Precious Metal & Rare Coin Market News
1884 Indian Head Penny: A Tangible Piece of Early American History
During the economic chaos of the Civil War, Americans hoarded any precious metal they could find. Even copper-nickel one-cent pieces virtually disappeared from circulation. The U.S. government came to the rescue with the Act of April 22 and authorized a new thin, bronze version of the Indian Head penny. Indian Head pennies are an iconic, classic early American coin coveted by collectors. Minted from 1859 through 1909, Indian Head cents surged in popularity in the ... >> Read More
Carson City Morgan Dollars: A Favorite for Collectors across the Country
For many numismatists, a Morgan silver dollar set is a must-have for their collection—and this is one of the most collected series of coins the U.S. Mint has ever produced. Within that series, the Morgan silver dollars minted at the legendary Carson City Mint in Nevada are highly sought after. And, there are only 13 coins in the Carson City Morgan dollar series. The exciting news? Building a Carson City Morgan dollar set is an ... >> Read More
Top-5 Discoveries from the SS Gairsoppa: Silver Bars, Coins and More
Throughout history, hidden gems often emerge in the aftermath of significant historical events. A prime example lies in shipwrecks, like the SS Gairsoppa. This ill-fated vessel became a testament to an intriguing chapter for coin and history enthusiasts alike. Investigating the findings following the ship's sinking, this article explores the iconic SS Gairsoppa silver coins and bars born from the discoveries made, focusing on: The SS Gairsoppa’s dramatic history. A comprehensive catalog of the ship’s ... >> Read More
The 1893 Queen Isabella Quarter: First U.S. Coin to Feature a Real Woman
The 1893 Queen Isabella quarter boasts a lot of "firsts" attached to its name. The silver commemorative coin was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, as opposed to the mythical Lady Liberty. The silver quarter features Queen Isabella of Spain – to honor her role in supporting Christopher Columbus' voyage to the Americas in 1492. The 1893 Queen Isabella quarter is also the first legal tender U.S. coin to feature a foreign ... >> Read More
5 Most Controversial Rare Coins from the US Mint
Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter 1909-S VDB Cent 1964-D Peace Dollar 1946 Roosevelt Dime $1,000,000,000,000 Platinum Coin From illegal to immoral to outrageous, it turns out there's plenty of ways for a U.S. rare coin to be controversial. Today, we explore five of the most controversial coins produced by the U.S. Mint, many of which are highly coveted by collectors in large part due to their controversy! 1. Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter The classic ... >> Read More
Rare Half Dollars: Coins of Your Dreams
Half dollars, America's 50-cent coins, were introduced in 1794. Since then, they have seamlessly integrated into the nation's currency, today holding a cherished place in collectors' hearts. From the classic elegance of the Walking Liberty to the symbolic Franklin and Kennedy designs, each coin serves as a poignant representation of distinct eras. This article will discuss rare half dollar coins worth money, delving into: The reasons for their rarity. The most valuable half dollars. Where ... >> Read More
What Are Some Rare Coins to Look for in Your Grandfather’s Collection?
The pursuit of rare coins often involves a combination of exploration and networking. Coin shows, reputable dealers, auctions, and numismatic events can be excellent channels for acquiring unique, valuable pieces. While these avenues are fruitful, rare coins can also be serendipitously found closer to home, namely, within the confines of your family's history! This article will explore what rare coins to look for in your forebears' collections, discussing: The elements that make a coin rare ... >> Read More
4 Unique Pattern Coins Housed at the Smithsonian
5 Dollars, Pattern, United States, 1865 50 Dollars, Pattern, United States, 1877 – The "Half Union" 50 Cents, Pattern, United States, 1891 5 Cents, Pattern, United States, 1913 – The Buffalo Nickel The Smithsonian is the largest museum complex on the planet. The United States' treasured National Numismatic Collection lives within this impressive center at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. The National Numismatic Collection includes roughly 1.6 million monetary objects ... >> Read More
Only Four 1830 Templeton Reid $5 Gold Coins Are in Private Hands
In the late 1820s, gold was discovered in the Georgia woods near a mountain town called Dahlonega. Soon after, the Georgia Gold Rush was in full swing as thousands of Americans descended upon the area in search of riches. The Georgia Gold Rush lasted for over a decade, from 1829 to the early 1840's. In 1831, it was estimated there were as many as 10,000 miners prospecting between the Etowah and Chestatee Rivers alone. Some ... >> Read More
How to Get Started in Collecting Rare Coins on a Budget
On a tight budget, the world of rare coin collecting can seem daunting, even to seasoned numismatic enthusiasts. This piece will unveil a treasure trove of strategies and clever tips to invest in a rare coin collection without breaking the bank. Our discussion will focus on: The factors that determine a coin’s rarity. The motivations that drive coin collectors. Rare coin collecting money-saving tips. Watch an expert’s advice on how to collect coins on a ... >> Read More




