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Dual-Dated Coins Suggested for 2026

Just as was done for our Bicentennial (the minting of quarters dated 1776-1976), it has been suggested that the Mint issue dual—dated Lincoln cents and Jefferson nickels for our semiquincentennial 250th anniversary celebration in 2026.

Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 Uncategorized Comments Off on Dual-Dated Coins Suggested for 2026

Will Any Modern Coins Ever Appreciate in Value?

Believe it or not, the answer is YES! Take the U.S. Mint’s State Quarters for instance, namely the ones released in the year 2000. These would include Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and Virginia.

Did you collect state quarters? If so, you may have some real treasures. The PCGS website lists the 2000-P Massachusetts, in MS-69 grade, at a whopping $7,000. The 2000-D is listed at $9,000 and the 2000-P South Carolina lists for $8,000.

Granted, a MS-69 is nearly a perfect coin, but could any of yours grade that high? If so, everyone who thought collecting these quarters was a waste of time and resources is in for a shock. Makes you want to dig through those quarter stashes, doesn’t it?

Also, some from 2001 are listed in the four-figure range, particularly the North Carolina, the Rhode Island, and the Kentucky quarters struck at the Philadelphia Mint. You might want to take a closer look at quarters from these two years again.

Even some of the quarters from other years have values that would surprise you.

Sunday, January 21st, 2024 Uncategorized Comments Off on Will Any Modern Coins Ever Appreciate in Value?

Annual Miami Valley Coin Show

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 Uncategorized Comments Off on Annual Miami Valley Coin Show

The Most Valuable “Common” Coins to Collect

Lincoln Wheat Cents:

These were minted from 1909-1958 and are worth at least $1, or 100 times their face value.

Indian Head (Buffalo) Nickels (1913-1938):

Most well-worn and dateless Indian Heads (Buffalos) are still worth $1 each. Well-worn Buffalos with dates are usually worth $2 or more. Even at only $1 each, that’s 20 times face value.

Jefferson War Nickels (1942-1945):

These nickels, minted during World War II, contain 35% silver. At worst they are worth $1.30 each (melt value). That’s 26 times face value. These nickels are sought out due to their silver content.

Mercury Dimes (1916-1945):

Silver dimes are ALL valuable, Mercury dimes are especially so. Although not very commonly found in circulation any more, if you find one, keep it. Even in worn condition, if they have a date, they can be worth $4-$5 dollars each. That’s 400-500 times their face value. Their melt value is $1.67 each (almost 17 times face).

Roosevelt Dimes (1946-present):

Pre-1965 silver Roosevelt dimes, with a date, are usually worth at least $3 each (300 times face). Not a common find in circulation these days, they are sometimes found and like Mercury dimes, have a melt value of $1.67 each.

Silver Washington Quarters (1932-1964):

Well-worn silver Washington quarters are still worth between $6-$10 dollars. Melt value of a silver quarter is $4.17. That’s 24-40 or 16 times face respectively.

Collecting only by date and mintmark isn’t the only way to collect coins. Pick one or more of the coin series above and collect simply for value alone.

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 Uncategorized Comments Off on The Most Valuable “Common” Coins to Collect

2023 Christmas Party

The Miami Valley Coin Club Christmas Party Will Be Held At Archer’s Tavern,

2030 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering, on December 14 at 6pm.

Fun, food and a free door prize raffle!

What better way to end 2023!

Thursday, November 30th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on 2023 Christmas Party

Peace Dollars by the Number

Peace Dollars were minted from 1921 to 1935, but were actually struck only 10 of those 15 years. To complete a full run of dates and mintmarks you would need to acquire only 24 coins, for a date run only, just 10.

The total mintage of Peace Dollars from 1921 through 1935 is roughly 191 million total coins. The seven issues with mintages of more than 10 million each (1922, 1922-D, 1922-S, 1923, 1923-S, 1924, and 1925), when combined total 156 million coins. The other 17 dates comprise a total of only 34 million, or roughly 18% of the total series.

The Philadelphia Mint struck 110 million Peace Dollars, the San Francisco and Denver Mints, which comprised a distribution area of nearly two-thirds of the continental U.S., struck only 79 million.

Thursday, November 30th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Peace Dollars by the Number

A “Foreigner” Depicted On A U.S. Coin?

Yes, it happened in 1892 with the striking of our first commemorative coin, the Columbian Expo Half Dollar, and that foreigner was, of course, Christopher Columbus. He eventually made 4 different voyages to the Caribbean and Central and South America, never actually stepping foot on U.S. territory.

Was Columbus Italian? Well, technically. But he was truly a citizen of the Republic of Genoa, a city-state on the northwestern coast of the Italy near France.

Charles Barber designed the Columbian Expo Half Dollar obverse; George Morgan designed the reverse. 950, 000 went unsold and later entered into circulation. NGC lists the coin at only $35 in uncirculated MS-60 condition.

Want a different companion coin commemorating Columbus’ voyage? Starting in 1958, and through 1967, Italy issued a 500 Lire coin from the Rome mint depicting the first voyage. It features Columbus’ three ships on the obverse, was approximately half-dollar in size, and struck in .835 fine silver. It too is listed by NGC at around $35 in MS-60.

Friday, October 13th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on A “Foreigner” Depicted On A U.S. Coin?

The Greatest Generation

The United States Mint joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), along with representatives from the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, to unveil the designs for the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program during a ceremony at the World War II Memorial Sept. 20 in Washington, D.C. The designs are emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II and will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar clad coin.

Saturday, October 7th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on The Greatest Generation

October 5th Is Our Next Meeting

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on October 5th Is Our Next Meeting

September 7 Meeting

All of us poor collectors will be meeting tonight at 7pm. Join us !

Thursday, September 7th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on September 7 Meeting

The Omega Man (or Woman)

Who was the Omega Man? In the early 1970’s, numerous 1907 high relief Double Eagles began to surface. Being a rare coin, suspicions were raised and prompted a closer inspection of these coins.

It was discovered that a Greek Omega symbol (Ω) had been added as a “signature” of the counterfeiter. It was located within the claw of the eagle and couldn’t be detected under simple magnification.

Later this same “mark” was found on 1874, 1878, and 1882 $3 gold coins, located within the “R” in the word ‘LIBERTY’.

50 years have gone by and the counterfeiter has never been identified.

Omega Symbol Within the Eagle’s Claw

Omega Symbol Within the “R” in “LIBERTY”

Friday, August 18th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on The Omega Man (or Woman)

Want to Invest in Argentine Pesos Anyone ?

On May 22, Argentina released its new 2,000 Peso bill, its largest denomination ever. The “official” exchange rate to the U.S. dollar is 8 ½ pesos to one U.S. But most Argentines buy dollars in unofficial markets where they trade at over 480 pesos versus the official rate of 235 (2,000 pesos ÷ 8 ½). Citizens rush to spend their pesos as quickly as they can before their pesos lose more of their value.

The current leading candidate for the Argentine Presidency says, “The peso melts faster that ice in the Sahara Desert.” He is proposing replacing Argentina’s domestic currency exclusively with the U.S. dollar.

At this time coins have stopped circulating due to devaluing.

Sunday, August 13th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Want to Invest in Argentine Pesos Anyone ?

Test Your Coin Trivia Knowledge

1. Name the first real-life woman to appear on a circulating U.S. coin.

2. When was the famous 1804 Draped Bust Dollar struck?

3. What is different about the obverse of the 2023 Washington quarter?

4. Which coin was the first to carry the “P” mintmark?

5. True or False? The last silver U.S. coin minted for circulation was in 1964.

6. True or False? The first coin minted by the West Point Mint was the 1984-W $10 Olympic Commemorative coin.

7. When was the “D” mintmark first used?

8. Name the first U.S. coin to sell for over one million dollars.

9. What is the highest grade for a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, the world’s most valuable coin?

10. Name the first coin to carry the motto “In God We Trust”

Answers

1. Susan B. Anthony Dollar

2. 1834-1835

3. Washington facing right

4. 1942 Jefferson Silver Nickel

5. False. 40% Kennedy halves minted through 1970

6. False. The West Point Mint had been striking Lincoln Cents & Washington Quarters without mintmarks since 1974

7. 1838 on Dahlonega gold coins

8. 1913 Liberty Nickel

9. PCGS MS65 – sold in 2021 for $18,872,250

10. 1864 Two-Cent piece

Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Test Your Coin Trivia Knowledge

History of The Two-Dollar Bill… Are They Bad Luck?

The Federal Government began printing paper notes in 1862 and included was the $2 note. The Two was continuously printed until 1966. Then in 1976, as part of the bicentennial celebration, the $2 note was brought back.

It has been nicknamed the “Tom” because Thomas Jefferson has been on the front of the note since 1869. Originally Alexander Hamilton was featured, although not the same picture of Hamilton that appears on our $10 notes.

The $2 bill has had a bad reputation:

  • An urban legend claims that at one time, election rigging was common and the reward for a favorable vote was $2. There was a belief that politicians would purchase votes for $2 therefore, having a $2 bill could be seen as evidence that you had sold your vote. While most likely an urban legend, the myth still gave the bill a sinister reputation.
  • In the early 1920s, Prostitution was $2.00 a trick, leading some to refer to the bill as a “whore note.”
  • The gambling tracks have a $2.00 window, and if you won, many times you were paid in $2.00 bills. If you were caught with $2’s in your wallet it could lead people to assume you were a gambler.
  • The $2 bill was often thought to be bad luck, as “deuce” was a name for the devil. Recipients would tear off one corner, believing it would negate the bad luck of the bill. This caused many of the bills to be taken out of circulation as mutilated currency.

Contrary to what you might think, the $2 bill is not rare. 108.3 million were printed in 2022 alone.

A $2 Dollar Love Story

Originally printed in The New York Times is the Story of Myrta Gschaar and her husband, Robert. In 1980, and with a very small income, Robert couldn’t afford an engagement ring, so he and his bride-to-be exchanged $2.00 bills.  They folded the bills and kept them in their wallets to remember each other’s commitment before their marriage.

Years later, Robert was a victim of the September 11 attacks.  Four years after the attack, Robert’s remains had yet to be recovered.  The Special Property recovery unit at the Police Department notified Mrs. Gschaar that it had recovered remains at ground zero, including a wedding ring and a wallet containing a neatly folded $2.00 bill. 

Friday, July 14th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on History of The Two-Dollar Bill… Are They Bad Luck?

How Many Copper Pennies In Your Hoard?

Many collectors will tell you how many copper pennies they have bagged up and hoarded over the years. Some say 15-20 bank bags full. Some say several gallon jugs full. But nothing compares to what John Reyes and his wife found when it came time to empty out a deceased family member’s house in Los Angeles.

In a crawl space in the basement, they discovered a huge stash of pennies that had been collected by Reyes father-in-law; 800,000 is the rough estimate. It took them a whole day just to carry the coins out of the basement. Their bank manager told them that there wasn’t enough room in the bank’s vault to store them.

They thought maybe they would sort through the coins in hopes of finding a million dollar penny, but gave up that idea after looking at just 300. They put the hoard up for sale, asking $25,000, about three times the hoard’s face value.

Anyone want to over-pay for some copper cents?

Monday, June 19th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on How Many Copper Pennies In Your Hoard?

Coin Collecting Gift Ideas for Fathers Day

If your father/grandfather is into coin collecting, here are some gift ideas that just might be the right fit.

1. A book about the hobby so he can explore some new ideas.

2. A subscription to a coin-collecting magazine.

3. A specific coin that he needs for his collection.

4. Coin collecting supplies – coin flips, a coin album, album inserts, etc.

5. Membership to the ANA.

6. A piece of coin art, like a hobo nickel or a poster.

7. A gift certificate to their favorite coin shop or dealer.

Whether they are just beginners or experts, your father/collector will always appreciate a gift to support their hobby in numismatics. 

Thursday, June 15th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Coin Collecting Gift Ideas for Fathers Day

Someone Most Coin Collectors Are Familiar With

I was born in Philadelphia in 1909, just weeks after the release of the Lincoln Cent. My grandparents immigrated (legally I may add) from Italy. My father was a musician and was very disappointed that I didn’t want to follow in his footsteps. In fact, he routinely destroyed some of my early art efforts.

I graduated from South Philadelphia High School in 1927 and attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. I also studied at the Fleisher Art Memorial and at various places around Europe.

In 1942, I was hired by the United States Mint as an assistant engraver and worked under John R. Sinnock, designer of the Roosevelt Dime and the Franklin Half Dollar. In February of 1965 I became the 10th Chief Engraver of the United States.

Prior to that I am credited with the design of the Lincoln Memorial Cent reverse and the Kennedy Half Dollar reverse. After becoming the Chief Engraver I designed the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and the Eisenhower Dollar.

I liked to tell people I am a sculptor, and that they probably carried some of my art in their pockets. My name is Frank Gasparo.

Money Trivia: The Lincoln Cent, Memorial Reverse, is the first U.S. coin to have the same person pictured on both sides of a circulating coin; bust on the obverse, statue on the reverse.

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Someone Most Coin Collectors Are Familiar With

Our Next Meeting

Our next club meeting is Thursday June 1. Please come out and have so fun and gain so knowledge. The club meets in the St Marks Episcopal Church 456 Woodman Drive Dayton, Ohio 45431 at 7:00 P.M.

Sunday, May 28th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on Our Next Meeting

A Decoration Day Commemorative Collection

Decoration Day, today’s Memorial Day, was first celebrated in May 1868 as a tribute to pay homage to the hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens and soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War. It also presents another way to build a different collection of coins.

1. Build a collection of coins dated 1861-1865. These coins can be one denomination such as Indian Head cents. These 5 dates in Fine grade could set you back about $175 or less. Or you could expand this idea by adding one of any of the coins minted during these years. Example: one 1864-65 Two Cent Piece, one 1861-65 Three Cent Silver, one 1861-65 Seated Liberty Dime, etc.

2. Collect a set of commemorative half dollars with the theme of the Civil War. This could include the 1925 Stone Mountain Commemorative, the 1936 Gettysburg Commemorative, the 1937 Antietam Commemorative, and the 1995 Civil War Battlefields Commemorative.

But let’s not forget the importance of Memorial Day. Here are 4 things we should remember to do every Memorial Day.

  • Since 2000, Public Law 106-579 asks that we all recognize one minute of silence at 3:00pm.
  • This day is about honoring those who sacrificed their lives for our country, not just serving (Veterans Day)
  • On Memorial Day the flag should only be raised only to half-mast until noon, then fully raised.
  • Memorial Day was originally scheduled for May 30 because no Civil War battles took place on that date. By 1968, after all of the  Civil War veterans had died, Memorial Day belongs to all of the fallen of all eras.
Friday, May 26th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on A Decoration Day Commemorative Collection

A Different Collecting Strategy:

Forget Mint Marks & Dates Only, Build a Collection of Varieties

PCGS describes a variety as, “A coin of the same date and basic design as another but with slight differences.”

Building a collection of varieties requires being something of a specialist within a selected coin series. Take the Mercury Dime for instance:

The three major varieties include the 1942/1, the 1942/1-D, and the 1945 Micro S. Sure, you could go all gaga and attempt to collect every variety listed in the “Cherrypickers’ Guide”, but that is really specializing. A simple collection like this one would require only 6 coins; all 3 varieties, a “normal” 1942, a “normal” 1942-D, and a “normal” 1945-S.

How about the Lincoln Cent? There’s the 1922 Weak D and the 1922 No D. The double die obverses; 1955, 1969-S, 1972, and 1995. And there are the 1998, 1999, and 2000 Wide AMs along with the 1992 Close AM.

Collecting a series doesn’t have to be every date and mint mark. There is no end to the different ways to collect. What different slant can you put on a collection?

Friday, May 19th, 2023 Uncategorized Comments Off on A Different Collecting Strategy: