Numismatic News July 9, 2024

The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), a body that advises the Secretary of the Treasury on theme or design proposals relating to circulating coins, bullion and medals produced by the U.S. Mint, has appointed two new members: Sam Gelberd and Jeanne Stevens-Sollman. Gelberd has joined the committee as the member specially qualified by virtue of his experience in numismatics, effective April 23, 2024. He replaces Dennis Tucker, who served from 2016 to 2024. Gelberd is an independent numismatist and former middle school teacher, holding a B.A. degree from Florida Atlantic University. A collector since age 9, he has delivered presentations and instructed classes on various numismatic topics to people of all ages. Since 2007, he’s been a Florida United Numismatists (FUN) member and volunteers at its conventions. He won FUN’s…

from the June 7 Numismatic News E-Newsletter I deal with two local coin shops close to my house, for one. I also buy from dealers listed in Numismatic News, for two. I do buy coins from eBay by looking at the number of sales and read the reviews for dealers. I buy quite a bit from the U.S. Mint. I feel like I do as much to protect myself as I possibly can. If it sounds too good to be true, I don’t buy. I feel that there are as many reputable dealers out there that I can choose from that I cut down on my odds of making a bad decision. James FaulkersonHillsboro, Mo. In 1962, my brother decided to take me for my 11th birthday to a coin…

George Washington Carver was born in Missouri in July 1864. He became the first black student at what is now Iowa State University. He earned his Master of Science degree in 1896. Carver then found himself at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where he taught methods of crop rotation and introduced alternative cash crops. He also developed numerous agricultural products, including over 300 different uses for peanuts, over 100 applications for sweet potatoes and 75 different pecan products. Now Carver is getting honored with the Missouri American Innovation dollar coin that will become available on July 18. The obverse shares the common obverse with the rest of the series, the profile of the Statue of Liberty. The privy mark is made to look like a gear, representing industry and innovation.…

■ Do First Spouse gold coins all sell for the same value or are some rarer than others? Mintages and survival rates differ from coin to coin in the First Spouse gold coin series. Not all dealers concern themselves with this information since it is primarily a small population of specialists that collect the series. Many dealers purchase and re-sell these coins based on their intrinsic value or certified grade rather than due to scarcity. ■ What about the bullion platinum American Eagle (PAE) coins? Aren’t some of their dates scarcer than others? Once again, many dealers are more concerned with buying and selling the bullion PAE coins for intrinsic value rather than rarity. Some are sold “raw,” while some enterprising dealers will go to the trouble of having them…

The Long Beach Expo, widely known as The Collectibles Show, saw its best-ever June attendance over the three days it was held from June 6-8. The Southern California convention is also marking its 60th anniversary, having been held three times a year since 1964. “It was a record June show with thousands of attendees,” said Stephanie Sabine, Professional Coin Grading Service president. “Gold prices have been at or very close to all-time highs over the past few months, and silver prices have also been near multi-year highs. Fervent activity in the bullion market helps drive traffic for both precious metals and collectible coins. But that doesn’t solitarily explain why the June Long Beach Expo did so well. We had hundreds of dealers representing a variety of collectibles and a full…

Visiting the Bank of England Museum is a journey through the financial history of the United Kingdom. Nestled within the imposing walls of the Bank of England in London, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the institution that, since its establishment in 1694, has been at the heart of the U.K.’s economy. As you step into the museum, you’re greeted by a vast collection of coins, bank notes and historical artifacts that tell the story of the nation’s currency and economic heritage. The exhibits are thoughtfully presented, with audio-visual and interactive displays that make history come alive. One of the highlights for many visitors is the opportunity to handle a genuine gold bar and feel the weight of wealth that has underpinned the economy for centuries. However, the museum…