Gold. The symbol of kings and self-made men of wealth, power and social status. That which lures and captivates, conjuring up visions and dreams. This weeks blog covers my personal favorite of all United States gold issues. The Quarter and Half Eagle Indian Head. While many consider gold coinage to be out of reach, the 2 1/2 and Five Dollar becomes an exception for any collector on the tightest of budgets. Following  a quick search, common date specimens in the low to mid-grade mint state range may be had for under five-hundred dollars. Along with affordability this thirteen year series has one of, if not the highest, profit potentials of all gold coinage.                Enjoy!

Generally, I don't split blog topics into multiple parts over a period of time. While this weeks blog may very well be considered as such, the subject at hand deals more with change rather than elimination altogether and the lasting effect both have on commerce and numismatics. Change occurs for a variety of reasons, aside from the design aspect, in that it usually involves the intended purpose of a coin. As a means of payment for goods and services, backed by a value and faith in a government which issues said coinage. Without both, coins become nothing but round metal discs. From the very beginning, coinage has seen multiple changes primarily in composition and size as the value dictated. Elimination, however, stirs at the very soul of who we are as a nation. Nothing could be more comparative than to bring up the cent and nickel due to cost of production or low buying power. The United States is one, if not only, country still striking both for commerce. I myself have heard non-collectors compare such a move by the Treasury Department as being like the Euro or Canada. And rightfully so. We are a unique bunch, are we not? So this weeks subject involves both change and elimination in the mid-seventeenth century and the resulting impact. Specifically on numismatics.      Enjoy!