U.S. Coin Collecting

Today, the United States Mint released the 2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coins. The program includes $5 goldcoins and silver dollars.

Dave Harper reflects on the fact that the commemorative coin release lacks the excitement of the1982 Washington Half Dollar or 1984 Olympic commemoratives, as escalating metals prices put the coins out of reach.

Although the important details of pricing and release date are still not provided, here is the available information on the numismatic versions of the America the Beautiful 5 ounce Silver Coins.

Whitman asks for help in defeating a Maryland sales tax bill that would remove the exemption forcoins and bullion sales over $1,000.

During the past five years, the Royal Canadian Mint spent $85 million on marketing, making them the biggest government spender for advertising.

Ken Potter covers the 2007-W Proof Platinum Eagle die polishing error (frosted Freedom) and provides figures on the population of coins released to the public.

For his weekly column on CoinWeek, Greg Reynolds provides some suggestions for U.S. coins in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.

Does the original Sacagawea Dollar have one of the best U.S. coin designs since the mid-20th century?

The US Mint began sales of the Andrew Johnson Presidential Dollar rolls. However, after another price increase it might be better to try to obtain them from a bank or wait for the coins to be added to the Direct Ship program.

An article detailing the production of half cents and cents from 1795 to 1796, including the reduction in weight, sourcing of copper, and introduction of the Draped Bust Cent design.

Patrick Heller discusses the huge COMEX silver supply squeeze that is developing and says to expect more volatile gold and silver prices in the next few weeks.

And now for some notable auctions. First, a collection of 1950-1963 Proof Sets, housed in two capital plastics holders.

Next, a 1923-D Saint Gaudens Double Eagle graded NGC MS 66+.

Last, here are the current auctions for sets of the 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins. Prices have come down from initial levels, even as the price of silver has risen.

That's it for this update. Have a great weekend!