Unveiling New Roman Republican Coin Types: From Didrachms to Aurei of Octavian and Antony

A new batch of Roman Republican coins has just been added to the Roman Republican Die Project (RRDP). This release is exciting because it covers a much wider period of time, including both early Republican didrachms and later coins from the reigns of Octavian and Antony. The new set includes more types and subtypes of … Read more

The 100 Most Valuable Ancient Coins: A Collector’s Dream

Harlan J. Berk, a well-known name in the world of ancient coins, has been part of the coin business for almost 60 years. As a coin dealer in Chicago, his expertise and experience have made him a key figure in numismatics, the study and collection of coins. One of his most significant contributions to the … Read more

Uncovering the Rare 1953-S Franklin Half Dollar

The Franklin half dollar is a fascinating coin that tells a story of history and artistry. It was minted between 1948 and 1963, showcasing designs that reflect American values and pride. This coin series is a favorite among collectors for its historical significance and unique challenges, such as finding coins in top condition. Let’s explore … Read more

Discover Rare Coins from Historic Mints at Surprising Prices

Collecting coins can be a fascinating hobby, but it’s important to know how cleaning and other factors affect a coin’s value. Coins with improper cleaning often sell for less, but they can also offer collectors a chance to own rare coins at a more affordable price. This is especially true for coins minted at historic … Read more

Why the Coronet $5 Gold Half Eagle is a Must-Have for Collectors

The Coronet $5 gold half eagle series, a cornerstone of American numismatics, was minted from 1839 to 1908. It underwent significant design changes over its long history, including the addition of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST in 1866. This design, termed Type II or the “With Motto” variety, reflects the evolution of U.S. coinage … Read more

Why Collectors are Paying Thousands for Faulty U.S. Coins

Collecting coins is an exciting hobby that has been around for centuries. One fascinating aspect of coin collecting is focusing on the die variety—the subtle differences or mistakes that occur during the minting process. Many early U.S. coins were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, and over time, collectors discovered that some coins were made using … Read more

Lost for 88 Years: The Found Plaster Model and Galvanos of the 1936 Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar

The 1936 Long Island Tercentenary half dollar is a unique and rare coin that holds a significant place in numismatic history. Recently, a plaster model and galvanos for this coin, which had been hidden for 88 years, were discovered. These items, along with important documents, were acquired by professional numismatist Mike Byers from Mike Byers … Read more

How an 1823 Capped Bust Quarter Became One of the Most Expensive Coins

Coin collecting can be a fascinating hobby, and some coins are worth a lot more than you might expect. For example, Jon Lusk’s rare 1823/2 Capped Bust quarter dollar sold for a staggering $44,400. This particular coin is part of a collection of coins known as Browning-1 and has a unique history and characteristics that … Read more

Why the 1870-CC $20 Double Eagle Is One of the Most Coveted Coins in the World

Coin collecting is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to connect with history. The American Numismatic Association (ANA) auctions are always an exciting event for collectors, especially when rare and valuable coins like the Coronet gold $20 double eagles are up for sale. Heritage Auctions is preparing for the ANA Platinum Night auction from … Read more

Why the 1836 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar is Worth $6,000

Jon Lusk’s passion for coin collecting began in his younger years, as a paperboy in Detroit. He would visit the J.L. Hudson department store’s coin department and the local coin shop owned by Earl Schill. These visits sparked a lifelong interest in collecting coins, particularly early American quarter dollars and half cents. Through years of … Read more