Whitman Brands announced a landmark acquisition on April 2, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The company now holds the rights to the celebrated works of Al C. Overton and Donald L. Parsley. As a result, Whitman has secured the future of Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794–1836, the definitive authority on the Capped Bust Half Dollar series.

For specialists in early American silver, this move matters. It protects one of the hobby’s most important research pillars. Just as important, it brings that scholarship under the umbrella of a company with deep roots in numismatic publishing, pricing data, and collector education.

Why the Overton-Parsley Reference Matters

For more than half a century, Overton numbers have served as the universal language for collectors of early American silver. Collectors, dealers, and researchers rely on that system to identify die marriages across the Capped Bust Half Dollar series.

Now, Whitman has added that foundational research to its portfolio. In turn, the company says it will preserve and expand the legacy of scholarship that Al C. Overton began and Donald L. Parsley continued. That pledge carries real weight, because the Overton reference has shaped the way generations of numismatists study and collect the series.

A Family Legacy That Changed the Hobby

The Overton story begins with passion, discipline, and family devotion. In 1967, Al C. Overton published his first full-length book on the series. That work changed the hobby. More importantly, it introduced a systematic method for identifying die marriages.

Overton took a complex field of study and made it accessible. As a result, thousands of collectors could pursue the series with far greater confidence and clarity.

After Al’s passing, his daughter Bonnie and her husband Donald Parsley carried that work forward. Donald had assisted Al with the very first edition, so he knew the project from the inside from the beginning. He then spent more than 40 years studying the series.

Under Donald’s stewardship, and with Bonnie’s steadfast support, the reference advanced through multiple editions. Along the way, the work gained stronger plate quality and better rarity data. Together, the Parsleys turned a family heritage into a monumental contribution to American numismatic history.

Whitman and CDN Continue to Build a Publishing Powerhouse

This acquisition also marks another major step for Whitman Brands.

Whitman began in 1934. The company created the iconic Guide Book of United States Coins, better known as the “Red Book,” as well as the Handbook of United States Coins, or the “Blue Book.” Earlier in its history, Western Publishing owned Whitman as a subsidiary. During that era, Whitman helped bring coin collecting to the masses through its famous blue coin boards. Later, those boards evolved into the folders and albums that still define the hobby for many collectors today.

Then the company entered a new phase. In 2023, CDN Publishing acquired Whitman, and then merged the companies into Whitman Brands.  Collectors know CDN as the publisher of the Greysheet. The company has also led the industry in wholesale pricing data since 1963.

Whitman kept building from there. In 2024, the company acquired the rights to the entire Friedberg Collection, including Paper Money of the United States, Gold, Coins of the World, So-Called Dollars, and Early Dated Coins of Europe. At the same time, Whitman also acquired the industry-standard Friedberg Numbering System.

Last year, Whitman launched a completely reimagined and redesigned 2026 edition of the Red Book.

That edition integrated industry-standard, Greysheet-based retail market values in up to nine grades for more than 12,000 coins, tokens, medals, sets, and other collectibles.

Today, Whitman operates as one company under the leadership of John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. From that position, the company continues to provide authoritative content, market insight, and trusted experiences to collectors, dealers, and institutions worldwide.

John Feigenbaum on the Importance of the Deal

Feigenbaum placed the new acquisition in clear context.

“The Overton-Parsley research is the bedrock of early half-dollar collecting,” he said. “It is a profound honor to be entrusted with Al and Donald’s legacy. We look forward to utilizing our digital and print resources to keep this essential data at the fingertips of every specialist in the field.”

That statement speaks directly to the importance of the work. It also points to Whitman’s next move. The company does not plan to let this research sit still. Instead, it intends to extend the reach of the material through both print and digital channels.

What Comes Next

Whitman plans to announce future editions and digital integrations of the Overton-Parsley data in the coming months.

For collectors, that promise could open the door to broader access and stronger usability. For the hobby, it signals continuity. The research that specialists trust will remain in active hands, and a new generation of collectors will likely meet the Overton-Parsley standard through fresh formats and expanded tools.

For more information, upcoming book releases, and collecting supplies, visit Whitman’s website.

The post Whitman Brands Secures Definitive Overton-Parsley Rights for Capped Bust Half Dollars appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Collectors and dealers should stay alert. Recent NCIC reports confirm multiple coin thefts tied to FedEx shipments and a major coin show in Baltimore. These incidents highlight ongoing risks in numismatic shipping and event security.

FedEx Shipment Theft Reported in Transit from Nevada to Florida

First, authorities reported a theft involving a FedEx shipment sent from Nevada to Florida on March 18, 2026.

The sender shipped the package using FedEx 2Day with Adult Signature Required. However, an unknown individual intervened during transit. That person contacted FedEx and redirected the package to a Walgreens location for pickup.

Importantly, the intended recipient did not authorize this hold request.

As a result, the package never reached its destination.

Stolen Coins from Package #1

The stolen shipment contained three certified Indian Head Half Eagles:

• 1911 Indian $5 Gold — PCGS MS-63 — Cert #8520.63/48548509
• 1912 Indian $5 Gold — PCGS MS-63 — Cert #8523.63/48579870
• 1912-S Indian $5 Gold — PCGS AU-58 — Cert #8524.58/53513748

Second FedEx Package Reported Lost or Stolen

In addition, a second FedEx shipment has gone missing.

The package traveled from Nevada to Munich, North Dakota. The sender also used Adult Signature Required service. Despite that precaution, FedEx representatives cannot locate the package.

Therefore, authorities now consider the shipment lost or stolen.

Missing Coin from Package #2

This package contained:

1877 Three Cent Nickel — NGC PF-67 Cameo — Cert #6838089-003

Baltimore Coin Show Theft Under Investigation

Meanwhile, a separate theft occurred in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

The incident took place after the recent Baltimore coin show on March 7, 2026. A dealer reported that a valuable gold coin went missing following the event.

Stolen Coin Details : 1852-O $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle — NGC MS61 CAC — Cert #5900767-009

Ongoing Risk to Collectors and Dealers

These incidents reveal a clear pattern. Criminals continue to target high-value coin shipments and public events.

Therefore, collectors and dealers should take extra precautions. Always verify shipping instructions. Monitor tracking closely. Additionally, confirm any delivery changes directly with carriers.

Contact Information

Anyone with information should contact:

Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org

The post Stolen Rare Coins Alert: FedEx Shipments Targeted and Baltimore Show Theft Reported appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Introduction to Coin Grading:  Understanding Coin Grading Beyond the Basics

Every introduction to coin grading begins with broad, theoretical descriptions of each grade category. For example, “Good” coins show mostly full rims. Meanwhile, “Fine” coins display generally complete lettering.

However, experience changes how collectors interpret grades. As collectors specialize, they must apply issue-specific analysis. This deeper approach helps them understand how a numeric grade truly reflects a coin’s condition.

Three essential concepts support this advanced interpretation:

• Grade distribution
• Condition census
• Provenance

These tools do not always determine a grade on the Sheldon grading scale. However, they provide critical context. As a result, collectors make better decisions. Experts also improve authentication and grading accuracy. In addition, these concepts add historical depth to important coins.

Grade Distribution: Understanding the Big Picture

The grade distribution of a coin issue shows how certified examples spread across the Sheldon scale. For coins with large populations, this distribution usually follows a bell-shaped curve.

Therefore, most coins cluster around a central grade. Fewer examples appear at the highest and lowest ends.

This concept gives meaning to a numeric grade. It also places a coin within its survival and availability context.

Example: 1880-S Morgan Dollars

The 1880-S Morgan Dollar provides a clear example. This issue shows a roughly normal distribution, with an average grade around MS64.

The U.S. Mint produced these coins in large numbers. Many remained in bank and government vaults for years. As a result, high-grade examples exist in abundance.

However, the Mint struck these coins for circulation. Workers handled them in bulk. Consequently, many pieces show bag marks and minor abrasions.

In contrast, coins struck for collectors, such as proofs or commemoratives, cluster at higher grades. Meanwhile, coins that entered circulation immediately tend to peak at lower grades.

Condition Census: Identifying the Finest Known Coins

While grade distribution looks at all coins, the condition census focuses on the very best examples. Specifically, it ranks the finest-known pieces in order of quality.

For rare issues, the condition census may include every known coin. For instance, all five known 1885 Trade Dollar examples appear in its census.

Grading professionals rely on this data. They compare newly submitted coins to the finest known pieces. This process helps them detect inconsistencies or signs of damage. It also ensures accurate ranking within the issue.

Research and Documentation

Some coin series offer extensive condition census research. For example:

• Large cent collectors use detailed, leather-bound references with photographs.
• The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar has dedicated reference volumes.
• The 1802 Half Dime also benefits from specialized studies.

However, many series still lack complete documentation. This gap creates opportunities for collectors and researchers. In fact, studying and building condition censuses remains one of the most rewarding areas in numismatics.

Provenance: The Story Behind the Coin

Provenance records a coin’s ownership history over time. It tracks appearances at auctions and inclusion in major collections.

Each documented transfer adds to the coin’s unique story. Many collectors describe this history as a “provenance chain.”

Why Provenance Matters

Provenance adds both historical and financial value. It also strengthens confidence in authenticity.

Some coins trace directly back to the U.S. Mint. For example, collectors like George Clapp and Walter Childs purchased proof coins at the Philadelphia Mint in the early 20th century. Other famous collectors whose names are important Provenance inflection posts are Louis Esienberg, John Jay Pitman, Harry Bass, James Stack Sr., D. Brent Pogue, Robert Simpson , and the list could go on and on.

Other coins trace to early American auctions from the mid-19th century. These records create a continuous ownership timeline.

Provenance also helps prevent fraud. In addition, it aids recovery efforts for stolen coins.

The Professional Coin Grading Service uses verified provenance in specific cases. For example, unopened mint boxes can confirm eligibility for “First Strike” and other special designations.

Final Thoughts: Why These Concepts Matter

Grade distribution, condition census, and provenance each provide a different perspective. Together, they transform how collectors evaluate coins.

• Grade distribution explains availability.
• Condition census defines excellence.
• Provenance reveals history.

Collectors who understand these concepts gain a clear advantage. They make smarter purchases. They also develop a deeper appreciation for the coins they own.

* * *

The post From the PCGS Coin Grading Room: Distribution, Condition Census and Provenance appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

This release arrives at a pivotal moment. The United States will mark 250 years since its founding in 2026. At the same time, the U.S. Mint will issue a one-year-only series of circulating coin designs authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. For collectors, that combination creates a rare opportunity. In fact, it offers a once-in-a-generation chance to build a meaningful set directly from circulation.

A Historic Coin Program for 2026

The U.S. Mint’s Semiquincentennial program spans multiple denominations. It includes the dime, quarters, and half dollar. Each design reflects America’s founding ideals, key historical moments, and long-term aspirations.

Among the most talked-about coins is the new “Emerging Liberty” dime. The obverse presents a bold Liberty with windswept hair and a liberty cap marked by stars and stripes. This design draws a clear line to early American coinage. Meanwhile, the reverse shows an eagle in flight carrying arrows, paired with the inscription “LIBERTY OVER TYRANNY.”

Next, the commemorative quarter series dives into defining chapters of U.S. history. These five themes anchor the program:

• The Mayflower Compact
• The Revolutionary War
• The Declaration of Independence
• The U.S. Constitution
• The Gettysburg Address

Each release highlights a moment that shaped the nation’s identity.

Finally, the Enduring Liberty half dollar reinforces the ideals that have guided the United States for two and a half centuries.

Whitman’s Collection Meets the Moment

Whitman responded with a comprehensive product lineup. The company introduced 10 new products, including both albums and folders across four established lines. Each format targets a different type of collector.

Michael Pfeiffer, Whitman’s COO, emphasized that broad appeal:

• “Our goal was clear from the start. We wanted something for every collector—whether you are just starting, building a family tradition, or assembling a full set with both mintmarks.”
• Prestige Albums Lead the Lineup
• The Whitman Prestige albums anchor the collection. These albums deliver a premium experience through upgraded construction and expanded size.

Collectors can choose from four colors, brown, blue, burgundy, and black. In addition, each album features refined embossing and a matching slipcase. The result feels both protective and display-ready. For high-profile commemorative sets, this line stands out as the flagship option.

Classic Whitman Blue Still Defines the Hobby

Not every collector wants a premium format. Many still prefer the familiar look and structure of the Whitman Classic® albums.

This line includes more than 75 series and volumes. It continues the iconic “Whitman blue” design that has defined generations of collectors. The albums remain durable, well-organized, and rich in historical detail. For many, they still represent the backbone of U.S. coin collecting.

Accessible Options for Every Collector

Whitman also expanded its entry-level offerings. The collection includes H.E. Harris® and Official Whitman® folders, both rooted in the original coin boards first introduced in the 1930s.

These formats make collecting easy and approachable. They also connect directly to Whitman’s long publishing legacy. That legacy includes foundational references such as the Blue Book (1942) and the Red Book (1946), both cornerstones of the hobby.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Whitman did not overlook young collectors. The company introduced a new children’s folder titled “Happy Birthday America!”

This product combines engaging artwork with educational storytelling. It draws inspiration from Whitman’s recent release Kids Love Coins! and encourages hands-on learning. As a result, young collectors can explore new coin designs while discovering the events and ideals behind them.

Matt Jeffirs, Whitman’s Creative Director, highlighted that goal:

“We designed this collection to capture the significance of the 250th anniversary and the excitement of collecting in real time.”

Prestige Line Expansion Continues

This release also builds on the rapid growth of the Prestige line. Since its debut in May 2025, the series has expanded to cover more than 20 coin programs across U.S., Canadian, and Mexican coinage.

Whitman continues to develop new products. Upcoming releases will include albums for modern and classic series, along with dedicated Proof-only formats.

Where Collectors Can Find the Collection

Whitman’s U.S. 250th Anniversary Collection will reach a wide audience. The products will be available through major retail and hobby channels, including:

• Whitman.com
• Hobby Lobby
• Amazon
• eBay
• Barnes & Noble
• Walmart.com
• Transline Supply
• Wizard Coin Supply

As 2026 approaches, collectors have a clear invitation. These coins will circulate nationwide. At the same time, Whitman’s products offer a structured way to preserve them.

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

The Semiquincentennial marks more than a milestone. It creates a rare intersection of history and accessibility. Collectors can pull these coins from pocket change. Then, they can build a set that reflects 250 years of American history.

Whitman’s new collection positions itself at the center of that moment. It provides the tools. Now, collectors supply the story, one coin at a time.

The post Whitman Unveils U.S. 250th Anniversary Coin Albums as Historic 2026 Designs Enter Circulation appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Moreover, this latest update highlights several exceptional rarities. These coins stand out for their quality, provenance, and historical importance.

Ancient Gold Rarity: Populonia 25 Asses

ITEM 1085481  Atlas presents a remarkable Roman Republican AV 25 Asses from Populonia, struck circa 300–250 BC.

• Certification: NGC Choice Mint State (Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5)
• Weight: 1.35 grams | Diameter: 12mm
• Obverse: Lion’s head right with protruding tongue
• Reverse: Blank
• References: Vecchi, Etruscan Coinage Serie 21, O1; HN 128

Notably, the lion’s stylized mane and fierce expression invite comparison to the famous Chimaera of Arezzo in Florence. Traditionally, scholars dated this issue to around 400 BC. However, its weight standard aligns with Rome’s Mars/eagle gold series struck after 211 BC. Therefore, experts now plausibly connect its production to Rome’s war with Hannibal.

Price: $39,500

A Gold Masterpiece of Maria Theresa

ITEM 1085644  Next, Atlas offers an Austrian Netherlands 1750 AV 2 Souverain d’Or of Maria Theresa.

• Certification: PCGS MS63
• Engraver: Jacques Roëttiers
• Mint: Bruges
• Weight: 11.12 grams | Diameter: 27mm
• Design: Crowned bust right / Crowned arms with date below
• References: KM 11; Delmonte 569; VH 807

This coin delivers strong eye appeal and technical quality. Collectors will appreciate both its artistry and its preservation.

Price: $14,950

Colonial Scarcity: Ceylon 24 Stivers

ITEM 1085159  Collectors of colonial coinage will find an appealing 1808 Ceylon AR 24 Stivers.

• Certification: NGC MS63
• Mint: Adriaan Pieter Blume’s private mint
• Weight: 18 grams | Diameter: 16mm
• Design: Denomination / Elephant left
• References: KM 76; Pridmore 17

Importantly, this hammered issue traces back to the R.L. Lissner Collection. It later appeared in St. James’s & Classical Numismatic Group Auction 29 (August 1–2, 2014), Lot 87.

Price: $3,450

ITEM 1086309  Among the highlights, Atlas lists a 1706 Queen Anne Five Guineas—one of the most iconic British gold coins.

• Certification: PCGS MS61
• Weight: 41.80 grams | Diameter: 38.3mm
• Obverse Legend: ANNA DEI GRATIA
• Reverse: Crowned cruciform shields with scepters
• References: KM 520.2; SCBC-3566; Schneider 529; MCE 200; Fr.-31

The coin features a sharp strike and an impressive portrait. In addition, its semi-prooflike surfaces enhance its visual appeal.

Provenance includes the Eli Wallit Collection, sold by Morton & Eden on December 11, 2003 (Lot 385).

Price: $185,000

Victorian Elegance: 1848 Pattern Gothic Florin

ITEM 1086047  Atlas also features a Victoria 1848 Pattern Gothic Florin (Two Shillings).

• Certification: PCGS PR65
• Edge: Plain
• Design: Crowned bust left / Crowned shields in cruciform with floral motifs
• References: cf. KM 745; ESC-2917

This proof striking represents one of the most admired Gothic-style designs of the 19th century.

Price: $37,500

Italian States Gold: Genoa 96 Lire

ITEM: 1086057   Rounding out the highlights is a Genoa AV 96 Lire dated 1796 (1814 restrike).

• Certification: PCGS MS65★
• Weight: 25.21 grams | Diameter: 33.75mm
• Design: Crowned arms above lion head / Madonna and Child above value
• References: KM 251; Fr.-444

The star following the date identifies this piece as the scarcer 1814 Restoration restrike, struck after the fall of Napoleon.

Price: $29,500

Monthly Updates Continue

Atlas Numismatics updates its online inventory every month. Consequently, collectors should check back regularly for new additions.

For more information or to join the firm’s monthly newsletter, Visit atlasnumismatics.com.

The post Atlas Numismatics Unveils 423 New Rarities in Latest Fixed-Price List appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

A monumental artifact from the California Gold Rush has re-emerged. Moreover, it now comes with a modern twist.

For the first time, investors can purchase fractional ownership in the famed “Eureka Bar,” a massive 64-pound gold ingot recovered from the wreck of the SS Central America, the legendary “Ship of Gold.”

Kagin’s Digital, a subsidiary of Kagin’s Inc. based in Belvedere Tiburon, California, announced the offering on March 17, 2026. The firm has structured the historic bar into a digital investment vehicle designed for accredited investors.

A 933-Ounce Giant from the California Gold Rush

Forged in San Francisco in 1857, the Eureka Bar weighs an extraordinary 933.34 troy ounces. Augustus Humbert, a prominent assayer, and private coiner John Glover Kellogg produced the ingot during the height of the California Gold Rush.

Dr. Donald Kagin, President of Kagin’s Digital and author of Private and Pioneer Gold Coins of the United States 1786–1862, emphasized its importance:

The Eureka Bar ranks as the largest surviving gold artifact of the California Gold Rush. It also stands among the most historically significant gold bars ever produced.

Indeed, experts often describe the bar as a “monetary document made of gold.” It functioned not only as bullion but also as a financial instrument during a transformative period in American economic history.

The “Ship of Gold” and the Greatest Treasure Ever Found

The Eureka Bar lay lost for more than 130 years beneath the Atlantic Ocean.

The SS Central America sank in 1857 during a hurricane, carrying tons of California gold. As a result, the disaster contributed to the financial panic of that same year.

Recovery efforts began more than a century later. Between 1988 and 1990, the Columbus-America Discovery Group, led by treasure hunter Tommy Thompson, successfully salvaged a significant portion of the treasure. Later, Odyssey Marine Exploration conducted additional recovery in 2014.

Life magazine famously called the find the “Greatest Treasure Ever Found.” The recovered trove has an estimated value exceeding $100 million.

Furthermore, much of the treasure entered the market through the California Gold Marketing Group and Adam Crum of FinestKnown.com.

Record-Breaking Provenance and Value

The Eureka Bar has long commanded elite status among collectors.

In 2002, a private buyer acquired the ingot for $8,000,000 as part of a larger transaction involving additional gold bars and coins from the wreck. At the time, the sale set a record for a numismatic rarity.

Today, the bar carries an insurance valuation of $10,000,000.

Adam Crum, Managing Partner of National Treasures and a leading authority on the SS Central America treasure, underscored its significance:

The Eureka Bar stands alone. It is the largest California Gold Rush artifact and, in my view, the most important surviving gold bar in the world.

Fractional Ownership Opens a New Door

Now, Kagin’s Digital has introduced a new way to own a piece of this historic treasure.

The firm structured the Eureka Bar as a $6,500,000 digital fractional offering. It will issue 1,500 shares to members of its platform.

As a result, accredited investors can participate at an average share price of approximately $4,333.

Dr. Kagin explained the appeal clearly:

This structure allows individuals to participate in ownership of an incredibly important California Gold Rush artifact and iconic treasure.

Importantly, the offering complies with Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. Therefore, only accredited investors may participate.

Blockchain Technology Secures Ownership

Kagin’s Digital has paired this historic asset with modern infrastructure.

Each fractional share is recorded using blockchain-based technology. Consequently, ownership records remain transparent, secure, and tamper-resistant.

This approach ensures efficient management of shares while preserving the provenance expected of a museum-grade artifact.

Why the Timing Matters

The announcement arrives amid renewed public attention on the SS Central America treasure.

Recently, treasure hunter Tommy Thompson returned to the spotlight following his release from prison. His original expedition team played a central role in recovering what many consider the most important numismatic treasure in American history.

Therefore, interest in the Eureka Bar, and the broader treasure, has surged once again.

About Kagin’s Digital

Kagin’s Digital specializes in fractional ownership of rare numismatic assets using blockchain technology.

Its parent company, Kagin’s Inc., has operated for more than 90 years. Over the decades, the firm has handled numerous historic treasures, including the $10 million Saddle Ridge Hoard, widely regarded as the most valuable buried treasure ever discovered in North America.

Important Disclosure

This article describes a securities offering intended solely for informational purposes. The offering does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities. Any investment opportunity will be available only to accredited investors through official offering documents under Rule 506(c) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933.

The post $10 Million “Eureka” Gold Rush Bar Hits Market with Fractional Ownership Opportunity 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.

According to the Mint, officials expect tours to resume by the end of April.

Renovations at the Philadelphia Mint

The project focuses on the front entrance of the Mint’s facility in Philadelphia. Renovations will create a redesigned visitor entry experience. In addition, the new layout will include updated exhibits and a larger assembly space for guests.

The Mint says the improvements will prepare the site for increased visitation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

The Philadelphia Mint ranks among the most popular stops for coin collectors and tourists visiting Independence Mall. As a result, the updated entrance will help accommodate larger groups and modernize the visitor experience.

Temporary Closure of Tours and Gift Shop

Public tours and access to the facility’s gift shop remain suspended during construction. However, collectors can still purchase coins and Mint merchandise online.

The Mint directs customers to its official website for all purchases while renovations continue.

Visitors who plan to tour the Philadelphia Mint later this spring should check the Mint’s website for updates about reopening dates and visitor information.

A Key Destination for Coin Collectors

The Philadelphia facility holds an important place in American numismatic history. Since the late 18th century, the Mint in Philadelphia has played a central role in producing circulating coinage for the nation.

Today, the building near Independence Hall offers public tours that allow visitors to view coin production and learn about the Mint’s history.

Once renovations conclude, the improved entrance and expanded gathering space should enhance the experience for collectors, students, and tourists alike.

For additional details about tours and Mint locations, visit the official website of the United States Mint.

The post Philadelphia Mint Suspends Public Tours During Entrance Renovation appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries has announced its 2026 Professional Numismatist Program (PNP), a fully funded, immersive educational experience set for July 25–31, 2026, in Costa Mesa, California.

For serious young numismatists, this program offers direct access to some of the most respected experts in the field. Even more compelling, the firm covers every major expense.

A 90-Year Legacy of Numismatic Leadership

For more than 90 years, Stack’s Bowers Galleries has built a global reputation for expertise across all areas of numismatics. Today, its specialists lead the hobby and the marketplace in rare coins, world issues, paper money, bullion, and auctions.

The Professional Numismatist Program reflects that legacy. Its mission is clear:

Provide practical tools and build professional connections for the next generation of young adult numismatists.

In short, this program does more than teach theory. It builds careers.

2026 Leadership: Industry Veterans at the Helm

The 2026 session will be led by Jason Carter. He will be joined by a distinguished faculty that includes: Greg Roberts,  John Kraljevich,  John Pack,  Kyle Ponterio, and Peter Treglia.

Together, these industry leaders bring decades of real-world experience in grading, trading, research, and auction execution.

As a result, students receive instruction grounded in current market realities, not classroom abstractions.

What Participants Will Learn

Students will engage in comprehensive, hands-on instruction across the full spectrum of professional numismatics.

• Advanced Coin Grading
• Wholesale Trading and Valuation
• Bullion Trading
• Introduction to World Numismatics
• United States and World Paper Money
• The Complete Auction Process

Importantly, this instruction takes place at Griffin Studios, located within the company’s global headquarters in Costa Mesa. The setting places students at the operational center of a major auction firm.

Fully Funded  – No Financial Barriers

Stack’s Bowers Galleries fully funds the Professional Numismatist Program.

The company covers:

• Travel
• Lodging
• Meals
• Beverages
• Entertainment

Therefore, accepted applicants can focus entirely on learning and networking.

Additionally, exceptional participants may receive offers for paid positions or internships immediately after completing the program.

Graduates Speak: Real Growth, Real Skills

Past participants describe measurable improvement and professional development.

One graduate shared:

“The PNP program is an incredible experience that offers meaningful insight into the professional numismatic field through leading experts and hands-on experience, from grading coins to understanding the auction process itself. Everyone involved was incredibly kind, eager to help, and shared a genuine passion for numismatics. The program’s customizable courses allow students to explore interests across the full spectrum of numismatics. I can confidently say I have grown considerably as a numismatist and developed a deeper passion for coin photography as a result. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity and cannot recommend it highly enough to prospective applicants.”  P.N.P. graduate K.W.

Another graduate emphasized skill development:

“PNP offered a wide variety of numismatic courses. I especially enjoyed the world grading course, which also provided valuable insight into the different minting processes of coins around the globe. My grading skills for both U.S. and world coins improved significantly.”  P.N.P. graduate E.P.

These testimonials underscore the program’s impact on both technical skills and long-term career focus.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Applications for the 2026 Professional Numismatist Program must be submitted by May 1, 2026.

For aspiring professionals who have considered turning their hobby into a career, this program offers direct exposure to the inner workings of the rare coin industry.

Moreover, it delivers that experience at no financial cost to accepted students.

Click Here
Download Fillable PDF Application

The post Stack’s Bowers Galleries Launches 2026 Professional Numismatist Program appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

 Includes 18,000+ Listings and 100,000 Market Values

Whitman Brands has brought back one of the hobby’s most important reference works. And this time, it arrives bigger, deeper, and stronger than ever.

On February 3, 2026, Whitman released the tenth edition of Mega Red: A Guide Book of United States Coins, Deluxe Edition, widely known to collectors as Mega Red X.

The publisher will debut a limited, numbered hardcover edition for author signatures at the Whitman Expos Spring Baltimore Expo on March 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Collectors should take notice.

A Landmark 10th Edition for Serious Collectors

Mega Red X expands the legacy of The Official Red Book® into a supersized, research-driven catalog built for advanced collectors.

This edition delivers:

More than 18,000 listings of coins, tokens, medals, sets, and related collectibles

• Over 100,000 market values in up to 13 collectible grades
• More than 1,100 auction records
• Thousands of full-color images
• More than 1,000 pages of numismatic research and pricing

Greysheet® powers the market values. The book also integrates CPG® Retail pricing and Greysheet Identification (GSID) catalog numbers for seamless cross-reference.

In short, Mega Red X sets a new benchmark for printed U.S. coin references.

Expanded Research: 130+ Years of $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins

This tenth edition introduces a landmark special feature: a comprehensive study of $5 Half Eagle gold coins struck from 1795 to 1929.

The expanded section analyzes more than 130 years of production. It delivers deeper pricing, updated research, and improved attribution references.

Advanced gold specialists will find substantial new material here.

Built on a Legendary Editorial Legacy

Mega Red X stands on the foundation laid by R.S. Yeoman, Q. David Bowers, and Kenneth Bressett.

Now, current editors John Feigenbaum and Jeff Garrett lead the charge. They collaborated with more than 90 leading numismatic experts to produce this tenth edition.

John Feigenbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Whitman Brands, emphasized the scope of the project:

“Whether you’re building a collection, researching a rarity, or pricing for today’s market, Mega Red X is one of the most important catalogs ever published on United States coins. This tenth edition reflects the collaboration of dozens of contributors and the most current data available anywhere in print.”

Jeff Garrett added:

“This tenth edition represents a true team effort and a major step forward for advanced collectors. We expanded the depth of pricing, strengthened our research, and added important specialty coverage, especially in areas like Half Eagles, varieties, and modern issues. Mega Red X helps collectors make smarter decisions in today’s marketplace.”

What’s New in Mega Red X?

This edition goes far beyond incremental updates.

It includes:

• Expanded coverage of patterns, significant varieties, misstrikes, and error coins
• Cross-references to major variety attribution systems including Cohen, Sheldon, Newcomb, Logan & McCloskey, Overton, VAM, and Fivaz-Stanton
• Updated U.S. Mint data and the latest numismatic discoveries
• Enhanced integration with Greysheet Identification (GSID) numbers
• Coverage of upcoming U.S. Semiquincentennial coinage
• Special essays on David W. Rittenhouse and U.S. Semiquincentennial issues
• Featured chapters including:
• “History of Coins in America, 1607 to Date”
• “2026 Market Report” by Jeff Garrett
• “Chinese Counterfeits” by Beth Deisher

As a result, Mega Red X now spans the full spectrum of American coinage—from colonial issues to the latest United States Mint releases.

Limited Numbered Hardcover Debuts in Baltimore

A limited quantity of 500 numbered leatherette hardcover editions will be available for signature at the Whitman Expos Spring Baltimore Expo on March 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Collectors seeking a signed copy should plan accordingly. These editions will likely move quickly.

Publication Details

• Title: Mega Red: A Guide Book of United States Coins, Deluxe Edition (10th Edition)
• Release Date: February 3, 2026
• Editors: John Feigenbaum, Jeff Garrett
• Formats: Softcover / Limited Edition Numbered Hardcover
• ISBNs: 9780794850647 (Softcover) / 9780794855734 (Hardcover)
• Retail Price: $69.95 (Softcover) / $99.95 (Hardcover)

Published by Whitman®, Mega Red X is available at Whitman.com, Whitman’s eBay Store, Amazon, Walmart.com, bookstores, hobby shops, and retailers nationwide.

Why Mega Red X Matters Now

The rare coin market demands precision. Prices shift. Varieties surface. Attribution systems evolve.

Mega Red X meets that demand head-on. It combines historical scholarship, deep market data, and advanced specialty research in one volume.

For collectors who rely on authoritative print references, the tenth edition raises the bar.

The post Mega Red X Returns: Whitman Unleashes 10th Edition appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Atlas Numismatics fixed price list has been updated with 388 new coins, medals, and tokens available at fixed prices. The selection spans ancient, world, and British numismatics and includes several exceptional rarities with important provenances.

Collectors will find high-grade certified pieces, rare patterns, gold multiples, and museum-quality hammered issues among this month’s additions.

Below are highlights from the new inventory.

Exceptional Nero Portrait Tetradrachm

Item 1084996
ROMAN IMPERIAL. SYRIA. Antioch. Nero. (Emperor, 54-68 AD).
Struck 63 AD. AR Tetradrachm. NGC AU★ Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. 25mm. 15.32gm.

Dated Regnal Year 10 and Year 112 of the Caesarean Era (AD 63/4), this impressive Antioch tetradrachm features a striking portrait of Nero wearing an aegis. The reverse depicts an eagle standing on a thunderbolt with palm branch at right.

NGC awarded the coveted star designation for exceptional eye appeal.

Provenance: Numismatic Fine Arts XVIII (March 1987), Lot 444.

Price: $4,950

Vespasian Aureus with Distinguished Provenance

Item 1084610
ROMAN IMPERIAL. Vespasian. (Emperor, 69-79 AD).
AV Aureus. NGC Choice XF Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. Lugdunum mint. 7.33gm.

This aureus of Vespasian shows Neptune standing with dolphin and scepter. The coin is notable not only for its quality but also for its extensive and distinguished provenance.

Provenance highlights include:

• Santamaria Auction (1938)
• Marchese Roberto Venturi – Ginori Collection
• Pietro Gariazzo
• Reportedly the Trivulzio family Collection (acquired 1745-1769)

The coin is housed in an NGC holder noting the “Twelve Caesars.”

Price: $27,950

Mint State Salzburg 8 Ducats

Item 1085902
AUSTRIAN STATES. Salzburg. Paris von Lodron (1619-1653). 1628 AV 8 Ducats. NGC MS61. 27.77gm.

This impressive multiple gold issue commemorates the dedication of Salzburg Cathedral. The reverse depicts a reliquary carried by eight bishops.

Provenance: Salton Collection; Künker Auction 362 (22 March 2022), Lot 1441G. Includes original collector’s envelope.

Price: $67,500

Superbly Struck Mouton d’Or

Item 1085488
FRANCE. Jean II Le Bon (1350-1364). AV Mouton d’Or. NGC MS64. 4.72gm.

This Mint State example shows the Lamb of God with banner and a floriated cross in quadrilobe on the reverse. High-grade hammered French gold of this quality is increasingly difficult to locate.

Price: $27,500

Choice Paderborn Sede Vacante Medal

Item 1083802
GERMAN STATES. Paderborn. Sede Vacante. 1761 AR Medal. PCGS MS63.
By J. Thiebaud. 43.56mm. 29.10gm.

The obverse depicts Saint Liborius and Charlemagne holding a model of the cathedral, surrounded by the coats of arms of 12 canons. The reverse features additional heraldic shields.

Price: $2,250

Delightful Charles I Crown in Mint State

Item 1086319
GREAT BRITAIN. Charles I (1625-1649).
(1633-38) AR Crown (Portcullis). NGC MS63. Tower Mint. 29.92gm.

This superb Mint State crown features Charles I on horseback. The reverse displays plumes above an ornate quartered shield.

The coin boasts an impressive provenance:

• Spink Coin Auction No. 70 (1989)
• Dr. E. Burstal (Glendining & Co., 1968)
• John G. Brooker Collection (SCBI 33, No. 253)

Atlas notes that this example compares favorably to a Geoffrey Cope specimen that realized approximately $94,500 (with premium) in May 2024.

Price: $77,500

Extremely Rare Victoria Pattern Farthing

Item 1085867
GREAT BRITAIN. Victoria. 1859 Nickel-Bronze Pattern Farthing.
NGC PR66★ RD Cameo.

Only 2-5 examples are believed known (Freeman 731, R-19). This rare pattern displays a young head portrait and seated Britannia reverse.

Provenance: Michael J. Freeman Collection (Christie’s, 23 October 1984), Lot 214.

Price: $14,950

Haiti Pattern Crown of Henri Christophe

Item 1085716
HAITI. Henri Christophe (King of North Haiti, 1811-1820).
1811 AN 8 AR Pattern Crown. PCGS MS62.

This rare original striking can be distinguished from restrikes by reverse die cracks through “L’AN 8” and other portions of the legend.

Price: $26,500

Mint State Man’en Era Oban

Item 1085728
JAPAN. Man’en Era (1860-1862). AV Oban. PCGS MS62.
Edo (Tokyo). 112.51gm.

This large-format hammered gold oban features handwritten calligraphy and multiple official stamps. It includes JNDA Certification (No. 74169) and is housed in an oversized holder.

Price: $55,000

View More Atlas Numismatics updates on CoinWeek here.

For more information or to subscribe to the firm’s newsletter.

The post Atlas Numismatics Publishes New Fixed-Price List Featuring 388 Items 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.

* * *

Citations

* * *

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The post The Big Impact of Small Coin Collectors appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

This report draws only on confirmed auction data. Where comparisons are made, they reference specific, documented transactions. No assumptions are made beyond what the results demonstrate.

David Lawrence Rare Coins: January 4 Sales

David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) recorded several notable CAC-approved results on January 4, 2026.

A CAC-approved 1899 Liberty Head nickel, graded MS67, sold for $6,250. By comparison, GreatCollections sold a PCGS-certified MS67 example without a CAC sticker on April 13, 2025, for $3,249.40. Published market values for the issue did not rise between April 2025 and January 2026, making the premium attributable to certification rather than market movement.

That same day, DLRC sold a CAC-approved 1807 Draped Bust dime, graded VF25, for $3,500. Stack’s Bowers sold a PCGS VF30 example without CAC approval on September 24 for $2,280, while GreatCollections sold a PCGS XF40 example on September 14 for $2,970. Despite the higher numeric grades of the non-CAC coins, the CAC-approved VF25 realized the strongest price.

DLRC also sold a CAC-approved 1912-D Barber half dollar, graded AU55, for $805. Comparable non-CAC-certified examples sold for significantly less: Stack’s Bowers realized $432 for a PCGS AU55 on September 3; GreatCollections sold an NGC MS61 for $671 on January 18; and Heritage sold a PCGS AU58 for $732 on January 26. In this case, the CAC-approved AU55 exceeded prices for non-CAC coins graded both lower and higher.

GreatCollections: CACG Coins Lead the Field

GreatCollections reported several January results that further illustrate CACG performance.

On January 4, a CACG-certified 1957-D Franklin half dollar, graded MS67+ with Full Bell Lines, realized $8,118. On November 2, GreatCollections sold an NGC MS67+ Full Bell Lines example without a CAC sticker for $1,933.80. Both coins carried the same strike designation, yet the CACG-certified coin brought more than four times the price.

Also on January 4, GreatCollections sold a CACG-certified 1920 Standing Liberty quarter, graded AU58, for $380.60. Two days later, Heritage sold a PCGS AU58 example without CAC approval for $144.

GreatCollections additionally sold a CACG-certified 1937 Texas Centennial commemorative half dollar, graded MS67+, for $2,227.50. No public sales of CAC-approved examples occurred in November or December. However, recent non-CAC comparisons include a PCGS MS67+ sold by GreatCollections on October 19 for $815.10, a Heritage sale on August 18 for $1,260, and a Stack’s Bowers sale on April 16 for $900. The January CACG result exceeded all recent non-CAC realizations.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries: Verified CAC Premiums

Stack’s Bowers reported multiple CAC-approved results in January.

On January 8, the firm sold a CACG-approved 1937 Antietam Anniversary half dollar, graded MS66, for $780. On January 30, Heritage sold a PCGS MS66 example for $574. PCGS Auction Prices for January 2026 record another MS66 example at $660.

On January 14, Stack’s Bowers sold a CAC-approved 1945-D Walking Liberty half dollar, graded MS67, for $1,020. Comparable non-CAC-certified examples sold the same month for less: Heritage realized $793 for a PCGS MS67 on January 19; GreatCollections sold PCGS MS67 examples on January 11 and January 4 for $506 and $493.90, respectively.

That same day, Stack’s Bowers sold a CAC-approved 1889 gold dollar, graded MS67, for $3,120. Heritage sold an NGC MS67 example without CAC approval on January 17 for $2,257, while Stack’s Bowers sold a PCGS MS67 without CAC approval on December 23 for $2,520.

Heritage Auctions: Side-by-Side Comparisons

Heritage Auctions provided some of the clearest same-auction contrasts in January 2026.

On January 16, Heritage auctioned four 1932 $10 Indian Head gold eagles in successive lots. A CACG-certified MS65 realized $6,710. Two NGC MS65 examples without CAC approval realized $3,172 and $3,360, while a PCGS MS65+ realized $4,270. The CACG-certified coin brought more than either individual non-CAC example and exceeded the combined total of the two NGC coins.

On January 17, Heritage auctioned multiple 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents. A CACG-certified AU58 Brown realized $2,806. The next lot, a PCGS AU58 without CAC approval, realized $2,074. Two PCGS MS62 examples followed, realizing $2,074 and $2,135, respectively.

Consistent Patterns, Documented Results

CoinWeek has reported for years that CAC-approved and CACG-encapsulated coins often realize higher prices than comparable non-CAC-certified examples. January 2026 provided additional, clearly documented evidence of that trend across denominations, metals, and series.

These results do not suggest that every CAC-approved coin will outperform every non-CAC coin. However, the January data confirm that, in multiple verified instances, the market paid substantial premiums for CAC verification when direct comparisons were available.

The post CAC Graded Coins Continue to Command Premiums in January 2026 Public Auctions 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.

Whitman Brands

Whitman Brands is a full-service provider of data, media, and product distribution for the numismatics and collectibles marketplace. The company confirmed that Jewett will assume a senior editorial role previously held by Diana Plattner.

Strengthening Editorial Leadership at a Critical Moment

According to Patrick Perez, Chief Publishing Officer at Whitman Brands, Jewett’s arrival reinforces the company’s long-term publishing strategy.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Larry to Whitman,” Perez said. “He’s stepping into an important role, and his experience, judgment, and passion for the hobby will help us continue building something truly special.”

Jewett brings decades of editorial leadership and market knowledge to the position. His appointment comes as Whitman continues to expand both the scale and scope of its publishing output.

A Rapidly Expanding Publishing Portfolio

Whitman Brands released more than 50 new titles and products during the previous year. These included the reimagined 2026 A Guide Book of United States Coins (the Red Book), a redesigned 2026 Stamp Catalog, and a newly introduced Professional Series focused on advanced numismatic topics.

The company also launched Whitman Prestige, an upgraded album line aimed at collectors seeking premium presentation and durability. Whitman has stated that an even more ambitious publishing slate is planned for 2026.

Jewett’s Editorial Responsibilities at Whitman Brands

In his new role, Jewett will play a central part in maintaining and elevating editorial quality across Whitman’s publications. His responsibilities include serving as lead editor for the Red Book and Mega Red.

He will also oversee the editing and development of album and folder content. In addition, Jewett will plan and produce ad-hoc articles for Greysheet, Red Book Quarterly, and Greensheet.

Another key responsibility includes writing and delivering breaking news coverage and major market developments for Greysheet News.

Industry Relationships and Institutional Experience

Jewett brings established professional relationships throughout the numismatic community. These include long-standing ties with industry leaders, the United States Mint, and other institutional partners. Whitman Brands views these relationships as an asset in supporting accurate, timely, and authoritative editorial coverage.

Jewett said he looks forward to contributing to Whitman’s next phase of growth.

“I couldn’t be happier to join Whitman Brands at such an exciting time for numismatics,” Jewett said. “Whitman has an unmatched legacy of educating and serving collectors. I’m excited to work with this talented team, build on the strong foundation already in place, and contribute to the next chapter of these iconic publications.”

About Larry Jewett

Larry Jewett is a numismatic editor and journalist with decades of experience covering the rare coin and collectibles markets. He is a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in popular culture.

Jewett began his professional career in radio, working in both Ohio and Arkansas, before transitioning into magazine journalism. His early editorial work focused on the automotive sector, including racing and restoration publications.

At the same time, Jewett served as a host announcer for Monster Jam, which led to a digital marketing role with Feld Entertainment. In that position, he specialized in digital journalism.

Before joining Whitman Brands, Jewett spent many years at Coin World, where he held senior editorial roles. He became widely recognized for his knowledge of U.S. and world coinage, market trends, and the individuals who influence the numismatic hobby.

Jewett currently serves on the board of the Numismatic Literary Guild and is a multiple recipient of Best Podcast awards. His collecting interests include birth-year world coins and banknotes with distinctive serial numbers. He resides in Central Florida with his wife, Michele.

The post Whitman Brands Appoints Veteran Numismatic Editor Larry Jewett to Senior Editorial Role appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.