As the world’s eyes turn to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for the commencement of another Olympic Games, we numismatists take a look at the souvenirs of past games in coin form. Multiple commemorative coins have been issued in honor of Olympic Games by the host nations and in honor of athletes sent to represent their nation. Conservation of these numismatic reminders is ...
Full Article: Conservation Showcase: Proof 1983 S Olympic $1 - Numismatic Conservation Services
The popularity of the United States' series of 50 State Quarters, issued from 1999 through 2008, probably inspired Japan to launched its most ambitious and most beautiful series of commemorative coins in 2008-commemorating the 47 Prefectures-and the series will run through 2016.
But while the State Quarters were issued in un-circulated condition, made from copper-nickel and issued by the millions, the large Prefecture 40mm. coins are being minted in gem proof quality from 99.9% pure silver, limited to 100,000 of each-and they picture local scenery, flora and fauna, etc. in full color.
Japan's current prefecture system was established by the Meiji government in July 1871. Although there were initially ...
Full Article: Japan's 2010 Proof Silver Coin Series Launch - WorldMintCoins.com
During the course of the January 2010 FUN Convention in Orlando, arrangements were finalized for the sale of a 1907-Denver Mint Double Eagle that is possibly unique in Proof format. It is NGC certified as “Proof-62” with a “Farouk” pedigree noted. It is thus indicated that it was formerly in the epic collection of ...
Full Article: 1907 D Double Eagle Sells for More Than Half Million - CoinLink
The Royal Australian Mint on January 1, 2010, revealed new $1 coins celebrating a century of Australian coinage. Marking the unique anniversary is a historic reverse design featuring four heads for the very first time.
Portrayed are the monarchs that have appeared on Australian coins during the past one hundred years — King Edward VII (1901-1910), King George V (1910-1936), King George VI (1936-1952) and Queen Elizabeth II (1952-present).
"This commemoration is a significant milestone in Australia’s history," said Royal Australian Mint Acting Chief Executive Officer Graham Smith. "Along with the new Government and Constitution, the change in 1910, from the British monetary system to our own, heralded the unity and budding independence of our young nation. And this is what we are celebrating in 2010."
While collectors from around the world can purchase a $1 silver proof coin for...
Full Article: 2010 Australian Coins Mark 100th Year - CoinNews
A dealer once characterized classic Proof gold coins as the "caviar of the rare coin market." Perhaps they're more appetizing than fish eggs, as they're rare, flashy, and inherently beautiful – besides being gold. They've always been highlights in any collection.
Recently, more impaired Proofs have appeared at auctions. Whether lightly circulated, or with altered or cleaned surfaces, these provide a ...
Full Article: Owning impaired Proofs - Coin Values
Especially in the absence of Proof 2009-W American Eagle coins to satisfy the growing demand from both new and established collectors of the series, the market for common Proof gold and silver American Eagles is surging. At the same time, scarcer, collector-oriented, Proof silver American Eagles are trading at a discount to their 2008 levels.
Our Oct. 12 Market Analysis reported that common-date Proof American Eagle coins were hot, with major dealers paying $45 for Proof American Eagle silver dollars and $1,670 for Proof American Eagle 1-ounce gold $50 coins with original Mint boxes and paperwork.
This market is ...
Full Article: Demand up for Proof $1 - CoinValues
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath; and, behold, a young lion roared against him. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand; but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. (Judges xiv, 5-6)
The 14th coin in Israel’s annual Biblical Art Series draws upon this verse from the book of Judges for its inspiration ...
Full Article: Samson Next in Biblical Series - NumisMaster.com
2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins launched on Thursday, Dec. 3. By Sunday, sales reached 7,207 of the maximum 8,000 allotted according to the latest US Mint report on current coin purchases. A sell out appears imminent, and is only a matter of time.
The price tag for the 99.95 percent pure, one ounce platinum eagle is currently set at $1,792.00, with an order limit in place of 5 per household. While the price may seem high for a modern collectible with a premium of some $350 over the current spot of platinum, it is a bargain when considering the 2008 issue price of $2,299.95.
Platinum Eagles have not been available from the US Mint all year and, and as it announced in October, no bullion versions will be struck until at least 2010 ...
Full Article: Limited 2009 Proof Platinum Eagle Coins Left - CoinNews
The US Mint released the 2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin at an inaugural issue price of $1,792.
The coins each contain 99.95 percent pure platinum, are limited to a maximum mintage of 8,000 and have a order limit in place of five per household.
The 2009 Platinum Eagle features a new reverse or tails side design emblematic of the principle "To Form a More Perfect Union," the first of six principles of American democracy found in the Preamble to the United States Constitution.
This year’s theme depicts the diversity of the ...
Full Article: 2009 Platinum Eagle Proof Launches - CoinNews