The world of numismatics is full of remarkable rediscoveries, and one of the most exciting in recent history is the reappearance of a 1794 Half Cent from the Lord St. Oswald Collection. This coin, a piece of early American history, had been considered lost for decades until it recently resurfaced, stunning collectors and historians alike. … Read more
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
Q. David Bowers is a renowned name in the world of numismatics, known for his vast contributions to the study and cataloging of rare and historic coins. His work has shaped the way we understand early American coinage, especially the enigmatic Higley Copper coins. These coins, though brief in production, hold an essential place in … Read more
The 1936 Bridgeport Commemorative Half Dollar celebrates the centennial of Bridgeport, Connecticut, a city deeply tied to the legacy of P.T. Barnum, one of America’s most colorful and influential figures. Known as the “Prince of Humbug,” Barnum’s life as an entrepreneur, politician, and showman left an indelible mark on both his hometown and the broader … Read more
The $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin is celebrated as one of the most beautiful coins in American history. Created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and first minted in 1907, it epitomizes artistic and patriotic ideals. While the coin is admired for its design, an often-overlooked aspect of its legacy is the story of the real-life … Read more
The 1954-S Franklin Half Dollar stands as a key issue in the mid-20th-century American coinage, showcasing both historical significance and appeal for collectors. This coin, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is a member of the popular Franklin Half Dollar series, which ran from 1948 to 1963. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the series honors … Read more
The 1893 Isabella Quarter holds a special place in numismatic history as the first U.S. coin to depict a real woman and as a unique piece of the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This distinctive quarter is packed with historical significance, reflecting the era’s cultural and economic ambitions while capturing the public’s fascination with commemorative … Read more
The 1982 George Washington Half Dollar marked a revival of U.S. commemorative coinage after a 28-year hiatus, introducing a fresh approach to celebrating America’s heritage. This coin was not only significant for its commemoration of the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s birth but also for its role in revitalizing a long-dormant numismatic tradition. Its historical … Read more
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 Antietam Half Dollar, issued in 1937, is a powerful tribute to one of the most significant and tragic events in American history: the Battle of Antietam. Known as the deadliest single-day battle of the American Civil War, Antietam occurred on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland. The half dollar, minted to commemorate the battle’s … Read more