Currency Explainers
14 articles
Unauthorized US Mint strikes challenge the definition of a coin
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel and 1933 double eagle sit at the heart of a legal and historical puzzle, as unauthorized US Mint strikes continue to test what truly counts as a coin.
Newman Numismatic Portal moves to expanded digital platform
The Newman Numismatic Portal has migrated to a new digital collections platform, giving researchers and collectors streamlined access to more than 96,000 documents and 155,000 images in a single online repository.
Coin grading decisions can shift collector value and confidence
A single grade difference can mean years of value retention or loss for collectors. Examining an 1836 Quarter Eagle reveals how subtle surface features and grading methods shape both market price and collector trust.
Can a Coin Exist Without Metal in the Digital Age
As technology transforms payments and materials, the classic idea of a coin is under pressure. From stone discs to digital tokens, what truly defines a coin in modern commerce
Bank AI Agents Face Real World Data Obstacles
Banks are eager to deploy agentic AI that can act autonomously, but outdated document systems and fragmented data threaten to undermine these ambitions. The real challenge is not AI capability but the quality and accessibility of the information it must process.
Physical Money Carries Fewer Health Risks Than Many Assume
Despite persistent concerns about germs on cash, new research finds the risk of illness from handling coins and banknotes is far lower than most people believe, with infectious transmission through money now considered extremely rare
Why Cleaning Coins Can Destroy Collector Value
Cleaning or altering coins can permanently reduce their value and grade. Yet for some collectors, problem coins offer a way to fill gaps at a lower cost. Here is what every collector needs to know before making a decision
ANA Awards Spotlight Numismatic Research and Young Talent in 2026
The American Numismatic Association's 2026 Literary Awards in Pittsburgh recognized groundbreaking research on coins, paper money, and monetary history-while also investing in the next generation of currency scholars
Rising Interest in Everyday Coins Signals a New Generation of Collectors
A surge in questions about ordinary coins from new collectors highlights the importance of education and engagement for the future of coin collecting, as curiosity shifts from rare pieces to the coins found in daily life
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
Banks Hold Only a Fraction of Customer Data as AI Changes Finance
Financial institutions typically see just a small part of a customer's life, while technology companies and digital platforms now collect far more personal data-reshaping who can offer the most relevant financial services
How Numismatic Appreciation Is Measured and Why It's Complicated
Numismatic price appreciation is shaped by rare coin indices, price guides, and auction results, but no single source captures the full picture. Collectors and investors face challenges in interpreting these signals and understanding real value shifts
How Rate Checks Signal Possible Currency Intervention in USD/JPY
A rate check occurs when monetary authorities request tradable exchange rates from banks without executing a transaction, signaling close monitoring and possible intervention. This tactic can influence currency markets and deter speculation without immediate financial action