama Canal reached completion. Today, the engineering marvel remains a crucial artery of international trade as more than $270 billion worth of cargo passes through the canal every year. Those behind the project knew the legacy of the canal would be immense. Therefore, they set out to begin planning, and funding the Panama-Pacific International Exposition – a celebration to commemorate the project – ... >> Read More        

Americans had mixed feelings about the $3 gold piece. In the late 1880's the $3 Indian Princess Head was worth well over a day's pay. What's more – it carried an odd number. It turns out that very few people wanted to use coin which did not fit into the already accepted decimal calculations. Even though it was not heavily used in circulation – the $3 gold piece instantly captured the attention of coin collectors ... >> Read More        

U.S. Bureau of the Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber designed the famed Barber coinage which includes a dime, quarter and half dollar. And, Barber dimes were struck from 1892 through 1916. This beautiful silver coin features Lady Liberty facing right on the obverse. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircles her head. The date is found below Lady Liberty's bust. The dime's reverse reveals a delicate and ornate Laurel wreath wrapped around the coin's denomination: ONE ... >> Read More        

The U.S. half dime (originally the half disme), was minted in 1792 under the Coinage Act of the same year, and is widely considered to be the first business strike coin issued by the United States Mint. However, there continues to be some debate as to whether the 1792 version was simply a pattern coin. Ostensibly, this means that the half dime was the first coin minted for the purposes of commerce rather than collecting ... >> Read More