Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1872 Seated Liberty Silver Counterfeit Dollar

Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1872 Seated Liberty Silver Counterfeit Dollar

The 1872 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic coins of the 19th century U.S. coinage, prized for its detailed design and historical significance. However, like many popular and valuable coins, it is also the subject of counterfeit attempts. Detecting these counterfeit coins is crucial for collectors and investors to protect the … Read more

Q. David Bowers: Brief Notes on Indian Head Cents

Q. David Bowers Brief Notes on Indian Head Cents

The Indian Head Cent, a staple of American numismatic history, has captured the imaginations of collectors and historians alike for over a century. From its debut in 1859 to its final production in 1909, the Indian Head Cent holds a special place in the hearts of coin enthusiasts. Renowned numismatist Q. David Bowers, a leading … Read more

From the Dark Corner: An “Authenticated” Counterfeit 1798 “S-158” Large Cent

From the Dark Corner An Authenticated Counterfeit 1798 “S-158” Large Cent

The world of coin collecting is filled with mystery, intrigue, and the occasional disappointment—especially when collectors come across counterfeit coins that have slipped past authentication processes. One particularly fascinating example is the “authenticated” counterfeit 1798 “S-158” Large Cent, a coin with a rich historical background and a compelling story. The 1798 Large Cent: A Key … Read more

Indian Head $10 Gold Coins: The Other Saint-Gaudens Masterpiece

Indian Head $10 Gold Coins The Other Saint-Gaudens Masterpiece

The Indian Head $10 Gold Coin, often overshadowed by the more famous Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, is a masterpiece in its own right, representing a significant period in American numismatic history. Minted from 1907 to 1933, the Indian Head $10 Gold Coin, also known as the “Indian Head Eagle,” showcases the brilliance of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ design … Read more

The 1936 Delaware Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

The 1936 Delaware Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar

The 1936 Delaware Tercentenary Commemorative Half Dollar is an intriguing coin that celebrates an important historical milestone in American history—the 300th anniversary of the first Swedish settlers in what is now Delaware. This coin stands as a testament to the commemorative coinage movement of the 1930s, a period characterized by the release of numerous coins … Read more

Liberty Head Half Eagle Gold Coins: A Guide for Collectors

Liberty Head Half Eagle Gold Coins A Guide for Collectors

The Liberty Head Half Eagle gold coin, designed by Christian Gobrecht, holds a special place in American numismatic history. Minted from 1839 to 1908, this $5 gold piece bridged critical eras in U.S. history, spanning the antebellum period, Civil War, and early 20th century. For collectors, these coins offer a fascinating mix of historical significance, … Read more

1949 Franklin Half Dollar: History and Value

1949 Franklin Half Dollar: History and Value

The Franklin Half Dollar series, introduced in 1948, represents a significant shift in U.S. coinage design, emphasizing simplicity and honoring Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers. The 1949 Franklin Half Dollar, the second year of this series, is particularly popular among collectors due to its historical context, design nuances, and rarity in certain grades. … Read more

Q. David Bowers: The Rise and Fall of the Commemorative Coin Market

Q. David Bowers The Rise and Fall of the Commemorative Coin Market

The commemorative coin market has had its share of dramatic highs and lows, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of numismatics and collector interests. As one of the most respected figures in numismatics, Q. David Bowers has chronicled the history of the commemorative coin market, offering insight into its rise, its decline, and what the future holds. … Read more

Differences Between 1981 Type 1 and Type 2 Proof Lincoln Cents

Differences Between 1981 Type 1 and Type 2 Proof Lincoln Cents

The 1981 Proof Lincoln Cent holds a unique distinction in U.S. coin collecting due to the introduction of two variations: Type 1 and Type 2 proofs. These coins, produced at the San Francisco Mint, exhibit subtle but significant differences in their mint marks, captivating collectors and highlighting an important shift in the Mint’s production standards. … Read more

From the Dark Corner: An “Authenticated” Counterfeit 1723 Rosa Americana!

From the Dark Corner An “Authenticated” Counterfeit 1723 Rosa Americana!

The world of numismatics is filled with fascinating stories of rare coins, unusual finds, and cautionary tales of forgeries. One of the more intriguing examples to emerge recently is an “authenticated” counterfeit 1723 Rosa Americana coin, a relic tied to early American colonial history. While the coin itself is counterfeit, its story offers critical lessons … Read more