Notable News (February 17-23, 2026)

This week’s headlines include the updated Mega Red, Mexican counterfeits, Althea Gibson celebration, and a Viking gold pendant.

Whitman Brands has released its 1,096-page Mega Red: A Guide Book of United States Coins, Deluxe 10th Edition. Fully updated, it offers more coins, varieties, pricing, and expert research—including an in-depth feature on $5 Half Eagle gold coins.

Photo: Whitman Brands

Mexico’s central bank has announced an increase in fakes. Authorities detected 291,673 counterfeit bank notes in 2025, the highest level since 2022, according to Banxico. Fake 500-peso bills accounted for 51 percent of seizures, followed by 100-peso notes. Officials also removed 1,091 counterfeit coins from circulation.

Photo: Getty Images/oxico

The African American History and Culture Museum hosted a free event on Saturday, February 21, celebrating the life of tennis player Althea Gibson. Gibson was the 20th and final honoree in the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program. As part of the program, visitors could create a medal inspired by Gibson.

Photo: U.S. Mint

A metal detectorist has discovered a gold pendant lost by a soldier of the Viking Great Army  in Norfolk, England. The piece is a rare imitation of a Louis the Pious solidus and may eventually be acquired by Norwich Castle Museum. Including the recent find, 22 of these imitation gold coins have been found in Britain.

Photo: Getty Images/Jan Kostelnik