Fort Moultrie To Be Featured On Coin!

SULLIVAN'S ISLAND - Fort Moultrie is about to be made of something richer than any other park in South Carolina. 

An image from the history of the iconic national park at the tip of Charleston harbor will be minted onto quarter coins in 2016. As a bonus, a number of "investment coins" will be minted, three-inch discs of fine silver. Those coins now sell for about $225 each.

      The Design Rendering Of Sgt William Jasper To Be Featured On Some Quarter Coins In 2016

Sgt. William Jasper waving the Palmetto flag was picked by a U.S. Mint citizens committee earlier this week. Gary Marks, committee chairman, called it a depiction of an iconic moment in the classic 1776 Revolutionary War victory that immortalized the fort.

"We felt it was a heroic rendering of Sgt. Jasper," said Marks, a Lebanon, Ore., medallic artist.

"It's a great recognition, and 2016 will be the centennial celebration of the National Park Service," said Park Superintendent Tim Stone. "Sometimes Fort Moultrie gets in the shadows of Fort Sumter. But a whole lot of history took place here."

The Fort Moultrie coins will be among five national park or site designs issued for 2016 as part of the America the Beautiful series started in 2010. All told, 56 America the Beautiful designs will be issued, one from each state or territory. The designs appear on the reverse side of the coin; the obverse side still depicts George Washington.

In that furious 1776 battle, nine British warships pounded the fort for more than nine hours trying to seize Charleston, the largest town and maybe the most significant seaport south of Philadelphia. Among them, the ships stacked nearly 300 cannons and touched off some 32,000 pounds of gunpowder in the fight.

The fort, not yet even fully built, had only 30 guns. But it also had two walls of spongy palmetto logs with a 16-foot-wide packing of sand between them. Cannonballs bounced off.

In an attempt to humiliate and demoralize the Patriots, the British shot down their flag - a dishonor, because striking the colors was a sign of surrender. 

The intrepid Sgt. Jasper leaped the walls, grabbed the flag out of a ditch in the sand, defiantly waved it at the British and jammed it back up on a ramming staff.

The battle took place just as the founders gathered in Philadelphia to debate and eventually sign the Declaration of Independence, and the victory likely boosted the confidence of the signers.

Col. William Moultrie, the fort commander, designed the flag, which featured the distinctive crescent "moon" now a part of the state flag. But the "moon" might actually have been the silver crescent emblem worn by the 2nd South Carolina Regiment that defended the fort. It's still debated.

Fort Moultrie was chosen as the site to be depicted by then-governor Mark Sanford, a Sullivan's Island resident at the time. Marks said he expected final approval of the design to be made before the end of the year.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140925/PC16/140929562/1177/fort-moultrie-to-be-featured-on-coin

Collecting Old Chinese Silver Coins Can Be Daunting!

Collecting old Chinese silver coins can be a daunting task. There are so many counterfeits out there that the values of professionally graded and slabbed coins are being driven through the roof.

Collectors are afraid of buying a pig in a poke, so to speak, and would rather pay up for a graded, genuine specimen than risk a smaller sum of money and perhaps end up with a fake coin. 

 China Yunnan Province 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar) 1908

7 mace, 2 candareens in the Chinese weight system is equal to the amount of silver used in one dollar of the time. The denomination was designed with this in mind, and the coins are listed as dollars in some catalogs. 

Genuine coins weigh 26.8 grams and measure 39 mm in diameter. They are struck in 0.900 pure silver, not sterling, which is 0.925. The Chinese inscriptions read 'Yün-nan Sheng Tsao' and 'Kuang-hsü Yüan-pao'. Kuang-hsü was the ruler at the time.

Worn: $50 US dollars approximate catalog value
Average circulated: $250
Well preserved: $600
Fully uncirculated: $3000

The coin in our picture comes from Stack's Bowers and Ponterio where it sold for $1200 US dollars in a 2014 auction. CoinQuest thanks Stack's Bowers and Ponterio for use of their coin image. I like the toning!

There are so many counterfeits of these (and similar) coins on the market that one must take extreme care when dealing with these coins. Only buy from dealers you know and trust.

 Ebay is not a good source for these coins. See for example this entry on ForgeryNetwork which shows a counterfeit 7 mace 2 candareens struck in real silver.

Damaged coins will be worth much less than the values noted above. Please visit our Important Terminology page found at the top left in order to properly interpret these catalog values.

http://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins?main_coin=17910

Fall Of The Berlin Wall Silver Coin Issued By The Republic of Palau!

The Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the German Reunification. The decisive factor enabling the reunification was the support of the Soviet Union’s head of state. 25 years later, the historic event is remembered on this Palauan coin. 

Fall Of The Berlin Wall Silver Coin Issued By The Republic Of Palau

It’s been designed by Coin Invest Trust with brand new 3D laser technology to produce a latent image on the coin surface. From different angles, the Fall of the Berlin Wall Silver Coin renders visible the two major protagonists from 1989: Helmut Kohl and Mikhail Gorbachev.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 belongs into the category of historical events whose significance can never be overrated. 

It was the turning point at which the Cold War ended and the reunification of the two German states began. Two men were the driving forces behind the developments. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev.

Since 1985, Gorbachev had been reforming the communist Eastern states under the slogan of «Glasnost» (transparency) and «Perestrojka» (reorganisation). 

By granting the Eastern Bloc greater autonomy, he signalled the West that he was welcoming change. Helmut Kohl, who was hoping for a reunification like so many other German politicians, was able to turn these signals into concrete concessions for a reunified Germany. 

Unlike in 1953, the peaceful demonstrations of discontent citizens were not put down violently. Instead, the two statesmen advanced the reunification of FRG and GDR and in this context emerged Kohl’s ten-point agenda, which he presented during a speech to the German Bundestag in 1989.

In 1990, Gorbachev was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his active involvement in promoting the reunification. He in turn nominated Helmut Kohl for this distinction in 2007.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall, as a united effort of both these men, is vividly captured on this commemorative coin thanks to technological sophistication: both portraits are united in one latent image, which, from different angles, shows Mikhail Gorbachev and Helmut Kohl individually.

http://www.coinweek.com/coins/commemoratives/fall-berlin-wall-silver-coin-issued-republic-palau/

Anglo-Saxon Coin Made in Derby Could Fetch A Pretty Penny!

A RARE coin made in Derby nearly 1,000 years ago is set to be sold at auction.

The silver penny, originating from the Anglo-Saxon period, was made in Derby by a moneyer – or coin maker – named Leofwine between 1042 and 1066.

The Anglo Saxon Coin Made In Derby

It was minted during the reign of Edward The Confessor shortly before the Battle of Hastings, making it a sought-after piece by collectors.

The rare coin is expected to sell for between £800 and £1,200 when it is auctioned at Spink & Son in Bloomsbury, London, on Monday.

Jon Mann, a coin specialist at the auctioneers, said: “Derby is rare as an Anglo-Saxon mint, though does turn up from time to time. It does seem to be well sought-after by collectors and thus makes a premium.

“As well as being a rare mint, this piece was struck under Edward the Confessor, whose reign is more widely collected than say Aethelred or Cnut. The latter are more prolific. In addition, this piece has a particularly well-struck bust and a sought-after origin.”

The coin is listed by Spinks as being in very fine, in a pleasantly-toned condition, and has clear markings.

Mr Mann said: “It features a crowned bust of Edward the Confessor and his full regal title and on the reverse the mint or moneyer’s name and a cross design known as a hammer cross.”

The Derby-made coin was owned by the tenth Duke of Argyll until his death in 1949. The duke, nephew of Queen Victoria’s daughter, Princess Louise, thought the coin had been made in Dereham, Norfolk, but experts have now confirmed that it was minted in Derby.

In Anglo-Saxon times the Derby mint was one of 50 or 60 across England. It is impossible to pinpoint an exact location in the city where the coin was made, as several moneyers may have had a licence to make coins in their own workshops.
  

Mr Mann said: “Anglo-Saxon coins were struck by moneyers in burghs, or walled towns. The moneyers were usually wealthy merchants responsible for ensuring the correct weight and fineness of the coins.

“Their names would appear on the coin so it could be traced back. They were made in a workshop using engraved dies to strike the silver blanks placed in between.”

Coins from this time are often found cut in half or quarters they were divided if the monetary value of the product being purchased was less than the face value.

Between 1974 and 1984, ten Anglo-Saxon coins – including a broken half of an Edward The Confessor penny – were found at the Anglo-Saxon monastery at Repton. Nine more coins were found there in 1985-1986, including a cut Edward The Confessor farthing.

Spencer Bailey, Derby Museums collection manager, said: “This coin is not something I am aware of. Most of our archaeological items are donated to us following excavations. We have a number of Anglo-Saxon Derby mint coins on display at the Silk Mill.

“At the Derby Museum and Art Gallery we have further pieces from this time period, including the sarcophagus from the Saxon saint buried at St Alkmund’s Church before that building was 

demolished.”

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Anglo-Saxon-coin-Derby-fetch-pretty-penny/story-22952948-detail/story.html

2014 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set Debut Sales!

New United States Mint figures offer opening sales for the 2014 Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set. They were the highest of the week across all Mint products, not just those with silver coins.

2014 United States Mint Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set

From its introduction on Monday, Sept. 8, through to Sunday, Sept. 14, collectors snapped up 12,876. The crown jewel of the set, of course, is the one-ounce 99.9% pure 2014-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle. 

As a standalone product, the Mint charges $43.95 for it alone, but as part of the set that also has five other $1 coins, the price is $44.95. So the set is actually the better deal. To learn more about it, read this article.

To date, sales for the standalone 2014-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle total 188,594, which includes the latest weekly increase of 628. It has been on the market since April 10.

In other product sales, the 2014 Silver Proof Set hit another milestone. The number of sets ordered by Sunday broke the 300,000 threshold when 3,906 more were purchased. Its newest total is 302,573. Sales of last year’s set ended in February at 419,719.

In the table below are the latest sales stats for collector coins and related silver products from the US Mint. Sunday, September 14, is the as of date.

http://www.silvercoinstoday.com/2014-annual-uncirculated-dollar-coin-set-debut-sales/1010467/

The U.S. Mint Releases Great Sand Dunes, 5 Ounce Silver Coin!

At noon Eastern today (Sept 15-2014), the United States Mint will accept orders for the 2014 America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Un-circulated Coin – Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Great Sand Dunes - 5 Ounce Silver Coin - 2014

The U.S. Mint to Release Great Sand Dunes 5 Ounce Silver Coin TodayThe five ounce .999 silver coin is being issued at $154.95. 

At the current spot price of $18.62 per ounce, the bullion coin has a precious metals value of $93.10. The coin has a face value of a quarter.

The U.S. Mint has set a maximum mintage for this coin is 30,000 units.

America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Un-circulated Coins are struck in .999 fine silver and display the “P” mint mark indicating production at the United States Mint at Philadelphia.  

Each coin is enclosed in a protective plastic capsule and placed in an attractive presentation case.  A certificate of authenticity is included.

Orders for the coin can be placed on the Mint’s website and by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT.  A fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders for shipping and handling.

http://www.coinweek.com/modern-coins/the-u-s-mint-to-release-great-sand-dunes-5-ounce-coin-today/ 

Mughal-Era Silver Coins Discovered In Kanpur!

At least 61 Mughal-era coins were discovered in Kanpur in the area situated on the bank of River Ganga, as per news reports on Saturday.

                                  Mughal Era Coins From The Cantonment Area In Kanpur

The pot of coins was found by the children who were playing in the area and spotted the coins while digging.

The coins have inscription in Arabian and Persian and likely date back to the Mughal era.

As the word spread around, people rushed to the area and started looking for buried treasure.

Army and police were called and have cordoned off the area and the coins are now in their possession.

Major Chandra Prakash Badola said, “We have recovered silver coins from the spot and the area has been cordoned off.”

http://zeenews.india.com/news/uttar-pradesh/mughal-era-silver-coins-discovered-in-kanpur_1469176.html

New £5 Coin Tribute To First Black Army Officer!

As the first black officer in the British Army, Walter Tull’s life was portrayed in a remarkable new play premiered at the Octagon Theatre — now he will be commemorated on a new £5 coin. Melanie Wallwork reports.

WALTER Tull was a remarkable man. Not only was he one of the first black footballers to play top level football in Great Britain, he also fought in World War One, becoming the first black officer in the British Army.

Walter Tull In His Footballing Days

Now, he will be remembered on a set of coins, produced by The Royal Mint.

The silver £5 coin shows a portrait of Walter Tull with a backdrop of infantry going “over the top” as a tragic reminder of so many men’s sacrifice, as the world continues to remember the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

Walter Tull £5 Commemorative Silver Coin

Tull — the play depicting his inspiring yet tragic life story — was staged at the Octagon in February.

The play was written by Phil Vasili, author of a Walter Tull biography, who worked alongside the Octagon’s artistic director David Thacker to create the world premiere production.

Speaking of the new coin, Mr Thacker said: “All of us at the Octagon are thrilled that Walter Tull has been honoured in this way.

“We wanted our production of Tull to help bring to public attention the exceptional bravery and courage of this remarkable man.

“All of us were deeply moved by learning more about Walter’s extraordinary life and his achievements, both as a professional footballer and a war hero.

“Walter is an inspiration to everyone who is seeking to create a world in which all people are valued, irrespective of their colour, gender, sexuality and culture.”

Tull first played for Tottenham Hotspur on a tour of Argentina and Uruguay in the summer of 1909.

When the war broke out in 1914, he signed up and soon demonstrated a natural flair to lead and inspire.

Overcoming racial prejudice and military rules, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and became the first black officer in the British Army.

Having fought and survived the first Battle of the Somme, Tull was killed in the second in March 1918, during the German Spring Offensive, at the age of 29.

Playwright Mr Vasili said: “I hope the recognition of Walter Tull’s achievements by the Royal Mint will help raise national awareness of his place in British football and military history.

“He was a reluctant hero. He came to hate the war but like millions of other brave young men his life was cut short in his prime. He was recommended for the military cross. It should now be awarded.”

The coin, designed by David Cornell, is one of a set of six £5 coins released as part of The Royal Mint’s five-year programme of commemoration of the First World War that will tell the story of the emotive journey from outbreak to armistice.

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/11463211.New___5_coin_tribute_to_first_black_army_officer/ 

Italian Colonial Coins Eritrea 2 Lire Silver Coin of 1890 King Umberto 1

Italian Eritrea was the first colony of the Kingdom of Italy. It was created in 1890 (but the first Italian settlements were done in 1882 around Assab) and lasted officially until 1947.

Obverse: Eritrea Italian 2 Lire Silver Coin: Crowned and uniformed bust of Umberto I right. Legend: UMBERTO I RE D`ITALIA . 1890: 2

The Eritrean tallero was the currency of Eritrea between 1890 and 1921. The Italian Kingdom issued new coinage for their colony of Eritrea in 1890 with a silver Tallero d'Italia, patterned after the Maria Theresa thaler (together with 50 centesimi, 1 and 2 lire coins) equal to 5 lire subdivided into 100 centesimi and based on the Latin Monetary Union standards. 

Reverse: Eritrea Italian 2 Lire Silver Coin: Illuminated star above value (L.2) and bi-ligual (Ethiopian and Persian inscription = Colonia

The issue of a crown sized tallero d'Italia was an attempt to replace the Maria Theresia thaler which circulated extensively from Arabia to Ethiopia. The natives refused to accept the new coinage, even when the Maria Theresia thaler was prohibited.

Mint Place: Rome; Diameter: 27 mm; Weight: 9.95 gram of Silver (.800): ENGRAVER: Filippo Spanenza, Chief Engraver Rome Mint.

http://www.coinsnumismatics.com/2013/01/italian-colonial-coins-eritrea-2-lire.html

Canada Mints New Superman Coins!

The Royal Canadian Mint pays tribute to the Man of Steel with limited-edition commemorative coins made of silver and gold...not Kryptonite.

It's not a bird! It's not a plane! It's a Superman coin collection! Last year, the Royal Canadian Mint released commemorative coins celebrating the Man of Steel himself, Superman. And now it's continuing to honor the superhero with another collectible coin set.

While these coins aren't made from Kryptonite, they do range from fine silver to 14-karat gold. The 2014 collection includes four new coins. A fine silver coin of Superman from the Action Comics #419 cover costs about $90 for a $15-face-value coin. 

The half-ounce fine silver coin depicts Superman lifting a car, from the Action Comics #1 cover. The $10-face-vaule coin costs about $70.

The one ounce fine silver coin depicts a newer look of the Man of Steel from the Superman Annual #1 cover published in 2012. The $20-face-value coin costs around $110.

The most expensive coin is the 14-karat gold coin of the famous red "S" on Superman's costume depicted on The Adventures of Superman comic #596. The $100-face-value coin costs around $750.

Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a premium graphic case with a beauty box.

The mint will produce 10,000 copies of each coin, except for the gold coin. There will be only 2,000 of those produced.

http://www.cnet.com/news/new-superman-coins-minted-in-canada/

Rare 1681 Charles II Silver Half Crown With Mark Of The Royal African Company!

Halfcrowns, 2½ Shillings silver coins, of English King Charles II are not rare overall. Thousands survive of those minted during his reign from 1660 to 1685. 

The 1681 Halfcrown ‘in the news’ is unusual and rare in that it was minted with the symbol of an elephant (and castle) on the front (obverse) below the bust of the king. 

A relatively small number of Charles II silver coins of any denomination survive with the mark of an elephant, which relates to a semi-private company that dominated British business activities in Africa. 

This PCGS graded “AU-55”  1681 Half Crown, ‘in the news,’ will be auctioned by Heritage on Sept. 5th at the Long Beach Expo. A wide variety of other world coins, ancient coins and U.S. coins are also being auctioned this week at the same location.

The quality of this specific coin is very impressive. It is well struck and features, pleasing, mellow brown-russet natural toning with neat blue-green tints. 

Further, it scores very high in the category of originality. Although there are some noticeable defects in the prepared blank (planchet) that was used to produce this coin, there are very few contact marks and hairlines. 

Indeed, it is technically sound and was properly stored for generations. In regard to silver coins from past centuries, this piece is exceptional.

Its pedigree is extraordinary, having been in landmark collections in the past. All 17th century British coins with an elephant (or ‘elephant & castle) mark are historically important and highly demanded by collectors. 

http://www.coinweek.com/featured-news/the-1681-royal-african-company-halfcrown-of-king-charles-ii/

Royal Mint Unveils Coins For Chinese Lunar Year of Sheep!

The Royal Mint on Monday issued a series of coins for the Chinese Lunar Year of Sheep, which is the second collection of its Chinese Zodiac coins, following the coins of the Year of Horse last year.

 Year of the sheep-2015 coin-Designed by Wuon-Gean Ho

The new collection includes a tenth-ounce gold non-circulating coin, a one-ounce gold-plated proof coin, a one-ounce gold proof coin, and a five-ounce gold proof coin. In silver, there are the one-ounce silver proof coin and five-ounce silver proof coin.

Although the inspiration of the coins originated from ancient Chinese Zodiac, or Shengxiao, the sheep pattern on the coins were two domestic Swaledale sheep, with beautiful curled horns and swirls wool.

In the middle of the two face-to-face sitting sheep, there is a Chinese character "Sheep", and on the fringe, it is engraved "YEAR OF THE SHEEP.2015" in English. While the other side of the coins is the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

The number of those coins are limited. There are only 38 coins of the largest (65 mm in diameter) and also the most expensive five-ounce gold proof coin. 

With the denomination of 500 pounds, the recommended retail price for it will be 7,500 pounds each. And the two-pound one ounce silver proof coin has been produced 9,888 coins, with each of them to be sold at about 83 pounds.

"The sell of coins of Year of Horse was very successful, so we decided to recommission the same artist this year to join us to design the coin of Year of Sheep. Feedback of the sheep coins were fantastic. 

Last year was the first time that the UK to create such coins with Chinese symbols. It is hugely exciting for us. It is a history-making opportunity," said Fergus Feeney, program director.

"I wanted to put the Swaledale sheep in the coin as an emblem of Britain, but I also wanted to include something about Chinese heritage. 

And I was looking at the old symbol for the Chinese word for sheep, and to me, they very much looked like trees, so I thought to make a landscape out of the sheep in the background," said Wuon-Gean Ho, designer of the collection, who also designed the coins for the Year of Horse.

"I will be very happy if the Zodiac coins open up some interest for people who never heard about Chinese culture," she said, adding that she is also planning the coins for the Year of Monkey.

The coins of the Year of Sheep are now available for order on the website of the Royal Mint from Monday.

The Royal Mint has an unbroken history of minting British coinage dating back over 1,000 years. Owned by the Treasury, it is the only body that manufactures coins in Britain. 

It also mints and exports coins to other countries and produces various kinds of medals for different events, such as London Olympics.

http://www.ecns.cn/business/2014/09-01/132519.shtml

American Coin Sculptor - Adolph Alexander Weinman!

At ten years old, most kids would have a hard time moving to a new town. Imagine moving to a whole new country. That’s just what Adolph Alexander Weinman did. Weinman emigrated from Germany to the U.S. with his mother at only ten years old. 

But the Weinman’s didn’t move to just anywhere in the U.S. The mother and son moved to New York City. It wasn’t long after Weinman arrived there, that he began a career that would impact American coinage for generations.

Five years after emigrating to the U.S. Weinman’s prolific sculpting career began. His education in the trade of sculpting started when he enrolled in night classes at Cooper Union. Cooper Union remains one of the top sculpting schools in the U.S. today. After Cooper Union, Weinman’s exceptional education continued.

The next place of study for Weinman was even more notable: The Art Students League. The Art Students League was home to many very famous instructors at that time. Weinman was lucky enough to study under none other than Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

In his early career, Weinman erected many architectural sculptures all over the East Coast. In addition to his East Coast sculptures, Weinman had statues in Detroit, Kentucky, and San Francisco. It wasn’t until Weinman was well into his forties that he designed the coins that he would become most famous for. Weinman purportedly disliked being known for coins.

The bulk of Weinman’s work was in architectural sculpture. So of course, he wanted to be known for the works he spent years creating, rather than the two times he sculpted coins. But not everyone has access to great metropolitan areas with famous statues to enjoy. Which is why beautiful currency made Weinman a famous sculptor.

After Mint Director, Robert W. Woolley, ordered new coinage in 1915, a contest to find coin designers was held. Weinman won the contest, and was awarded the design for the dime and the fifty-cent piece. The Mercury Dime, and the Walking Liberty Half Dollar were the results of Weinman’s wins. Both coins were released in 1916.

The 90% silver “Mercury Dime” as it was called, is one of Weinman’s most famous works. Unfortunately, the name Mercury Dime name is a misnomer. Weinman was actually attempting to depict the Greek goddess Liberty. The intended name of the dime was the “Winged Liberty Head Dime”

The winged cap, known as a pileus in Roman times, was symbolic of freedom. In Rome, when a slave was free, they wore this hat to convey their status as a freed slave. Weinman said he intended the addition of the hat to the design to convey "liberty of thought".

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar has lived longer than many of Weinman’s now demolished statues. The obverse design from the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is still in use. 

One of our most famous bullion coins, the American Silver Eagle, dons the obverse design first seen on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Despite his inclination to be known for his architectural sculpting, Weinman’s incredible coin designs are his legacy.

http://www.westseattlecoins.com/great-american-coin-sculptors-part-iii-adolph-alexander-weinman/