Read All About U.S. Coins

Clamshell Money

October 10, 2024

3 min read

With coins in short supply in the early 1930s, desperate Americans sought creative alternatives to fill the need.

Clamshell Money

Too Little, Too Late

August 5, 2024

4 min read

The 1859-S silver dollar failed to replace  the 8 reales as the denomination of choice in China, and the coin is a scarce commodity today.

Too Little, Too Late

Middle Ground

July 9, 2024

5 min read

In the 1800s, the United States Mint experimented with small-cent designs that would achieve a happy medium.

Middle Ground

Where’s the Gold? (Part 2)

June 3, 2024

5 min read

A continuing feud between Mint Engraver James B. Longacre and Mint Coiner Franklin Peale affected the quality of 1849 gold coins.

Where’s the Gold? (Part 2)

In-Between Grades

June 3, 2024

4 min read

A point or two in grade can sometimes make a big difference in price, while for other coins, the opposite is true.

In-Between Grades

Where’s the Gold? (Part 1)

May 2, 2024

5 min read

In the mid-19th century, gold dollars were slow to progress at the U.S. Mint. Infighting at the coining facility did little to help matters.

Where’s the Gold? (Part 1)

A Curious Character

April 2, 2024

5 min read

The Standish Barry threepence has an intriguing history, and the key to its purpose can be found in the date on its obverse.

A Curious Character

Isn’t It Ironic?

March 11, 2024

9 min read

The Confederate States of America might have inadvertently produced coinage that celebrated the liberation of slaves.

Isn’t It Ironic?

Getting Roped In

March 4, 2024

4 min read

A Philadelphia dentist’s desirable collection, which includes a rare half dollar, hit the auction block in 1851.

Getting Roped In

1921-S Buffalo Nickel

March 1, 2024

2 min read

For Buffalo nickels dated 1921, an “S” mintmark of San Francisco is worth its weight in gold—and then some!

1921-S Buffalo Nickel

Farnum’s Assist

February 2, 2024

4 min read

Did a Dahlonega assayer help get Moffat & Company, California's most successful private mint, off of the ground?

Farnum’s Assist

Not Exactly a Proof Coin

January 5, 2024

4 min read

A handful of 1874 U.S. Trade dollars that some scholars call "proof coins" are currently in numismatic limbo.

Not Exactly a Proof Coin