Banknotes and Coins - Page 2
130 articles
What Specie Means for Coins, Hard Money, and Conservation
Specie refers to coins made of gold or silver, but its meaning and treatment in numismatics go further. This article explains how specie, hard money, and coin conservation intersect, and what collectors should know about restoration and value.
How the U.S. Mint Balanced Coin Die Hardness and Durability
In the late 1800s, the U.S. Mint faced a technical challenge: making coin dies hard enough to resist wear, but tough enough to avoid cracking. This article explains the methods used to extend die life and ensure reliable coin production
Crayola Silver Crayon Series Launches at 2026 ANA Money Fair
A new collectible series transforms the iconic Crayola crayon into a 1.5-ounce .999 fine silver piece, debuting at the 2026 ANA World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh and expanding into a multi-year program for collectors
Delaware's Three-Date Half Dollar Sets $19,200 Auction Record
A rare 1936 Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar, notable for its three distinct dates and complex history, has achieved a record $19,200 sale, highlighting the enduring appeal and layered story behind this commemorative U.S. coin
1857-S Double Eagle Survives Shipwreck and 131 Years Underwater
A rare 1857-S Liberty Head Double Eagle, graded MS-65, resurfaced after spending over a century on the Atlantic seabed following the S.S. Central America disaster, linking numismatic history to a pivotal moment in US finance
Unique 1906 Liberty Nickel Die Cap Struck on Cent Planchet Surfaces
A one-of-a-kind 1906 Liberty Head nickel die cap, mistakenly struck on an Indian Head cent planchet, has emerged as the only known U.S. type coin die cap off-metal, combining exceptional condition with a remarkable collector pedigree
How the 1923 Lincoln Porthole $5 Note Became a Collector Icon
The 1923 Lincoln Porthole $5 Silver Certificate stands out for its bold design, limited release, and unusual history, making it one of the most sought-after large-size U.S. banknotes among collectors and currency historians
Rare 1912 Buffalo Nickel Electrotrials to Be Auctioned in 2026
Two experimental 1912 Buffalo nickel electrotypes, created by James Earle Fraser to convince U.S. Treasury officials of his design, have resurfaced and will be offered at auction in 2026, providing a unique glimpse into American coin history
Constans II's Coins: How a Byzantine Emperor's Image Tracked Crisis
The coinage of Constans II offers a rare visual record of a ruler's aging and the Byzantine Empire's turmoil, from dynastic upheaval and religious conflict to the emperor's assassination and the collapse of key frontiers
US Mint to Issue Freedom 250 Medal for Washington IndyCar Race
The United States Mint will release a limited-edition Freedom 250 Race Medal in August 2026, marking the first IndyCar event in Washington, D.C. and connecting American coinage with motorsport history through a unique collector's piece
COTY 2026 Highlights Most Innovative Coin Designs Worldwide
The 2026 Coin of the Year awards spotlight coins that push the boundaries of minting, from advanced alloys and unique shapes to interactive features, reflecting how innovation is reshaping the world of physical currency
Solomon Islands and Eastern Caribbean Launch New Banknotes in 2026
The Solomon Islands marks its 50th anniversary with a limited-edition $50 polymer note, while the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union unveils a new series featuring national heroes and updated security features
How Half Dimes Shaped Early U.S. Coinage and Monetary Policy
Half dimes, minted in silver from 1794 to 1873, reveal how the United States transitioned from foreign coins to a national decimal system and adapted to changing economic realities, including the rise of nickel coins
How Numismatic Exhibit Judging Expands Collector Knowledge
Serving as a numismatic exhibit judge at major coin conventions offers collectors a unique way to deepen their expertise, discover rare historical items, and connect with leading figures in the field while contributing to the broader numismatic community
U.S. Mint Unveils 2026 Trump $1 Coin for Semiquincentennial
The United States Mint will issue a President Donald J. Trump $1 coin as part of its 250th anniversary commemorative series, featuring his portrait and the Presidential Seal, available in rolls and bags but not for general circulation
Royal Canadian Mint Unveils Maple Leaf Coins With Vivid Toning
The Royal Canadian Mint has introduced silver and gold Maple Leaf coins featuring a new vivid toning effect, highlighting Walter Ott's design in ultra-high relief and offering collectors a fresh take on a Canadian icon
1919 Lincoln Cent Sets Record for Wheat Penny Preservation
A 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent graded PCGS MS-69 RD with CAC approval will be auctioned in August 2026, highlighting the extreme rarity of century-old U.S. coins in near-perfect condition and the evolving standards of coin certification
Rare 1890 $100 Watermelon Note to Be Auctioned in 2026
The 1890 $100 Watermelon Treasury Note, famed for its distinctive design and Civil War connection, will be auctioned on October 4, 2026. With only about 35 known survivors, this note remains a highlight of American currency collecting.
New Coins Mark French Art, Caribbean Wildlife, and Racing Milestones
Commemorative coins released in France, Montserrat, New Zealand, and the UK highlight national heritage, wildlife, beekeeping history, and a century of British Grand Prix racing, offering collectors new designs and stories
US Congress Votes to End Production of the One-Cent Coin
The United States is set to halt minting of the 1-cent coin after new legislation, but billions of cents will remain in use, raising questions for cash transactions, merchants, and collectors as rounding rules are introduced.
2026 ANA Medal Blends Lincoln Cent Legacy and Pittsburgh's Steel Heritage
The ANA's 2026 World's Fair of Money medal, designed by Jamie Franki and Heidi Wastweet, unites numismatic history with Pittsburgh's industrial past in a detailed, collaborative creation that has already sold out its first run
Mobutu's Katanga Coins: Currency Manipulation and Hidden Wealth
Mobutu Sese Seko's regime in Zaire left a legacy of currency manipulation, with Katanga's short-lived coins revealing how political power and monetary policy intertwined during the Congo Crisis
Collectors Reveal Their Most Admired Classic Commemorative Coins
Classic commemorative coins such as the Oregon Trail, Texas Centennial, and Apollo 11 issues continue to attract collectors, with designs spanning American and ancient Roman history. Their appeal lies in artistry, accessibility, and historical resonance
Ten U.S. Coins That Trace the Nation's Monetary History
From the 1787 Fugio Cent to the 50 State Quarters, these ten U.S. coins reflect pivotal moments in American history, revealing how currency design, policy, and public sentiment have shaped the nation's economic and cultural identity
1908 Indian Quarter Eagle in Rare MS-67 Grade Set for Auction
A 1908 Indian Quarter Eagle graded MS-67 by PCGS will headline Stack's Bowers Galleries' Summer 2026 auction, offering collectors a chance at one of the finest surviving examples of this iconic U.S. gold coin in exceptional condition
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