The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) has expanded its prestigious Alan Kreuzer Memorial Award for 2026. This year, recipients will receive cash stipends ranging from $1,500 to $2,000, in addition to the award’s signature 3-inch bronze medal.

Strengthening the Fight Against Counterfeits

The Alan Kreuzer Memorial Award honors numismatists who dedicate their time and expertise to combating counterfeit coins and collectibles. These individuals play a critical role in protecting the integrity of the hobby.

“Fraudulent coins don’t just undermine a marketplace; they devalue our American heritage,” said Chandra Kreuzer Rudd, daughter of Alan Kreuzer.

Her continued support has proven essential. In 2017, she donated $50,000 to launch the anti-counterfeiting task force that eventually evolved into ACEF. Since then, her contributions have funded the annual award program.

Honoring a Legacy of Vigilance

The award commemorates the work of the late Alan “Al” Kreuzer, a respected coin dealer from Castro Valley, California. Kreuzer helped alert the numismatic community to the growing threat of counterfeit third-party certification holders and fake insert labels.

Today, the award recognizes a broad range of contributors. These include collectors, dealers, and law enforcement professionals who work to safeguard the numismatic marketplace.

Nomination Deadline and Submission Details

ACEF has set June 1 as the deadline for 2026 nominations.

Candidates must demonstrate meaningful volunteer efforts in anti-counterfeiting initiatives. To submit a nomination, participants must include:

• Nominee’s full name
• Business affiliation
• Volunteer activity details
• Contact information
• A clear explanation of why the nominee deserves the award

Submit nominations via email to info@acefonline.org
. A nomination form is also available on the ACEF website. Additionally, nominators must provide their own name and contact information.

ACEF’s Mission: Education and Protection

ACEF continues to serve as a frontline resource against numismatic fraud. The organization provides educational tools designed to protect collectors from counterfeiters.

Notably, ACEF maintains a free directory of more than 200 vetted Trusted Experts. This tool allows collectors to locate reputable dealers within a 50-mile radius.

Moreover, during major coin shows, ACEF offers a critical service. The organization applies COPY countermarks to counterfeit coins in compliance with the Hobby Protection Act. This process clearly identifies fakes and makes them legal to own.

Supporting ACEF’s Work

ACEF operates entirely through donations. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all contributions are tax-deductible.

Collectors and supporters can contribute directly through the online donation form available on the ACEF website. These funds ensure continued education, enforcement, and recognition efforts within the hobby.

The post ACEF Enhances 2026 Alan Kreuzer Award with Cash Stipends to Fight Counterfeiting appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The award ceremony will take place during the opening day of the 2026 CSNS Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois, just outside Chicago.

A Major Honor in Numismatics

The Q. David Bowers Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the hobby by numismatic professionals. The CSNS Board of Directors selects the recipient each year. The award honors Q. David Bowers, a legendary dealer and prolific author whose influence spans generations.

CSNS President Mitch Ernst emphasized the significance of Hollis’ selection.

According to Ernst, Hollis’ appointment as Mint Director reflects a lifetime dedicated to collecting, scholarship, and service. Notably, Hollis began collecting coins as a child. While other students wrote reports on icons like Babe Ruth or Amelia Earhart, Hollis chose early American scientist and first Mint Director David Rittenhouse.

A Career Built on Numismatic Passion

Hollis graduated from Louisiana State University. He also maintains long-standing membership in the American Numismatic Association.

Moreover, Hollis built a diverse career. He served in the Louisiana Legislature for 12 years. Later, voters elected him in 2023 to the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, where he represents approximately 500,000 constituents.

In addition, Hollis worked as a professional coin dealer in New Orleans. He also contributed to the hobby through leadership roles. These include service on the Industry Council for Tangible Assets, now known as the National Coin & Bullion Association, and the Numismatic Literary Guild.

Award-Winning Author and Educator

Hollis is also an accomplished numismatic author. His book American Numismatist earned the 2012 Best Specialized Book on U.S. Coins award from the Numismatic Literary Guild.

Furthermore, Hollis has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and outreach. In 2009, he promoted the redesigned Lincoln cent series marking the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

To achieve this, Hollis distributed one million Lincoln cents to the public. The giveaway included both the new reverse designs and earlier wheat-back coins. Notably, one million cents weigh approximately 5,400 pounds, about 2.7 tons.

Each coin came with an illustrated educational brochure that Hollis created. The materials explained the history of the Lincoln cent and encouraged new collectors to explore the hobby.

From Nomination to Mint Director

Donald J. Trump nominated Hollis as Director of the United States Mint on July 16, 2025. Subsequently, the United States Senate confirmed the nomination on December 18, 2025.

Hollis took the oath of office on January 5, 2026. As a result, he became the 41st Director of the United States Mint.

Hollis expressed deep gratitude for the CSNS honor.

He stated that receiving an award named for Q. David Bowers represents a profound honor. He also described his role as Mint Director as both a privilege and a responsibility. Importantly, he reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the hobby, strengthening the industry, and inspiring the next generation of collectors.

2026 CSNS Convention Details

The 2026 CSNS Convention will run April 23–25, with PNG Dealer Day and early bird access on April 22. The event will take place at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 North Thoreau Drive in Schaumburg, Illinois.

In addition, Hollis will headline an educational symposium at 10:30 a.m. on April 23. During the session, he will discuss the Mint’s dual-dated 1776–2026 Semiquincentennial coin program.

For more information, visit the Central States Numismatic Society.

The post U.S. Mint Director Paul Hollis to Receive Prestigious CSNS Q. David Bowers Award at 2026 Convention appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Four Legendary Coin Collections That Changed Numismatics Forever

By Lianna Spurrier for CoinWeek

Collectors encounter these names everywhere in numismatics. They appear on slab labels, in auction catalogs, and throughout numismatic literature. Yet many collectors know them only as “important collections”.

Each name represents far more than provenance. Each collector built a remarkable collection and shaped the modern numismatic world.

This introduction explores four of the most influential coin collections ever sold at auction. When you next see one of these pedigrees on a slab, you will understand the deeper story behind the name.

Eric P. Newman: Scholar, Collector, and Numismatic Philanthropist

Eric P. Newman ranks among the most respected figures in American numismatics.

Newman was born in Missouri in 1911. His interest in coins began early. At just seven years old, his grandfather gave him an 1859 Indian Head cent, which sparked a lifelong passion.

Soon after, Newman began visiting the coin shop of Burdette G. Johnson. Johnson became his mentor and helped guide the young collector’s early numismatic education.

Education and Early Career

Newman pursued an impressive academic career while continuing to collect coins.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from MIT and later received a Doctor of Law degree from Washington University. During his college years, he met Colonel E. H. R. Green, one of the most famous collectors of the early 20th century.

Green died in 1936. Newman hoped to purchase a specific Missouri banknote from Green’s estate. His family helped him raise the necessary funds. After learning of the purchase, Johnson offered financial backing so Newman could acquire a much larger portion of the collection. The two collectors later divided the material between them.

Professional Life and Numismatic Research

Newman practiced law early in his career. Later, he joined Edison Brothers Stores, where he worked until retiring in 1987.

However, collecting never remained his only contribution to numismatics.

Newman became one of the most prolific numismatic researchers of his generation. Over his lifetime, he published 13 books and countless articles.

His most influential works include:

• The Early Paper Money of America
• The 1776 Continental Currency Coinage: Varieties of the Fugio Cent

These publications remain essential references for researchers today.

A Legacy of Education

Newman lived an extraordinary life. He died in 2017 at the age of 106.

Together with his wife Evelyn Edison Newman, he established the Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society (EPNNES). The organization funds research and supports the advancement of numismatic education.

Through EPNNES, Newman also helped create the Newman Numismatic Portal (NNP). The portal provides a free online archive of numismatic publications and has become one of the most important research resources in the hobby.

The Eric P. Newman Collection

In 2003, Washington University opened the Newman Money Museum, which displayed many pieces from Newman’s personal collection. The museum remained open until April 2018.

Newman’s vast collection included:

• United States federal coinage
• Colonial coins
• American paper money

The collection sold at auction between 2013 and 2018. In total, the sales realized nearly $77 million.

All proceeds funded the educational work of the EPNNES.

NGC certified the coins with special pedigree labels identifying the Newman Collection. Coins originally owned by Colonel Green received additional designation on their labels. Many older collections lack this level of traceable provenance.

John J. Ford Jr.: The Cataloger Who Transformed Numismatic Auctions

John J. Ford Jr. shaped modern numismatic auction cataloging.

Ford was born in California in 1924. He began collecting coins at around 10 years old.

In 1939, he accepted his first numismatic job with Stack’s, cataloging stamps. By 1941, he worked there full time.

Revolutionizing the Auction Catalog

During the 1940s, Ford began dealing coins and publishing auction catalogs under his own name.

His catalogs differed dramatically from others of the period.

Most auction catalogs at the time contained limited information. Only experienced collectors could interpret the descriptions.

Ford changed that approach. He wrote extremely detailed descriptions that explained each coin’s grade, appearance, and significance. As a result, collectors gained greater confidence when bidding.

His work fundamentally improved transparency in coin auctions.

New Netherlands Coin Company

In 1951, Ford joined the New Netherlands Coin Company. There he continued producing detailed catalogs that remain essential references today.

During this period, he also worked closely with Walter Breen, the author of Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins. Ford served as a mentor during Breen’s early research career.

Military Service

Ford also served his country.

During World War II, the U.S. Army drafted him as a cryptographer. Later, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1948 to 1950. Afterward, he worked in Army Counter Intelligence from 1950 to 1959.

A Collector of Rare and Unusual Material

Ford’s collecting interests differed from those of many collectors.

He began with Lincoln cents, but he soon focused on unusual numismatic material. His collection eventually included:

• Pattern coins
• Confederate currency
• Colonial coinage
• Pioneer and territorial gold
• Indian peace medals
• Rare numismatic books

Controversy and Legacy

Ford’s career included controversy.

Some experts accused him of selling fake Western assay bars. For many years, debate surrounded their authenticity. Later research confirmed that many examples were indeed replicas.

Ford also followed an unusual cataloging strategy. He often underrated coins rather than exaggerating their quality. Most auction houses preferred promotional descriptions, but Ford believed understatement would generate more interest from serious collectors.

The Ford Collection Auctions

Ford collected for nearly 70 years.

His collection began selling in 2003 through a series of 21 auctions, which concluded in 2007. Including numismatic books, the sales realized more than $58 million.

The auction catalogs from these sales remain critical research references today.

Ford also helped found the Numismatic Bibliomania Society, an organization dedicated to numismatic literature.

He died in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2005.

Louis E. Eliasberg Sr.: The Only Complete U.S. Coin Collection

Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. achieved something no other collector has ever accomplished.

He built the only complete collection of circulating United States coins by date and mint mark.

Building the Collection

Eliasberg was born in 1896 and worked as a Baltimore financier.

He began collecting coins in 1925. His interest grew significantly during the Great Depression and the 1933 U.S. gold ownership restrictions.

At the time, private citizens could only legally own gold coins with recognized numismatic value. Eliasberg considered rare coins a reliable store of wealth after losing confidence in paper currency.

Expanding Through Major Collections

Eliasberg purchased several established collections while assembling his set.

One of the most important acquisitions came in 1942, when he purchased the Clapp Estate Collection.

John M. Clapp began assembling that collection in the 1880s. His son later continued it. Even so, the collection remained incomplete when Eliasberg acquired it.

The 1933 Double Eagle

At one point, Eliasberg privately owned one of the famous 1933 double eagles.

However, once he learned that the coin had never been legally issued and that the government demanded their return, he voluntarily surrendered the coin without compensation.

Completing the Greatest U.S. Coin Collection

Eliasberg completed his historic collection in 1950.

The final coin he needed was the 1873-CC No Arrows dime.

After completing the set, he displayed it widely. Institutions that hosted portions of the collection included:

• Banks across the United States
• The Smithsonian Institution
• The Philadelphia Mint

The achievement earned Eliasberg the nickname “King of Coins.” Life magazine even featured him and his collection.

Auctions After His Death

Eliasberg continued collecting until his death in 1976. He constantly upgraded coins while maintaining the collection’s completeness as new issues appeared.

When the family prepared the collection for auction in 1982, they discovered that one coin was missing: the 1866 No Motto double eagle.

Before the auction began, the family purchased an example to restore the collection’s completeness.

Earlier collectors often did not separate Proofs from circulation strikes, which was standard practice before the 1980s. Even so, Eliasberg’s achievement remains unmatched.

King Farouk: The Extravagant Collector King

King Farouk I of Egypt also built one of the most famous coin collections in history.

Unlike Eliasberg’s methodical pursuit of completeness, Farouk collected with enormous wealth and enthusiasm.

A King with Lavish Tastes

Farouk was born in Egypt in 1920.

He became King of Egypt in 1936, when he was only 16 years old.

Observers often described him as immature. Nevertheless, he remained popular for much of his reign.

Farouk lived extravagantly. He spent evenings in nightclubs, traveled frequently to Europe, and often made extravagant purchases. During public tours, he even threw gold coins to the poor.

A Vast Collection of Coins

Farouk collected almost everything.

His possessions ranged from Fabergé eggs to paper clips. However, his coin collection became the most famous part of his holdings.

During the 1940s, he purchased large quantities of coins from American dealers. Often, he bought entire collections at once.

However, dealers learned an important lesson. Any payment over $10,000 required processing through Egypt’s treasury. As a result, large payments sometimes arrived slowly.

Despite the logistical challenges, Farouk assembled a collection of more than 8,500 copper, silver, and gold coins and medals.

Among the highlights were:

• Two 1913 Liberty Head nickels
• A 1933 double eagle

The Fall of a King

Public opinion began shifting around 1945.

Egyptians increasingly demanded economic reforms to address poverty. Eventually, political tensions reached a breaking point.

In 1952, a military coup overthrew Farouk. The new government forced him into exile in Italy, where he died in 1965.

His coin collection remained the property of the Egyptian government.

The Famous 1954 Cairo Auction

The Egyptian government auctioned the collection in 1954 under difficult circumstances.

A London firm received the task of cataloging the coins. Unfortunately, the firm had very little time to complete the work.

As a result:

• Catalog descriptions remained minimal
• Photography quality remained poor
• Viewing conditions before the sale were inadequate

Even worse, catalogers grouped coins by denomination into lots of 15–20 pieces. They ignored dates and mint marks.

Rare coins often appeared alongside common examples. Some catalog entries did not even list dates or condition.

A Historic Missed Opportunity

The auction took place in Cairo, where political conditions remained unstable. Financial arrangements also created uncertainty for bidders.

Because the collection consisted primarily of American coins, the location discouraged many potential buyers.

Attendance remained very low.

As a result, many lots sold for about 10% of their actual market value.

Experts believe the collection might have realized more than $150 million in today’s market if the sale had been properly organized.

The Fate of the 1933 Double Eagle

The most famous coin in the Farouk collection was the 1933 double eagle.

After the auction announcement, the U.S. government requested its return, because private ownership of that date was illegal.

Egypt agreed to return the coin, but it disappeared shortly afterward.

The coin resurfaced in 1996. The U.S. government eventually seized it and later authorized its sale.

In 2002, the coin sold at auction for more than $7 million, setting a record at the time for the most valuable coin ever sold.

Why Provenance Matters in Coin Collecting

The names Newman, Ford, Eliasberg, and Farouk represent far more than wealthy collectors.

Each left a lasting impact on numismatics:

• Eric P. Newman expanded research and education.
• John J. Ford Jr. transformed auction cataloging standards.
• Louis Eliasberg Sr. assembled the only complete U.S. coin collection.
• King Farouk created one of the largest royal coin collections ever assembled.

Today, collectors often pay a premium for coins from famous collections.

Provenance adds history. It connects modern collectors to the people who shaped the hobby.

And sometimes, a simple name on a slab tells a remarkable story.

The post Who’s Who: Iconic Coin Collections You Should Know appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Thomas “Tommy” Thompson, the scientist who located the legendary S.S. Central America shipwreck in 1988, has been released from federal prison after nearly a decade. Yet authorities still do not know the location of hundreds of gold coins recovered from the wreck.

For numismatists and historians, the case remains one of the most fascinating and controversial stories connected to shipwreck treasure.

The Ship of Gold

The saga begins with one of the most famous disasters of the California Gold Rush era.

In September 1857, the steamship S.S. Central America sank during a hurricane off the coast of South Carolina. The vessel was traveling from Panama to New York and carried a massive cargo of gold from California.

The loss was catastrophic.

About 425 passengers and crew died, many of them prosperous prospectors returning from the California Gold Rush. Even more significant was the cargo: roughly 30,000 pounds of federal gold from the San Francisco Mint, along with privately owned gold bars and coins.

For more than a century, the ship, and its treasure, remained lost.

A Historic Discovery

Then, in 1988, Tommy Thompson and his research team made headlines around the world.

Using deep-sea exploration technology, they located the wreck more than 7,000 feet below the Atlantic Ocean.

The discovery revealed one of the greatest treasure troves ever recovered from the sea. Thousands of gold coins and more than 500 gold bars surfaced from the wreckage.

Estimates placed the value of the recovered treasure at more than $100 million.

At the time, Thompson became a hero of modern exploration. Many considered the find one of the most significant underwater discoveries in American history.

However, the celebration did not last.

Investors Demand Answers

In the 1980s, Thompson raised funding for his expedition from roughly 160 investors, many from Ohio. They financed the costly search for the shipwreck.

Yet problems soon surfaced.

Investors later claimed they never received their share of profits from the treasure recovery. In 2005, several of them filed lawsuits against Thompson.

The legal battle intensified when reports revealed that more than $50 million worth of gold bars and coins had already been sold.

Meanwhile, a separate mystery emerged. About 500 coins struck from Central America gold could not be accounted for.

A Fugitive Treasure Hunter

The legal conflict escalated in dramatic fashion.

In 2012, an Ohio federal judge ordered Thompson to appear in court. Instead, he disappeared.

Authorities later issued a warrant for his arrest.

For several years, Thompson lived quietly in Florida under a false name. Federal agents eventually located him in 2015 at a Florida hotel.

Soon afterward, a judge held him in contempt of court for refusing to reveal the location of the missing coins.

Thompson maintained that he did not know where the coins were.

He claimed the coins, valued at roughly $2.5 million, had been transferred to a trust in Belize. He also said the $50 million generated from early gold sales largely went toward legal fees and bank loans.

The court did not accept those explanations.

Years Behind Bars

Thompson’s imprisonment quickly became unusual.

Civil contempt sentences often last until a person complies with a court order. However, federal law generally limits such confinement to 18 months.

Thompson remained incarcerated far longer.

A federal appeals court in 2019 ruled that the limit did not apply in his case because his refusal violated conditions tied to a plea agreement.

During a 2020 court hearing, Thompson again told U.S. District Judge Algenon Marbley that he did not know the location of the gold.

“I don’t know the whereabouts of the gold,” Thompson said during the hearing. “I feel like I don’t have the keys to my freedom.”

Eventually, the judge concluded that further incarceration would not produce answers. Marbley ended the civil contempt portion of the sentence.

However, Thompson still had to serve two years for failing to appear in court in 2012.

Released….. But Not Cleared

On March 4, the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed Thompson’s release at age 73.

Even so, his legal issues are not completely over. Court orders still require him to pay millions of dollars in fines.

More importantly, the whereabouts of the missing gold coins remain unknown.

The Treasure’s Enduring Value

Despite the controversy surrounding the discovery, artifacts from the S.S. Central America continue to command enormous prices in the numismatic market.

Several high-profile sales illustrate the treasure’s enduring appeal.

In 2022, Heritage Auctions sold one of the largest known Central America gold bars, an 866.19-ounce Justh & Hunter ingot, for $2.16 million.

Earlier auctions have also produced remarkable results:

• In 2019, relics from the wreck realized more than $11 million at auction.
• In 2001, an 80-pound gold ingot from the wreck sold privately for $8 million, setting a record at the time.

For collectors, the treasure represents both numismatic rarity and a dramatic piece of American history.

A Mystery That Refuses to Sink

Supporters of Thompson argue that his punishment went too far.

California coin dealer Dwight Manley, who bought and sold much of the recovered treasure, described the case as excessive.

“Going to prison for 10 years over a business dispute is not America,” Manley said. “People kill people and get out in half the time.”

Legal scholars also noted how unusual the case became. University of Florida law professor Ryan Scott, who worked on Thompson’s release, said civil contempt sentences rarely last so long.

“It’s very unusual to go on 10 years,” Scott said, calling the situation a “miscarriage of justice.”

Still, critics remain skeptical.

After all, the unanswered question still hangs over the case.

More than three decades after the discovery of the Ship of Gold, hundreds of coins from one of the greatest treasure recoveries in history are still missing.

And the only man who might know where they are continues to insist he does not.

The post The Man Who Found America’s Greatest Sunken Gold Treasure Is Free — But 500 Coins Are Still Missing appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Chris Bulfinch for CoinWeek ….. Updated and reformatted Feb 2026

The 2021 New Hampshire American Innovation $1 Coin Honors Video Game Pioneer Ralph Baer

Two hobby worlds, numismatics and video games, collide on the New Hampshire American Innovation $1 coin. The U.S. Mint released rolls and bags on June 15, 2021.

A Historic First for the U.S. Mint

In 2021, the United States Mint released the New Hampshire American Innovation $1 coin honoring Ralph Baer, widely known as the “Father of Video Games.”

Notably, this issue marks a first. The U.S. Mint had never before struck a coin specifically honoring video games or a video game developer. As a result, this release bridges two powerful collector communities: numismatics and gaming history.

Ralph Baer: The Father of Video Games

Early Life and Escape from Nazi Germany

Ralph Baer was born in 1922 in Pirmasens, Germany. However, his early life took a tragic turn. In 1933, antisemitic policies forced him out of school. He had to attend an all-Jewish institution.

Then, in 1938, his family fled Nazi persecution. They left Germany two months before Kristallnacht and emigrated to the United States. The family settled in New York City.

Education and Military Service

Baer graduated from the National Radio Institute in 1940. Soon after, in 1943, the U.S. Army drafted him. He served as an intelligence officer and specialized in small arms.

After the war, he pursued further education. In 1949, he graduated from the American Television Institute of Technology. He then began working in the electronics industry.

The First Vision of Home Video Games

In 1951, Baer proposed adding a game-playing feature to television sets. However, his employers rejected the idea.

Nevertheless, Baer did not abandon the concept.

In 1956, he joined Sanders Associates in Nashua, New Hampshire. A decade later, inspiration struck while he waited at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City. He sketched out a “game box” that would allow people to play games on their televisions at home.

The “Brown Box” and the Birth of an Industry

Sanders Associates approved a small development budget of $2,500. Baer and two engineers began building what became known as the “Brown Box.”

Soon after, Sanders licensed the technology to Magnavox. In 1972, Magnavox released the console as the Odyssey.

Today, historians widely regard the Odyssey as the ancestor of modern video game consoles.

In 2014, The New York Times quoted video game historian Keith Feinstein in Baer’s obituary. Feinstein described Baer’s work as “the beginning of a revolution in thought.”

Awards, Patents, and National Recognition

Baer received numerous honors for his groundbreaking work. In 2006, President George W. Bush awarded him the National Medal of Technology.

Moreover, Baer designed consumer electronics and electronic toys throughout his career. He earned more than 150 patents.

In 2010, the National Inventors Hall of Fame inducted him.

Baer died in Manchester, New Hampshire, at age 92. In 2019, the city erected a statue in his honor at Arms Park. Officials also renamed the surrounding area Baer Square.

Smithsonian Recognition and Lasting Legacy

Baer’s legacy lives on at the Smithsonian Institution. An exhibit recreates his lab just outside the numismatic gallery at the National Museum of American History.

Importantly, the Smithsonian has held Baer’s documentary archive and hardware prototypes since 2006.

To honor the centennial of his birth, the Smithsonian will create the Ralph H. Baer Endowment in 2022. According to the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation, the endowment will support invention education programs at the National Museum of American History.

Art Molella, Director Emeritus of the Lemelson Center, captured Baer’s impact clearly:

“Ralph Baer is not only in the National Museum of American History, he is American history; his story is America’s story.”

Design of the New Hampshire American Innovation Dollar

Reverse Design: Handball and the Brown Box

The reverse design honors Baer through imagery from his game Handball. The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) reviewed six proposed designs. Ultimately, at its March 11, 2020 meeting, the Treasury adopted the CCAC’s recommended design.

Half of the proposals featured digitized “handball” imagery. Two others showed the Brown Box console or its controllers. Another design depicted Baer himself playing Handball.

The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) preferred the design that included Baer. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu shared that view.

The Mint’s official design narrative explains:

• The reverse shows Baer’s Brown Box game Handball on the right.
• The left side displays “NEW HAMPSHIRE” and “PLAYER 1” on an incused background.
• “IN-HOME VIDEO GAME SYSTEM” and “RALPH BAER” encircle the coin.
• The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” also appears.
• The overall design evokes an arcade token.

Obverse Design and Edge Lettering

The obverse features the Statue of Liberty by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Phebe Hemphill. This design appears on all coins in the American Innovation series.

A gear-shaped privy mark appears below “IN GOD WE TRUST,” another series hallmark.

The edge carries:

• The date
• Mint mark
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM”

The coin uses a manganese-brass alloy composed of:

• 88.5% copper
• 6% zinc
• 3.5% manganese
• 2% nickel

The Mint struck the coin at its Philadelphia and Denver facilities.

Artistic Credits

U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Christina Hess designed the reverse. Mint Medallic Artist Eric David Custer sculpted the design.

Governor Chris Sununu stated in the U.S. Mint’s design announcement:

“Modern technology as we know it — stretching far beyond just video games — exists thanks to the advancements first imagined and made by Ralph Baer.”

Why This Coin Matters to Collectors

The New Hampshire American Innovation $1 coin does more than honor an inventor. It recognizes the birth of the home video game industry.

For numismatists, it represents a historic first in U.S. coinage. For gamers, it memorializes the origin of an industry that reshaped global culture.

Above all, it cements Ralph Baer’s place in American innovation — and in American numismatic history.

The post Coin Honors Inventor and the Birth of Videogame Culture appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Roger W. Burdette, special to CoinWeek …..

The Philadelphia Mint began selling sets of special coins to collectors in 1858. This new policy did not arise from a bureaucratic whim; it responded to growing demand from coin collectors. When the Mint replaced the old large copper cent with a smaller copper-nickel alloy cent in 1857, large numbers of new collectors entered the hobby.

Early Proof Coin Production and Mint Capabilities

At the time, officials at the United States Mint recognized an opportunity to increase medal and coin sales by producing special collectors’ versions of circulating coinage and selling them at a small premium over face value.

For several decades, Mint workers had already struck and sold special “Master,” “Specimen,” or “Proof” coins informally to collectors, so the Mint already possessed the necessary expertise to produce collectors’ specimen coins.

Proof Coin Sales Expand Nationwide

Likewise, the presses and other equipment in the Medal Department could produce collectors’ coins whenever they were not striking medals.

The Philadelphia Mint actively promoted coin collecting by selling annual sets of Proof coins and encouraging public tours of the Mint building.

By the 1870s, Philadelphia struck and sold thousands of Proof coins directly to collectors across the country each year. During that era and continuing to the present, collections containing great rarities or owned by wealthy and prominent individuals attracted public attention.

Yet these “significant collections” were far fewer in number and scope than those assembled by ordinary middle-class hobbyists. In effect, most collectible coins today owe their survival to the John and Jane Does of earlier generations.

The Role of Ordinary Collectors in Numismatic History

Few Mint records document collectors’ purchases. After shipping orders, Mint staff usually discarded letters requesting Proof coins, and the Mint maintained mailing lists of collectors only sporadically.

One surviving source is an index of medal and Proof coin orders from 1895 to 1906[1]. This thick volume, likely one of many similar books that once existed, lists thousands of collectors and institutions, along with their city and state, the amounts they paid, and the Mint employees who fulfilled the orders.

Banks and businesses placed many orders in dollar amounts that suggest purchases of silver and gold medals. However, many other entries clearly represent individual collectors, most of whom remain unknown today.

A Surviving Ledger of Proof Coin Orders

By knowing the cost of various Mint Proof sets, researchers can estimate the contents of some orders. For example, on February 20, L.R. Mixer of Brattleboro, Vermont, sent 8¢ in cash.

Because that amount matched the cost of a minor Proof set consisting of a cent and a nickel, Mr. Mixer was evidently adding to his coin collection during the New England winter. A minor and silver set, which included the 1903 dollar, cost $2.25 plus postage.

A complete set of all 1903 Proof coins cost $40.75, while a glittering gold Proof set alone cost $38.50. Most collectors ordered medals, which generated more revenue for the Mint than coins.

Large Collectors and Small Orders Treated Alike

Collectors could also order individual Proof coins, which explains some of the odd amounts recorded in the journal. Mint staff often estimated postage and took great care to refund any overpayment.

Mint employees handled orders from famous collectors the same way they handled a modest 8¢ order. The detail below shows a March 1904 order placed by Chicago tycoon Virgil Brand.

In exchange for his $94.00 postal money order, Brand likely received two gold sets along with multiple silver and minor sets. At times, he ordered minor sets by the hundred.

The journal also lists collector Alexander Caldwell, although his $38.50 order appears modest when compared to Brand’s.

One of the few documented interactions between the Mint and a small coin collector involved a Connecticut resident named Giles Anderson.

Giles Anderson and a Collector’s Complaint

In 1897, Anderson wrote his first letter concerning Proof coins to address a missing 1896 order.  Mint officials appear to have resolved the matter. The record then remains silent until 1909, when Anderson’s complaint about Proof Lincoln cents emerges.  Correspondence long forgotten in the Mint archives surfaces.

On December 6, 1909, Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh forwarded a letter and enclosures to United States Mint Director Piatt Andrew:

A Letter from the White House to the Mint Director

Dear Mr. Andrew:

Here is a letter which came over from the White House, and I wish you would give it your personal attention. This is a matter that is Greek to me.

The charge that there is something wrong in the handling of these numismatic matters in the Mint is something that needs investigation.

Evidently this numismatist, Mr. Anderson, does not propose to let anybody or anything – not even the President nor any of his occupations – stand in the way of his coin fads. He is an American citizen, however, and his rights must be regarded.

Very sincerely yours,^[2]

Giles R. Anderson, a coin collector from Waterbury, Connecticut, had written President William Taft in August 1909. He complained that he had ordered two sets of the minor Proof coins (including the VDB Lincoln cent) and not received his order. Nor did he get an acknowledgement from the Treasury Department.

Anderson’s Frustration with Proof Lincoln Cents

On December 1, he wrote a follow-up letter to Fred W. Carpenter, personal secretary to the president. The letter was passed to Secretary MacVeagh, who sent it to Mint Director Andrew to handle.

Last August I wrote the President and received your reply of August 20th, stating that my remittance for the Proof coins requested had been sent to the Secretary of the Treasury, for his consideration, but up to this date, I have heard nothing from the same at all.

It is not the amount of twenty-five cents, but the principle involved in my not having any reply at all, when I make a remittance for a definite object, that I complain about.

I desired to get one of the Proofs of the first issue of the Lincoln cents. The cost of the minor Proof set of one and five cent pieces is 8 cts. And I sent enough for two sets and the cost of registering the return package and one cent change.

Previous Corresponance

As stated in my previous letter, I wrote to the Superintendent of the U. S. Mint at Philadelphia, when I heard that the new Lincoln cents were in the engravers hands and asked when Proofs could be obtained and received no reply, then finally saw that they were issued and sending for Proofs, find that they are at once recalled and none can be obtained.

These varieties are of interest to anyone who desires a complete collection of our country’s coinage and I have the Proofs from the date of my birth, to this present year and have regularly purchased the same from the Mint.

Formerly the Mint would inform those who regularly purchased, if they did not get their order before the end of the year, so that the apparent oversight might be called to their attention, before it was too late to get them….

….but during the past few years, in writing for information regarding any proposed new coinage and when Proofs could be obtained, there was either no reply, or a very misleading one and then all of a sudden the news through the papers, come that the new coin is issued and for some reason, being imperfect, is recalled and a new one is out and a FAVORED FEW ONLY, get the first Proofs issued.

Concerns Over Fairness and Access to New Coin Issues

This is not a S Q U A R E D E A L and as a citizen I have just as much right to the knowledge of when I can get Proofs, so that I can have a complete set, as speculators have, who walk in and buy them up and charge me higher rates for them.

I am well aware Sir, that this subject may seem a petty one when we compare the value of it to the country, to the investigation of the Sugar Trust etc. but it does seem to me, that when one has had his name on file, at the United States Mint in Philadelphia, as many years as I have, as a purchaser of the Proof sets, that in the event of new coins being issued, I should have the chance to get them.

The $20 gold piece

An illustration of the above was in the issuing of the $20 gold piece.

At the very first when the first specimen coins were submitted to Bankers and others, there was immediately raised and [sic] objection to them, which objection was stated publicly as a very decided one, viz., that the knee of the Liberty projected so much that the pieces could not be stacked, as money is in a Bank and that they would therefore be very objectionable.

Notwithstanding this fact, well known in advance of their issue, a small lot of them were issued, delivered to the favored few and immediately a “great discovery is made” …..

Bankers do not like the new coins, call them in and change Liberty’s knee. This is done and at once the first issue are [sic] selling at prices ranging from $25.00 to $35 for a twenty dollar gold piece.

No Reply ?

In this case, having written the Mint B E F O R E they were first issued, asking when they could be had and received no reply for some time. I then had occasion to order some coins and asked the question again and with that package, written on an ordinary piece of scrap paper (not a Mint letter head) was the information, that the new coins would not be issued “this year” and it was only a short time after, before they were issued and recalled.

I know positively that in the time that was written to me, that the dies were in preparation, for their issue.

….You can take this matter up and see that I am forwarded for my remittance Proofs of the first two issue of Lincoln cents which I desire and furthermore that such orders be given, that the Mint authorities would give notice by letter to all collectors who are getting Proofs each year, of any new issues, so they could keep their sets complete without paying tribute to any speculators.

Yours respectfully,

P.S. Kindly take this matter up before the time when the annual destruction of dies occurs, so that I may not be informed that it is too late^[3].

Anderson had a number of “facts” regarding the Saint-Gaudens coinage incorrect, but his overall opinion was consistent with other disappointed collectors who failed to locate one of the high relief MCMVII double eagles, or who did not receive a 1909 VDB Proof cent with their order.

Matters were further confused by inaccurate newspaper reports and wildly speculative estimates of the value of some of some coin varieties.

The Mint Director Responds

Director Andrew checked with Preston and others at Mint headquarters, and with Superintendent Landis in Philadelphia. He then prepared a memorandum dated December 7 for Secretary MacVeagh:

I have made some inquiries with regard to the question of Proof coins, referred to in the letter from Giles R. Anderson which you sent to me to-day. “Proof coins” are coins struck by hand by means of a hydraulic press upon discs which have been specially polished.

The Mint is not obligated by law to sell such coins but makes a practice of doing so at a regular schedule of prices and the endeavor is to provide Proof coins of the current year for all those who ask for them. The Mint, however, sells no such coins of other than the current date.

Quite naturally, when a new coin is issued for only a few days and the design is suddenly changed, as was the case with the St. Gauden’s [sic] coins and as was the case with the Lincoln cents bearing the initials “VDB”, the Proof coins of the early issue very soon command an extraordinary price.

Making Demands

It does not seem to me, however, that we are in any way obligated to provide collectors or others with Proof sets of designs whose coinage has been abandoned. Mr. Anderson and quite a number of other collectors have besieged the Department with demands for Proof sets of the Indian Head type bearing the numeral “1909”, of which a number were issued early in the year.

As you know, the coinage of the Lincoln cent with VDB was stopped five days after the first issue and it appears that only one lot of Proofs of that coin were made. Only a few of those who ordered Proof coins of the Lincoln cents secured Proofs from those early dies and the other would-be buyers are naturally disappointed.

These Proof coins are only struck at the Philadelphia Mint and Mr. Landis says that orders are always filled there as received.

I shall look into the matter when in Philadelphia at the end of the week, but one can easily see how utterly impossible it would be to meet the demand for such hand-made coins in the case of new coin models which have been abandoned soon after they began to be issued^[4].

The Official Reply to Anderson

Two days later Mr. Anderson received a courteous “brush-off” from Director Andrew^[5]:

Your letter of the 1st instant addressed to Mr. Fred W. Carpenter, Secretary to the President, has been referred to this Bureau by the Secretary of the Treasury.

In reply you are respectfully informed that your former letter was referred to this Bureau by the Superintendent of the Mint at Philadelphia and it was supposed that officer would reply to you.

Upon examination it appears that he returned your letter with the statement that there were no Proof Lincoln cent with the initials “V.D.B.” on hand. The Superintendent states that there was only one lot of Proof Lincoln cents with the initials made, as the coinage of these pieces was stopped five days after the first issue.

He also states that orders were filled as received and the stock was soon exhausted. Having been directed to discontinue the coinage of the Lincoln one-cent pieces bearing the initials “V. D. B.” there was no alternative but to stop coining both the ordinary and the Proof pieces.

It is not considered a part of the duty of the Superintendent of the Mint to notify coin collectors when Proof coins can be had.

I regret that you did not file your application in time with the Superintendent of the Mint at Philadelphia to obtain Proofs of the Lincoln one-cent piece with initials.

In the examination of the letter of the Superintendent of the Mint at Philadelphia returning your former letter to the Bureau the 25 cents forwarded by you was found enclosed and is returned herewith^[6].

Aftermath of the 1909 Proof Coin Dispute

Nothing more appears in the Mint’s archives regarding Mr. Anderson’s search for 1909 Proofs. It is likely he had to buy the coins he desired from a dealer.

Fortunately, the Mint Bureau’s uncooperative attitude did not long dissuade Mr. Anderson from his “coin fads”.

In 1921, we find him writing to the Mint Director in hopes of obtaining some of the new Peace dollars for his collection^[7].

Anderson failed in his immediate quest for a 1909 VDB Proof. But he continued his hobby, just as did thousands of other small coin collectors.

Each year they bought Proof sets and individual coins. They carefully admiring the coins and put them in cabinets or custom made albums.

Some vanished by chance at the local penny candy emporium; others disappeared during the Great Depression out of necessity.

The Enduring Legacy of the ‘Little Guy’ Collector

But many of these coiner’s gems, accompanied by pieces saved from circulation or traded with hobby friends, survived. They will be passed on to future generations of collectors.

The coins we now admire were more likely once owned by the “little guy” than by some “big name” collector.

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Citations

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Revisiting the Woman Behind the Morgan Dollar

Ask most collectors who the model was for the obverse of the Morgan silver dollar, struck from 1878 to 1921, and the answer usually comes quickly: Anna Willess Williams. Born in 1857, Williams was a Philadelphia schoolteacher known to friends and family as “Nannie.” For more than a century, numismatic lore has held that her likeness appeared on one of the most widely collected American coins.

That belief became deeply embedded in hobby culture. It also carried historical weight. Contemporary press accounts described Williams as the first real person believed to have appeared on a circulating United States coin. However, those accounts relied on secondary reporting rather than direct testimony from Williams herself.

In Girl on the Silver Dollar (Seneca Mill Press, 2019), award-winning numismatic researcher Roger W. Burdette reexamines that long-accepted narrative. Based on documentary evidence, he concludes that the Liberty head on the Morgan dollar was not modeled directly on Williams. Instead, Burdette argues that the design was most likely a composite. It combined features of Morgan’s wife, Alice, with classical Greek motifs filtered through French academic tradition. If Williams’ features appear at all, Burdette states that their presence is more likely coincidental than intentional (Burdette, p. 31).

Composite Liberty and American Coinage

Burdette’s conclusion aligns with established practices in American numismatic art. Designers frequently created allegorical figures of Liberty using composite imagery. They blended classical ideals with modern influences rather than portraying a single identifiable individual.

A well-documented example appears on Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ $20 gold double eagle. That Liberty figure combined Greco-Roman imagery with features drawn from a real model, Hettie Anderson, an African-American woman from South Carolina. Anderson also modeled for Adolph Weinman. Such artistic methods were common, especially when artists depicted allegorical subjects rather than portraits.

Against this historical backdrop, Burdette argues that the Morgan dollar belongs firmly within this tradition rather than representing a literal likeness.

What the Documentary Record Shows

Burdette does not dispute that Anna Williams modeled for George T. Morgan in 1876. At that time, Morgan was developing designs for a new silver dollar obverse. However, Burdette’s research indicates that Williams’ identifiable features and youthful appearance do not appear on the adopted Morgan dollar design.

Instead, her likeness corresponds more closely with other pattern issues. These include the 1879 “School Girl” silver dollar pattern and a contemporary half eagle pattern. One specific detail supports this conclusion. The chin on the Morgan dollar obverse closely resembles that of Morgan’s wife, Alice, who arrived from England in 1877, rather than that of Williams.

Burdette bases these findings on extensive archival research. His sources include United States Mint and Treasury records from the National Archives, contemporary newspaper accounts, numismatic periodicals, and direct visual comparisons. He also examines the documented relationships among Williams, Morgan, and the artist Thomas Eakins, who introduced Williams to Morgan and for whom she also modeled.

Morgan’s Training and Artistic Intent

George T. Morgan arrived in the United States in 1876 after the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint recommended him to United States Mint Director Henry Linderman. Morgan came to Philadelphia with formal academic training. That training emphasized copying classical models, with a strong reliance on French interpretation (Burdette, p. 12).

Before his arrival in America, Morgan had already begun work on a Liberty head silver dollar. Linderman hired him specifically to create new silver dollar designs. Dissatisfaction with the existing Barber coinage drove that decision. Linderman sought a “classical head of Liberty,” rooted in Greco-Roman ideals, that could potentially serve across most silver denominations except the Trade dollar (Burdette, p. 10).

As a result, Morgan’s Liberty designs consistently display the “Grecian nose and forehead” regarded as classical beauty in the late 19th century (Burdette, p. 30). At the same time, Morgan expressed a desire to give his work a distinctly American character. He drew inspiration from the appearance of young American women he encountered in Philadelphia after his arrival.

How the Story Took Hold

Given the strength of Burdette’s evidence, a key question remains. Why did the belief that Anna Williams was the Morgan dollar model become so widespread?

The surviving record points to unreliable journalism and uncritical repetition. Late 19th-century newspapers often presented conjecture as fact. Later numismatic writers repeated those claims without independent verification.

A notable example appeared in an 1896 issue of The Numismatist. The article, titled “The Silver Dollar Girl,” described Williams’ face as “known to more people than that of any other woman of the American continent.” Ray Levato later cited that statement in “Numismatic Nostalgia: The Girl on the Morgan Dollar” (Coinage, November 2015). As Burdette notes, no documented numismatic writer ever interviewed Williams directly.

Privacy, Publicity, and Personal Cost

According to the traditional narrative, Williams hesitated to model because of prevailing social norms. As a schoolteacher, she reportedly feared professional consequences if her role became public. The story holds that she agreed to pose only if her identity remained confidential. A cover explanation attributed the design’s inspiration to a Greek statue Morgan studied at the Philadelphia Academy of Art.

An August 13, 1879 article in the Philadelphia Record identified Williams as the model for the silver dollar obverse. Other newspapers repeated the claim. Over time, repetition transformed the story into accepted fact. Yet the historical record does not clarify whether the information originated with Williams, her acquaintances, or reporters themselves. Burdette suggests that journalistic invention remains a plausible explanation.

The resulting publicity brought Williams unwanted attention. Although it diminished, it never disappeared entirely. Williams later referred to the episode as “an incident of my youth” (Levato, p. 31) and “a casual and easily forgotten affair” (Burdette, p. 33). Other press accounts indicate that the notoriety may have contributed to the cancellation of her planned marriage.

Artistic Contradictions of the Era

While Williams’ modeling for Morgan drew criticism, she also posed nude for Thomas Eakins. That fact underscores the contradictions within late 19th-century moral standards. Burdette strengthens his analysis by reproducing and comparing paintings and sketches believed to depict Williams with Morgan’s final coin designs and pattern issues.

Beyond the Morgan Dollar Narrative

Burdette devotes roughly the first third of Girl on the Silver Dollar to resolving Williams’ role in the design process. The remainder of the book expands well beyond that issue.

He documents Williams’ later career as an educator. She published extensively on educational and philosophical subjects. She ultimately became Superintendent of Kindergartens for Philadelphia. Modeling, which she pursued from approximately 1876 to 1880 or 1881, served only as a brief supplement to her income.

Burdette also examines the broader origins of the Morgan dollar program. He reviews competing Liberty head designs by Morgan, Chief Engraver William Barber, and Philadelphia artist Hermann Faber. He details the production challenges of 1878, including reverse feather modifications and the creation of new hubs and dies. These changes explain the numerous major die varieties collectors encounter for the first year of issue.

Later Revisions and Legislative Impact

The book further traces Morgan’s frustration at being passed over for Chief Engraver until 1917. That year, he modified Hermon MacNeil’s Standing Liberty quarter for part of its inaugural production. In 1921, following the Pittman Act, the Mint revived the Morgan dollar. Morgan revised his 1878 design with shallower relief and modified details.

When critics objected to the broken sword on the original Peace dollar reverse, Morgan again intervened. He recut the hub and die to remove the sword entirely.

The 1895 Dollar and the Pittman Act Meltings

The final chapters address two longstanding Morgan dollar questions. The first concerns the 1895 issue. Although 12,000 Mint State coins were reportedly struck, only proofs survive today. The second focuses on the 1918 Pittman Act, which authorized the melting of 270,232,722 Morgan dollars, approximately half of the total mintage to that point (Burdette, p. 133).

Mint records document only the aggregate number of coins melted. They do not identify specific dates or mintmarks. That lack of detail created permanent gaps in Morgan dollar history. Researchers have attempted to estimate surviving populations, most notably Q. David Bowers. The melted coins became bullion sold to Great Britain to stabilize silver prices during World War I. Newly mined American silver later replaced the destroyed coinage.

Greco-Roman Ideals and an “American” Liberty

Before Burdette’s study, one of the strongest counterarguments to the Williams story came from an undated letter written by Morgan’s youngest child, Mrs. Mervyn Graham. In the letter, she recalled her father stating that he never copied models directly and instead created the obverse from his own imagination (Burdette, p. 9).

An August 11, 1879 New York Times article offers further clarification. It reported that while the “Grecian nose and delicate lips” resembled Williams, the “full rounded chin” reflected Morgan’s wife, Alice. The article concluded that by the time Morgan completed the design, no direct resemblance to Williams remained (Burdette, p. 45).

Cornelius Vermeule later addressed this contradiction in Numismatic Art in America (1971). He noted the conflict between Morgan’s own statements and what he described as an “apocryphal, romantic legend” surrounding a young female model (Vermeule, p. 69). Vermeule further observed that the story reflected contemporary cultural ideals. Many believed Liberty had to embody chastity, beauty, and modesty. A young schoolteacher fit that expectation precisely (Vermeule, p. 71).

Reassessing a Familiar Narrative

Girl on the Silver Dollar exemplifies original numismatic research capable of reshaping long-held assumptions. Burdette’s work demonstrates how artistic conventions, social values, and unreliable reporting combined to create a durable myth.

For Morgan dollar specialists and students of American coinage, the book is essential reading. It clarifies the origins of one of the nation’s most iconic designs. It also deepens our understanding of late 19th-century American art, culture, and social norms.

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The post Girl on the Silver Dollar – the Merging of Greco-Roman and American Visions of Liberty appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

I write with great sadness to share the news of Phil Skingley’s death. Phil served as a director of Coincraft and was a longtime friend to me and many others in the trade.

Phil suffered a stroke on 4 February 2026 and passed away later that evening. He was just 54 years old. I still considered him a youngster.

His Impact on Coincraft

Phil played a central role in shaping Coincraft over many years. He brought knowledge, sound judgment, and deep dedication to everything he did. Although we did not always agree, we always reached a compromise through mutual respect.

Coincraft and numismatics as a whole now feel poorer without him.

A Respected Figure in Numismatics

Phil earned the respect and friendship of people across the UK and around the world. He connected easily with others and left a positive impression wherever he worked. Many in the numismatic community will feel his loss deeply.

His Years at Spink

Before joining Coincraft, Phil spent 20 years at Spink, where he led the book publishing department. He oversaw the publication of many important works on coins and medals and helped shape modern numismatic literature through his guidance and expertise.

Leadership at Coincraft

Ten years ago, Phil joined Coincraft and later became one of our directors. He shared his wisdom generously and supported colleagues with patience and insight. His understanding of numismatics and publishing strengthened the company in lasting ways.

A Devoted Family Man

Phil loved his family deeply. He took great pride in his wife and two children and devoted himself fully to his sons. To his family, we send our deepest condolences.

Many people in the coin business will remember Phil with warmth, gratitude, and respect.

Remembering Phil

Phil’s sudden passing has shocked us all, and we continue to struggle with the loss. His absence leaves a space that no one else can fill.

Rest in peace, Phil. Many people will miss you, but none more so than all of us at Coincraft.

Richard Lobell
Founder of Coincraft,
Britain’s coin shop

The post Remembering Phil Skingley, our Colleague, Director, and Friend. appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The United States Mint has released the design for the 2026 Native American $1 Coin, honoring Polly Cooper of the Oneida Indian Nation. Cooper helped deliver food and supplies to General George Washington’s Continental Army during the winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777–78.

The coin appears as part of the Native American $1 Coin Program. Congress established the program in 2009 to recognize the contributions of tribal nations and Native American individuals to the United States.

Recognition During America’s Semiquincentennial

The release of the 2026 coin coincides with preparations for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.

Federal officials recognized the Oneida Indian Nation’s legacy as “America’s First Allies” on January 27, 2026, in the Nation’s homelands in New York. During the Revolutionary War, the Oneida allied with American colonists despite divisions within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The Oneida fought alongside colonial forces at several key engagements. These included the Battles of Oriskany and Saratoga in New York and the Battle of Barren Hill in Pennsylvania.

Polly Cooper and Valley Forge

The reverse design of the 2026 Native American $1 Coin depicts Polly Cooper with George Washington. Cooper holds a basket of white corn. The image represents the food she and other Oneidas carried from their homelands to Valley Forge.

According to historical accounts cited by the Oneida Indian Nation, Cooper remained at the encampment throughout the winter. During that time, she taught soldiers how to prepare the corn. She also cooked meals for the troops. These efforts helped sustain Washington’s army during one of the most difficult periods of the war.

The Oneida Legacy as America’s First Allies

The Oneida Indian Nation paid a high cost for its alliance with the colonists. Nation leaders state that roughly one-third of the Oneida population at the time died as a result of the war.

Despite those losses, the Nation continued to support the American cause. Oneida citizens have served in every major American military conflict since the Revolutionary War.

“The Oneida people became America’s First Allies on some of the bloodiest battlefields of the Revolutionary War,” said Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter. “One-third of our ancestors at that time were lost to these conflicts, yet their lives were given proudly for the right of all to sovereignty and self-determination.”

Congressional Leaders Mark the Coin’s Release

Several members of Congress commented on the 2026 Native American $1 Coin and Polly Cooper’s legacy.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York said Cooper led Oneida warriors to Valley Forge during a harsh winter. He stated that the new coin will help preserve her story for future generations. Schumer also noted his role in establishing the Native American $1 Coin Program.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York emphasized New York’s central role in Revolutionary War history. She praised the Mint for highlighting the Oneida Indian Nation’s contributions to the nation’s founding.

U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said the coin program helps tell a more complete story of American history. He noted that the program highlights tribal nations and individuals who supported freedom and self-determination.

Representatives Elise Stefanik and John Mannion of New York also welcomed the announcement. Both pointed to the Oneida Indian Nation’s longstanding partnership with its neighbors and its early support of American sovereignty.

Public Exhibits Highlight Polly Cooper’s Story

In addition to the coin’s release, public institutions also recognize Polly Cooper’s legacy.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia feature exhibits highlighting Polly Cooper and the Oneida Indian Nation’s role as America’s First Allies.

The United States Mint has released an image of the 2026 Native American $1 Coin and an accompanying informational video.

About the Oneida Indian Nation

The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. The Nation is a founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy.

During the Revolutionary War, the Oneida sided with American colonists. Congress and President George Washington later thanked the Nation for its loyalty and assistance.

Today, the Nation operates enterprises that employ more than 5,000 people. According to the Nation, these enterprises fund economic development and essential services. These services include housing, health care, and education programs for Nation members.

The post U.S. Mint Honors Oneida War Heroine Polly Cooper on the 2026 Native American $1 Coin appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Princeton University’s numismatics collection, the oldest coin collection held by an educational institution in the United States, is entering a period of transition.

After more than two decades as curator, Dr. Alan Stahl will depart the role in June, concluding a tenure that began in 2004.

According to Stephanie Oster, a spokesperson for the Princeton University Library, the future of the curatorial position remains undecided.

“We are still trying to navigate through what the University is expecting, from a hiring perspective,” Oster said. “If we’re able to, we will post the position.”

A Collection Founded in 1849

Established in 1849 and housed within Princeton Library’s Special Collections, the numismatics collection currently includes approximately 115,000 objects, encompassing coins, paper money, tokens, and medals. Among its most significant holdings are two particularly extensive areas: Byzantine coinage and early medieval Persian coins.

During Stahl’s tenure, curatorial priorities emphasized both acquisition and access. A central objective involved expanding the collection while also increasing its digital availability.

“Over the past 20 years that I’ve been here, we’ve gotten about 20,000 coins cataloged and online,” Stahl said.

Building the Collection

Much of the collection’s growth has come through alumni donations. At the same time, Stahl regularly attended auctions to pursue material aligned with Princeton’s teaching and research needs. While the collection maintained its own acquisitions budget, Stahl occasionally secured external funding from academic departments, particularly for rare or costly material.

Acquisition timelines could extend well beyond the auction floor. Stahl cited one instance in which a group of German coins purchased in December 2024 arrived nearly a year later due to federally imposed tariffs.

Reflecting on the collection’s expansion since 2004, Stahl identified the Wu collection of Chinese coins as an early milestone. Donated by an alumnus, the collection spans Chinese coinage from its earliest forms through the 20th century.

He also oversaw the acquisition of a substantial group of Crusader coins, as well as two large assemblages of Byzantine material. Stahl stated that Princeton claims to hold the largest collection of Byzantine coinage in the world, a claim reflecting the scale of these holdings.

Scholarship and Student Engagement

Stahl holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in archaeology and art history. Before joining Princeton, he worked at the American Numismatic Society, where he developed expertise across Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Chinese coinage.

In 2010, the Royal Numismatic Society awarded Stahl its medal for his book Zecca: The Mint of Venice in the Middle Ages.

Teaching and student engagement remained central to his work at Princeton. Over a 22-year period, Stahl met regularly with more than two dozen classes and precepts, often focused on Greek, Roman, East Asian, Near Eastern, and art history topics. He also lectured in the Departments of Art and Archaeology, Classics, and History, teaching courses on medieval history, Italian city-states, international commerce, and medieval democracy.

Faculty members emphasized his impact on student learning. Associate Professor Jack Tannous highlighted Stahl’s ability to bring historical material to life, while Teresa Shawcross and Harriet Flower praised his commitment to accessibility and scholarly rigor.

Looking Ahead

After leaving Princeton, Stahl plans to continue his research, including further work on Venice. He recently published a book examining a 14th-century Venetian family.

At present, Princeton University has not announced whether the curatorial position will be continued. Spokespeople for the Departments of Classics and History did not provide comment before publication.

Resources

• Daily Princetonian
• CoinWeek – Princeton University Acquires Peter Donald Collection of Byzantine Coins
• BBC

The post Princeton’s Numismatics Collection Faces Transition as Longtime Curator Departs appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The Certified Collectibles Group, the global leader in the authentication, grading and encapsulation of collectibles, is pleased to announce the promotion of Harshen Patel to Senior Vice President, Sales & Partnerships.

Patel was one of the first employees of Certified Guaranty Company® (CGC®), which later became the world’s first third-party comic book grading service. From the start, Patel played a critical role in building CGC’s foundation.

A Hands-On Approach That Earned Industry Trust

At CGC, Patel quickly earned a reputation for leadership, integrity, and action. He consistently rolled up his sleeves, solved problems, and delivered results. As a result, collectors and dealers across the hobby came to trust him as a reliable partner.

Moreover, Patel built lasting relationships by focusing on customer needs and developing innovative solutions. His approach strengthened CGC’s reputation while supporting its rapid expansion.

Driving CGC’s Expansion Across Pop Culture Collectibles

Patel has played a critical role in CGC’s evolution from a startup comic book grader into the world leader in pop culture collectible certification. Under his leadership, CGC expanded well beyond comics to include magazines, trading card games (TCGs), sports cards, non-sports cards, concert posters, and home media collectibles.

Most notably, Patel helped launch CGC’s trading card grading division in 2020. Since then, the service has grown into a market leader, receiving more than five million cards in the past year alone.

Expanded Role Across Certified Collectibles Group Divisions

In his new position, Patel will continue to focus heavily on sales and strategic partnerships within CGC. At the same time, he will provide leadership support across the Certified Collectibles Group’s other divisions, including:

• JSA, the world’s leading autograph authentication service
• PMG, the largest paper money grading service
• ASG, the world’s largest stamp grading service

Through this expanded role, Patel will help align strategy and growth across all major categories.

A Respected Leader in the Collectibles Community

Throughout the collectibles industry, Patel is widely respected for his professionalism, fairness, and customer-first mindset. Dealers, collectors, and business partners consistently praise his work ethic and ability to build long-term relationships. These qualities have played a major role in the Certified Collectibles Group’s success across multiple collecting categories.

Leadership Praise From Company CEO

“Harshen Patel truly embodies the spirit and mission of the Certified Collectibles Group,” said Steven Eichenbaum, CEO. “For nearly three decades, he has earned the trust and respect of customers and colleagues alike through his knowledge, hard work, and principled leadership. Harshen has made a tremendous impact on our growth, particularly in cards and comics, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to help shape our future.”

Looking Ahead

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Certified Collectibles Group and grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with the company,” Patel said. “Working alongside such a dedicated team and serving a passionate global collecting community remains extremely rewarding. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”

About Certified Collectibles Group

Founded in 1987, the Certified Collectibles Group is the world’s leading provider of expert, impartial, and technology-enabled services that enhance the value and liquidity of collectibles. Its companies have certified more than 100 million coins, banknotes, comics, trading cards, autographs, video games, home videos, stamps, and more. Today, the organization serves collectors worldwide through offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, and the UAE.

For sales inquiries, Patel can be reached at hpatel@collectiblesgroup.com
.

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As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the American Numismatic Association (ANA) is calling on the next generation of collectors to step outside, serve their communities, and connect history to the coins in their collections.

The national initiative, titled America 250: Connecting Coins with the Land(s) They Represent, invites K–12 students to volunteer in parks, conservation programs, and public history projects. In return, participants earn coins and numismatic prizes, including a special America 250 silver bar.

Even more importantly, students gain a deeper understanding of how U.S. coin designs reflect the landscapes, wildlife, and historic places they help protect.

Connecting Coins, History, and Service

Through this hands-on program, students complete community service projects while exploring the stories behind American coinage. After volunteering, participants document their hours and write short reflections that connect their service experiences to specific U.S. coins.

As a result, coins become more than collectibles. Instead, they serve as tangible reminders of America’s land, history, and shared responsibility to preserve both.

The ANA provides a clear, step-by-step guide to participation, along with approved volunteer opportunities and a full prize list, at money.org/america250-project.

Volunteer Hours Earn Valuable Numismatic Prizes

Thanks to a generous anonymous donation, the ANA funds a wide range of prizes that reward students for their service.

• Minimum participation: 2 volunteer hours
• Maximum participation: 25 volunteer hours

Students who complete 25 hours of approved service earn the top prize—an America 250 one-troy-ounce silver bar.

Additional prizes include:

• Uncirculated National Parks quarters
• Parks in Your Pocket book
• American Revolution Bicentennial medal
• U.S. silver half dollar commemorative

Because the prize structure scales with effort, students stay motivated while learning the value of service and perseverance.

Approved Volunteer Opportunities Nationwide

To make participation accessible, the ANA allows students to volunteer with a wide range of reputable organizations across the country.

Approved opportunities include:

• National Park Service – Volunteers support preservation efforts in national parks across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
• The Izaak Walton League of America – Volunteers promote community-based conservation and protect air, water, and wildlife.
• The Nature Conservancy – Participants help restore lands and waters while strengthening local communities.
• Trout Unlimited – Volunteers work to protect rivers, improve water quality, and strengthen ecosystems.
• State Parks – State park and wildlife agencies regularly offer preservation and education opportunities.
• City and County Parks & Recreation Departments – Many local governments provide volunteer programs for park care and community improvement.
• National Archives – Students can contribute remotely by transcribing or tagging historic documents, supporting public access to American history.

Because opportunities exist both in person and online, students across the country can participate regardless of location.

How Students Can Get Started

To qualify for prizes, participants must submit parental permission and complete a pre-approval form before beginning volunteer work.

Students, parents, and educators can find complete instructions and forms at:

money.org/america250-project

For questions about the program, contact ANA Education Director Christian Strayhorn at cstrayhorn@money.org

Why This Program Matters

Through America 250, the ANA successfully brings together numismatics, education, and civic engagement. Students not only earn coins, they earn perspective, pride, and a personal connection to the nation’s history.

As America approaches its semiquincentennial, this program ensures that young collectors play an active role in honoring, and preserving, the land and stories reflected in U.S. coinage.

The post ANA Invites K–12 Students to Volunteer and Earn Coins Through America 250 Program appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

1. David Rittenhouse (April 1792 – June 1795)

The term “polymath” is usually employed to describe the United States Mint’s first director, David Rittenhouse. He was a mathematician, a philosopher, an astronomer, a surveyor, a master clock maker, and a patriot. At all but the last of these things, he was self taught. His patriotism for the revolutionary cause was demonstrated through the offices he held, in both the Pennsylvania General Assembly and on the Board of War, and by his organization of the production of munitions to aid in the defense of Philadelphia.

Rittenhouse helped draft the Pennsylvania State Constitution and served as the first state treasurer from 1777 through 1789. He was chosen to lead the fledgling Mint by President George Washington and asked to take the job by both Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of the Treasury.

Rittenhouse got the appointment 12 days after the passage of the Coinage Act of 1792 and helped lay the Philadelphia Mint’s cornerstone on July 31 of that year.

As Mint Director, Rittenhouse hired the necessary personnel for the Mint to strike its first coins. Before the Mint’s money factory was ready to work, he oversaw the production of some 1,500 half dismes (half dimes), which Washington called in his address to Congress as “a small beginning” in the nation’s coinage.

In 1793, using presses at their new facility, the Mint struck cents and half cents. A year later, they added half dollars and dollars and again produced half dimes, this time using a new design executed by engraver Robert Scot.

Rittenhouse resigned from his post on June 30, 1795. He had taken ill and would die a year later. In 1871, the Mint produced a medal honoring its first director. It was designed by Chief Engraver William Barber and featured a left-facing bust of Rittenhouse with a reverse inscription that read: HE BELONGED TO THE WHOLE HUMAN RACE, BORN 1732. DIED 1796. Artist Charles Wilson Peale painted a portrait of Rittenhouse in 1796. This portrait features Rittenhouse at his desk, sitting next to a telescope.

Significant coinage issued during Rittenhouse’s tenure: 1792 Half Disme and Disme; 1793 Chain Cent; 1793 Wreath Cent, including the 1793 “Strawberry” Cent variety; 1793 Liberty Cap Cent; 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar.

2. Elias Boudinot (October 1795 – July 1805)

Elias Boudinot served as the third Director of the United States Mint, taking over for the short tenured South Carolinian Henry William de Saussure, who served just four months and left in disgrace after it was discovered that the Mint was striking silver coins at an illegal standard. The selection of Boudinot may have saved America’s money making institution.

Boudinot was a well-respected patriot and a man of deep personal conviction and faith. During the Revolutionary War, Boudinot actively recruited men to take up the war effort. In 1777, General George Washington commissioned Boudinot as a colonel and tasked him with overseeing issues related to American prisoners of war. When Congress failed to allocate sufficient funds to feed and clothe its captured, held in British-occupied New York, Boudinot drew from his own financial resources to cover the gap.

From November 1782 to November 1783, Boudinot served as the President of the Continental Congress. One of the most consequential duties he had during his term was to sign the Preliminary Articles of Peace, which laid the groundwork for the Treaty of Paris and the formal end to American Revolutionary War.

During the Constitutional debates, Boudinot stood in vocal opposition to the institution of slavery, which he saw as immoral and dangerous to the future of the young republic. Although he lost that battle, he did preside over the passage of the First Amendment, which guarantied freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The day the Amendment was adopted, Boudinot petitioned George Washington to establish a national Thanksgiving holiday.

Immediately before joining the Mint, Boudinot served on a committee charged with looking into production problems at the Mint. During his tenure as Mint Director, he put the Mint on a more stable footing, which ensured its survival.

As a leader, Boudinot was not shy about correcting deficiencies. On June 20, 1796, Boudinot posted notice to the Mint staff that its work was subpar, writing:

“The Director having had frequent complaints that the coin, both gold and silver lately struck in the mint, have been done in a very slovenly, unworkmanlike manner, has examined a number of them and is sorry to find that the complaints have not been without foundation, and great negligence and inattention is charged on the coinage department, with regard to the late deliveries of coin. He therefore expects that in the future greater care will be taken that no coin is passed through the mint without being executed in a more perfect manner, as a comparison of the former and latter coin does great discredit to the officers of the mint concerned with the coinage.”

The Mint’s output improved. As Director, Boudinot had his engravers abandon the practice of adding stars to the design every time a new state was admitted into the Union, thus firming the 13-star tradition that continues to this day.

When deposits slowed down, Boudinot would deposit his own bullion to keep Mint workers employed. The famed 1804 dollar’s rarity is indirectly due to Boudinot. In 1804, he lobbied President Thomas Jefferson to discontinue striking of the denomination as well as gold eagle ($10) coins because most of the mintage was being exported as bullion for profit by speculators. When Jefferson agreed, America’s largest silver and gold coins went on hiatus. Nearly 30 years later, when the Mint was tasked to make a diplomatic gift presentation set of U.S. Proof coins, they struck 1804-dated silver dollars and gold eagles.

Boudinot also showed concerned about the Mint staff and their families. With Yellow Fever raging during his tenure, Boudinot drew up extensive plans to safeguard Mint assets (including livestock) and to pay off employees during routine closures. When a bill was introduced into Congress to abolish the Mint, Boudinot wrote to President Jefferson to defend the Mint and its workers, asking for some “small provision” to be made to them in the event that they might be dismissed from public service. Fortunately, nothing came of the matter and the Mint persevered.

Boudinot also had a hand in both the creation of the Great Seal of the United States and advocated for the hiring of Mint Engraver John Reich.

He may have been the most consequential director the Mint has had in its first 230 years.

Significant coinage issued during Boudinot’s tenure: 1796 Quarter; 1796 Half Dollar, including 15 Stars specimen strike; 1796 “No Stars” $2.50 gold; 1798 “Small Eagle” $5 gold; 1798 “7×6 Stars” $10 gold.

3. Samuel Moore (July 1824 to July 1835)

Samuel Moore was the son-in-law of fourth Mint Director Robert Patterson and brother-in-law to the Mint’s sixth director Robert Maskell Patterson. The Pattersons like the Eckfeldt’s were a formidable dynasty whose influence over the United States Mint was multi-generational and sweeping.

Moore came to the Mint after serving in the United States House of Representatives for two terms. He was appointed to the position by President James Monroe after being handpicked by his father-in-law. As Director, Moore advocated for the resumption in the production of silver dollars. Seeing an influx of silver coinage from Canton, China, the Treasury sided with Moore, and President Andrew Jackson agreed to lift Jefferson’s ban. Even though he supported resumption, Moore took a wait-and-see approach on striking new dollar coins – though he did have Chief Engraver William Kneass work on new designs.

When the State Department ordered Proof coin presentation sets to be made so that Ambassador Edmund Roberts would have diplomatic gifts worthy of the prestige of the American government, Moore authorized the production of 1804-dated dollars and gold eagles. When these coins entered the numismatic marketplace years later, they became sensational rarities.

To improve the quality of U.S. coin production, Moore sent Franklin Peale to Europe for two years so that he could study the methods employed by Europe’s state-of-the-art mints. This trip culminated with the introduction of steam presses at the Philadelphia Mint in 1835.

Moore also sought Congressional authorization for the construction of the new mint facilities in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans, although coin production would not start at these locations until construction was completed and dies were delivered in 1838. Moore also had a hand in hiring Christian Gobrecht, who would be brought on board during the term of Robert Maskell Patterson, Moore’s hand-picked successor.

Moore was no fan of the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, feeling that it was simply a play on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and sought to discontinue production of the half cent upon taking office in 1824. The lowly half cent would meet its bitter end in 1857. E PLURIBUS UNUM remains on U.S. coins to this day.

Significant coinage issued during Moore’s tenure: 1804 Class I silver dollar in Proof; 1804 $10 gold eagle in Proof; 1831 half cent; 1832 “12 Stars” $5 gold half eagle.

4. Robert Maskell Patterson (July 1835 to July 1851)

Robert Maskell Patterson, like David Rittenhouse before him, was an accomplished intellectual. Educated at the University of Virginia where he studied law and mathematics, Patterson charted a course for a career in academia. He taught at his alma mater UVA and also later at the University of Pennsylvania. Patterson was an active member of the American Philosophical Society, serving as its president from 1819 until his death in 1851.

Patterson’s U.S. Mint connections came from his father, Robert Patterson, the Mint’s fourth director, and Samuel Moore, his brother-in-law, who served as the Mint’s fifth director and was handpicked by the elder Patterson to take that role.

The younger Patterson was appointed to the Mint post by President Jackson on May 26, 1835. While at the Mint, Patterson hired Christian Gobrecht, who assisted William Kneass after the chief engraver suffered a debilitating stroke.

It is widely believed that the Capped Bust type was based on Patterson’s designs, adapted by artists Thomas Sully and Titian Peale and engraved by Gobrecht.

Patterson proposed the adoption of the two-cent piece while Congress was deliberating legislation that would become the Act of January 18, 1837. At the same time, Patterson opposed the introduction of a gold dollar, a coin type proposed by Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury–although Patterson did order Gobrecht to prepare patterns for the gold dollar denomination just in case Congress decided to authorize its production.

Patterson oversaw the start of coinage operations at the branch mints of Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans, which were authorized to be built under the tenure of his predecessor, Samuel Moore. In April and May of 1838, he would oversee the production of the first U.S. coins struck outside of Philadelphia.

Patterson was concerned with the aesthetics of American coin design and envisioned a series of U.S. coins based on English Britannia coins. This idea led to the creation of the Seated Liberty type.

With the arrival of the first alluvial gold deposits from California, the Philadelphia Mint struck a small number (1,389) of gold $2.50 coins with a special “CAL.” punch that signified that the coin was made of California gold. Coins with this commemorative inscription are highly prized by today’s collectors.

Patterson did not always get his way when it came to Mint’s senior staff. He opposed the hiring of James B. Longacre as chief engraver, even though he had no experience in coin and medal design. Longacre landed the appointment through his connections to Secretary of State John C. Calhoun.

Instead, Patterson favored Chief Coiner Franklin Peale for the job and may have colluded with Peale to undermine Longacre after his appointment. Longacre’s efforts to produce dies for the new $20 coin denomination were mired in technical difficulties (or “accidents”), which gave Patterson a reason to petition President Zachary Taylor to fire him. He also sought to eliminate the position altogether, calling it useless, except when new designs needed to be made. Treasury Secretary William Meredith stuck with the engraver, and by March 1850, $20 gold pieces were rolling off of the presses.

Patterson resigned in June 1851 due to health issues and died three years later. He was a known stickler for true dating on coins. He continued Director Moore’s policy of omitting E PLURIBUS UNUM on the reverse of coins except when the Great Seal was used as a design motif.

Significant coinage issued during Patterson’s tenure: 1842 “Small Date” Cent; 1846 Half Dime; 1840-O “No Drapery” Dime; 1846 Dime; 1840-O “No Drapery” Quarter; 1842-O Quarter; 1849-C “Open Wreath” Gold Dollar; 1841 $2.50 gold coin; 1848 “CAL” $2.50 gold coin; 1838-C $5 gold coin; 1838-D $5 gold coin; 1839-D $5 gold coin; 1849-O $10 gold coin; 1849 $20 gold coin (unique).

5. James Ross Snowden (June 1853 to April 1861)

The year James Ross Snowden was appointed director, the Mint had a hard time keeping silver coins in circulation. The 15:1 ratio, never a precise silver-to-gold peg, had become even more out of whack with the discovery of vast stores of gold along the California coast and in Australia. Congress deliberated on the matter for several years before deciding to reduce the weight of its subsidiary coins. These measures were put in place a few months before Snowden took office, but it was his responsibility to make sure that the silver coins of the new tenor circulated better than the scarcely seen coins they replaced.

Another in a long line of native Pennsylvanians to lead the United States Mint, Snowden was a man of talent and vision.

Realizing that he had to reignite public enthusiasm for silver coinage, he set a policy wherein the Mint would overpay for such deposits. After flooding the market with new silver coins, the Treasury ordered Snowden to stop and follow the letter and the intent of the law. This led to a downturn in subsidiary silver coin production.

Snowden was a practical man, who saw that the silver dollar had no real place in the economy. He urged Congress to abolish the denomination.

In the protracted battle between Chief Engraver James B. Longacre and Chief Coiner Franklin Peale, Snowden sided with his engraver. After Peale left the Mint in December 1854, Snowden took over the U.S. Mint’s Proof coinage program with the intent to grow it. A collector himself, Snowden was instrumental in the establishment of the Mint’s collection of Washington medals.

When the Mint abolished the half cent and large cent, Snowden set up an exchange program where depositors could trade out the old large copper coins for the new small cent. The shift from large to small cents instigated a coin collecting boom in major cities across America. Collectors and dealers sought out past designs and dates and quickly began to realize which coins were rare and which ones were not.

This interest in coin collecting and growing the Mint’s numismatic business led to the start of the Mint’s “underground” coinage operations. Old dies were put into service so that some in the Mint staff could feed rarities and patterns to collectors through a secretive dealer network. Snowden was involved in these activities to various degrees.

In his final months as Mint Director, Snowden oversaw Mint operations as the southern branch mints fell to the rebellion.

On February 8, 1861, Mint director Snowden wrote to Treasury Secretary John Adams Dix recommending that Congress or the president make a proclamation rebuking the legal tender status of 1861 “O” mint coins on the grounds that the mint is no longer operating in a legal manner. On April 30, Snowden wrote to Treasury Secretary Samuel P. Chase, informing him that the Southern branch mints in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans had fallen into southern control.

Snowden wrote three noteworthy numismatic books. A Description of Ancient and Modern Coins, In the Cabinet Collection at the Mint of the United States (1860) was the first to catalog the coins in the Mint cabinet; The Medallic Memorials of Washington in the Mint of the United States (1861) detailed the collection of Washington medals that he had assembled for the Mint Cabinet; and Ancient and Modern Coins, Coins and Money Terms in the Bible (1864) demonstrated Snowden’s broad appreciation for numismatic study.

Snowden’s tenure as Mint Director is so appreciated by numismatists today that he was inducted into the ANA Numismatic Hall of Fame in 2002.

Significant coinage issued during Snowden’s tenure: 1857 Large Cent and Half Cent; 1856 Flying Eagle Cent; 1859 Indian Head Cent; 1859-S Dime; S-mint Quarters from 1858-1860; 1856-D Gold Dollar; 1854-S gold $2.50; 1856-D gold $2.50; 1854-D gold $3; 1854-S gold $5; 1860-S gold $10; 1854-O gold $20; 1856-O gold $20; 1861 “Paquet Reverse” gold $20.

6. James Pollock (May 1861 to September 1866, and again from May 1869 to March 1873)

When Mint Director James Pollock first took office, the American Civil War was not yet one month old. A career politician and government reformer, Pollock came to the job as a former governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and before that as a member of the House of Representatives. Pollock was a Whig and professed a strong Christian faith. So much so that he openly advocated for the passage of a Christian amendment to the Constitution that would have established the United States as a Christian country.

Christian nationalism wasn’t reserved to political figures and clergymen of the north. Similar sentiments circulated in the South, and as much as the American Civil War was fought over the issue of slavery and states’ rights (to perpetuate slavery and the white racial hierarchy), it was also a religious war between myriad factions of American Christianity. The battle between the North and the South brought with it apocalyptic suffering and its political figures often spoke of God’s wrath and God’s judgment.

It should come as no surprise then that the religious motto IN GOD WE TRUST debuted on our national coinage during Pollock’s tenure. On November 13, 1861, Reverend M.R. Watkinson–like Pollock, a Pennsylvania native–wrote to Treasury Secretary Samuel P. Chase, imploring him to add a religious message to our money. The idea found quick support from Pollock, who proposed mottos such as “Our Trust Is in God” and “God Our Trust”. Chase settled on the phrase “In God We Trust” in a December 9, 1863 letter to the Director.

This motto would debut in 1864 on a copper two-cent coin, a new denomination that saw a brief burst of circulation before falling by the wayside after the war came to a close. Pollock would see the denomination off in the last year of his second stint as Mint director (he was appointed for a second time in May 1869 by President Ulysses S. Grant).

From a collector standpoint, the silver coinage of the San Francisco Mint struck during his first term is of the most interest. The free state of California, removed for the most part from the atrocities of the war, made full use of the coins struck there. What was not exported to pay for international trade circulated heavily in the western territory. Today, few uncirculated examples of many key issues survive and the 1866-S “No Motto” double eagle, struck before new dies bearing the IN GOD WE TRUST motto arrived for use, is one of the great rarities in all of U.S. numismatics.

Significant coinage issued during Pollock’s tenure: Two-Cent Piece (first use of IN GOD WE TRUST); Three-Cent Nickel; Shield Nickel; 1863 $3 Gold; 1864 and 1865 gold $2.50; 1864-S gold $5.00; 1864-S gold $10; 1866-S “No Motto” gold $20; 1870-S $3 gold.

7. Frank A. Leach (September 1907 to November 1909)

Before taking the helm at the Mint in September 1907, Frank Aleamon Leach was a newspaperman. His first daily was the Vallejo Evening Chronicle, which began publishing in 1867. He added the Evening-Standard and the Oakland-Enquirer to his portfolio before retiring from journalism in 1897. It was at this time that he entered into government service as the Superintendent of the San Francisco Mint.

While at the San Francisco Mint, Leach oversaw the modernization of the Mint’s gold refining methods, seeing the electrolytic method replace the wasteful sulphuric acid process. He also investigated a major theft operation taking place at the United States Assay Office in Seattle where cashier George Edward Adams stole nearly $60,000 from depositors, surreptitiously skimming from depositors of Klondike gold. The story caused a national sensation; Adams was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive five-year prison sentences. After being paroled in May 1912, Adams immediately got caught up in a counterfeiting scheme and was sent back to prison.

Leach’s most trying time in San Francisco came in 1906, when the city and the surrounding area was hit by a major earthquake. The tremors started at 5:12 am on April 18. Twenty minutes later, the violent shocks underfoot reduced much of the city to ruins and unleashed a series of massive fires. The Mint building stood strong but was in danger of being engulfed by flames. With his entire Mint staff and reinforcements from the United States Army, Leach saved the Mint. In the months that followed months, Leach was tasked by the president to serve as a custodian of the relief funds. He also helped banks assure depositors that they would have access to their money once the banks were able to dig themselves out of the rubble.

As Director of the Mint, Leach oversaw President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Pet Crime”, where the rotund president sought the services of Augustus Saint-Gaudens to beautify America’s coinage. Despite pushback from his own engraving department, the Mint pushed ahead and five major coin redesigns were undertaken. The Saint-Gaudens $10 eagle and $20 double eaglegold pieces, the incuse $2.50 quarter eagle and $5.00 half eagle gold coins of Bela Lyon Pratt, and the timeless Lincoln cent designed by Victor David Brenner.

Significant coinage issued during Leach’s tenure: Saint-Gaudens $10 Eagle and $20 Double Eagle gold pieces; Indian Head $2.50 Quarter Eagle and $5.00 Half Eagle gold coins; Lincoln Wheat Cent. 

8. Nellie Tayloe Ross (May 1933 – April 1953)

Nellie Tayloe Ross was a pioneering figure in American politics. Not only was Ross the first woman to ever hold the position of United States Mint Director, she was also the first woman to have been elected governor of a state when in 1924 she was elected governor of Wyoming, replacing her husband William Ross, who had died in office.

As governor, Ross pushed for banking reform, lower taxes, prohibitions against child labor, and support for farmers. After losing her re-election bid, Ross became active in national Democratic politics and was appointed to the mint director position by President Franklin Roosevelt, whose election campaign she worked on.

Upon arrival at the Mint, Ross went to work with another powerful female figure, First Assistant Director of the Mint Mary O’Reilly. The two women were from completely different parts of the world; Ross was from Wyoming and O’Reilly was from Massachusetts. The two women were leery of each other at first but soon became trusted allies as the Mint undertook the mammoth responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gold and silver supplies.

A week into her tenure, the Philadelphia Mint struck 145,000 1933-dated double eagles. This would be the last batch of the still unreleased $20 coin to be produced before the order was given to melt them down and recover the bullion.

Aware that the Mint’s storage capacity was inadequate, she oversaw the construction of a new Mint building in San Francisco, an expansion to the Denver Mint, the construction of new vaults at Philadelphia, the construction of the gold bullion depository at Fort Knox, all the while seeing a massive increase in demand for U.S. coinage that had the Mint operating round-the-clock coining operations.

Despite her effective administration of Mint business, Ross had to endure cruel and dismissive treatment from Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr., a neighbor and close friend of the president. Morgentahau played a key role in helping the United States finance the war effort and was one of the architects of the Bretton Woods system. Despite his massive influence on the American financial system, he could be dismissive and cruel to Ross, mostly on the basis of her gender.

Despite this, Ross set a standard of excellence that would be emulated by the women and men who would come after her. After Ross, the nomination of a woman mint director would become almost routine. Subsequent female mint directors include Eva Adams (see below), Stella Hackel Sims, Donna Pope, Henrietta Fore, and our current mint director, Ventris Gibson.

Significant coinage issued during Ross’ tenure: 1933 $20 Double Eagle; Jefferson Nickel; 1943 Cent; 1942-1945 War Nickels; Roosevelt Dime; Franklin Half Dollar; all classic commemorative half dollars dated 1934-1951. 

9. Eva Adams (October 1961 to August 1969)

Eva Adams came to the position after a 15-year career working as a senior member of the staff of three Nevada senators. She was appointed to the position by President John F. Kennedy and continued to serve during the first eight months of the Nixon Administration.

Adams’ tenure came at a critically important period in United States monetary history. An increase in the cost of silver put the Treasury in an untenable position, leading Congress to enact sweeping legislation that would remove 90% silver coinage from circulation. During the transition from silver to clad, the Mint removed mintmarks, initiated a date freeze, and significantly scaled back its numismatic program, eliminating both the Mint Set and the Proof Set and replacing them with a quasi-Proof Special Mint Set product that proved unpopular with collectors.

Adams saw the construction of the fourth Philadelphia Mint. Ground was broken for the new facility on September 17, 1965, and the building opened on August 14, 1969. This ceremony would mark the end of Adams’ tenure.

While Adams’ policies as mint director had a largely negative impact on the coin collecting hobby in the United States, Adams affection for the coin collecting hobby grew and she became a lifelong supporter of the numismatic community after her tenure ended.

Adams was a vocal supporter of Elizabeth Jones and advocated on her behalf. Jones would become Chief Engraver, replacing the retired Frank Gasparro. Adams was also on hand to see the striking of the first American Silver Eagle.

Significant coinage issued during Adams’ tenure: 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar; 1965 clad coinage; S-mint Proofs.

10. Philip N. Diehl (June 1994 – March 2000)

Phil Diehl is a Texan, whose background before becoming mint director included a four-year stint working on policies related to telecommunication regulation. This expertise, and his active involvement in Democratic politics, would land him a position on Senator Lloyd Bentsen’s staff working on issues for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. His appointment to the U.S. Mint Director position came after he served a short stint as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, as President Bill Clinton took office in January 1993.

Diehl’s visionary leadership saw the Mint through a period of much-needed change. He tightened up the languishing U.S. commemorative coin program, shepherded in a number of much needed changes in areas of procurement, political appointments, and e-commerce. During his tenure, the Mint thrived, more than tripling its annualized profits. It also reinvigorated the coin collecting hobby in the United States.

While Diehl was director, the Mint rolled out two major programs: the 50 States Quarters program and the Sacagawea dollar.

The idea to release circulating commemorative coins was under consideration for many years, but it was only through efficiencies brought into the Mint’s production capabilities under Diehl that the Mint was able to handle the challenge of releasing five new quarter designs every year.

The return of the dollar coin denomination was driven by Congress. Not since the early 20th century had a U.S. dollar coin circulated in any meaningful way. And even then, the dollar coin has always been a subject of controversy and government largesse.

Initially, Diehl opposed the production of a new dollar coin, but he eventually came around and effectively promoted its launch through television and print advertising and through an innovative distribution campaign with Walmart.

In March 2000, Diehl’s tenure came to an end. Diehl’s successor, former House member Jay Johnson, lost his seat after voting along party lines against Clinton’s impeachment. Johnson would hold the position until August 2001, at which time, President George W. Bush’s nominee Henrietta Fore assumed the role.

Significant coinage issued during Diehl’s tenure: 50 State Quarters Program; 1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar; Sacagawea Dollar; 1995-W American Silver Eagle; 2000 Library of Congress Bimetallic gold and platinum $10 coin*

*prepared during Diehl’s tenure, but released a month after his departure

* * *

The post Ten Notable US Mint Directors and What They Are Known For appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

696 Omega-Privy 2025 Cents, Including Ultra-Rare 24K Gold Issues, to Be Offered Through Stack’s Bowers Galleries

In this historic numismatic moment marking the end of a 232-year chapter of American coinage, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has been selected as the exclusive grading service for the final Lincoln Cents ever struck for circulation.

The coins, just 696 pieces in total, carry a newly created omega privy mark denoting their special status.

This special release is part of a collaboration between PCGS, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, and the United States Mint as the Mint prepares to close the book on more than two centuries of one-cent production that began in 1793.

A Three-Coin Set with Historic Symbolism

For collectors, only 232 three-piece sets will be made, each representing one year in the cent’s 232-year circulation history.

Each set includes:

• 2025 Philadelphia Lincoln Cent (copper-plated zinc) – Omega privy
• 2025 Denver Lincoln Cent (copper-plated zinc) – Omega privy
• 2025 Philadelphia Lincoln Cent struck in 24-karat gold – Omega privy

The gold issue, among the most unusual Lincoln Cents ever struck, is also the lowest-mintage piece in the entire Lincoln series.

PCGS President Stephanie Sabin emphasized the historic weight of the project:

“This landmark event capstones the incredible 232-year run of the United States one-cent coin. The occasion is bittersweet for many numismatists, as nearly every collector has handled Lincoln Cents at some point in their lives.”

Sabin noted that PCGS’s role goes beyond authentication—these limited-edition coins will receive newly designed PCGS labels created specifically for the Omega-privy issues.

“The team in our creative studio brings a level of design thinking that sets PCGS apart,” said PCGS Director of Sales Taryn Warrecker. “They rethink the label from every angle and turn historic numismatic moments into visual storytelling….”

A Closing Chapter in the Story of America

Stack’s Bowers Galleries Executive Vice President Christine Karstedt describes the coins as artifacts of national memory:

“These Omega-privy 2025 Lincoln Cents are not simply coins; they are a tangible chronicle of America over the past 232 years. They symbolize the story of a nation growing stronger over time, with roots planted in 1793 and blossoming continuously over the following two centuries.”

Rarer Than the 1909-S VDB

Stack’s Bowers Director of Numismatics James McCartney underscored the extraordinary rarity:

• Over 500 billion Lincoln Cents have been minted since 1909.
• The Omega coins—just 232 examples per type—are more than 2,000 times rarer than the famous 1909-S VDB.
• Only 232 collectors will ever be able to complete a true “full” Lincoln Cent set.

“These Omega cents boast the lowest official mintages ….. With only 232 struck for each type, their mintages rank as more than 2,000 times lower than the famous 1909-S V.D.B. Cent and only a small fraction of the output of the original 1793 Chain Cents.

Though many thousands of collectors are actively assembling sets of Lincoln cents at any given time, only 232 will ever have the opportunity for true completion. Every living American has seen or held a Lincoln cent, and these Omega privy mark cents honor that shared national experience.”

How You Can Acquire the Final Lincoln Cents

Collectors can register interest and purchase through Stack’s Bowers Galleries:
https://stacksbowers.com/omega-pennies/

For PCGS submission information:
https://www.pcgs.com/submissions

The post The Final Lincoln Cents Ever Made: PCGS to Grade Ultra-Rare 2025 Omega Coins appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Collector Jack Young of Dayton, OH, and coin dealer Matt Dinger of Indianapolis, IN, were honored by the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation at a special awards ceremony Sept. 26 during the Great American Coin and Collectibles Show in Rosemont, IL.

Don Ketterling, a member of the ACEF Board of Directors, presented Dinger with the Alan Kreuzer Memorial Award 3-inch bronze medal. Young, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to a family medical emergency, will receive his medal award in Dayton.

The award is named for the late Alan “Al” Kreuzer, a Castro Valley, CA, coin dealer who was instrumental in alerting the hobby about counterfeit third-party certification holders and fake insert labels. After his death in 2016, his daughter, Chandra, donated $50,000 to establish the award and to help launch the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, now integrated into the work of ACEF.

Young, an engineer by training, collects low-grade large cents. He began collecting as a youth and encountered his first large cent when his grandmother took him to a coin shop in the Dayton Arcade. He joined Early American Coppers in 2002 and became interested in deceptively struck counterfeits in the fall of 2015 by a friend and an EAC dealer’s discovery of a fake 1798 “S-158” Draped Bust Cent.

Young’s counterfeit research during the ensuing years has led to more than 100 published articles about counterfeits in state and national numismatic organizational journals and commercial numismatic publications as well as to contributions published in books on various series. He is founder of two Facebook groups with the primary mission of educating the collecting public about counterfeits: “The Dark Side” group, which now has more than 800 members, and the “Fun with Fakes” group that has grown to 250 members in the past year.

He has also assisted ACEF with presentations about counterfeits and their effects on the hobby and marketplace in meetings with staff of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, Secret Service agents, and Customs and Border Protection staff.

He received the Professional Numismatic Guild’s Sol Kaplan Award in 2021 in recognition of his work to remove counterfeit coins from ecommerce platforms and the ACEF’s Alan Kreuzer Award in 2019 for service rendered as an expert in identifying counterfeit coins.

Dinger began collecting coins at age 7, sold his first coin by age 15, and became co-owner of Lost Dutchman Rare Coins in Indianapolis at age 22. As senior numismatist at Lost Dutchman Rare Coins for the past 20 years he has led the shop’s research, sales, and preservation efforts. He has served as president of the Indianapolis Coin Club and is an active member of the Professional Numismatists Guild, Central States Numismatic Society, and the American Numismatic Association.

In 2010 Dinger launched The Coin Show Podcast, aiming to fill a media gap for engaging, hobbyist-focused coin content. He co-hosts the podcast with fellow creator Mike Nottelmann. The podcast delves into news of both U.S. and world coins, providing context and observations from a broad spectrum of numismatic experts, including those who are on the frontlines of educating the public about counterfeits in the marketplace. To date they have produced 249 episodes, all archived at their website.

Dinger has also served as a consultant to the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for investigations dealing with crimes related to coin counterfeiting, thefts, and numismatic scams.

Immediately following the award presentation Dinger, Ketterling, and ACEF Executive Director Beth Deisher were featured in a special taping of the Coin Show Podcast.
The Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation is funded entirely by donations. Tax-deductible donations may be made to the 501(c)(3) non-profit Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation by submitting the online donation form at www.acefonline.org.

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The post ACEF Honors Two for Identifying, Creating Awareness of Counterfeit Coins. appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.