Collectors and readers of CoinWeek and other leading numismatic publications have selected Jeffrey Briggs as the winner of the MEDALS250 competition. His medal, Young Benjamin Franklin, earned the top prize of $500 in a closely contested vote.

A Fresh Take on Franklin Captures Top Honors

Briggs’ winning design delivers both historical depth and artistic clarity. He based the obverse on a familiar but powerful image.

Specifically, Briggs interprets the younger portrait of Benjamin Franklin that appears on the $100 bill. That portrait traces back to a 1785 painting by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis.

Around Franklin’s likeness, Briggs includes one of the most enduring quotes in American history:

“A REPUBLIC, MADAM, IF YOU CAN KEEP IT.”

This phrase, attributed to Franklin at the close of the Constitutional Convention, reinforces the medal’s central theme—civic responsibility.

Meanwhile, the reverse draws from Franklin’s own publishing legacy. It features the famous political cartoon advocating colonial unity, paired with the unmistakable warning:

“JOIN, OR DIE.”

Together, these elements connect America’s founding ideals with a timeless message about unity and preservation.

Collectors can acquire the 4-inch bronze medal for $290 by contacting the artist directly at jeffrey@briggssculpture.com

Strong Competition Produces Two Runner-Ups

The competition proved exceptionally tight. In fact, two entries effectively tied for second place. Each artist will receive a $175 award.

Jim Licaretz’s Rough Times Reflects Then and Now

Jim Licaretz’s Rough Times presents a stark comparison between 1776 and 2026.

On the obverse, the design highlights:

• The date 1776
• An eagle’s head
• The Liberty Bell
• Thirteen stars

These elements symbolize the strength and unity of the nation’s founding year.

In contrast, the reverse depicts:

• The year 2026
• A worn, feather-losing eagle
• A crumbling Liberty Bell

As a result, Licaretz creates a powerful visual commentary on national challenges across time.

Collectors can purchase the 3½-inch bonded bronze medal for $75 plus $8 shipping. The edition is strictly limited to no more than 25 pieces. For inquiries, contact jimlicaretz@gmail.com
.

Tracy Mahaffey’s Rise Up and Resist Bridges Past and Present

Tracy Mahaffey’s Rise Up and Resist also explores historical parallels, but through a different lens.

The design contrasts a Revolutionary War battle scene with modern-day street protests. Through this juxtaposition, Mahaffey emphasizes that struggles for liberty continue.

The artist explains:  “In today’s times, freedoms are still being challenged and different battles over liberties are happening.”

Importantly, the protest signs featured in the design trace a lineage of activism. They reflect messages from the Women’s Suffrage movement through today’s debates over women’s reproductive rights.

Collectors can obtain Rise Up and Resist for $400 plus $15 shipping by contacting info@tracymahaffey.com

MEDALS250: Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

The MEDALS250 competition commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative highlights contemporary medallic art inspired by America’s founding principles.

The American Medallic Sculpture Association conducted the competition.

Collectors and researchers who want images and artist contact information for all entries can reach out to Mel Wacks at directorjahf@yahoo.com

Why This Competition Matters

MEDALS250 does more than celebrate artistic talent. It also reflects how today’s artists interpret America’s founding ideals.

Briggs’ winning medal stands out because it bridges past and present with clarity and conviction. At the same time, the runner-up designs push viewers to reflect on the nation’s current challenges.

As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial, these works remind collectors that medallic art remains a powerful storytelling medium.

The post Jeffrey Briggs Wins MEDALS250 Competition with Striking Young Benjamin Franklin Medal appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The release honors Woodrow Wilson, who led the United States from 1913 to 1921 and shaped the nation’s role on the global stage during and after World War I.

The medal will be offered at $164 and continues the Mint’s ongoing Presidential Silver Medal Series, a modern program that recreates historic presidential medals in .999 fine silver.

A Modern Silver Tribute to Woodrow Wilson

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal contains 99.9% fine silver and arrives encapsulated in a presentation case. Each medal also includes a Certificate of Authenticity from the U.S. Mint.

The design closely follows the traditional format used across the presidential medal series.

On the obverse, a bust portrait of Wilson appears with the inscription:  “WOODROW WILSON.”

Meanwhile, the reverse presents a symbolic national motif. An eagle spreads its wings while grasping crossed olive and oak branches in its talons. In the background stands the United States Capitol.

Two inscriptions commemorate Wilson’s presidential inaugurations:

• “INAUGURATED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MAR. 4, 1913”
• “SECOND TERM MAR. 5, 1917”

Together, these elements connect the medal directly to the historical moments that marked Wilson’s leadership.

Wilson’s Presidency and Global Legacy

Wilson served two terms during a transformative era in American history. As Commander in Chief, he guided the United States through World War I, a conflict that reshaped global alliances and international diplomacy.

After the war, Wilson became the principal architect and leading advocate for the League of Nations, an international organization designed to prevent future wars through diplomacy and collective security.

His diplomatic vision earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.

Today, collectors and historians alike recognize Wilson as one of the most influential figures in early twentieth-century international policy.

From Peace Medals to Presidential Medals

The U.S. Mint’s Presidential Medal tradition stretches back far beyond modern collector programs. In fact, the series began as the Peace Medals program, a diplomatic tool used by early American leaders.

During the Colonial period, officials presented medals to Native American chiefs to strengthen alliances and foster cooperation. Later, U.S. presidents continued the practice. Leaders gave peace medals during treaty negotiations, diplomatic meetings, and other ceremonial events.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, for example, carried Thomas Jefferson peace medals in three different sizes, along with earlier medals issued during the presidency of George Washington.

However, medal production was not originally part of the Mint’s official duties. Early peace medals were therefore contracted to private engravers, often including Mint employees who used Mint equipment after hours.

That arrangement eventually changed.

Beginning with Rutherford B. Hayes, the U.S. Mint formally assumed responsibility for producing the medals. At that point, the Peace Medals series gradually transitioned into the Presidential Medals series.

The Peace Medal tradition continued alongside the presidential series for several administrations, ending with Benjamin Harrison. By then, the medals’ original diplomatic role had largely faded.

The Modern Presidential Silver Medal Program

The Mint revived presidential medal collecting in a new form in 2018.

On August 16, 2018, the Mint launched the Presidential Silver Medal Series, beginning with George Washington. These modern releases recreate classic presidential medal designs using .999 fine silver.

Unlike the historic bronze medals, which remain part of the Mint’s long-running bronze medal program, the silver series targets collectors who prefer precious-metal issues.

The Mint releases these silver medals gradually, typically adding four presidents each year in the order they served. As a result, earlier presidents appear first in the silver series.

Meanwhile, modern presidents still receive bronze medals at the end of their terms, continuing another long-standing presidential tradition.

Ordering the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal

Collectors may order the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal beginning March 19, 2026, at noon EDT through the United States Mint.

Customers can also:

• Sign up for a “Remind Me” alert for the product
• Enroll in the Presidential Silver Medal Subscription Program (Enrollment Code RJ)
• Explore additional medals in the Presidential series

With the continued popularity of modern Mint silver collectibles, the Wilson medal will likely draw strong interest from both medal specialists and presidential history collectors.

A Growing Series for Modern Collectors

The Presidential Silver Medal Series continues to bridge two traditions.

On one hand, the designs trace their origins to early American diplomacy and presidential symbolism. On the other, the .999 fine silver format appeals to today’s collectors who value modern precious-metal issues.

As the Mint continues its systematic rollout through the presidential timeline, each new release expands a series that connects American history with modern numismatic craftsmanship.

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal now joins that evolving legacy.

Specifications

• Finish: Matte
• Composition: 99.9% silver
• Weight: 1.000 troy ounce
• Diameter: 1.598 inches
• Edge: Plain
• Mint and Mint Mark: N/A
• Privy Mark: None

The post U.S. Mint Launches Woodrow Wilson Presidential Silver Medal on March 19 appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Vic Bozarth for PCGS ……

This article continues my series on medals and tokens from World’s Fair expositions held between 1876 and 1926. It focuses on the medals and tokens of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.

Only three Pan-American medals or So-Called Dollars came from the expo. However, the tragedy that occurred there makes the event essential to any survey of major world’s fairs.

Triumph and Tragedy at the Buffalo Expo

The exposition ran from May 1 to November 2, 1901. More than eight million people attended. At least 5.3 million visitors paid the 50-cent admission fee.

Investors quickly bought $5 million in stock and capital bonds. State and federal grants added another $800,000.

Rail service determined the success of most expositions. Organizers depended on easy travel for visitors. The Chicago and North-Western Railway promoted “through” train service to several major cities. Buffalo secured the expo over Niagara because it offered better rail access.

Visitors also enjoyed attractions on the fairgrounds.

The McGarigle Brothers built and operated a popular miniature railway. For 10 cents, guests could ride the train around the grounds. A nine-foot engine pulled small gondola cars with double seats along a 15-inch track. Six stations served the route across the fairgrounds. McGarigle miniature railways also appeared at many other expositions.

The Buffalo Pan-American Exposition holds an important place in American history. Electric lights illuminated the fairgrounds. At the time, large-scale electric lighting still seemed new and exciting.

McKinley visits the Exposition

Another major event occurred on September 5, 1901. President William McKinley visited the exposition and delivered a speech. During his address, he said:

“Expositions are the timekeepers of progress. They record the world’s advancement and stimulate the energy, enterprise, and intellect of the people; and quicken human genius. Whehey go into the home. They broaden and brighten the daily life of the people. They open mighty storehouses of information to the student.”

Few presidents supported international expositions and world’s fairs as strongly as McKinley. Sadly, history remembers his visit for tragic reasons.

On September 6, McKinley greeted citizens at the exposition. During the reception, an assassin shot the president. McKinley died from his wounds nine days later. His young vice president, Theodore Roosevelt, assumed the presidency.

Organizers later printed McKinley’s “Last Public Address and Proclamation” in a pamphlet for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The quote above represents only a small portion of his thoughtful 30-minute speech.

McKinley’s assassination shocked the nation. The event also marked a cultural turning point. McKinley represented the steady conservatism of the 19th century. Roosevelt soon introduced a more energetic and progressive style of leadership. Numismatists know Roosevelt as the driving force behind the redesign of American coinage. Events like these help connect the dots in the broader march of history.

Pan-American Expo Medals and Tokens

The United States Treasury Department operated an exhibit inside the U.S. government building. The building stood near the main entrance from the esplanade.

Inside the exhibit, the United States Mint struck official exposition medals on site.

Mint workers produced the official medal in silver, copper, and brass. Designer G. T. Brewster created the piece. The obverse shows a Native American figure riding a soaring eagle. The reverse features a relief map of the Western Hemisphere along with the exposition’s official logo.

Official Medals

These official medals are designated as follows:

• PCGS #642671, HK-287 – Silver (Rarity-6)
• PCGS #642672, HK-288 – Copper BN (R-7)
• PCGS #642673 – Copper RB
• PCGS #642674 – Copper RD
• PCGS #642675, HK-289 – Brass (R-8)

Other So-Called Dollars issued for the Pan American Expo include the President McKinley Assassination Dollar and the Buffalo Dollar. These medals are designated as:

• PCGS #642676, HK-290 – McKinley Brass (R-6)
• PCGS #642677, HK-290a – Aluminum (R-6)
• PCGS #642678, HK-291 – Buffalo Brass (R-5)

In addition to the Mint and Treasury Department installation, there was another highly significant numismatic display at the Pan-American Expo. Separate from the Mint exhibit, in a small dedicated building bordering the midway, was an exhibit housing what was dubbed the “First Coin Machine Used By the U.S. Mint” serving as a souvenir concession. This steam press, which was used at the Philadelphia Mint from 1836 through 1874, was earlier displayed at the Centennial and then the Columbian expositions in 1876 and 1893, respectively.

This steam-operated press struck souvenir medals in two designs, including one serving as a Pan-American memento and the other featuring the Lord’s Prayer. They were offered from 25 cents to $2.50 for gold-plated and 14K compositions. The Lord’s Prayer design was offered in sterling silver for 35 cents, in addition to the gold issues.

Lord’s Prayer Medal

• Gold-plated
• Sterling Silver
• 14K gold

Pan-American Medal

• Gold-plated
• 14K gold

Each of these souvenir coins included a card describing the press itself and the two souvenir token designs available from Historic Coin Press Co. of Buffalo, NY.

After the Expo

As with most fairs, the majority of the buildings and grounds of the Buffalo Pan-American Expo were cleared afterward. The only major building to survive from the fair is the New York State Building. But in a case of pure happenstance, the souvenir Pan-Am Coin Concession Hut survived the teardown. William Simon of the Simon Brewing family bought the hut and moved it to his property in Gardenville, New York, shortly after the fair.

The hut, used as a gazebo and goat shed, was rediscovered in 1999, although the story of the hut’s history was known to the family. The Werner family, current owners of the Gardenville property, contacted the Buffalo History Museum in 1999, inquiring if they would be interested in having it. Today, the shed has been restored to its original glory and is housed at the Forest Avenue Resource Center of the Buffalo Museum. Incidentally, the original fairgrounds has been a residential neighborhood for more than a century.

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For more information from PCGS, the sponsor of this article, click on the image below.

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The post 1901 Pan-American Exposition Medals From the U.S. Mint appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

More than a commemorative piece, this medal tells a story that reshaped the course of American independence.

The $20,000 That Changed History

In August 1781, the Continental Army cornered British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis in Yorktown, Virginia. General George Washington and his forces, joined by Count de Rochambeau and French troops, marched south from the Hudson Highlands to strike what would become the final blow of the Revolutionary War.

However, Washington faced a crisis. His war chest stood empty. Congress had no funds. Meanwhile, the troops lacked food, uniforms, and essential supplies. Morale faltered. Mutiny loomed.

Washington determined he needed at least $20,000 to finance the Yorktown campaign. When officials told him that no funds or credit remained, he reportedly replied: “Send for Haym Salomon.”

Salomon raised the required $20,000. With that money, Washington launched the Yorktown campaign, which culminated in Cornwallis’s surrender in October 1781 and effectively ended the Revolutionary War.

Haym Salomon: Financer of the Revolution

The new medal captures this pivotal moment in American history.

The obverse features an imagined portrait of Haym Salomon, identified as “Financer to the American Revolution,” along with his signature. Although no verified contemporary portrait of Salomon survives, his financial legacy remains well documented.

Between August 1781 and April 1784, Salomon’s name appears at least 75 times in the diary of financier Robert Morris. Many entries reportedly read, “I sent for Haym Salomon,” underscoring his frequent role in securing urgent funds for the struggling government.

From Poland to the American Cause

In the early 1770s, Salomon left his family in Poland and arrived in New York on the eve of the Revolution. His fluency in German allowed him to interact with Hessian forces as a supplier of goods. When British authorities suspected him of spying, they arrested and imprisoned him for a time.

Afterward, Salomon relocated to Philadelphia. There, his command of multiple languages positioned him as a broker to French officials who supported the American cause. He prospered financially. Moreover, he extended financial assistance to key public figures, including Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

A Fortune Lost in the Nation’s Service

Haym Salomon died prematurely in January 1785. At the time of his death, he held approximately $650,000,equivalent to more than $20 million today, primarily in depreciated certificates of indebtedness and Continental currency that had become virtually worthless.

The Pennsylvania Packet memorialized him with these words: “He was remarkable for his skill and integrity in his profession and for his generous and humane deportment.”

The Medal Design: Art Meets American Memory

The reverse of the new Jewish-American Hall of Fame medal features George Washington riding his favorite horse, Nelson. The design also incorporates Washington’s urgent call to “Send for Haym Salomon,” reinforcing the historic link between financial support and military victory.

Award-winning sculptor Eugene Daub created the medal. This release marks the 19th medal in the long-running Jewish-American Hall of Fame series, which began in 1969.

The piece measures 3¼ inches in diameter and appears in high relief bonded bronze. The edition limits production to a maximum of 99 pieces.

Collectors may obtain the medal with a $195 contribution to the nonprofit Jewish-American Hall of Fame. Interested parties can call 818-225-1348.

Readers who mention CoinWeek receive a 10% discount.

Why This Medal Matters in 2026

As America prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence, the story of Haym Salomon demands renewed attention. His financial intervention supported the campaign that led to Yorktown, and ultimately to American victory.

Therefore, this medal does more than celebrate an anniversary. It restores visibility to a figure whose contributions proved essential to the nation’s founding.

For collectors, historians, and patriots alike, the Haym Salomon medal offers a tangible connection to the economic backbone of the Revolution.

The post Haym Salomon and George Washington Medal Honors America’s 250th Anniversary appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Today, the medal remains a defining relic of imperial Britain. More importantly, it tells a powerful story of monarchy, memory, and national identity.

The First Diamond Jubilee in British History

On June 20, 1897, Queen Victoria became the first British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. She ascended the throne in 1837 at age 18. By 1897, she ruled over a vast global empire.

Therefore, the anniversary carried enormous symbolic weight. The government organized grand celebrations across London and throughout the Empire. Colonial Prime Ministers, foreign ambassadors, and military leaders attended. The Royal Mint commissioned official medals to mark the occasion.

The result was a masterpiece in Sterling Silver.

Medal Specifications: The Large 56mm Version

The 56mm medal represents the prestigious “large” format of the issue.

Specifications:

• Diameter: 56mm (approximately 2¼ inches)
• Weight: Approximately 85 grams (2.2 oz.)
• Composition: .925 Sterling Silver
• Designer/Engraver: George William de Saulles, after Sir Thomas Brock
• Mint: London Mint (Official Royal Mint issue)
• References: BHM 3506; Eimer 1817a

Collectors also recognize a smaller 26mm version struck in gold and silver. However, the 56mm medal stands as the presentation format intended for dignitaries and officials.

Obverse: The Veiled “Old Head” of Victoria

The obverse features the crowned, veiled bust of Queen Victoria facing left. Sir Thomas Brock created the portrait in 1893. George William de Saulles executed the engraving for the Royal Mint.

The Latin legend reads:

“VICTORIA ANNVM REGNI SEXAGESIMVM FELICITER CLAVDIT XX IVN. MDCCCXCVII.”

Translated, it declares:

“Victoria happily closes the sixtieth year of her reign, 20 June 1897.”

The design presents Victoria as the widowed matriarch of a global empire. She appears dignified, solemn, and enduring. In many ways, the portrait embodies stability at the height of British power.

Reverse: Youth and Glory

In contrast, the reverse features a youthful portrait of the Queen facing left. The inscription divides around the image:

“LONGITVDO DIERVM IN DEXTERA EIVS ET IN SINISTRA GLORIA.”

This translates to:

“Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand glory.”

Below appears the date 1837, marking her accession year, alongside a laurel branch.

The artistic contrast carries deep meaning. The young monarch of 1837 stands opposite the veiled sovereign of 1897. Together, the portraits frame six decades of transformation, from a youthful queen to the Empress of India.

Presentation and Official Use

The Royal Mint produced these medals as official awards. Recipients included:

• Members of the Royal Family
• Government officials
• Foreign ambassadors
• Colonial Prime Ministers

Each medal came housed in a red leather presentation case. Furthermore, selected officers and troops from the Royal Navy, Army, and colonial contingents wore the medal on the left breast during Jubilee processions.

This fact elevates the piece beyond a commemorative object. It functioned as a visible badge of participation in a defining imperial ceremony.

The Artists Behind the Medal

George William de Saulles served as engraver for the Royal Mint. He also executed the 1893 coinage portrait of Victoria. Meanwhile, Sir Thomas Brock designed the underlying bust. Brock later achieved renown for his work on the Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.

Thus, the medal unites two important figures in British numismatic and sculptural history.

Why the 56mm Medal Matters Today

Collectors prize the large silver medal for several reasons.

First, it represents the first Diamond Jubilee in British history. Second, it stands as an official Royal Mint issue, not a private commemorative. Third, its substantial size, 56mm and roughly 85 grams of .925 Sterling Silver, gives it undeniable physical presence.

Moreover, the dual-portrait concept captures a rare narrative arc in medallic art. Few medals illustrate both the beginning and maturity of a reign with such clarity.

In short, this medal does not merely commemorate an event. It captures the passage of time itself.

Auction Information

This 1897 Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee large silver medal (56mm, ~85g) is offered in the Collectors Choice Auction as  Lot 78687  presented by Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

The sale closes on February 26, 2026.

For collectors of British medals, Royal Mint issues, and historic presentation pieces, this offering represents an exceptional opportunity to secure a tangible symbol of imperial Britain at its height.

The post 1897 Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Silver Medal: A Monument to Empire appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Love Tokens:  Collecting America’s Most Romantic Engraved Coins

Love tokens remain one of the most personal and evocative collectibles in American numismatics. These engraved coins tell intimate stories. Moreover, they connect collectors to real people from the 19th century.

Today, collectors prize them for their artistry, history, and emotional depth.

What Is a Love Token?

Love tokens are coins that engravers smoothed on one or both sides and then hand-engraved with initials, names, phrases, or detailed scenes. Suitors often presented them to young women as “tokens of love.” In addition, many people exchanged them as Valentine’s Day gifts.

Some collectors debate the term. Technically, these pieces qualify as engraved coins. An engraver planned down the surface and cut a design into the metal. However, collectors prefer the traditional and sentimental name: love token.

Origins in Great Britain

The practice began in early 19th-century Great Britain. Soon afterward, British immigrants carried the tradition to the United States. By the mid-to-late 1800s, Americans embraced the custom.

As a result, love tokens became a familiar form of personal expression in American coinage.

Coins Used for Love Tokens

Americans engraved love tokens on many different coins. However, the Liberty Seated dime proved the most popular host coin. Its small size and silver content made it ideal for engraving.

Still, engravers used nearly every denomination of United States coinage. Examples exist on coins ranging from the half cent to the $20 gold piece. In addition, engravers created love tokens from numerous world coins and denominations.

The Golden Age: 1860s to 1880s

The golden age of the love token in America spanned the 1860s through the 1880s. The Civil War intensified the tradition. Families endured long separations. Soldiers left home for distant battlefields. Consequently, small engraved coins became powerful keepsakes.

One can easily imagine a young soldier carrying a love token in his pocket while serving far from home. These small silver pieces offered comfort and connection.

By the end of the 19th century, however, other keepsakes replaced love tokens. The tradition gradually faded.

Designs and Engraving Styles

Most American love tokens display initials. Some show full names. Others feature short messages.

A smaller group stands out for ornate artwork. Engravers created birds, hearts, and other symbolic motifs. The more elaborate the design, the more impressive the craftsmanship.

Importantly, 19th-century American love tokens were engraved by hand. Each one reflects the skill and creativity of an individual artisan. Modern coin metals lack the softness and appeal of classic gold and silver. Therefore, modern versions would likely require machine engraving. Nonetheless, nothing prevents someone from creating love tokens today.

Researching Love Tokens

Collectors who want to study this field should consult Lloyd L. Entenmann’s Love Tokens as Engraved Coins (1991). The book serves as the standard reference on the subject. While copies require some searching, collectors can still find them.

Serious research deepens appreciation. Furthermore, it helps collectors identify quality examples and understand engraving styles.

In the video above, collector Richard Burdick shares his impressive collection of hand-engraved 19th century tokens and mementos.

Personal Stories in Silver and Gold

Every token carries its own personality. Each piece tells a story of affection between two people. Because engravers personalized these coins, no two examples look exactly alike.

Sometimes families pass these keepsakes down through generations. Unfortunately, many stories disappear over time. Even so, the engraved initials and symbols still speak across centuries.

How Much Are Love Tokens Worth?

Several factors influence value.

First, the denomination matters. Gold and silver host coins provide intrinsic metal value. Therefore, a gold love token starts at a higher baseline than one engraved on a small silver coin.

Second, the quality of the engraving plays a major role. Detailed, ornate artwork commands stronger prices. Simple initials bring more modest sums.

Most love tokens engraved on Liberty Seated dimes sell for approximately $20 to $30 each. However, more elaborate examples and those struck on gold coins can cost significantly more.

Collectors approach this category in different ways. Some seek specific names. Others focus on certain initials. Still others buy pieces that simply catch their eye or hold personal meaning.

Love Tokens in Today’s Market

In a recent video presentation (above), collector Richard Burdick showcased his impressive collection of hand-engraved 19th-century tokens and mementos. His collection demonstrates the depth and variety available to today’s collectors.

Importantly, this category remains affordable. Entry-level pieces offer a low-cost way to own a tangible piece of 19th-century social history.

Visit the Love Token Society

Why Love Tokens Still Matter

Love tokens combine art, history, and emotion. They reflect 19th-century craftsmanship. They document personal relationships. Above all, they humanize the coins we study and collect.

For numismatists, these engraved coins offer more than metal and design. They preserve moments of affection from a distant era. And that enduring human connection continues to captivate collectors today.

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The post Love Tokens Were Once Popular Valentine’s Day Gifts appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By  CoinWeek Notes …..

The North American token is an early 19th-century token believed to have been struck in Dublin, Ireland, in the late 1810s through perhaps 1820. The date on the token suggests that it was issued in 1781, but numismatists think that this date was deployed to give the piece the illusion of age, as private token issues like this were prohibited by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

North American tokens were struck in copper and brass, and the dies used to produce them were intentionally worn. Struck to the same standards as tokens coming out of Birmingham, England, the North American token weighs 116 to 117 grains. Coin dealer and numismatist Doug Winter studied the North American token in the late 1970s and concluded that engraver William Mossop, Jr. (1788-1827) created the design. Mossop’s father, William Mossop, Sr., was also an engraver of note.

The obverse features a seated Hibernia, the personification of Ireland, facing left with her left hand steadying an Irish harp. The inscription NORTH AMERICAN TOKEN wraps around the top of the design. The date 1781 is in the exergue.

The reverse features a two-masted British sailing ship with a Union Jack flag flying at the stern. COMMERCE wraps around the the top of the design.

Beads encircle both faces of the medal, with those on the reverse being smaller and more numerous.

Seven examples were cataloged by coin dealer Édouard Frossard as part of the Aaron White Hoard. White hoarded the coins during the time leading up to and throughout the Civil War period, indicating that, while rare, North American tokens of 1781 were still in circulation in the mid-19th century.

Not known in Mint State.

Noteworthy Specimens of the North American Token

• PCGS AU58+ #25064612: “The Don Willis Collection of US Coinage”, Heritage Auctions, August 2, 2017, Lot 3835 – $4,465.
• PCGS AU58 CAC #22013967: As PCGS AU58 #50007933. Heritage Auctions, June 2, 2005, Lot 5026 – $1,035. As PCGS AU58 #22013967. Heritage Auctions, July 7, 2006, Lot 60 – $4,312.50. Regraded. As PCGS AU58 CAC #22013967. Heritage Auctions, November 29, 2012, Lot 3061 – $1,527.50. CAC Added. Heritage Auctions, December 4, 2014, Lot 3037 – $1,762.50; Heritage Auctions, April 26, 2017, Lot 3033 – $2,115. Dark area under harp, date, and TH. Scattered white spots between the two masts.
• PCGS AU58 #21700934: “The Liberty Collection of American Colonial Coinage, Part Three”, Heritage Auctions, May 29, 2008, Lot 1990 – $2,760.
• PCGS AU55 #3701573: Heritage Auctions, January 3, 2007, Lot 206 – $1,035; Stack’s Bowers, December 18, 2020, Lot 2064 – $1,020.
• PCGS AU55: Richard Picker; “The Ted L. Craige Collection”, Stack’s Bowers, March 13, 2013, Lot 374 – $5,581.25. Attractive.
• PCGS AU55: Stack’s Bowers, November 18, 2008, Lot 3026 – $1,150.
• PCGS AU55 #04184035: Heritage Auctions, January 3, 2007, Lot 205 – $1,610. Troy Wiseman Collection on insert; Heritage Auctions, November 6, 2007, Lot 17 – $1,380. Planchet laminations on obverse and reverse. 

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Sources

Douglas A. Winter, “The North American Token”, The Numismatist. ANA. March 1978.

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The post North American Token (“1781”) | CoinWeek appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Collectors rarely encounter artifacts that define the very beginning of global sport. However, such an opportunity will emerge on March 1st, when Bruun Rasmussen presents what specialists identify as the world’s first Olympic medal, struck for the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. The silver winner’s medal carries a pre-auction estimate of €26,000 to €40,000.

Because medals from the inaugural Games survive in extremely limited numbers, appearances on the open market remain exceptional. As a result, this offering commands attention from both Olympic historians and advanced numismatists.

Olympic History Meets a Global Moment

The auction arrives ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milan–Cortina 2026, scheduled for February 2026. While the Winter Games will take place later in the year, the approaching international focus on Olympic heritage adds timely relevance to the medal’s re-emergence.

Christian Grundtvig, Head of the Coins and Medals Department at Bruun Rasmussen, underscored the importance of the offering.

“This marks the first time we have offered a medal from the very first modern Olympic Games,” Grundtvig said. “Because such medals almost never appear on the market, collectors of Olympic memorabilia recognize this type of object as a defining acquisition.”

A Medal From the First Modern Games

This medal represents a winner’s award from the 1896 Athens Olympics, a Games that followed a prize structure unfamiliar to modern audiences. At that time, first-place athletes received silver medals, while second-place finishers earned bronze. Organizers introduced gold medals only at later Olympic Games.

The first modern Olympics took place from 6 to 15 April 1896. During that period, 241 athletes from 14 nations competed in 43 events across nine sports. Together, those competitions established the foundation of the modern Olympic movement.

Denmark participated in the Games, and Danish weightlifter Viggo Jensen secured victory in weightlifting, becoming Denmark’s first Olympic champion. However, no documentation links this specific medal to Jensen, and its original recipient therefore remains unconfirmed.

Classical Design by Jules-Clément Chaplain

Renowned French medallist Jules-Clément Chaplain engraved the medal, bringing classical symbolism directly into Olympic iconography.

On the obverse, Chaplain depicted a laureate head of Zeus, who holds a sphere crowned by Nike, the winged goddess of victory. Nike, in turn, carries an olive branch, reinforcing the Games’ ancient Greek roots.

On the reverse, Chaplain portrayed the Acropolis rock with the Parthenon, accompanied by the Greek inscription:

• “Διεθνείς Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες – Αθήναι 1896”
• (International Olympic Games – Athens 1896).

Specifications and Preservation

The medal offered at auction displays strong visual appeal and careful preservation:

• Material: Silver (Ag)
• Diameter: 50 mm
• Weight: 67.20 grams
• Condition: Well-preserved with attractive original patina
• Accompaniment: Original box of issue

Specialists describe the piece as an excellent and aesthetically striking example of a medal that carries extraordinary historical importance.

Auction Information

The medal will be offered in Bruun Rasmussen’s Online Auction on 1 March. Bidding is currently open through the auction house’s official website.

The post World’s First Olympic Medal Heads to Auction at Bruun Rasmussen appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By CoinWeek …..

In the first and second installments of “Spotlight on So-Called Dollars“, we touched on the relationship between So-Called Dollars and America’s classic commemoratives. In this installment, we look at some of America’s forgotten history. At one time, these people, places, and things were very American, but now only serve to shock and surprise.

Swastikas on So-Called Dollars

In Asia, the swastika is a symbol of good luck. Before the Nazis, it served a similar purpose in the West. By some estimates, thousands of medals and tokens made before World War II bear the image of the swastika, as well as untold tens of thousands of highway roadsigns (in Arizona), architectural ornaments, greeting cards, corporate signage, and other miscellaneous items.

Still, it’s somewhat jarring to see the Neolithic sun symbol in an “American” context. So-Called Dollar HK-895 below is a restrike of a medal designed by Adam Pietz and manufactured by the United States Mint.

Adam Pietz’s work, described as a Victory medal, is one of the most attractive So-Called Dollar designs of the 20th century. It features a classic female head with the word VICTORY on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, both in high relief. Superimposed on the eagle’s chest are a four-leaf clover and a swastika, along with the phrase GOOD LUCK AND…. Not many numismatic items feature a wrap-around inscription, so this alone makes the piece singular and distinctive.

Pietz’ talent as a sculptor is apparent. It’s a shame that his only coined federal design would be the 1946 Iowa Half Dollar, which, along with the Booker T. Washington and later Washington Carver Half Dollars, would close out the classic commemorative era.

The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan

The 1910s and ’20s saw the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, bolstered in large part by a three-hour-long motion picture called The Birth of a Nation (1915), itself based on Thomas Dixon’s novel The Clansman (1905). The Klan depicted in D.W. Griffith’s film, however, was far removed from the resuscitated version inspired by the movie. This second Klan was larger and had national political ambitions. During the 1920s, the terrorist organization was at its peak, boasting a membership of over six million Americans. After scandals and government persecution, Klan membership shrank to under 30,000 during the 1930s. By the end of World War II, the white supremacist group’s second incarnation was no more.

The two Klan-related So-Called Dollars listed in Hibler and Kappen’s reference were produced at the height of the second Klan’s influence. Both medals feature the faux-Latin phrase “Non Silba Sed Anthar”, purported to mean “not for one’s self but for others”. The dual date “1866-1915” refers to the founding of the first and second Klans. Various symbols and acronyms clutter both sides of both pieces.

From a value judgment standpoint, there’s something detestable about entering this sector of token and medal collecting. Hibler and Kappan’s inclusion of these two pieces may be impolitic, but they do represent a real if depressing facet of American history.

First Strikes. No, Really… (HK-876 and 876a)

 Does the story of the Denver Mint begin here?

While the term “first strike” may mean something a little different these days, these medals are purported to be the actual first pieces struck by the Denver Mint in 1905. Some sources say they were test strikes of new machinery; we wonder if they were struck on equipment used during the St. Louis World’s Fair that was earmarked for Denver. Described by Hibler and Kappen as being roughly the size of a double eagle, these sparse So-Called Dollars are intriguing and scarce collectors’ items, with true crossover appeal for numismatists that care about the production of the Denver Mint.

American Murder and Assassination (HK-765 and 766: Carter H. Harrison Memorial)

While the Columbian World’s Exposition captivated a generation of Americans and helped launch the country into the 20th century, it also ended in tragedy when Chicago Mayor Carter H. Harrison was gunned down in his home by Patrick Eugene Prendergast. The assassin had suffered from the delusion that Harrison would reward him with a patronage job for his support in the 1893 mayoral election; no such commission was forthcoming.

This So-Called Dollar could easily be coupled thematically with the Columbian World’s Exposition medals described in our first installment. Like other So-Called Dollars–and classic commemoratives, for that matter–this piece was part of a fundraising campaign. It signified that the original buyer donated one dollar towards the construction of the Carter H. Harrison Memorial.

The Gnaden Huetten Massacre So-Called Dollar is strange for a few reasons.

For starters, it celebrates a massacre – quite an odd topic for a bicentennial commemoration.

Secondly, the reverse features a green-colored four-leaf clover and a horseshoe along with the inscription GOOD LUCK. Not only is it a non sequitur but it also seems mockingly disrespectful of the victims of the massacre.

Finally, there were TWO Gnaden Huetten Massacres. The one commemorated here took place on the evening of November 24, 1755, when Native American warriors, incited by the French during the French and Indian War, attacked and burned a village of Moravians. Eleven missionaries were killed, alongside Christian Munsee Lenape Indians. A second, unrelated Gnaden Huetten Massacre occurred in 1782 in Ohio, also involving the same ethnic Moravians and Munsee Lenape Indians. In that attack, 96 people were murdered.

The War Begins (HK-11 and 11e)

The country begins to tear itself apart.

Two months before Republican Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as the 16th president, students from the Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, fired the first shots of the Civil War at a steamship sent to resupply federally controlled Fort Sumter. A month after Lincoln’s inauguration, Col. James Chesnut, Jr. opened fire on the fort itself, taking it a day later. Charleston’s high society watched the exchange and celebrated the first Confederate victory. Little did they know that they were drinking to their ultimate ruin and the eventual loss of 850,000 American lives.

This privately-issued medal marking the beginning of the war is an important contemporaneous artifact of the North’s psychology entering into the war. The reverse inscription reads as follows:

FORT SUMTER WAS EVACUATED, WITH ALL THE HONORS OF WAR, AFTER A MOST HEROIC DEFENSE BY MAJ R. ANDERSON, WITH A GARRISON OF 75 MEN, AGAINST A TERRIFIC BOMBARDMENT OF 30 HOURS DURATION BY THE SO. CA. REBELS NUMBERING 8000.

From this, one gets a strong sense of the shock and indignation felt by northerners at the onset of war. The piece also serves as a poignant reminder that, once upon a time, America’s fate looked precarious and uncertain.

The Fort Sumter So-Called Dollar comes with two reverse die varieties (the second features a federal eagle and the inscription ONE FLAG AND ONE UNION NOW AND FOREVER) and three metal compositions for each variety. They are all quite scarce, with less than 20 of each known to survive. If we were putting together a Civil War Era set of federal issue coins and tokens, this piece would be high on our “covet” list.

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Written By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek

The post Spotlight on So-Called Dollars 3: America’s Forgotten History appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Atlas Numismatics has updated its website with 317 new coins, medals, and tokens at
fixed prices. Selections include the following items:

Mint State Arsinoe II Oktadrachm

1084576 | GREEK. PTOLEMAIC KINGS OF EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos.

(Wife of Ptolemy II, died 270/268 BC). Posthumous issue, Class III, circa 164/163 – 140 BC. AV Mnaieion – ‘Oktadrachm’. NGC MS (Mint State) Strike 5/5 Surface 2/5. Alexandria mint. 27mm. 27.47gm.

Veiled head of deified Arsinöe II right, wearing diademed stephane and horn of Ammon, scepter surmounted by lotus over left shoulder; K in left field, dotted border /APΣINOHΣ-ΦIΛAΔEΛΦOY.

Double cornucopia bound with royal diadem, containing pyramidal cakes, pomegranates, and other fruits, grape clusters hanging from the rim of each horn; dotted border. CPE II K-43; Svoronos 1498- 1499.

Highly lustrous and very attractive for the grade assigned.

$44,500

Superb Danzig Medal by Dadler

1083776 | DANZIG. (1644) AR Medal. PCGS SP63.

By S. Dadler. 60.80mm. 66.81gm. Bellona the allegorical figure of War struggles with Pax, fighting for peace on earth.

At left, a globe with Mercury’s caduceus, palm and olive branches, offered to the combatants; to the right, the Gorgoneion (shield of Pallas Athena with the Gorgon’s head) and a lance leaning against an olive tree / Allegorical figure of Pax (Peace) standing over the war god, Mars who is lays defeated upon the ground.

In her right hand she holds Mercury’s caduceus and three ears of grain, in her left hand a palm, laurel and olive branch.

In the background, Themis stands with her sword and scales, while to the right Abundantia stands with cornucopia and an olive branch.

Between them a farmer ploughs a field before a cityscape. Van Loon II, S. 315 (Histoire metallique II, S. 304); Pax in Nummis 102; Deth./Ord. 1; Maué 54.

On the beginning of the negotiations for the Peace of Westphalia.

$16,950

 Attractive Eichstatt Double Thaler

1083769 | GERMAN STATES. Eichstatt. 1790 W AR 2 Thaler. PCGS MS64.

55.94gm. CAPITULUM EYSTETTENSE – REGNANS SEDE VACANTE, below: 17.V EINE FEINE MARK. Saints above vacant throne / EX UNO OMNIS NOSTRA SALUS, below: WILIBALDS-BURG. in band.

Tree with 15 shields in branches, one shield below trunk, abbey and lands in background.

KM 95; Dav.-2212; Zepernick 80; Cahn 148.

$11,500

Münster Medallic 10 Ducats

1083748 | GERMAN STATES. Münster. 1648 AV Medallic 10 Ducats (Struck from Thaler Dies). PCGS AU55.

By E. Ketteler. 34.70mm. 52.61gm. HINC TOTI PAX INSONAT ORBI// PAX// MONASTERIVM / WESTPHA/ 1648. Two angels above the cityscape of Münster; one holding a palm leaf and trombone sounding, “PAX” and the other holding laurel branch and wreath.

Signed EK lower left / CÆSARIS REGVM IVNXIT PAX AVREA DEXTRAS 24 8 tbris *. Radiant name of Jehovah above two interlocking hands emerging from the clouds, behind them two cornucopias and a laurel branch; scattered weapons below.

Pax in Nummis 114; Deth./Ord. 124.

Upon the Peace of Westphalia of Münster and Osnabrück on 14th of October, 1648 (by the Gregorian calendar, 24 October 1648). Struck from the dies of the 1 1/4 Thaler (KM- 49).

$59,500

Exceptional Queen Anne Shilling

1084636 | GREAT BRITAIN. Anne. (Queen, 1702-1714). 1708 AR Shilling. PCGS MS66.

ANNA · DEI · – GRATIA ·. Third bust left / MAG – BR · FRA – ET · HIB – REG ·. Crowned shield in cruciform. KM 523.1; SCBC-3610.

Ex Terner Collection.

$9,500

Virtually Flawless Waitangi Crown

1084592 | NEW ZEALAND. George V. (King, 1910-1936). 1935 AR Crown. NGC PR67

.38.8mm. Crowned bust left / Crown above standing figures shaking hands. KM 6; Dav.-443.

Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. From a reported mintage of just 468 pieces.

$22,500

Current and Upcoming Events

Atlas will be attending the following numismatic convention in January 2026: Please stop by our booth (#311) and say Hello if you have a chance.

The 54th Annual New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC)

• InterContinental New York Barclay
• 111 East 48th Street and Lexington Avenue.
• Bourse dates: January 16-18, 2021

Further information: http://www.nyinc.info/

Updates to their online inventory are issued monthly.

For more information and to sign up for the firm’s monthly newsletter,
visit: atlasnumismatics.com

The post Atlas Numismatics Latest Ancient and World Coins appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Don’t get me wrong. Coins are great. The ANS is filled to the brim with coins that have fascinating stories to tell. However, except for specimens obtained straight from the Mint, most coins circulated through many hands in commerce before coming to rest in the Society’s collection, and most of those hands belong to nameless and faceless individuals.

The Indian Peace Medals are very different in this regard. They were given to specific people, many of whose names can still be found in various forms on U.S. and Canadian treaty documents of the 19th century. As such, the medals serve as relics for communing with their original Native American recipients and, in a few cases, the specific fur traders (John Lawe and Pierre Chouteau) who may have distributed them. The Indian Peace Medals in the collection are also especially powerful because, with the exception of a King George III medal very doubtfully associated with Tecumseh (Fig. 1), the vast majority that are attributed to their original owners by name are not linked to famous “great men”. None of the medals are said to have belonged to the larger-than-life figures of Black Hawk (Mahkate:wi-meši-ke:hke:hkwa), Sitting Bull (Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotake) or Crazy Horse (Tȟašúŋke Witkó). Instead, they belonged primarily to somewhat lesser flesh-and-blood leading men trying to negotiate futures for themselves and their people in a North America that was changing forever.

Perhaps the most famous Indian Peace Medal in the ANS collection with a recipient’s name attached to it is the large Abraham Lincoln medal that saved its owner from a gunshot (Fig. 2 above). It is said to have belonged to a 19th-century Ute (Núuchi) leader named Honkapkna (often reduced to Honko or Unco in contemporary sources) associated with the White River Ute Indian Agency in Colorado (Fig. 3).

He developed a negative reputation in Denver for his tendency to leave the reservation to hunt and fight with traditional enemies like the Cheyenne (Tsétsêhéstâhese). Contemporary newspapers also suspected him of attacking white settlers in areas where he had long hunted.

During a skirmish with Cheyenne warriors in 1873, Honkapkna was shot in the chest. Although the bullet should have killed him, it was stopped by his Lincoln medal and Honkapkna was only briefly knocked unconscious. While another man might have considered this an incredible stroke of luck, Honkapkna was disgusted. He had been under the impression that the medal had supernatural powers and should have prevented him from being shot at all. The next time he was in Denver, Honkapkna reportedly sold the medal to the gunsmith John P. Lower while complaining of its “bad medicine.”

Somewhat more unassuming is the Ulysses S. Grant medal attributed to Piah, a chief of the Nevava Ute band and associate of Honkapkna at the White River Agency (Figs. 4–5). Although it lacks the immediate drama of an embedded bullet, this medal has its own compelling and rather tragic story to tell.

The attribution of the medal to Piah seems fairly solid since his name is engraved around the edge with a worn date that should probably be read as 1873. He most likely received it following his signing of the Brunot Agreement on September 13, 1873. This treaty ceded the gold-rich San Juan Mountains within the great Ute reservation in return for annual payments of $25,000 in perpetuity.

In the years after signing the treaty, which he may not have understood in detail, Piah also developed a reputation similar to that of Honkapkna for the same reasons, as well as for his stated opposition to Ouray, the Uncompahgre (’Aka’-páa-gharʉrʉ) chief recognized by the United States as the head chief of all the Ute bands. Interestingly, the reports of his attacks on white miners and settlers increase dramatically in 1878, the year that Fredrick Pitkin was elected Governor of Colorado on a platform that emphasized the complete removal of the Ute from the state. In 1878, some newspapers even implicated him in the so-called Meeker Incident at the White River Agency, which involved the Ute defense of the reservation against elements of the U.S. Cavalry and the murder of the Indian agent, William Meeker. Piah was actually at the Los Piños Indian Agency at the time of the incident.

Upon learning of President Grant’s death, Piah is reported to have sold his medal in the belief that the supernatural powers he attributed to it also died along with the Great Father. It is unclear whether his decision to sell was influenced by Honkapkna’s earlier experience. The latter had been shot eight years after Lincoln was assassinated. According to the newspapers, not long after divesting himself of the medal, in early summer 1888, Piah reportedly died by suicide. Even if the Grant medal could have saved him from that fatal gunshot, no powers it may have possessed could have saved his people from the Dawes Act, which was passed the year before and was dedicated to the total assimilation of Native Americans as settled farmers and U.S. citizens.

A final example of an Indian Peace Medal in the collection that conjures the story of an individual through its attribution is a Benjamin Harrison medal given to the Arapaho (Hinono’eino) chief Paul T. Boynton (Figs. 6–7). The medal was presented to him on November 18, 1890, in recognition of his involvement in the implementation of the allotment system on the reservation and approval of the sale of the “surplus” land that remained to the U.S. Government for $1,500,000. Ironically, at the same time that Boynton was supporting the assimilationist requirements of the Dawes Act, he was also closely involved with the dissemination of the new Ghost Dance religion among the Southern Arapaho.

This religion, which originated with a Paiute (Numu) prophet in Nevada, advocated love, respect, and fair dealing among all Native American peoples and promised that if combined with this upright lifestyle, participation in the Ghost Dance would lead to the resurrection of dead ancestors, the return of the buffalo, and the return of white men to Europe. The Ghost Dance spread from Nevada to many distant reservations in large part through letters written and read by Native Americans who had received education in residential schools.

Paul Boynton’s original Arapaho name was Red Feather (Be’eekúúni’) but this was replaced by his Christian name when he was sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School at the age of 15. After eight years of training to read, write and work in the printing industry, he returned to the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indian Agency in Oklahoma where he did clerical work for the agent. Thanks to his education, he was able to receive and pass on information about the Ghost Dance contained in letters from other reservations. He was himself an ardent believer in the dance and claimed to have seen his dead brother in an apparition.

Despite its largely pacifistic character and obvious Christian influences, the Ghost Dance made many U.S. Indian agents nervous. Fears that the Ghost Dance was a prelude to a general uprising resulted in the botched arrest and death of Sitting Bull at the Standing Rock Indian Agency in North Dakota and the infamous Wounded Knee Massacre at the Pine Ridge Agency in South Dakota, all in little more than a month after Boynton received his medal. Concerned that similar calamities could take place at the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Agency, Boynton took the time to clearly explain the purpose of the Ghost Dance to both the agent and to the ethnographer James Mooney in order to remove all possibilities of a terrible misunderstanding.

If Christopher Walken’s character had been alive in the late 1800s and had had the opportunity to touch any of these medals, we can imagine him animatedly warning their owners of the imminent breakage of the ice beneath their feet. Of course, he didn’t, and now it is left to us to take up the many Indian Peace Medals in the ANS collection and discover the visions of the past and of their original owners that they bring.

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The post Indian Peace Medals at the American Numismatic Society appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The United States Mint has announced that the William H. Taft Presidential Silver Medal will be available for purchase beginning Monday, November 17, at noon EST. This release marks the latest installment in the ongoing Presidential Silver Medal Series, a program that has become a favorite among collectors of American political and medallic history.

The medal is struck in 99.9% fine silver and measures 1.6 inches (40.6 mm) in diameter. Each medal comes encapsulated, housed in a display-ready presentation case, and includes an official Certificate of Authenticity. The retail price is $90.00, and customers may opt to receive reminders or subscribe to the series through the Mint’s enrollment program.

Design Origins

The obverse of the medal features a distinguished left-facing portrait of President Taft, designed and engraved by Charles E. Barber, the 6th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. The bust is inscribed simply with the name “WILLIAM H. TAFT.”

The reverse was created by George T. Morgan, Barber’s assistant and later the Mint’s 7th Chief Engraver. It features the seated figure of Columbia, symbolic of the United States, holding a scroll in her left hand. Behind her rises the Capitol building, and a laurel branch with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears in the foreground. The outer inscription reads:
“INAUGURATED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 4, 1909.”

A Brief Look at President William H. Taft

William Howard Taft served as the 27th President of the United States from March 4, 1909 to March 4, 1913. A Yale graduate and skilled jurist, Taft is remembered for his measured approach to progressive reform.

During his term, he implemented the first significant tariff reduction since 1897 through the Payne-Aldrich Act, established the U.S. Postal Savings System to encourage banking among working Americans, and aggressively pursued antitrust litigation, filing over 75 lawsuits against monopolistic corporations.

Taft also created the Bureau of Mines, expanded civil service protections, and supported constitutional amendments for a federal income tax and the direct election of Senators. After his presidency, he returned to public service as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court—the only person in American history to lead both the Executive and Judicial branches.

About the Presidential Silver Medal Series

The Presidential Silver Medal Program, launched in 2018, honors each U.S. President with a non-circulating, .999 fine silver medal based on historic U.S. Mint medal designs. Each medal features a faithful reproduction of the original presidential inaugural medal issued during or shortly after the president’s term.

This series revives and celebrates America’s numismatic heritage, preserving the original artistry of early 19th- and 20th-century Mint engravers like Barber, Morgan, and others, while offering collectors a chance to build a comprehensive presidential archive in precious metal format.

These silver medals are not struck to proof finish but exhibit a brilliant uncirculated appearance, staying true to the original presentation of historical Mint medals.

Presidential Silver Medals Issued to Date

Here is the current list of Presidential Silver Medals issued in the series, in order of release:

• George Washington
• John Adams
• Thomas Jefferson
• James Madison
• James Monroe
• John Quincy Adams
• Andrew Jackson
• Martin Van Buren
• William Henry Harrison
• John Tyler
• James K. Polk
• Zachary Taylor
• Millard Fillmore
• Franklin Pierce
• James Buchanan
• Abraham Lincoln
• Andrew Johnson
• Ulysses S. Grant
• Rutherford B. Hayes
• James A. Garfield
• Chester A. Arthur
• Grover Cleveland (1st term)
• Benjamin Harrison
• Grover Cleveland (2nd term)
• William McKinley
• Theodore Roosevelt

With the release of the William H. Taft medal, the series continues its chronological journey through America’s highest office.

How to Order

Collectors can order the William H. Taft Presidential Silver Medal starting November 17 at 12 PM EST at catalog.usmint.gov .

To stay informed about future releases or secure every upcoming medal automatically, enroll in the Presidential Silver Medal Subscription Program using enrollment code RJ.

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The post William H. Taft Presidential Silver Medal Available on November 17 appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Contributed by Mike Byers – Post by CoinWeek

In a stunning survival from the early 20th century, an original, uncancelled reverse die for the World War I Victory Medal — designed by famed American sculptor James Earle Fraser, has come to light. Long believed to have been destroyed or decommissioned decades ago, this relic from the Philadelphia Mint not only tells the story of U.S. military honor, but also serves as a physical artifact of numismatic and medallic history.

This extraordinary find deserves attention not only from collectors of military medals and U.S. Mint artifacts but also from art historians and those with a passion for the American narrative told through numismatic design. The World War I Victory Medal (known before the establishment of the World War II Victory Medal in 1945 simply as the Victory Medal) was a United States service medal.

The World War I Victory Medal: An Allied Effort in Bronze

Known simply as the Victory Medal until the creation of its World War II successor in 1945, the U.S. World War I Victory Medal was the American component of a broader inter-Allied campaign to honor military service in the Great War. In March 1919, an international committee recommended that each Allied nation produce its own version of a Victory Medal, all featuring shared visual elements: a winged figure of Victory on the obverse and a rainbow-colored ribbon representing unity and peace.

For the United States, the design responsibilities were handed to James Earle Fraser, already widely celebrated for his work on the Buffalo nickel and numerous public monuments. Under the supervision of the Commission of Fine Arts, Fraser created a powerful and symbolic piece.

A Die That Shouldn’t Exist

The reverse die in question bears the powerful inscription “THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILIZATION,” framed above the United States coat of arms, surmounted by a fasces,  a Roman symbol of lawful authority and unity. Radiating from each side are the names of the Allied and Associated Nations, emphasizing the global nature of the conflict and the shared victory.

Minted in bronze with a diameter of 36 millimeters, the medal was suspended from a silk moiré rainbow ribbon, 1 3/8 inches long, with red centered between the multicolored arcs, a visually striking element shared by all Allied versions of the medal.

Most astonishing, however, is that this reverse die has survived uncancelled. still bearing the design in strikingly crisp detail. Given the U.S. Mint’s strict procedures for canceling and defacing obsolete dies to prevent unauthorized restrikes, the survival of a pristine example like this is exceedingly rare and likely due to long-forgotten storage or administrative oversight.

Eligibility and Distribution

Though originally intended to be created by an act of Congress, legislative approval for the medal failed to pass. Instead, the U.S. Army authorized its version via General Orders in April 1919, followed by the Navy in June 1919. The medal was awarded to all U.S. military personnel who served between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918, with additional eligibility extended to members of:

The American Expeditionary Forces in European Russia (Nov. 12, 1918 – Aug. 5, 1919)

The American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia (Nov. 23, 1918 – Apr. 1, 1920)

To further honor individual accomplishments, the Victory Medal was issued with a variety of campaign clasps and battle devices, including service bars and stars that attached to the ribbon.

A Piece of Minting and Military History

Uncancelled U.S. Mint dies are almost never seen in private hands, and when they do appear, they tend to be canceled beyond legibility. This World War I Victory Medal reverse die stands apart: it is fully preserved, unaltered, and visually stunning, offering not only a glimpse into early 20th-century minting processes, but also a tangible connection to the soldiers, sailors, and Marines who served in the first truly global conflict.

Whether destined for a museum collection or the hands of a dedicated medallic historian, this die is more than an industrial tool, it is a symbol of service, sacrifice, and enduring American craftsmanship.

For more information on this Reverse Die, Contact Mike Byers

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The post Uncancelled Die for the World War I Victory Medal Surfaces – A Once-in-a-Generation Discovery appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By CoinWeek…

Collectible arcade tokens form a unique and intriguing part of numismatics called exonumia. This field covers items that look like money—such as tokens, medals, military decorations, challenge coins, badges, or scrip—but aren’t official legal tender or government-issued bills.

Tokens first appeared due to money shortages or economic needs. In 19th-century America, for example, private makers created Hard Times Tokens (1832–1844) and Civil War Tokens (1861–1864). Sized like the one-cent coin, these circulated legally to fill gaps when official coins were scarce.

Arcade tokens, which found widespread use during the late 1970s “golden age of arcades” continued this tradition of “Good For” scrip, like vouchers for “One Quart of Milk” or “One Beer” tied to specific businesses. They serve as limited-use substitute money in closed systems and serve as an effective method to get customers to play more games and spend more money.

The Closed-Loop Token Economy

Arcade operators primarily adopted proprietary tokens to gain greater economic control. Tokens enabled dynamic pricing—offering flexible costs that were impossible with fixed-value government coins like quarters or dollar bills. For instance, owners could sell four tokens for a dollar (effectively discounting play) or bundle them into promotional packages for parties. This approach let them subtly adjust prices without drawing attention to the actual spending.

Additionally, by requiring token purchases upfront, operators centralized all cash transactions at a single cashier or vending machine. This simplified operations, making it easier to audit and secure money rather than dealing with scattered bills and coins inside dozens of individual game cabinets.

A major commercial advantage of tokens stems from their deliberate lack of fungibility. The explicit “No Cash Value” edict means that the money paid for the tokens is secured by the arcade operator upfront.

Crucially, the inherent lack of value outside the issuing establishment provided a strong security measure. If a cash box was compromised, the resulting pilfered currency was low-value proprietary metal, not fungible legal tender. This mechanism reduced the motivation for cash-box break-ins, thus protecting the machinery from damage and minimizing theft risk. As a side benefit, tokens also cut down on the use of slugs, but the practice of cheating the machines was not as prevalent as some accounts suggest.

The Decline of Arcades and the Digital Transition

While video game arcades were the heartbeat of a generation, their decline was foreseeable. A $5 billion industry in 1981 (the equivalent of $18.67 billion today), the sector shrank to a fraction of that by the end of the decade. The video game crash of 1983, caused by the overproduction of Atari consoles and games, indirectly hurt the industry. However, the rise of Nintendo and Sega in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, along with the growing popularity of PC gaming, made the short-form, quarter-churning arcade experiences feel inferior to the home experience.

The arcade industry pushed back by offering gaming experiences that weren’t possible on home machines, such as the 4-player Simpsons Arcade beat-em-up, the technical wizardry of Street Fighter II, and the simulation-style cabinets of Hard Drivin’ and Afterburner. But even these games were eventually ported to home consoles—albeit without the expensive cabinets and the full “arcade experience.” By the mid-1990s, the number of operating arcades had declined from 24,000 to approximately 5,000.

Those that remained adapted to the new market realities, presenting the arcade component as part of a buffet of entertainment and dining options for adult and family clientele. Two of the most successful arcades to survive the changing market were Chuck E. Cheese (which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011) and Dave & Buster’s. Both companies famously produced arcade tokens but abandoned the format in favor of digital payment cards that customers could load and reload using kiosks or service desks. The use of these cards further obscures the cost to play, as today’s complex, oversized games are more amusement-oriented than the skill-oriented “twitch” gameplay mechanics of the 1980s quarter munchers.

The consequence of this technological shift was twofold concerning the collectible market. First, it guaranteed that the mintage of historic tokens was finite. Second, the rapid closure and transition of thousands of arcades resulted in the eventual liquidation of immense stockpiles of common, general-use tokens. This influx of common, unused inventory has established a very low valuation floor for general-issue tokens, meaning collectors must specialize intensely in identifying rare, historically significant variants or error pieces to find items with genuine investment potential.

Collecting Arcade Tokens

It is my belief that arcade tokens will increase in collector interest as the video game collector market matures. The convergence of pop culture nostalgia and numismatics is nothing new and speaks to the popularity of GSA CC-Mint Morgan Dollars, Lincoln Wheat Cents, and Franklin Half Dollars, to name a few.

The valuation of collectible arcade tokens relies on the core principles of numismatics, which requires understanding the history, rarity, and condition of the item. But just as importantly as that, is the personal connection that certain tokens might have for player/collectors.

To my knowledge these is no definitive standard reference guide in print devoted to arcade tokens, but the website tokencatalog.com does a great job in listing more than 650,000 collectible tokens, including more than 1,600 U.S. arcade tokens. A few tokens that I’m looking for are from the Virginia amusement parks Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens, specifically from the opening of the parks through the mid 1990s, when I worked at each of them as a high school and college student.

What arcade tokens are you looking for? Let us know in the comments.

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The post Quarter Up: Video Arcades and the Token Economy appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek Notes …..

During World War II, the United States mobilized over 16 million men into military service. Of this number, over 10 million were inducted through the draft, while the remainder were volunteers. This mass mobilization had profound impacts on American society, accelerating both the push for racial equality and reshaping the role of women in the workforce.

At the outset of the war, roughly 12 million women already participated in the labor market. These women were often young, single, and typically from working-class or immigrant backgrounds. They were heavily concentrated in “pink-collar” jobs such as domestic service, teaching, and clerical work, and many left the workforce when they got married or became mothers.

The war changed this dynamic dramatically. Nearly 6 million additional women entered the labor force between 1940 and 1945, and a large proportion of these new workers were married women and mothers. They were actively recruited to fill roles largely held by men, particularly in heavy industry and manufacturing. For instance, by 1943, women made up 65% of the U.S. aircraft industry’s total workforce, a massive increase from just 1% before the war. In addition to that, more than 350,000 women volunteered for military service, filling critical non-combat roles.

In the post-war period, many women were laid off to make way for returning servicemen. While some sources suggest that a majority of women initially wanted to keep their jobs, the prevailing cultural and economic pressures led to a significant, though temporary, decline in female labor force participation. This period saw a powerful social reinforcement of traditional gender roles. However, the experience of working in higher-paying, non-traditional jobs gave women new skills and a sense of independence. This period, and the subsequent “baby boom,” laid the groundwork for the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1960s and 70s, which demanded an equality that was, in part, earned through toiling on factory floors to help secure victory for the “free world.”

Who Was Rosie the Riveter?

The name “Rosie the Riveter” first gained popularity in 1942 from a hit song of the same name. Written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, the song “Rosie the Riveter” celebrated a tireless, patriotic female assembly line worker. The song became a national hit, helping to popularize the name and the image of a female war worker.

The famous poster showing a woman in a red polka-dot bandana flexing her arm with the caption “We Can Do It!” was designed by artist J. Howard Miller in 1943. Miller was hired by the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company to create a series of posters for its in-house War Production Coordinating Committee. The poster’s purpose was for internal use, to boost the morale of the female workforce. Its public notoriety did not take effect until the poster was rediscovered in the 1980s.

It was Norman Rockwell’s muscular, sandwich-eating, Mein Kampf-stomping “Rosie the Riveter” that graced the cover of the May 29, 1943 Saturday Evening Post that captured the allegorical symbolism of the moment and the movement. It was as if Liberty had returned to help America kick nazi ass.

Recognizing Rosie the Riveter with a Gold Medal

To honor the contributions of women to the American war effort, Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA-14) introduced the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019 (Public Law 116-195). The bill, signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 3, 2020, called for “a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded, collectively, to the women in the United States who joined the workforce during World War II, providing the aircraft, vehicles, weaponry, ammunition and other material to win the war.”

The medal was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Beth Zaikan. The obverse side, engraved by Eric David Custer, features five Rosies in profile along with the inscription “ROSIE THE RIVETER.” The reverse side, engraved by John P. McGraw, shows Rosie with a wrench and rivet, surrounded by a Liberty ship, an M4 tank, and a B-17 bomber, representing America’s heavy machinery advancing the war effort. A ring of rivets encircles the design, with portholes inscribed with “ACT OF CONGRESS 2020” and “1942-1945.”

At a public ceremony in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol on April 10, 2024, a single gold medal was presented to 98-year-old Anna Mae Krier. At age 17, Krier went to work for Boeing in 1943, building B-17 “Flying Fortresses.” She was joined by 26 other women from across the country, most of them in their 90s, including 106-year-old Velma Long. These women represented the more than 8 million women who entered the workforce in new roles during the war.

Bronze Versions of the Rosie the Riveter Medal Were Made For Collectors

For collectors, the United States Mint produced bronze versions measuring 3″ and 1.5″. The 3-inch medals were issued at $160, while the 1.5-inch medals were listed for $20.

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The post Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal : A Collector’s Guide appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.