The silver three-cent coin, affectionately known as the “trime,” holds a unique place in American numismatic history. Minted from 1851 to 1873, these diminutive coins are notable for being the lightest U.S. coin ever produced, weighing just 0.8 grams. Despite their small size, they played a critical role in the monetary system of mid-19th century … Read more
The 1838-O Reeded Edge Half Dollar is one of the rarest and most enigmatic coins in the history of U.S. numismatics. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin represents a fascinating chapter in the development of branch mint operations and the evolution of U.S. coinage. With only a few known surviving specimens and its … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
The United States Mint has announced plans to reopen its Washington, DC coin store, a significant development for both coin collectors and tourists alike. Located within the U.S. Mint’s headquarters in Washington, the store provides a unique opportunity to purchase officially minted coins, commemorative products, and other items that celebrate America’s rich numismatic history. The … Read more
The $4 Stella gold coin is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic coins in U.S. history. Although it was never widely circulated and was considered a failed concept by the U.S. government, it has become a highly coveted piece among collectors and numismatists. Struck in the late 19th century, the Stella was initially part … Read more
The American Silver Eagle is one of the most popular and recognizable bullion coins in the world, offering both collectors and investors a solid investment in precious metals. Since its introduction in 1986, the U.S. Mint has produced the Silver Eagle in various forms, but it is not widely known that these coins have been … Read more