The numismatic world is full of surprises, and one such unexpected discovery recently occurred in Europe. An 1859-O $20 Double Eagle, a rare coin minted in New Orleans, surfaced overseas and was submitted for authentication and grading by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). This remarkable find not only adds to the intrigue surrounding U.S. … Read more
One of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. numismatic history, the 1933 Double Eagle, has once again made headlines. Originally owned by renowned shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, this legendary coin recently underwent grading verification by the Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC). Known for its rigorous grading standards, CAC’s verification adds another layer of credibility … Read more
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) plays a crucial role in shaping the design of U.S. coinage, ensuring each release reflects the nation’s heritage and innovation. In 2023, the American Innovation $1 Coin Program continues its journey by honoring four states with designs that highlight groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, and industry. As the CCAC … Read more
Among early American coinage, the 1797 Large Cent holds a special place for collectors due to its historical significance and various die varieties. However, as with many key-date coins, counterfeiters have targeted this issue to deceive unsuspecting buyers. One particularly deceptive example is a dark side struck counterfeit—a fake that mimics the genuine coin’s aged … Read more
One of the most famous and sought-after error coins in U.S. numismatic history, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, has resurfaced, this time in the hands of Dave & Adam’s Card World, a well-known collectibles dealer. This rare cent has been submitted to the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for authentication and certification, sparking excitement among collectors. … Read more
Freemasonry, a centuries-old fraternal order, has played a significant role in American history, with many of the nation’s Founding Fathers being Masons. Their influence is reflected in various aspects of U.S. culture, including its currency. While no official U.S. coin explicitly commemorates Freemasonry, numerous designs contain Masonic symbols and references. These coins serve as a … Read more
The 1875 Indian Head Cent is a desirable coin for collectors due to its historical significance and mid-19th-century design. While not the rarest date in the Indian Head cent series, it is still valuable in higher grades, making it a target for counterfeiters. Detecting counterfeit examples of this coin requires a careful examination of the … Read more
The world of numismatics is full of incredible discoveries, and one of the most remarkable in recent years is the return of a counterstamped 1854-O gold coin to its city of origin—New Orleans. This historic piece, once lost to time, carries a special mark that sets it apart from other gold coins struck at the … Read more
The 1936 Albany Silver Half Dollar is a fascinating piece of U.S. commemorative coinage, minted to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Albany, New York. Issued during the golden age of classic commemorative coins, this half dollar carries historical significance and artistic appeal, making it a prized collectible. With a limited mintage and an intricate design, … Read more
Counterfeit coin detection is an essential skill for collectors and numismatists, especially when dealing with rare and unusual pieces like the 1874 Three Cent Nickel die trial. One method of producing deceptive fakes is spark erosion, a technique that creates dies using an electrical discharge process. In the case of the 1874 Three Cent Nickel … Read more