This Month's Coin: The Roosevelt Dime!

Franklin D. Roosevelt died April 12, 1945, while serving his fourth term as president. Shortly thereafter, Virginia Congressman Ralph H. Daughton introduced legislation for the replacement of the circulating Mercury Head dime with a new dime depicting FDR’s image. 

The dime was chosen to honor FDR’s outstanding work with the March of Dimes Foundation.

The Rooosevelt Dime

FDR had been crippled for many years with polio, and dedicated a lot of his time for raising money to eradicate this disease. In addition, there was a tremendous outpouring of sadness and grief with his passing.

(The March of Dimes became a great sponsor and supporter of the campaign against Birth Defects, after a cure for polio was discovered in the late 50s and early 60s.)

The new coin was designed on a tight deadline by Chief Engraver, John R. Sinnock. Jan. 30, 1946 was the official release date. The image of FDR on the front side of the coin is very strong. The torch, olive branch and oak branch on the reverse side represent peace, liberty, and strength.

The composition of the FDR dime from 1946-1964 was .900 silver and .100 copper. The price of silver increased in 1965, and the public began to hoard circulating silver coins. 

A clad (nickel and copper alloy) coin replaced dimes and quarters. (The 1965-1970 Kennedy half dollars contained 40 percent silver; however, starting in 1971, regular issues of the half dollars were of the “clad” composition.) 

The U.S. Mint resumed limited .900 silver content collectible editions of the FDR dimes in 1992. There are no rarities in this series, and a complete (all mintmarks) UNC (uncirculated) set retails for approximately $500.

Interestingly enough, in 2003, there was some movement in Congress among conservative Republicans to replace the FDR dime with one with an image of Ronald Reagan. 

This project was quickly shelved, especially after former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, objected. She was very supportive of the FDR dime, and its tribute to FDR.

http://melrose.wickedlocal.com/article/20150329/NEWS/150327238

Royal Baby's Birth To Be Celebrated With New £5 Coin!

The birth of Prince William and Kate's second baby will be celebrated with the release of a new £5 coin. The commemorative piece will be launched after the tot is born, which is expected to be in "mid-to-late" April as Kate has previously revealed.

The Royal Mint also struck a new coin for Prince George's christening in October 2013

While the little Prince or Princess is not expected to ever rule as a monarch, being fourth-in-line to the throne, he or she will have a coin struck in their honour – much like older brother Prince George.

The Queen approved the decision during a meeting of the Privy Council at Buckingham Palace on 19 March. Prince William and Kate will welcome their second royal baby in April

The Royal Mint told HELLO! Online that they could not comment on the new product until the second royal baby was born and the coin was ready to be launched. Crossing the palms of babies with silver is a traditional way of wishing them luck, health and wealth.

When George arrived in July 2013, The Royal Mint produced 10,000 solid silver crown-sized £5 coins – which cost £80 each – and 2,013 22 carat gold sovereigns, priced at £800 each.

Both coins, which featured the newborn's namesake St George, were sold out within days. Prince George's July 2013 birth was also celebrated with the release of a new £5 coin

Babies born on the same day as the Prince were also given their own royal gift in the form of a lucky silver coin. The Royal Mint struck a total of 2,013 silver coins and presented them, free of charge, to the tots who shared George's birthday.

Depending on the sex of the child, the coin was delivered in a pink or blue pouch. While George's birth was celebrated with the new coins, his baptism was also marked in a similar way.

A set of special coins was released, featuring two cherubs, the traditional "Lily Font" from the Tower of London and the phrase, "To celebrate the christening of Prince George of Cambridge 2013."

This was the first time that a member of the British royal family's baptism had been honoured in this way. The Royal Mint also struck a new coin for Prince George's christening in October 2013

When George turned one, his first birthday was also commemorated with another new £5 coin. The sterling silver piece featured the heraldic royal arms on one side and a portrait of Her Majesty's face on the other.

The Queen, William and Kate, and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne all approved the design of the coin.

http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2015032424207/prince-william-kate-middleton-baby-coin/

2015 Proof Set, Uncirculated Silver Eagle!

Two annually issued United States Mint products launch this week, another Silver Eagle edition and a proof set with all the year’s regular coins.

The 2015-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle and 14-coin 2015 Proof Set make for popular U.S. Mint product releases this week.

On Tuesday, March 24, the U.S. Mint introduces its 14-coin Proof Set for $32.95. This set of clad coinage is one of the Mint’s most popular products with sales likely to end at over 700,000. 

When released at noon ET, the 2015 Proof Set is available from the Mint’s webpage right here.

Then on Thursday, March 26, the U.S. Mint begins selling its one-ounce uncirculated American Silver Eagle from West Point. 

Last year’s 2014-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle logged individual sales of just under 225,000. Uncirculated Silver Eagle information is available from the Mint’s webpage found here. Its price is $39.95.

 

http://www.coinnews.net/2015/03/22/2015-proof-set-unc-silver-eagle-and-popular-news/ 

2015 $20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada Silver Coin!

Adding to its $20 for $20 silver coin series and celebrating one of the largest worldwide sporting events to be held this year, the Royal Canadian Mint is now accepting orders for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada $20 Fine Silver Coin.

2015 $20 FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada Silver Coin

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held June 6 through July 5, 2015. During the event, teams from around the world will participate with the top three earning the right to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics.

"Get a piece of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ with the most affordable Official Commemorative Silver Coin," prompts the Royal Canadian Mint on its website. "Don’t miss your chance to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime celebration on home soil."

Composed of 99.99% fine silver, each coin is issued as part of the Royal Canadian Mint’s "Exchange $20 for $20" program, and thus available for purchase at its legal tender face value. 

Fourteen different coins of the series have been released previously and all of them have sold out.

http://www.coinnews.net/2015/03/19/2015-20-fifa-womens-world-cup-canada-silver-coin-for-20/

Old Set, New Native $1 Coin and Popular News!

Old coins as well as new coins are included in product releases from the United States Mint this week.

The 2014 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set and 2015 Native American $1 Coins are among U.S. Mint product releases this week

On Tuesday, the U.S. Mint introduces its annual Limited Edition Silver Proof Set for $139.95, but it’s for last year. Packaging issues are the reason for the delay. The set comes complete with eight 2014-dated coins and includes the 2014 Proof American Silver Eagle.

Then on Thursday, the Mint begins selling rolls, bags and boxes of circulating quality 2015 Native American $1 Coins at prices ranging from $32.95 to $111.95.

Products launch beginning at 12 Noon ET and sell from www.usmint.gov/catalog. We’ll talk more about these products on their release day. Until then, here are last week’s five most read:

1.Mint Invites Canadians to Design Coins for 2017 – Canadian residents received a surprising invitation this week. The Royal Canadian Mint asked them to consider a unique role in celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary by designing the nation’s five circulation coins. 

Canada turns 150 in 2017 and the Mint will strike new designs on the 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, one-dollar and two-dollar coins to commemorate the sesquicentennial.

2.Lost 1879 Stella Gold Coin Returned at ANA Show – Honesty turned out to be its own reward when it came to a gold coin lost at the recent American Numismatic Association’s National Money Show in Portland, Oregon. 

Brian Hendelson, owner of Classic Coin Company in Bridgewater, New Jersey, accidentally lost an 1879 Flowing Hair variety Stella gold coin.

3.2015 March of Dimes Silver Dollars Launch – Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes Foundation, the United States Mint on Friday started accepting orders for 2015 March of Dimes Silver Dollars. These commemorative coins are available in proof and uncirculated collectible finishes.

4.2015-W Proof American Gold Eagles Released – Today, March 12, the United States Mint started selling five collectible products with varying sizes and quantities of 2015-W Proof American Gold Eagles. American Gold Eagles come in 1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz. and 1/10 oz. sizes that correspond to denominations of $50, $25, $10 and $5.

5.US Mint Seeks Input on Coin Compositions – The United States Mint has announced March 18, 2015 as the date for a second stakeholder meeting to continue its mandate in researching cheaper compositions for circulating coins.

U.S. Mint FY 2014 figures show production and distribution costs total 1.7 cents for a penny; 8.1 cents for a nickel; 3.9 cents for a dime; and 9 cents for a quarter.


http://www.coinnews.net/2015/03/15/old-set-new-native-1-coin-and-popular-news/

Victoria Artist Leaves Mark On New Canadian $10 Coins!

Richard Hunt’s image on Canada’s newly minted $10 silver coin shows a mother eagle giving a minnow to her eaglet, while the father flies toward them carrying a salmon. 

Richard Hunt holds a $10 silver coin, the third coin he has created for the Royal Canadian Mint. The coin's design is based on Hunt's artwork, Mother Feeding Baby.   

 

Called Mother Feeding Baby, it highlights the value of the family and also recognizes the importance of the eagle to the renowned Victoria artist, who now has three of his artistic creations emblazoned on Canadian coins. 

“The eagle is the main crest of our village,” said Hunt, whose family is Kwakwaka’-wakw and is based in Fort Rupert, near Port Hardy. The coin — the third Hunt has created for the Royal Canadian Mint — contains a hologram, what the mint calls a combination of aboriginal art and modern technology. 

It was produced last week in a run of 10,000. The design is based on a print Hunt created in 2007 to give to people involved in a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria golf tournament. “There’s 180 prints,” he said. “The edition was never sold. It was given away.” 

Hunt’s relationship with the mint began when the Crown corporation contacted him about using his work for a coin minted in 2005. That coin showed two native groups coming together, while a second one he designed in 2012 to mark the 25th anniversary of the loonie featured two loons kissing.

 “The good thing about the mint is they’re using native people instead of people that do native art,” Hunt said. “I’m just glad that they picked my work; they like my work.” Hunt did not want to disclose his financial arrangement with the mint, but said that is not his focus.

 “It’s more prestige.” This year’s specially designed and packaged hologram coins sell for $79.95 each. Such collector coins can technically be used as money, but they would be worth only their face value. 

Michael Tarantino of AAA Stamp Coin Jewellery said the new Hunt coin is available at his Fort Street store, but they could be bought up quickly. Similar coins from the mint routinely sell out, he said. “That’s actually what drives the market,” said Tarantino, whose store is the official outlet for the mint in B.C. 

“They sell out and you didn’t get one, so then you have to go look for it on a secondary market. “It makes it kind of fun that there’s a bit of a hunt to it.” Hunt, 63, has built a huge reputation as a carver of gold, silver and wood, and is also an accomplished painter. 

Art has been a passion for most of his life. “I’ve done this for 50 years,” he said. That includes time at Thunderbird Park under the tutelage of his late father, Henry, as an apprentice carver. 

He went on to serve as chief carver in the park’s carving program for 12 years before striking out on his own. Over the years, he has been awarded the Order of B.C., the Order of Canada and an honorary doctorate from the University of Victoria. 

His UVic doctorate came in 2004, 21 years after his father received the same recognition. Hunt’s art will be front and centre again next month when his Dancing Heron design appears on Times Colonist 10K T-shirts. 

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/victoria-artist-leaves-mark-on-new-canadian-10-coins-1.1789781 

March of Dimes, Gold Eagles, $1 Set; Popular News!

Collectors this week will have several new products to think about as the United States Mint launches $1 proofs, March of Dimes Silver Dollars and proof American Gold Eagles.

Beginning on Tuesday, the U.S. Mint will offer a set of four proof 2015 Presidential $1 Coins for $18.95. Then on Friday, the agency will release proof and uncirculated silver coins celebrating the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes Foundation. Introductory prices for the silver dollars open at $46.95 and $43.95.

Presidential $1 Coin Proof Sets, March of Dimes Silver Dollars and 2015-W Proof Gold Eagles are among U.S. Mint product releases this week

In between these releases, the U.S. Mint on Thursday will begin selling five different production options of 2015-W Proof American Gold Eagles. Pricing of the Gold Eagles can change weekly based on a 7-seven day average of London gold fixings. The first batch of prices get established on Wednesday.

Products launch beginning at 12 Noon ET and sell from www.usmint.gov/catalog. As always, we’ll cover all releases here on CoinNews.net. Until then, here are last week’s five most read:

1. March of Dimes Special Silver Set Limited to 75,000 – More information about the three-coin 2015 March of Dimes Special Silver Set has been revealed. 

The United States Mint just announced its limits, provided a release date and published an image of the 90% silver set. This special silver set in one of three U.S. Mint products that will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes Foundation.


2. Ronald Reagan Presidential $1 Coin Design Candidates – Designs for the 2016 Ronald Reagan Presidential $1 Coin went under the microscope Thursday as the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) reviewed candidates and made their recommendation. 

In a lengthened session held Thursday in conjunction with ANA’s National Money Show in Portland, the panel of CCAC members looked over and commented on eight proposed Reagan dollar designs.


3. 2015 Australian Coin Releases for March – March finds a strong release schedule from the Perth Mint of Australia. 

Among new issues include an Australian Sovereign Gold Proof Coin, new ANZAC Spirit 100th Anniversary Coins, an addition to the Australian Map Shaped series, a Kimberly Sunset Pink Gold High Relief and a coin celebrating weddings.


4. 2015 Baby Animals Silver Coin Subscription Popular – Royal Canadian Mint subscription of four silver coins depicting baby animals is selling quickly. Ordering opened to everyone Tuesday, March 3, and 81% of the available 7,500 are already claimed. 

Four different baby animals are featured on coins of the subscription. Designed by wildlife Canadian artist Desmond McCaffrey, the first coin depicts a young black bear cub sitting by its mother in the wild.

5. 2015 Homestead 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin Released  – Homestead National Monument of America makes one of its final appearances on a United States Mint collectible product with today’s release of a three-inch, five ounce silver coin depicting a reverse design emblematic of the site in Nebraska. 

This just released 2015-P Homestead silver coin is the first of five this year and the 26th overall from the Mint’s series of America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins.

http://www.coinnews.net/2015/03/08/march-of-dimes-gold-eagles-1-set-popular-news/

Mexico Gold and Silver Coinage 1968 To Date!

Mexico has issued a lot of cool coins in modern times, and, like some other countries, they issue them in gold and silver which makes them more valuable that plain face value. 

You can actually invest in precious metal by collecting Mexican gold and silver, but you have to understand some basic rules before you shell out hard-earned cash.

Mexico went through a period of hyper inflation between 1985 and 1993, so coins minted before 1994 tend to have very large face values. In 1994 1000 old pesos became 1 new peso.

CoinQuest has written quite a bit about investing in gold and silver these days, but there are a few twists with Mexican coins that are worthy of note. If you are interested, read further about the Mexican twist, then proceed on to our gold and silver page which is referenced at the bottom of this page.

The fundamental aspect which you must understand about collecting and investing in gold and silver coins is how to compute the actual weight of pure preciouse metal in a coin. 

Some coins, Mexican or not, are made of pure gold or pure silver. Some coins are made of alloys of gold and silver. Only the actual gold or silver weight applies to value calculations.

For modern Mexican coins the weight of gold or silver is imprinted direclty on the coin itself. For instance, you will see inscriptions such as:

1 onza de oro ley 0.999
1 onza plata pura ley 0.999

These inscriptions mean, respectively, one troy ounce of pure gold and one troy ounce of pure silver. The 'troy' is understood when dealing with precious metal, and it is different that 'avoirdupois' ounces which is what you get in America when using normal ounce measurements of, say, foodstuffs.

The 'ley' in the inscriptions above refers to purity of the precious metal. Ley 0.999 is (essentially) 100 percent pure gold or silver. 

But you might see a coin with a purity of 'ley 0.720' which means there are other metals in the coin and the precious metal is only 72 percent of the total weight.

We are not quite finished with the Mexican twist! Sometimes weights are given in grams and not in troy ounces. You need the weight in troy ounces to compute coin value. There are 31.1 grams in a Troy ounce.

A 100 pesos ($100) silver coin from 1978 bears the inscription:

plata pura 20 gr ley 0.720

To figure value, we need the actual silver weight. There are 20 grams of pure silver in the coin, so:

20 grams / 31.1 = 0.643 troy ounces of silver

The 'ley' purity is only 0.720, so other metals are mixed with the silver, but the pure silver weight is 20 grams or 0.643 Troy ounces. 

Using a web site such as kitco.com, we find the current price of silver is about $17 per troy ounce (the price changes every day, look it up), and the value, then, of 0.643 ounces is 0.63 x 17 = $10.90 US dollars.


http://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins?main_coin=4382&main_ss_id=74971&main_ww_id=18856

Rare £1 Silver Coin That Dates Back To English Civil War!

An extremely rare £1 coin dating back to the start of English Civil War is expected to fetch £50,000 at auction.

The solid silver 1643 Declaration Pound was struck in Oxford, which was Charles 1's seat of power after he withdrew from London.

Charles 1 was beheaded just six years after the coin was created, but an inscription on the back declares the King's belief that he could not be toppled.

The coin was made as a new mint was set up in the city and was created to launch an official currency for parts of the country under the King's command.

The legend on the back of the coin translates as 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered', symbolising the King's belief in the 'absolute monarch'.

The words were a declaration of the King's power, but this belief in an almighty monarchy caused some of the tensions which led to the Civil War between the Royalist Cavaliers and the Parliamentarian Roundheads.

The large coin, which is more two inches across and remains in good condition, was passed down through one family for generations but the current owner did not realise its value.

Timothy Medhurst, a coin specialist and auctioneer at Duke's Auctioneers in Dorchester, Dorset, where the coin will be sold, said it was the type of item he dreams of finding.

'This coin marked Charles 1's attempts to regain his failing power and it represents a pivotal moment in the history of the British Isles,' he said.

'It is a coin which is rare to find and it will cause a stir in the coin collecting world.

'The value of coins from this period are at an all-time high, and it will be highly sought after.

'The coin has been handed down through several generations to the current owner, who had no idea of its value and is as excited about the auction as I am.

'It is fair to say that 1643 was a crucial year in the history of the Civil War and it is fascinating to think that this coin was produced by hand, in silver, at such a tumultuous time.

'It was only six years after this coin was struck that Charles I was beheaded and labelled as "tyrant, traitor, murderer and public enemy" by the 59 judges who found him guilty of high treason.'

The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between the Roundheads and Cavaliers in the Kingdom of England.

It led to Charles 1 being beheaded and his son being exiled in 1649 as the monarchy was replaced by a protectorate, led by Oliver Cromwell.

After Cromwell's death, his son Richard was unable to maintain the confidence of the New Model Army, causing the protectorate to fall and the monarchy to be restored with Charles II on the throne in 1660.

The sale takes place on March 12.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2974559/Rare-1-coin-dates-English-Civil-War-passed-one-family-expected-fetch-50-000-auction.html