The Washington Silver Quarter – 1932-1964
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the first US president, the George Washington Bicentennial Committee proposed issuing a half-dollar coin in his honor. But the inventory of half...
The Top 5 Most Counterfeited Currencies in the World
Counterfeiters have been around since money was invented. Prior to the 19th century, producing fake bills and coins was relatively easy due to the unsophisticated methods use to make currency and t...
The Vietnamese Dong's Security Features & Authenticity
In the heart of Southeast Asia lies the vibrant and culturally rich nation of Vietnam. Amidst its bustling cities, serene landscapes, and bustling markets, you'll find a currency that reflects not ...
World’s Fair of Money Opens August 13
Over one billion dollars’ worth of rare coins and currency will be on display August 13-17, 2019 at the American Numismatic Association’s annual World’s Fair of Money at the Donald E. Stephens Conv...
Silver Shines for Holiday Giving
Gold is great, but silver offers a beautiful way to show your affection without busting your budget. And at current silver prices, it’s a bargain, too. Here are some ways to make this holiday seaso...
Collecting Quarters The Standing Liberty Quarter – 1916-1930
By the turn of the 20th century dissatisfaction with the 1892 Barber designs on dimes, quarters, and half dollars was building. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber’s traditional-looking Franco-Ro...
Silver Eagles in Holiday Holders Make Great Gifts
Some of us are old enough to remember how special it was to receive a shiny new silver dollar on our birthday or at holiday time. If we were lucky, we saved it, because it’s worth a lot more than a...
US Coin Sets Make Great Holiday Gifts
US Mint coins and sets are great gifts that will be remembered long after the holidays. Plus, they grow in value and may even start the recipient on a life-long hobby with plenty of rewards. Proof ...
Collecting Mistake Coins Part 9 – Die Flaws
The earliest coins were made by pouring molten metal into molds, a process known as casting. But as demand for coins increased and manufacturing techniques improved, most coin making switched to st...
Pre-Holiday Auctions for Coin Collectors
If a coin collector is on your holiday gift list, these auctions offer a wide choice of places to shop. They range from budget-busting rarities to affordable choices for entry-level collectors. As ...
Collecting Quarters The Barber Quarter – 1892-1916
By the late 1880s calls to replace the Seated Liberty coin design, in production for sixty years, prompted Mint Director Edward O. Leech to open a competition for a new design in 1891. But with a c...
Counterfeiting: The First Line of Defense Against Counterfeiting is You
By the end of the Civil War, the United States was flooded with counterfeit money, much of it made by the Confederacy to finance their war needs. Facing severe economic dislocation—as much as 50% o...
Holiday Ideas - Give a Gift of Gold
Gifts of gold have been a sign of respect and affection for thousands of years. Kings and princesses have been showered with it. Lovers have been adorned in it. But what if you can’t afford a king’...
Holiday Ideas: Give Millions for the Holidays
Why settle for a few dollars’ cash when you can give away millions this holiday season? Genuine, although discontinued, banknotes from countries like Zimbabwe are available in huge denominations fr...
US Territorial Coins Oregon Gold
As prospectors spread across the west during and after the California Gold Rush, several headed north to Oregon Territory to chase rumors of fresh finds there. Since there were few opportunities to...
What’s in a Name? Alloy vs Clad vs Plate
With the exception of base metal coins like copper and aluminum, nearly all coins have been made with a combination of metals. Those metals can be nearly pure alloys or of greatly reduced purity by...