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The subject of this weeks blog discusses the Annual Uncirculated Coin Set, commonly referred to as "mint set", and the little known sub-type within. As appeal for these sets diminish as evident by the sales figures, perhaps a reexamination is in order looking at some true hidden potential. Enjoy!
The mid-week continuation as promised. As written, unchanged or revised in 120 years.
A growing topic, one longed for by some in the collector community and debated politically, in recent months is the redesigning of United States circulating coinage. While the topic it's self gets further debated as to whether the designs retain Presidents or other historical figures, a majority such as myself seek a shift towards something more emblematic as a representation of "We the People." and our place in the world through such designs. Perhaps the rise in discussion as evident on numerous forums, blogs and publications stems from collectors reexamining their collections as COVID-19 leaving us with little else but time to ourselves. Yet it is one brought up over many years. Technically our coinage has gone through a redesign, albeit a change in the obverse bust as is on the Jefferson Nickel, or a shield added to the Lincoln Cent reverse. And who among us could forget those Washington Quarters? This weeks blog, however, discusses the very process in which change occurs and how "We the People" are capable of doing just that. Enjoy!
New Orleans has long been a major shipping and commerce hub of The United States. From early trappers to it's founding in 1718 by the French, a short-lived rule by the Spanish following the Seven Years War then back under French Authority for one final year before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. As the young nation and it's newly acquired vast land mass expanded, with foreign bullion flowing through it's ports destined for the long journey north to Philadelphia, the need for a new mint became obvious. So I chose an in depth look at my person favorite of the branch mints. New Orleans. Enjoy!
Scrolling through a few online coin forums and seeing one of the most commonly asked questions "Should I get this graded?", or a variation thereof, I thought I'd post a short piece on the subject.
This week I thought I would return to a coin specific blog having written of coinage related topics the previous few. As always, with so many to chose from, I pondered briefly before arriving at the Washington Quarter. A design in continuous issue, with exception to 1933, since the first were struck in 1932. With two composition changes, several obverse refinements, numerous reverse designs and five finish options the Washington Quarter as accustom to is now in it's final year of production. With legislation pending on a final design, a completely new quarter is set for 2021 ending the 38 year run. In that time, the quarter has found a unique avenue for collectors as some only collect silver to 1964, others only the Statehood and America the Beautiful, or many of us the complete series stored in blue Whitman's or Dansco's. In recent years the denomination, like other modern coinage, seems to have gotten the recognition it deserves as is evident in the marketplace and auction houses. Enjoy!
One of the hottest current topics which goes beyond the numismatic community is the coin shortage. The subject for this week looks back to the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920 for comparison to COVID-19 as it applies to coinage. Specifically 1922 when only the Lincoln Cent Peace Dollar were struck. First, one must understand that there is no "shortage" of coinage as billions have and are being struck by the mints adding to what already exists in Reserve vaults. The issue stems from a supply chain disruption caused by the closure of businesses which keep the coinage flowing. While I found no definitive proof of a supply issue during the Spanish Flu, only the manner in which it affected large and small cities alike, the certainty of the same would seem logical. While the conclusions drawn are of my own opinion, a look at the mintage numbers becomes a strong indicator for history repeating it's self. Enjoy!