Rare 1975-S No S Proof Roosevelt Silver Dime to be Auctioned Next Month

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GreatCollections Auction 1975 No S Dime PR67 CAC

The 1975-S No S Proof Dime, widely regarded as the world’s most valuable modern U.S. coin, is set to be auctioned on October 27th by GreatCollections. This highly rare coin, owned by an Ohio family for over 45 years, is one of only two known examples missing the “S” mint mark, a small but significant error that has turned it into a coveted item among collectors.

Discovery and Significance

The 1975-S No S Proof Dime was part of a proof set minted at the San Francisco Mint, which should have included an “S” mint mark on the dime. In 1975, the U.S. Mint produced 2.84 million proof sets, but only two sets without the “S” mint mark have been discovered, both by the same individual in California in the late 1970s.

These dime error coins were sold to coin dealer F.J. Vollmer and have since become legendary in the numismatic world. The Ohio family purchased their No S dime from Vollmer in 1978 for $18,200, a significant sum at the time, equivalent to nearly $90,000 today.

According to Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett, co-authors of 100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins, the 1975 No S Proof Dime ranks as the #1 modern U.S. coin. The coin has been graded PCGS Proof-67 and approved by CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) with the considerable public interest and could fetch over $500,000 at auction.

1975-S No S Auction History and Values

The 1975 No S Proof Dime auction history shows its increasing value over time. In 2011, the second known example sold for $349,600 at a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction. In 2019, the same coin sold for $456,000 at Heritage Auctions. Shortly after, it was sold privately for $516,000 to the owner of the only complete collection of Roosevelt Dimes ever formed.

The current auction represents the first time this particular dime, owned by the Ohio family, has appeared in public sale. It is expected to attract a great deal of attention from collectors, with the current bid already reaching $250,000. The dime will be on display at the Great American Coin & Collectibles Show in Tampa, Florida, from September 11-14 before heading to the auction block in October.

What Makes the 1975-S No S Proof Dime Special?

The 1975 No S Proof Dime is significant because of its extreme rarity and the historical context of its creation. During this time, proof coins were struck with extra care for collectors, and the absence of the “S” mint mark is an unusual and highly collectible error.

GreatCollections Auction 1975 No S Dime PR67 CAC

Mint inspectors likely discovered this early in the first run and stopped the majority of these error dimes from being released, making the two known examples incredibly rare.

This coin stands apart from other 1975 dimes made in Philadelphia as it is a Proof coin which was only minted in San Francisco.

Collectors’ and Investors’ Interest

For collectors, the 1975 No S Proof Dime is considered a “holy grail” of modern numismatics. Its rarity, combined with the fact that only two are known to exist, drives its value. The proof coin is also in excellent condition with a Proof-67 grade, making it even more desirable.

For investors, owning a piece of modern coinage history like the 1975 No S Proof Dime can be a lucrative long-term asset. Over the years, its value has consistently appreciated, and it is expected to continue doing so due to its uniqueness.

Beware of Misleading Offers and Counterfeits

The rarity of the 1975 No S Proof Dime has led to opportunistic sellers falsely advertising common 1975 dimes as rare coins. With nearly 586 million 1975 Roosevelt Dimes produced without a mint mark, many sellers exploit the confusion between regular circulation coins and the rare proof errors. Buyers must carefully verify the authenticity and provenance of such coins, as common 1975 dimes without an “S” are not valuable.

This discovery is a reminder of how valuable certain error coins can be, especially when such a limited number of examples exist.

What Dimes Contain Silver?

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Silver Dimes

Before 1965, U.S. dimes were minted with an alloy containing 90% silver. These coins, often referred to as “junk silver,” derive their value primarily from their silver content rather than numismatic value.

Identifying Silver Dimes

The most straightforward way to identify a silver dime is by its minting date. All dimes dated 1964 or earlier are minted with 90% silver.

Additionally, when viewed from the side, silver dimes will have a solid silver appearance along the edge with no visible copper line. Modern clad dimes (post-1965) have a copper edge visible when viewed from the side.

Mercury Silver Dimes (1916-1945)

The Mercury Silver Dime was continuously minted by the US Mint from 1916 until 1945. These coins feature Lady Liberty on the obverse wearing a phrygian cap, often mistaken for the Greek God Mercury due to the winged hat.

  • Design: The Mercury Dime, officially known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, features Lady Liberty wearing a phrygian cap with wings on the obverse. This design is often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the name.
  • Composition: Each dime contains 90% silver and 10% copper.
  • Historical Significance: Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Mercury Dime is considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins.

Mercury Dime Key Dates

1916-D

  • Mintage: 264,000 Denver Mint
  • Significance: Exceptionally low premier mintage of the Mercury dime from the Denver mint.
  • Value: Extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins in circulated, but good condition, can command up to $1,000. While graded Mint State 1916-D Mercury Dimes can fetch over $35,000.

1921 and 1921-D

  • Mintage: 1,230,000 (Philadelphia) and 1,080,000 (Denver)
  • Significance: Both the 1921 and 1921-D are low mintage years due to reduced coin production during the post-World War I economic slump.
  • Value: These dimes are scarce and command high prices, especially in uncirculated condition.

1942/1 and 1942/1-D Overdates

  • Mintage: Unspecified; these are error coins.
  • Significance: These overdate coins show a “1” underneath the “2” in the date. They are rare and highly prized by error coin collectors.
  • Value: Values can range significantly based on condition, often starting at several hundred dollars and going up into the thousands.

Silver Roosevelt Dimes (1946-1964)

The Roosevelt Silver Dime was introduced in 1946 and was minted with a 90% silver alloy until 1964. Beginning in 1965, the mint introduced the clad Roosevelt Dime that is still in use today.

  • Design: Introduced in 1946, the Roosevelt Dime honors President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The obverse features his portrait, designed by John R. Sinnock.
  • Composition: Like the Mercury Dime, it contains 90% silver and 10% copper.
  • Introduction Reason: The dime was introduced shortly after Roosevelt’s death as a tribute to his legacy, particularly his role in founding the March of Dimes.

Roosevelt Dime Key Dates

1949-S

  • Mintage: 13,510,000
  • Significance: The 1949-S is a key date because of its relatively low mintage compared to other Roosevelt dimes.
  • Value: In high grades, this coin can be quite valuable.

1950-S

  • Mintage: 20,440,000
  • Significance: Another semi-key date due to its lower mintage and the demand from collectors.
  • Value: Prices vary based on condition, but it is more valuable than most other dates in the series.

1951-S

  • Mintage: 31,630,000
  • Significance: This year had a higher mintage than 1949-S and 1950-S but still is considered a key date due to collector demand.
  • Value: Similar to the 1950-S, it holds a premium in higher grades.

Silver dimes, like all 90% silver US coinage are sometimes referred to as “junk silver”. This is a common term adopted from the coin collecting industry for coins that have little to no numismatic value. Their value lies strictly in the silver content.

Junk silver dimes are a great way to start investing in silver. They are fractional and you can buy them close to spot price.

Barber Dimes (1892–1916)

The Barber Dime is a historically significant ten-cent coin featuring a classic design that was minted by the United States Mint from 1892 to 1916. It is named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, who also designed the Barber quarter and half dollar. Barber’s design was chosen by the U.S. Mint after a public competition failed to yield a winning design.

  • Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
  • Silver Content: 0.07234 troy ounces of pure silver
  • The Barber Dime was minted from 1892 until 1916. It is named after its designer, Charles E. Barber.

Although not universally praised for its artistic appeal, the Barber dime became a staple of U.S. coinage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Barber Design

The obverse features a profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and a laurel wreath. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the portrait, with the minting year at the bottom.

The reverse has a simple design with the words “ONE DIME” in the center, surrounded by a wreath of agricultural products that include wheat, corn, and oak.

Barber Dimes are widely collected due to their historical significance and relatively short production run. While most dates are common and affordable in circulated condition, key dates like the 1894-S and well-preserved coins in higher grades can be quite valuable.

Modern Silver Proof Dimes

Since 1992, the U.S. Mint has produced silver Proof Sets containing 90% silver Roosevelt Dimes for collectors.

Modern Silver Proof Dimes are special edition coins that differ from the regular circulating dimes in terms of both their metal content and the method of production and feature a composition of 90% silver and are struck with a high-quality proof finish. These are produced at the San Francisco Mint and bear the “S” mint mark.

High-Grade Proof dimes that are graded PR69 or PR70 by professional services like PCGS or NGC are more valuable to collectors.

Silver Dimes in Circulation

The Roosevelt Dime was introduced in 1946. Billions of silver dimes were minted up until the debasement began in 1965. While many have been smelted over the years for their melt value, there are still plenty available in the wild.

The easiest way to tell if you have a silver dime is by looking at the date. All dimes that were minted prior to 1965 contain 90% silver content. If your dime is from 1964 or earlier, then it is a silver dime.

Coin roll hunting can be a great way to find silver dimes, depending on the availability of unsearched bankrolls in your area.

Silver Dime Values

At the very minimum, a silver dime is worth its weight in silver. A 90% silver dime has an overall gross weight around 2.5 grams. Therefore, it has roughly .0715 ozt of silver. Based on the spot price, the intrinsic value of silver is far more than its face value, which is the primary reason the government stopped using silver and switched to clad coins.

An easy way to estimate the value of your silver dimes is that each $1.00 Face Value, or ten silver dimes, contains .715 troy ounces of silver. This is a commonly accepted weight that takes into consideration that there may be some wear and tear from circulation.

For more information about which silver dimes may be key dates and have some numismatic value.

You can easily compare online dealer prices for 90% silver dimes:

US Mint 2024 Numismatic Product Schedule

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The United States Mint has released the preliminary schedule of the 2024 mintage year numismatic products with the anticipated dates of availability. This list is updated as detailed product information becomes available.

All dates and prices are subject to change by the United States Mint and some on-sale dates may experience delays without prior notice due to limited resources. Additional products may be added to the schedule at any time and updates will be posted as they become available.

Release DateProduct
January 4, 2024Commemorative Coin Program
Harriet Tubman 2024
– Proof Five-Dollar Gold Coin (24CJ)
– Proof Half Dollar (24CN)
– Proof Silver Dollar Coin (24CL)
– Three-Coin Proof Set (24CR)
– Uncirculated Five-Dollar Gold Coin (24CK)
– Uncirculated Half Dollar (24CP)
– Uncirculated Silver Dollar Coin (24CM)
January 16, 2024American Eagle 2024 One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (24EA)
– Congratulations Set 2024 (24RF)
January 25, 2024American Innovation® $1 Coin Program
– 2024 Rolls and Bags – Illinois (24GBA, 24GBE, 24GRA, 24GRE)
January 29, 2024Native American $1 Coins
– 2024 Rolls, Bags and Boxes (24NA, 24NB, 24NC, 24ND, 24NE, 24NF)
February 01, 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Rolls and Bags – Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray (24WBA, 24WBB, 24WRA, 24WRB)
February 06, 2024Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Silver Medal (S819)
February 08, 2024First Amendment to the United States Constitution
– 2024 Platinum Proof Coin – Right to Assemble
February 08, 2024Liberty & Britannia Gold CoinLiberty & Britannia Gold Coin (24YA)
February 08, 2024Liberty & Britannia Silver Medal (24YB)
February 13, 2024 Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Silver Medal (S819)
February 15, 2024First Amendment to the United States Constitution 2024 Platinum Proof Coin – Right to Assemble (24EJ)
February 27, 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Proof Set (24WP)
February 29, 2024Greatest Generation 2024 Proof Five-Dollar Gold Coin (24CA)
February 29, 2024
Greatest Generation 2024 Proof Half Dollar (24CE)
February 29, 2024Greatest Generation 2024 Proof Silver Dollar (24CC)
February 29, 2024 Greatest Generation 2024 Three-Coin Proof Set (24CG)
February 29, 2024
Greatest Generation 2024 Uncirculated Five-Dollar Gold Coin (24CB)
February 29, 2024Greatest Generation 2024 Uncirculated Half Dollar (24CF)
February 29, 2024Greatest Generation 2024 Uncirculated Silver Dollar (24CD)
March 14, 2024Proof Set 2024 (24RG)
March 28, 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Rolls and Bags – Patsy Takemoto Mink (24WBC, 24WBD, 24WRC, 24WRD)
April 02, 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Silver Proof Set (24WS)
April 08, 2024American Innovation $1 Coin 2024 Rolls and Bags – AlabamaAmerican Innovation $1 Coin 2024 Rolls and Bags – Alabama (24GBB, 24GBF, 24GRB, 24GRF)
April 23, 2024Silver Proof Set 2024 (24RH)
April 30, 2024James Garfield Presidential Silver Medal (S820)
May 02, 2024
American Eagle 2024 Gold Proof Four-Coin Set (24EF)
May 02, 2024
American Eagle 2024 One-Half Ounce Gold Proof Coin (24EC)
May 02, 2024 American Eagle 2024 One Ounce Gold Proof Coin (24EB)
May 02, 2024American Eagle 2024 One-Quarter Ounce Gold Proof Coin (24ED)
May 02, 2024American Eagle 2024 One-Tenth Ounce Gold Proof Coin (24EE)
May 07, 2024Kennedy 2024 Half Dollar 200-Coin Bag (24KA)
May 07, 2024Kennedy 2024 Half Dollar 2-Roll Set (24KB)
May 15, 2024U.S. Army One-Ounce Silver Medal (SAR1)
May 16, 2024American Innovation $1 Coin 2024 Rolls and Bags – Maine (24GRG)
May 23, 2024American Buffalo 2024 One Ounce Gold Proof Coin (24EL)
Summer 2024
American Eagle 2024 One Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin (24EH)
Summer 2024American Eagle 2024 One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (24EM)
Summer 2024American Eagle 2024 One Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin (24EG)
Summer 2024American Innovation $1 Coin 2024 Proof Set (24GA)
Summer 2024American Innovation 2024 Rolls and Bags – Missouri (24GBD, 24GBH, 24GRD, 24GRH)
Summer 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Ornaments (24WO1, 24WO2, 24WO3, 24WO4, 24WO5)
Summer 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Rolls and Bags – Celia Cruz (24WBG, 24WBH, 24WRG, 24WRH)
Summer 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Rolls and Bags – Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (24WBE, 24WBF, 24WRE, 24WRF)
Summer 2024Chester Arthur Presidential Silver Medal (S821)
Summer 2024
Morgan Dollar 2024 Uncirculated Coin (24XE)
Summer 2024Peace Dollar 2024 Uncirculated Coin (24XH)
Summer 2024Uncirculated Coin Set 2024 (24RJ)
FALL 2024230th Anniversary Flowing Hair Gold Coin (24YG)
FALL 2024230th Anniversary Flowing Hair Silver Medal (24YH)
FALL 2024
American Eagle 2024 One Ounce Palladium Proof Coin (24EK)
FALL 2024American Innovation $1 Coin 2024 Reverse Proof Set (24GC)
FALL 2024American Women Quarters 2024 Rolls and Bags – Zitkala-Sa (24WBJ, 24WBK, 24WRJ, 24WRK)
FALL 2024
Grover Cleveland Presidential Silver Medal (S822)
FALL 2024
Limited Edition 2024 Silver Proof Set (24RC)
FALL 2024Mighty Minters 2024 Ornament (24XT)
FALL 2024Morgan Dollar 2024 Proof Coin (24XF)
FALL 2024Morgan & Peace Dollar 2024 Two-Coin Reverse Proof Set (24XS)
FALL 2024Peace Dollar 2024 Proof Coin (24XL)
FALL 2024United States Mint 2024 Ornament (24XU)

More details and further dates can be found at the US Mint Website

Cashing Out When You Sell Coins

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Finding a box of old coins in the attic can be an exciting discovery, but deciding when and how to sell them can be complex. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned coin collector, it’s crucial to understand the market dynamics and have a strategy for divestment. This guide provides insights into the best practices for selling your coins, from research and valuation to finding the right buyers and understanding tax implications.

Steps to Take Before You Sell Coins

Sort and Catalog Your Collection

Vintage stamp and coin collecting tips, Detailed collection of vintage stamps and coins displayed on a wooden desk, magnifying glass, soft lighting, warm tones, nostalgic and informative

Begin by sorting and cataloging your coin collection. Many collectors will organize the coins by denomination, country of origin, and year and will use a spreadsheet or coin collecting software to make it easy to sort and organize and provides a way to take notes of any unique traits or properties.

Research Resources

Research the coins you have using books, online resources, or contact local dealers to seek professional coin appraisals. Look for information on coin values, rarity, and historical significance.

Numismatic books and catalogs that focus on the specific type or era of coins often contain historical information, mintages, and pricing data. Coin guides and price guides that are commonly referenced in coin stores, pawn shops, and by coin dealers such as the “Red Book”, a Guidebook of United States Coins, are available from Amazon and other bookstores. This is one of the most widely used reference books by coin collectors and numismatists and provides detailed information and price estimates for thousands of different coins.

Additionally, online resources, such as Numista.com, FindBullionPrices.com, PCGS, and NGC offer extensive databases and can provide additional insights into coin values, history, mintages, composition, circulation and other worthwhile information. You can search by country, type, year, and denomination to find information about your coin.

Numismatic forums like Coin Community Forum and Collectors Universe are excellent places to ask questions, share photos, and learn from experienced collectors.

Local Coin Shows and Club Meetings are great places to sell coins direct to other collectors and dealers.

Local coin shows and coin club meetings can help you meet other collectors who share a similar passion for collecting. These events are excellent opportunities to meet knowledgeable collectors, dealers, and experts who can provide information and guidance.

Once you’ve identified your coins, determine their approximate value. Keep in mind that a coin’s condition (graded on a scale from poor to mint state) has a significant impact on its worth.

Reputable coin dealers in your area can offer insights, appraisals, and information about the coins in their inventory.

For rare or valuable coins, consider getting a professional appraisal that can provide you with a more accurate assessment of your coin’s value.

Estimating Coin Values

Condition and Grading

Many older coins have been in circulation and have suffered wear and tear. For both collectors and investors, the condition of a coin can make the difference between a piece being worth its intrinsic metal value or thousands of dollars more.

Coins that remain in mint state (uncirculated) or proof condition are rarer because fewer have survived in such pristine condition and are more desirable to collectors.

Even common-date coins can carry a significant premium if they are in exceptional condition, particularly with coins that exhibit rare features such as Franklin Half Dollars with Full Bell Lines (FBL) or Deep Cameo on proof coins.

Places to Sell Coins and Find the Right Buyer

Visit local coin shops or contact coin dealers who specialize in your type of coins. They can provide offers based on their expertise.

Websites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections allow you to list your coins for sale. Be prepared to handle shipping and potential fees.

When selling your coins, set a reasonable and competitive price based on their condition and market demand. Research recent sales of similar coins to gauge their market value.

Understand that dealers will be knowledgeable about current coin values, so be realistic in your expectations and have some understanding of the current market value.

Local Coin Shops and Dealers

One of the easiest ways to sell your coins is by visiting local coin shops or contacting coin dealers who specialize in your type of coins. These dealers have extensive knowledge and can provide you with an offer based on their expertise.

Keep in mind that coin shops often offer slightly less than full market value since they need to resell the coins for a profit. To ensure you’re getting a fair price, consider visiting multiple shops to compare offers.

Online Auctions and Selling Platforms

Websites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections provide platforms where you can list your coins for sale. These sites allow you to reach a large audience of potential buyers, but be prepared to handle the logistics.

You’ll need to manage shipping, customer inquiries, and any associated fees that the platform may charge. For instance, eBay charges final value fees, while auction houses take a commission on sales. Before listing, it’s a good idea to research completed sales of similar coins to set a competitive price.

Online forums and communities such as Reddit and CoinTalk offer spaces where you can connect with other coin enthusiasts. These platforms are useful for getting advice, discussing the value of your coins, and even finding potential buyers.

Although these forums are less formal than auction houses or online marketplaces, they can be a valuable resource for learning more about the coin market and connecting with other collectors.

Coin Shows

Coin shows are a great way to connect with dealers and collectors in person. These events provide the opportunity to showcase your coins and negotiate directly with potential buyers.

Keep in mind that most dealers at coin shows are very knowledgeable about current coin values, so it’s important to set realistic expectations. Before attending, familiarize yourself with the market value of your coins to ensure you are prepared for negotiations and don’t sell for less than their worth.

Attend coin shows in your area where you can meet dealers and collectors interested in your coins. Understand the current market value to set realistic expectations.

Consignment Auctions

If you have rare or valuable coins, consigning them to a reputable auction house can be a smart move. Many auction houses specialize in rare coins and have a broad network of collectors and investors.

When you consign your coins, the auction house will usually have them appraised and professionally graded to determine their condition and true market value. This appraisal helps set appropriate prices and create detailed descriptions for your coins.

The consignee will then market your coins through various channels, including live auctions, online listings, and direct sales to their clientele. While auction houses typically take a percentage of the sale as a fee, they provide expert marketing and exposure that can help you achieve higher sale prices.

Tax Implications When You Sell Coins

Capital Gains Tax on Coins

In the U.S., coins are classified as collectibles under the tax code. When selling coins for a profit, you may be subject to capital gains tax. It is essential to understand how the tax works, the rates involved, and how it applies specifically to coin collectors and investors.

If you hold coins for one year or less before selling them, any profit is considered a short-term capital gain and is taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.

If you hold coins for more than one year before selling, the profit qualifies for the long-term capital gains tax rate.

Unlike other long-term investments like stocks or real estate, which are taxed at a maximum of 20%, collectibles are taxed at a higher maximum capital gains tax rate of 28%.

Factors such as the holding period (short-term vs. long-term gains) and your overall income can affect the tax rate.

Given the complexity of tax laws and regulations related to numismatic coins, it’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or accountant who can provide guidance on your specific situation.

Conclusion

If you have a substantial collection or are dealing with high-value coins, consider consulting with a professional coin broker or auction house to help you navigate the selling process.

Remember that selling coins can take time, and finding the right buyer at the right price may require patience. Be cautious of scams or deals that seem too good to be true, and prioritize safety when meeting buyers in person.

Understanding Investment Grade Gold Coins

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vintage gold coins

While ETFs like SLV and GLD may help balance out your stock portfolio, the crypto markets continue to raise anxiety for investors, tucking away some gold coins in a discrete location can give you financial security and peace of mind. Gold Coins are an investment that you want to hold and it’s a wise idea to have a stack.

A key concept to understand is that gold ownership is a store of wealth. When you buy coins minted of precious metals you are transferring your hard-earned fiat currency into a physical asset. The value of gold is driven by the commodities markets, central bank buying and its innovative use by industry.

Which Gold Coin is Ideal for Stacking?

All major gold bullion coins that are manufacturered by government backed mints are widely recognized worldwide. While the full one troy ounce of gold coin is the most popular, various fractional ounce sizes are available for investors of all budgets.

The allure and luster of pure 24k gold is part of what draws investors to some coins. They prefer the beauty, color and the way pure gold reflects light.

Other investors have a preference for stacking coins that are more practical and made for the rigors of circulating in the economy. Modern and vintage 22k gold coins contain an alloy that incorporates other metals for durability and scratch resistance when handling.

The prestigious 1 ounce Gold American Buffalo from the US Mint is one of the best selling pure gold coins. This coin is highly revered for the immaculate detail in the design. However, the Gold Maple Leaf, Britannia and a variety of gold coins from the Perth Mint are also the same purity and often available for a significantly lower price from one or more online bullion dealers for the same amount of gold.

Modern Gold Coins

The US Mint produces millions of gold coins each year in the Eagle and Buffalo series’ plus a variety of commemorative issues that highlight and celebrate American values and culture.

Various laws passed by Congress require that the US Mint to charge wholesalers a premium over spot price to cover the costs of manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of newly minted coins. The pandemic lockdowns caused a chain reaction that led to increasing costs along the entire supply chain from mine to mint.

Sovereign owned mints, such as those in Canada, Europe and Asia also have large-scale operations for producing coins for investment. Lower foreign manufacturing costs combined with other market-driving factors put the prices of these legal tender coins at a lower premium over spot than those produced domestically.

Even though they have a nominal face value in a foreign currency, most are also eligible for inclusion in a precious metals IRA based on their legal-tender status and gold purity.

Vintage Gold Coins

Long before the invention of paper money and fiat, gold has a long traditional history as money that has proven to stand the test of time. Pure gold is very soft and easily damaged during circulation. Many vintage gold coins are minted from a 22k gold alloy, which blends other metals such as copper and silver to provide rigidness.

Gold coins were the acceptable currency for everyday spending, making major purchases and for international trade.

The lust for gold and wealth was the primary driver of Colonial expansion during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

European kings and monarchs built mints in far away places to create coins from their newly acquired riches. The Spanish were the first to establish a mint in North America in 1535 to melt down Aztec treasures into Spanish gold escudos coins.

The British established a branch of the Royal Mint in Western Australia to mint Gold Sovereign coins that later become the Perth Mint.

For hundreds of years, coins such as British Gold Sovereigns, the 20 francs and other European gold coins like the Gold Corona were minted with qualities that made them ideal for circulation and to withstand generations.

Gold is Insurance Against CBDC

The record amounts of stockpiling by central banks is recent years is a top indication that there is a global economic shift towards a gold-backed currency for international trade.

Many countries, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have been ramping up their gold buying in preparation for the introduction of a BRICS+ commodity-based basket currency.

Gold is a unique physical asset that is easily exchangeable into cash. Having a portion of your savings outside of the traditional banking system that is controlled by the government and central banks gives you more control of your money and your future.

The Federal Reserve and White House have both announced plans to roll out a CBDC. Many are correct in their beliefs that the government will attempt to force the use of a programmable currency in the coming years as the state of the economy worsens.

Owning even a small investment in gold coins can provide peace of mind and financial security that is expected to come with a collapse of our current financial system in the coming years.

Practical Gold Preps

It’s growing harder for families to maintain a budget when the cost of basic groceries and gas to fill up the car increases with each passing week.

Being able to set aside enough cash savings to cover a few months of expenses is nearly impossible in the current climate of skyrocketing inflation, alongside continually rising interest rates and massive layoffs in the job market.

The importance of having a stable, trusted and reliable store of value has never been more critical than it is today.

Modern History of Silver Coins in the US Economy

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Bag full of Junk Silver Quarters

Precious metals coins have been found by archaeologists and historians that date back thousands of years.

Historians and archaeologists from around the world have unearthed precious metal coins from cultures that vanished long ago. Many notable examples from China, India, Ancient Greece and Egypt are on display in museums.

Silver, Gold and other precious metals are found in natural deposits throughout the world. Coins minted from silver and gold have been valued, exchanged as the purest form of money since ancient civilizations.

The earliest known was the Lydians, an ancient Mediterranean civilization that has been discovered in part of modern day Turkey.

The Lydians are the first known culture to create coins from gold and silver. The earliest coins discovered were minted of an alloy similar to electrum. Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy containing gold and silver that also contains trace amounts of copper and other metals.

The Lydian stater coins have often been reported to be struck from this naturally-occurring alloy. However, modern analysis has shown that many were actually made from a specific and rather consistent alloy. A mixture of approximately 55% gold, 45% silver, and a small balance of copper.

In Ancient Greece, the silver drachma was the standard used for hundreds of years even into the early Roman Empire. Each drachma was minted with 4.3 grams of silver. the largest know, the Decadrachm contained 43 grams of silver.

Colonial times and long ocean voyages to the new world helped to establish a new routes for international trade. The economies of the Europe were funded by exploits gained through colonial expansion. Ships returning to Europe brought goods like sugar, corn and tobacco. The New World was also filled with treasures made from gold and silver.

Locally struck coins dating to as early as 1497 have been discovered at early settlements in the Caribbean.

The Spanish were the first to establish a mint in the New World in what is today in Mexico City. La Casa de Moneda was built by Spanish Colonial settlers in 1536 by order of King Charles I of Spain.

La Casa de Moneda has operated continuously as the oldest operating mint in North America. The flagship bullion coin is the Mexican Libertad Silver Coins which are minted on an annual basis.

Silver coins were also struck in mints established throughout the British colonies. The US Mint was established in Philadelphia in 1792 following the American Revolution.

Silver Coinage in the US economy

Silver is a store of value and wealth that has stood the test of time and technology. Silver was part of the bedrock that the American economy was built on. The Founding Fathers even included a mention of gold and silver in the Constitution.

Everyday Americans carried and used silver coins in everyday life for more than 173 years. Coins minted from alloys of silver were in circulation up until the 1960s.

Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965. The passage of this act led to further debasement and ushered in the transitioned the dollar away from a gold-standard.

Prior to 1965, all dimes, quarters, half-dollar and dollar coins were 90% silver. Half dollar coins were debased to 40% silver in 1965. The final 40% silver coins intended for circulation were minted in 1970.

The debasement of the dollar and removal from the gold standard continued during Nixon’s first term as president.

For good reason, people began to horde old circulated silver coins. Sometimes old jars of these coins are found buried in someones backyard while doing renovations.

Today, these old circulated silver coins are referred to as Junk Silver. They are bought, sold, traded by investors, stackers, preppers, collectors. Having a few rolls or stacks of old silver coins provides some additional financial security. It’s easy to buy

Modern Silver Bullion Coins

In the late 1970s the Hunt Brothers manipulated prices in the silver market. Their manipulation led to the famed Silver Thursday event in 1980.

The price of silver was driven up to over $50 per ounce on January 18, 1980. At the time the Hunt Brothers were reported to have been holding over 100 million physical ounces at the time.

In response, COMEX created a new trading rule called the “Silver Rule 7”. The new rule suddenly forced the brothers into covering debt borrowed to finance futures contracts. The abrupt change of rules caused the price of silver to drop by more than 50% in just four days.

American Silver Eagle Coins

The US economy suffered through a three year long recession in the early 1980s. In 1985, Congress passed the Liberty Coin Act as a way to help restore faith.

The law established that the first coins were to be released the following year meeting specifications for composition. The US Mint debuted the 1986 American Eagle, minted from .999 fine silver with a design that remained for 35 years.

In 2021, the US Mint updated the reverse with a new design that was introduced part-way into year. There are two distinct reverse designs for the 2021 American Silver Eagle.

During the first part of the year, the coins continued to be minted using the existing design. The coins featuring the new reverse that shows an eagle grasping an olive branch with both talons.

Type 2 – Silver Eagle Design

Today, American Silver Eagle investment coins are considered to be the most widely trusted and recognized silver bullion coin worldwide.

The number of coins manufactured each year varies on demand from investors. The coins are minted based on sales. This helps the US Mint to implement a business model that allows for flexibility in scaling capacity.

Silver bullion coins are sold only to Authorized Purchasers who are approved US Mint. The wholesalers acquire freshly minted silver eagle coins from the mint at a fixed premium over spot price. The premium from the mint to wholesalers is $2.35 over the LMBA silver spot price.

The list of Authorized Purchasers includes investment banks and online bullion dealers APMEX and A-Mark. A-Mark is the parent company of well-known online bullion dealers including JM Bullion, Silver.com, Provident Metals and BGASC.

This year, it has been widely reported that the US Mint has been unable to keep up with investor demand. This is the first time in the 36 year history of minting bullion coins. High premiums at retail have led to some investors to buy generic silver bullion.

Manufacturing delays of planchets from private refineries forced the mint to cancel several eagerly anticipated releases.

The American Silver Eagle coin is only available in a one troy ounce denomination which has a $1 USD face value legal tender designation.

US Mint Halts Production of 2022 Morgan Dollar and Peace Dollar Coins

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Designs of the 1921 Morgan and 1921 Peace Dollars

The US Mint has announced a pause in the production of the new Morgan and Peace dollar coins. The suspension of sales and production is a result of supply chain constraints brought on by the pandemic.

The Mint has stated previously that they have been having difficulty procuring silver planchets to meet demand and production needs.

US Mint Deputy Director Ventris C Gibson said “I want to ensure that our customers know,” she said, “that the modern renditions of the historic Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars will continue next year. Our goal is straightforward: to give our loyal customers the products they want and the service they deserve.”

The modern renditions of the Morgan and Peace Dollar Silver Coins were introduced in 2021. Demand for the modern coins has been very strong amongst investors and collectors.

These coins are minted with .858 troy ounces of .999 fine silver.

Learn more about the 2021 Morgan and Peace Dollar Silver Coin series and find the best prices with FindBullionPrices.com

2020 American Eagle Silver Privy Proof Coin – End of World War II 75th Anniversary

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2020 American Silver Eagle 75th Privy Proof - Anniversary of the End of World War II

End of World War II 75th Anniversary American Eagle Silver Proof Coin

The most anticipated coin release in recent time was last years’ 2019-S Reverse Proof American Silver Eagle coin. With only 30,000 coins minted, the coin was sold out in minutes from the US Mint website.

Many of those that were lucky enough to score one of these coins turned to eBay to sell for a quick flip. Some are still being sold in PR70 grades in PCGS and NGC slabs for over $2,000. PR69 Examples are selling for upwards of $1,000.

Pretty nice ROI for a coin that was sold by the US Mint for $65.95.

This year there seems to be a lot of hype lately around the US Mint’s upcoming release of a new Silver Eagle Proof coin. The coin is being marketed by the US Mint as a commemorative celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II.

The coin is minted by the West Point Mint. It is a proof coin containing a special privy mark shaped like the reflecting pool at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Inside the privy it is stamped with V75.

This is the first time the US Mint has release an American Silver Eagle coin with a privy mark.

The mintage will be limited to just 75,000 coins. Demand has been high for the coin. Some  dealers have already begun listing the coins for sale on eBay for presale at prices ranging from $800 – $1,500.

The coin goes on sale next Thursday November 5 at 12 noon eastern time. You can sign up for reminder alerts on the product page at the US Mint website. I’m sure this coin will sell out quick.

If you’re lucky enough to buy one of the 75,000 coins being made available it should be an easy flip for a huge ROI.


American Silver Eagle Prices

 


Silver Prices

 


Gold Prices

 

Which are the Best Gold Coins for Investment?

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american gold eagle coin

It is a cycle that may seem familiar. Collapse of the housing sector, collapse of the stock market, bank runs and shutdowns. You may remember some of the symptoms leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. It’s looking similar this time around. The stock market drops and trillions of dollars in wealth vanishes into thin air for millions of people.

Some investors started shifting money into more stable assets throughout the pandemic. Few assets are as trusted and as reliable as a store of value as is gold.

Shopping for gold coins can be overwhelming and confusing in the beginning. There hundreds of online bullion dealers to choose from, and almost every single one offers the exact same product at a different price.

A wise choice for if you’re interested enough to buy gold coins is to stick with holding items that are widely available and likely to be widely recognized. This will make it easier to sell later on.

The American Eagle and Maple Leaf are two of the most widely recognized modern gold coins in the world. Others include Krugerrands, Kangaroos and Britannias.

Vintage coins are also an excellent option. Especially for fractional gold. These coins are steeped in history.

Most of the world economies operated on a gold-standard up until the 1920s. Gold coins were commonplace and circulating for everyday transactions.

Historic gold coins are also a great example to show how gold is a long term store of value and wealth.

Many are still legal-tender today based on their face value. Though the intrinsic value of the metal is worth significantly more.

Coins like the Gold Corona, $10 gold eagle, British Sovereigns and Swiss 20 Francs are often some of the lowest premium fractional gold coins available to investors in current markets.

What makes sovereign gold coins a better investment?

Modern going coins are minted in mass quantities each year. The designs are widely known amongst investor and collectors. Many investment-grade coins, such as the Krugerrand, have had the same consistent design for decades.

Simply put: coins minted by a government come with a guarantee of the weight, purity and quality.

The purity, weight and specifications of these coins is well documented and a well-trained eye can usually identify counterfeits.

Vintage sovereign coins, such as British Sovereigns, 20 Francs Coins from the Latin Monetary Union and Gold Pesos from Mexico all make a solid gold investment.

Historic gold coins are most often in circulated condition and will show some signs of handling, light scratches and other minor imperfections and you can usually buy them at a better price than modern coins.

Top 4 Sovereign Gold Coins for Investing

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american gold eagle coin

Uncertainty in the traditional investment markets brings a lot of interest in precious metals. Precious metals provide a stable investment and store of wealth when the stock market is wavering. Gold has always been looked at as a safe-haven way to hold onto wealth during an economic recession. Gold coins for investing are the best way having physical precious metals in your portfolio.

Gold has historically been a way for investors to preserve buying power from inflation.

Gold has been on the rise this year. All major financial experts are predicting that gold is going to continue to rise. Hedge fund leaders and financial analysts alike are recommending investments in precious metals.

There are ways to invest in gold like traditional stock or mutual fund investments. There are gold-mining stocks whose performance often tracks the price of gold in relation to the expenses of mining operations. There are ETF (electronically traded funds), some of which are backed by physical metals.

However, the safest way to invest in gold is to buy physical bullion.

Gold Bullion comes in different forms. The most common ways to invest in physical gold is to buy coins and bars.

Gold coins are minted, backed and guaranteed by sovereign governments.

Gold bars and rounds are minted by private companies that assure the assay of the gold you’re buying.

If you want exposure to gold in your investment portfolio, then buying and holding gold coins is the best way to achieve that.

Gold Coins are different from rounds in that coins are issued by sovereign government authorities and carry legal tender status. In the majority of cases, the face value that is present on gold coins is nominal and is a fraction of the intrinsic value of the metal in the coin.

Government issued coins are more widely recognized world-wide when it comes time to sell. They are standardized and are manufactured to exacting specifications that are well known and documented.

This makes them much easier to authenticate without requiring expensive equipment to assay. With a digital scale and measuring calipers even a novice in precious metals can often be taught to easily determine the authenticity of a coin.

  1. American Gold Eagle Coins

    The American Gold Eagle is one of the most recognizable modern gold coins worldwide. It’s design embodies the spirit of America. The obverse (front) of the coin features the Walking Liberty design that also appeared on the St Gauden’s Double Eagle coin. The reverse (back) of the coin shows a bald eagle soaring above it’s nest.

    It was introduced in 1986 and is backed in full faith for it’s purity and weight by the US Mint. Each Gold Eagle coin contains 1 troy ounce of gold. The coin also contains small amounts of silver and copper to provide strength, durability and protections from scratches while being handled.

    The composition of the Gold American Eagle is 91.67% Au, 3% Ag, 5.33% Cu. It is 22 karat, which was the alloy used in American Gold coins minted prior to 1837.

    Gold Eagles are widely recognized by investors. They are typically sold by dealers as individual coins. Though they are also available in tubes of 20 coins or Monster Boxes containing  25 full tubes.

  2. American Gold Buffalo Coins

    The American Gold Buffalo coin was introduced in 2006. It is a 24k bullion coin produced from .9999 fine gold. It was the first 24k gold bullion coin produced by the US Mint.

    The Gold Buffalo mimics the design of the Buffalo Nickel. It is produced annually at the West Point Mint. Random Year Gold Buffalo coins will carry the lowest premiums over spot price, which is ideal for investors.

  3. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins

    The Canadian Maple Leaf is one of the world’s most popular coin programs. It is the official bullion coin series of the Royal Canadian Mint and the nation of Canadian. First introduced in 1979, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins were the first in the world to compete with the South African Krugerrand in terms of gold bullion demand. Prior to the release of the Gold Canadian Maple Leaf no other coin beside the Krugerrand had ever been offered strictly for investment purposes.

    The obverse of all Gold Maple Leafs feature the right-profile portrait sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II. Three different incarnations of Her Majesty’s profile have appeared over the years. These include the following:

    -1979 to 1989 – The image of a 39-year-old Queen Elizabeth II.

    -1990 to 2004 – A depiction of Queen Elizabeth II at 64 years of age.

    -2005 to Present – Susanna Blunt’s depiction of Her Majesty at the age of 79.

    The reverse of all Canadian Maple Leaf coins features the image of the sugar maple leaf. Used on the reverse since the introduction of the gold version in 1979, this image has never changed. The only additions have been security measures, notably radial lines and a microscopic maple leaf privy.

  4. South African Gold Krugerrand Coins

    The gold Krugerrand quickly became the number one choice for investors worldwide during the bull gold market in the 1970’s. Between 1974-1985 it is estimated that 22 million gold Krugerrand coins were imported into the United States.

    The success of the South African Gold Krugerrand inspired other gold-producing countries to mint and issue gold bullion coins. Including Canada, with the gold Canadian Maple Leaf; China, with the Chinese Gold Panda; the United States, with the American Gold Eagle; and the United Kingdom, with the British Gold Britannia.

    The dimensions of the 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand is 32.77 mm in diameter and 2.84 mm thick. It is minted from a gold alloy that is 91.67% pure (22 karats) so that the coin contains one troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of gold. The remaining 8.33% of the of the coins weight is copper which gives the Krugerrand it’s orange appearance. As a result, the Krugerrand’s actual weight is 1.0909 troy ounces (33.93 grams).

    In 1980, the South African Mint began producing gold Krugerrand coins in fractional ounce sizes, containing 1/2 oz (15.5 grams), 1/4 ounce (7.78 grams), and 1/10 ounce (3.11 grams) of pure gold.

Many experts suggest that every investment portfolio is diversified with 10% to 15% invested in precious metals. Many investors choose to buy gold coins because of their ability to retain and maintain purchasing power over time.

The one troy ounce gold coin is the most popular size and denomination of gold bullion coins available today. These gold coins are widely recognized worldwide and can easily be authenticated with simple tools. One ounce gold coins are small and compact and many of them can be stored discreetly in a very small amount of space.

One standard mint tube of gold eagle coins contains 20 troy ounces of gold and is only slightly larger than an average pill bottle. With the spot price of gold hovering between $1,500 to $1,600 per ounce, a full tube of Gold Eagles has a bit over $30,000 in gold value. That is a remarkable store of wealth in a compact size.