American Numismatic Association

30 Jul 2020

1928 D Peace Dollar with Chop Mark??

This is a 1928 D Peace Dollar that I am grading for a friend today along with a number of other of coins. As I considered the field of this coin I noticed some scratches on the obverse at about the four o'clock position. I looked at it under the 7x loupe, but wasn't satisfied with the magnification, so I got out the USB camera that is 6x magnification.I haven't ever heard of a Peace Dollar with a chop mark. I tried to look that up on the internet, but came up empty. So I have two options to consider: Is it authentic or is it a faked chop mark?�Would love to hear you all weigh in...

28 Jul 2020

Coin Price Lists

Coins-United States | I. R. Bama

I'm not sure if this is an appropriate blog topic or whether this should be a thread post. So feedback for next time will be instructive as how to address these questions....My understanding is that Grey Sheet prices are wholesale, i.e. dealer's prices of acquisition. PCGS lists are market value, what you would expect a dealer to offer a coin at a price point.�I've also been told Grey Sheet prices are marked up 20-40% over Grey Sheet price points.�Please clarify and set me straight!

23 Jul 2020

The Liberty Pole: Seldom Discussed Symbols on U.S. Coins in Numismatics #2

Coins-United States | I. R. Bama

"So what's that stick on some of our coins about anyway you might ask? The Liberty Pole is an even less often employed device than the Phrygian cap and also overlooked in discussions of symbols of U.S. Coins. It is always seen paired with the Liberty (Phrygian) cap in every instance.�

17 Jul 2020

The Phrygian Cap: Seldom Discussed Symbols On U.S. Coins in Numismatics.

Coins | I. R. Bama

An important but seemingly mostly overlooked feature on no less than 26 U.S. coins in various silver, gold and copper compositions is the Phrygian cap. While we ardently collect these coins, I have never seen this aspect of history discussed in the context of its importance to our history and our coinage.�

09 Jul 2020

Coin Inventory Software: Review of Two Software Programs

Collecting Tips | I. R. Bama

Today I would like to share my experience in using software programs and sharing the pros and cons of each that I am using. I have two different programs EZcoin2 and Exact Change.�

04 Jul 2020

Mint Error, What Type #2

Coins-United States | I. R. Bama

Here is a 1920 S Lincoln Cent I just acquired. The reverse has the error, or maybe two different errors? I don't know, so I turn to the collective wisdom again.I've included a picture of the obverse, but it is the reverse with the error. Look at the word ONE on the cent, definitely an error there. Also United States of America is partially weakly struck, while other parts are relatively well struck. I'm guessing it is a strike through error, the 1920's Lincoln Cents have a reputation for being weakly struck from the branch mints.Hope these photos are better than last time.

03 Jul 2020

Mint Error, What type?

Coins-United States | I. R. Bama

One of my most favorite coins is the Flying Eagle Cent series. This is also my first mint error coin that I bought. I need help in identifying this error. I have two guesses, I'm not sure either is correct. The first most likely is a die break. The second I'm sure couldn't be is a sintered planchet.� This is defined as a planchet that picks up a layer of metal dust when it sticks in the annealing drum longer than normal, forming a hard copper or black coating on the planchet that strikes through the actual striking of the coin. (ANA Introduction to Coin Collecting Correspondence Course). The main reason I doubt that is because of the rarity of that error. Only about 50 are know, So I am inviting you all to help me with this and further my education.This is also the first picture I took with my plug in usb magnifier. A hand held shot. I'll try to replace it a little later with a better photo.

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