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The article marks 2017 as a significant milestone in American numismatics. Topics include the 200th anniversary of proof coinage at the Philadelphia Mint, the distinction between proof and specimen coins, and the early history of proof coins, including their production and distribution for collectors and diplomatic purposes in the 19th century.

The article focuses on the historical challenges faced by early American settlers due to the lack of a reliable coinage system and their subsequent efforts to address this issue. Topics include the initial use of barter and crops for payment, Massachusetts' early attempt at minting its own coins, and the eventual reliance on paper money and the impact on the American Revolution.

This article explores the attribution of coin designs to Robert Scot and John Reich, two engravers at the U.S. Mint in the early 1800s. It challenges the claims made by numismatists Taxay and Breen, who attributed certain coin designs to Reich. The author argues that Scot designed all the coins until Reich's arrival and that Reich had no experience with coinage dies. The article also discusses President Thomas Jefferson's initial reluctance to hire Reich but eventually agreeing based on Mint Director Robert Patterson's recommendation. The author concludes that Reich was not the designer of the Capped Bust coins and suggests alternative explanations for the supposed "signatures" on the coins. They also argue that Scot was the most likely designer based on his previous work and style. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides an overview of the Russian Civil War and the economic policies implemented during and after the war. It discusses the implementation of War Communism by the Bolsheviks, which resulted in shortages and disruptions in public services. After the war, the New Economic Policy (NEP) allowed for more free trade and private ownership of land, leading to increased agricultural production and the emergence of a wealthy bourgeois class. However, NEP also caused an imbalanced economy and inflation. The article also mentions the introduction of the chervonetz, a gold coin, during this time, and discusses three coins designed by Vasily Vasyutinsky that promoted industrialization and the transition to an industrial society. These coins represent a unique period of creative propaganda artistry in Soviet coinage. [Extracted from the article]

The article describes the author's experiences and findings while metal detecting in various locations. They discovered a Roman coin, a Roman fibula brooch, a Victorian lucky horseshoe brooch, three hammered coins, and an Anglo-Scandinavian horse bridle cheek piece. The author also found a Roman trumpet brooch and a rare Late Roman or Early Anglo-Saxon pin-head. They express their excitement and satisfaction with their discoveries, including some items that were on their "bucket list" of finds. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of the Minelab X-Terra Elite metal detector. The author received the X-Terra Elite Expedition Pack, which includes the machine, coils, and headphones. They tested the detector in different soil types, conditions, and beach detecting. The X-Terra Elite has a mid-range build quality, a three-year warranty, and features like multi-IQ technology and wireless audio. The author found the machine to be powerful and versatile, suitable for both beginners and experienced detectorists. They were impressed with its performance in various environments and concluded that it is a reliable and effective detector for its price range. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the Coin of the Year (COTY) winners for 2024, highlighting the top coins across various categories such as Historical, Contemporary, Gold, Silver, and Bi-Metallic. It also discusses the competitive nature of the awards, noting close vote margins, the introduction of new winners, and significant achievements in coin design and innovation.

The article explores the Byzantine Empire's financial decline due to poor governance, ongoing wars, and a series of problematic emperors, culminating in the empire's struggle with currency devaluation in the 10th century. It also discusses the empire's reliance on taxes, the impact of military and economic mismanagement, and the succession of emperors leading to increased instability and eventual downfall.

The article announces the 2024 Coin of the Year winners, highlighting Cameroon's Sumerian Civilization coin, Ukraine's The Courage to Be. UA, and the U.S. Liberty Through Perseverance as top achievers.

The article explores the transition of the Philadelphia Mint from manual to steam-powered coining presses, marking a significant technological advancement in 19th-century minting. Topics discussed include the introduction and impact of the steam press in 1836, its operational and technical developments over time, and its eventual sale and preservation for numismatic and historical purposes.

The article focuses on the early production of silver coinage in the U.S., specifically the Flowing Hair coins of 1794-1795. Topics include the challenges faced in setting up the Mint, the involvement of President George Washington and engraver Robert Scot in the coin design process, and the issues with the coinage press and quality control.

The article focuses on the growing popularity of non-circulating commemorative coins and the U.S. Mint's collaboration with Warner Brothers to attract a wider audience.

The article focuses on the significant changes and developments in the American nickel coinage between 1877 and 1884, a period marked by substantial upheaval in the U.S. monetary system. It details the shift from the Shield nickel, whose production was halted due to overstock, to the introduction of the Liberty Head nickel, highlighting key events such as design revisions, mintage figures, and public reactions to these changes.

This article from Coin News provides information on the florins of George V, discussing their design, minting issues, and variations in design. It also mentions the debasement of the British florin coin in 1920, where the silver content was reduced due to the increasing price of silver. The Mint faced challenges in producing coins in the new alloy but eventually succeeded. The document also discusses the different alloys used and the introduction of new designs in 1927. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the discovery of a Saxon hoard during a detecting club's dig in Worcestershire. The hoard consisted of silver Saxon coins, with a highlight being the finding of a gold solidus coin of Louis the Pious. Historic England conducted a field survey and commissioned a five-day dig to further investigate the site. Although some frustrations were expressed with the organizers and the slow process of the Treasure Act, the experience was overall memorable for the detectorists involved. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the historical context and circulation of Seated Liberty dollars, which were primarily intended for export to China as part of the China trade due to their high silver content exceeding face value. It mentions despite their production at U.S. mints from 1840 to 1873, these coins were rarely seen in everyday circulation within the U.S.

The article focuses on the rarity and historical significance of early American silver dollars, particularly the coveted 1804 dollar, of which only 15 are known to exist, making it a prized possession among collectors. It also discusses the evolution of silver dollar coinage from its beginnings in 1794, including changes in designs and production challenges faced by the Philadelphia Mint due to overseas demand and economic considerations.

This article explores the historical shipment of American silver coins, particularly Seated Liberty half dollars, to China and Japan in the 1850s and 1860s. It highlights the high demand for silver in China and the challenges faced by foreign merchants due to the preference for pure silver. The text also discusses the use of Trade dollars, which contained more silver than other American coins, in trade with China. The San Francisco Mint paused coinage and shipments of Trade dollars to assess their reception by the Chinese government, and the Trade dollar lost its legal tender status in 1876. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the discovery of a Celtic gold and Republican silver hoard by the History Hunters Metal Detecting Group. The group gained permission to search an estate with significant historical associations, despite concerns that the land had already been thoroughly searched by another club. However, on their first dig, they found interesting artifacts, including a rare Charles I Declaration penny. Subsequent searches yielded more finds, including Roman Republican denarii and Celtic gold staters. The discovery of the hoard raised questions about the presence of Roman coins alongside Celtic coins and highlighted the importance of not giving up on previously searched locations. The group shared their findings with the club members and emphasized the need to record the location and inform the Finds Liaison Officer and landowner. The article concludes with reflections on the excitement of the discovery and the desire to continue searching for more treasures. [Extracted from the article]

The article titled "A Small World" discusses the author's experiences as a detectorist in Kyrgyzstan and their subsequent return to their hometown for more treasure hunting. The author describes their finds, including coins from different eras and various artifacts. The article also mentions the death of the author's friend and detecting partner, John McArthur, and their continued adventures in different fields, encountering both disappointment and success. The author concludes by reflecting on the diverse range of historical artifacts they have found and their determination to continue detecting. The text describes the author's experiences and findings while metal detecting in various locations. They found a variety of artifacts, including coins, jewelry fragments, thimbles, and other small objects. The author emphasizes the importance of careful examination and seeking advice from experienced individuals when unsure about a find. They also mention meeting familiar faces and experiencing challenging weather conditions during their outings. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the challenges and intricacies of collecting Byzantine coins. It discusses the commonality of certain coin issues, the obscurity of many Byzantine historical figures, and the rarity of certain coins. It provides historical context for various Byzantine rulers and the turbulent events of their reigns, particularly during what Reis terms as "The Byzantine Anarchy."

The article discusses the historical context surrounding the Russian copper coinage of 1810 to 1825, set against the backdrop of significant events in Russian and European history during the Napoleonic era. It describes how Russia's economic situation was influenced by its conflicts with Napoleon and its decision to abandon the Continental System, leading to the invasion of Russia by French forces in 1812.

The article focuses on the diverse sources of publicity that promote coin collecting, ranging from media stories about valuable coins found in unexpected places to the steady growth of the hobby despite sensationalized narratives.

The article focuses on debunking persistent rumors in numismatics, such as the claim that engraver John Reich put his "fat mistress" on the coinage in 1807-1808, arguing that this is likely a myth propagated by later Mint officials to justify design changes, and explores another enduring rumor that an outraged public forced the Mint to clothe the semi-nude figure of Liberty on the quarter dollars of 1916-1917.

The article focuses on the strong demand for gold and silver coins, driven by collectors, investors, and speculators, discusses the steady prices of gold and silver; increased interest from diverse age groups; and the entry of new entities like Costco and the Korea Minting into the market.

The text provides a detailed analysis of the Birch Cent, the first coin struck for the United States under the Constitution. It discusses the rarity and value of the coin, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the engraver, Birch. The text examines the design and features of the coin, including the differences between the obverses and reverses of the two known varieties. The author suggests that further research is needed to confirm whether the coins were hubbed. Additionally, the text compares the Birch Cent to the 1792 half disme and highlights the historical significance of the Birch Cent. [Extracted from the article]

Lockdales, HOSKER HAYNES, St James's Auctions, and Spink's recently held auctions featuring a range of rare and valuable coins, banknotes, and medals. Notable sales included an Elizabeth II gold proof sovereign, a VIGO halfcrown of Anne, a George V British India commemorative sporting medal, an Anglo-Viking coinage St Edmund Memorial halfpenny, a James II five guineas coin, a China, Taiwan silver ten cents coin, and a Victoria pattern halfcrown. The auctions showcased items from various time periods and regions, with some exceeding their estimated values. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the findings of the History Hunters, a group of treasure hunters, in an area with a rich history of Celtic, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon activity. The group discovered Roman coinage, fibula brooches, and other artifacts during their investigations. They also found evidence of Saxon pottery and an Anglo-Saxon brooch. The article emphasizes the importance of following proper etiquette and rules while conducting treasure hunts and highlights the need for collaboration to protect the reputation of the hobby. The History Hunters plan to continue exploring the area for more historical treasures. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's recent finds while treasure hunting in North Wales. They discovered a Nuremberg Jetton, a Roman coin, a Roman fibula brooch, and a coin spill of two silver coins. The author also found a denarius of Trajan, an Edward III penny, a Roman trumpet brooch, and a Tealby penny from the reign of Henry II. They also attended group digs organized by Noble Pursuits Metal Detecting and found a terret ring and a seal matrix. The author concludes by mentioning their successful summer of detecting and their appearance on a podcast. [Extracted from the article]

Spink London recently held its annual Spring auction of British and World Coins and Medals, featuring a curated collection of 390 lots. One highlight of the auction was a selection of detecting finds, including rare coins and medals. One notable find was a gold quarter stater bearing the name "ESUNERTOS," which had previously been discovered and sold at Spink. Another significant find was a seal matrix associated with the Knights Templar. The auction also featured a hoard of over 200 silver coins from the English Civil Wars and a rare Queen Anne guinea. The auction showcased the valuable contributions that detectorists make to the study of numismatics and our understanding of history. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the success of the Central States Numismatic Society's 85th anniversary convention, highlighting strong attendance and active buying on the bourse floor, particularly in response to the increased intrinsic values of common-date gold and silver coins. It mentions that whille scarce to rare coin values remain stable, there is a lag in the pricing of generally available yet collectible coins unaffected by intrinsic value or significant rarity.

The article discusses the historical context and minting details of Liberty Seated quarter dollars, highlighting their significance during the California Gold Rush era and subsequent efforts by Congress and the U.S. Mint to stabilize the coinage system through the introduction of new coin denominations and adjustments in weight standards, ultimately aiming to address the challenges posed by fluctuations in the value of silver and gold.

This article provides a summary of a metal detecting club called South West Searchers (SWS) visiting Shropshire for a joint rally with another club. The rally took place in Little Ness, near Shrewsbury, and attracted 25 members from the South West. Participants had the opportunity to detect in a field and made several interesting finds, such as a Roman fibula, coins from different periods, and a hammered coin. The article also emphasizes the camaraderie among the members and shares some lighthearted moments during the rally. The event was successful, with attendees enjoying the experience and forming new connections. The article concludes by mentioning plans for a future event in a different location. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs about the prominence of the 5-cent piece in the United States between the 1830s and the 1940s, with its history tracing back to the late 1820s when the demand for half dimes began to rise. Topic include By 1853, significant mintages of half dimes resumed, albeit with reduced weights, leading to large coinages throughout the 1850s, with notable changes in design and the introduction of arrows to denote weight reduction.

The article focuses on the history and significance of Liberty Seated Dollars from 1836-1891, highlighting their gradual recognition among collectors. Topics discussed include the design process led by Director Patterson in 1835, initial coinage challenges, and the fluctuating demand for silver dollars throughout the mid-19th century, ultimately leading to the introduction of the Trade Dollar in 1873.

The text explores the medieval salutes to Mary, specifically focusing on the coins minted during that time. These coins, known as saluto d'oro and saluto d'argento, were inspired by the Christian feast of the Annunciation and featured designs related to the event. Minted by Charles of Anjou, who ruled Sicily and other territories in Italy during the 13th century, the saluto d'oro was a gold coin, while the saluto d'argento was a silver coin. Both coins had inscriptions related to Mary and were highly valued during that time. Additionally, the text delves into the historical context and details of the salut d'or, a silver coin minted during the reign of Charles VI of France and Henry V of England. This coin, worth 1/15 of the salut d'oro, featured the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary in its design, with inscriptions symbolizing the power and authority of the French and English kings. The salut d'or is considered a rare and prized coin among collectors. [Extracted from the article]

The article, "Silver Linings," recounts the author's experiences and discoveries while metal detecting in East Anglia. The author encounters two brothers, Alistair and Martin, who own a farm with potential for ancient artifacts. While Alistair is unwelcoming, Martin is friendly and accommodating. The author explores different areas of the farm, including a field called the "marketplace," which has yielded Roman artifacts and hammered coins. The author also unearths a rare Civil War coin and other intriguing items such as a Georgian petronel, crotal bells, and a Roman brooch. The article emphasizes the contrast between the brothers' personalities and the thrill of uncovering historical treasures. The author's findings include a 10th-century stirrup strap mount, a medieval mirror case, a small copper-alloy horse harness pendant, a Roman pin and knife pommel, an Anglo-Saxon disc brooch, and various coins from different eras. Additionally, the author attends a rally and promotes their book on detecting ghost stories. The article concludes with the author reflecting on their discoveries and eagerly anticipating future ones. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the author's experiences while metal detecting in a rural area known as "the Dale." The author initially searches near an old stone farmhouse and finds a few coins and buttons. Due to bad weather, the author is unable to continue searching for several weeks. When they return, they search other fields and find a boxing medallion and a possible bodkin. They also search near an old stone house and find some corroded coins. The author continues to search different fields and finds a silver coin and other coins in a badly corroded state. They also find a lapel badge related to the First World War. The author receives permission to search a deserted farm and its surrounding fields, but the potential for finds is uncertain. The author enjoys the process of metal detecting and looks forward to future searches. [Extracted from the article]

The article, "Henry's Hammered Halfpenny," recounts the author's search for a specific coin and their unexpected discovery of a silver halfpenny from Henry VIII's reign. Alongside the coin, the author also found a silver thimble, possibly from the Georgian or early Victorian era. The article delves into the history and folklore surrounding thimbles, as well as other discoveries made by the author, such as flint tools and buttons. It also mentions the commemorative shelters near Kensington Palace established by the Silver Thimble Fund, a charity supporting wounded soldiers during World War I and II. The author reflects on the historical significance of these artifacts and shares personal experiences and traditions related to finding and preserving them. [Extracted from the article]