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 Hidden Story Behind Die Damage

Modern coin presses operate at remarkable speed. They strike coins with precision measured in fractions of a second. However, even the most advanced systems leave evidence when something goes wrong.

Feeder mechanisms drive that story.

They transport, align, and position planchets into the striking chamber. Then, they eject each finished coin. This process must remain perfectly timed. When timing shifts or parts wear down, the mechanism can strike the die itself.

That contact creates damage.

Collectors often see these marks. Yet few understand their origin. This article connects those marks to the machines that caused them.

Why Feeder Mechanisms Matter

Feeder mechanisms perform a critical role. They ensure that each planchet enters the press correctly.

However, high-speed production introduces stress.

Parts wear down. Alignment shifts. Timing slips. Mechanical failures occur. When these issues develop, feeder components may contact the dies and leave visible damage.

These marks follow patterns. They do not occur randomly.

This article presents three primary die damage patterns observed from approximately 1990 to 2018. It forms part of a broader study of coin presses and feeder systems.

Understanding the Study

This work summarizes findings from a larger exploratory study of feeder mechanisms and die damage patterns [1].

Complete documentation for every press and feeder type does not exist. In addition, the Mint often used multiple systems at the same time. Therefore, each example reflects the most likely mechanism, not absolute certainty.

Even so, consistent patterns allow reliable identification.

Pattern A (1990–2018): Arced Die Scrapes from Dial Feeders

Key Diagnostics:

• Scrapes show a slight arc
• Length measures at least 1/3 of the coin’s diameter
• Orientation falls near 30°, 45°, or 60° (±10°)
• Scrapes show ragged edges and varying widths
• Density appears moderate to high

Historical Context

During this period, the Mint converted 55 Bliss presses to dial feed systems [2] using Colony Dial Feed Assemblies  [3]. At the same time, at least 10 Gräbener presses with dial feeders operated at the Philadelphia Mint [4].

Schuler presses did not use dial feeders during these years. In fact, Schuler did not apply for a dial feeder patent until 2015 in Germany and 2018 in the United States [5].

How the Damage Forms

Dial feeders move in a circular path. As a result, any contact with the die produces a slight arc.

This arc remains subtle.

To visualize it, hold a coin against the edge of a dinner plate. Over a distance of one-third of the coin’s diameter, the curve appears faint but real. The same effect appears in die scrapes.

Collector Insight

The arc serves as the strongest diagnostic feature. When present, it strongly indicates a dial feeder mechanism.

Pattern B (1990–2018): Straight Die Scrapes from Pusher Feeders

Key Diagnostics

• Scrapes appear straight, not curved
• Length measures at least 1/3 of the coin’s diameter
• Orientation falls near 30°, 45°, or 60° (±10°)

Historical Context

Schuler presses arrived at the Mint before October 1987 . These presses most likely used a pusher feeding mechanism, since Schuler did not apply for a dial feeder patent until 2018 [5].

The pusher mechanism itself dates back earlier. It received a patent on June 10, 1969 [6].

How the Damage Forms

Pusher feeders move in a straight line. Therefore, any contact with the die creates linear scrapes.

No arc appears.

Collector Insight

When long scrapes lack curvature, the evidence strongly supports a pusher feeder mechanism.

Pattern C (1990–2018): Short Scrapes and Transitional Uncertainty

Key Diagnostics

• Scrapes measure less than or equal to 1/3 of the coin’s diameter
• Orientation remains near 30°, 45°, or 60° (±10°)
• A Period of Transition

During the 1990s, the Mint replaced Bliss presses with Schuler presses.

Schuler presses arrived in Denver before October 1, 1987 [7]

At least 34 Schuler high-speed presses were ordered from 1990 through 1998.

Evidence suggests Bliss presses were largely replaced by 2000 and likely fully replaced by 2007 [8]

These Schuler presses most likely used pusher feeding mechanisms.

The Diagnostic Challenge

Short scrapes create ambiguity.

At this length, curvature becomes difficult to detect. Therefore, both dial feeders and pusher feeders remain possible causes.

Probability and Evidence

Despite this uncertainty, available data provides guidance.

Certificates of authenticity for retired dies show that Schuler presses (pusher feeders) appear significantly more often than Bliss and Gräbener presses (dial feeders). The ratio approaches three to one in updated records from 1998 to 2008 [9].

This trend suggests that, especially after 2001, pusher feeder mechanisms more likely caused die damage.

Collector Insight

Short scrapes require careful evaluation. However, historical evidence supports a higher probability of pusher feeder involvement.

Why This Matters to Collectors

Die damage preserves mechanical history.

Each scrape reflects a specific interaction between machine and die. More importantly, each pattern links to a particular feeder mechanism.

By understanding these patterns, collectors can:

• Identify the probable press type
• Distinguish between dial and pusher feeders
• Strengthen attributions with technical evidence

This knowledge transforms surface marks into meaningful data.

The Bigger Picture

Feeder mechanism damage follows engineering rules. It reflects machine design, wear, and operational change.

As Mint technology evolved, these patterns changed as well.

Today, collectors can read those changes directly from the coins.

In many cases, a single scrape reveals the machine behind the strike.

More Articles on Feader Mechanisims from Pete Apple

• Feeder Mechanisms and Die Damage Patterns (1896–1945)
• Feeder Mechanisms and Die Damage Patterns (1945–1990)
• Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns (1990–2018)
• Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns (2018 – Present)

Citations

The post Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns (1990–2018): A Diagnostic Guide for Collectors appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

In a discovery that has sent shockwaves through the numismatic community, a previously unknown and highly controversial coin has been unearthed within the inner sanctum of American power. During a routine restoration of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office last week, a secret compartment was discovered, revealing what experts are calling the most significant modern numismatic find in decades: a 2024-dated Nickel featuring the profile of Donald J. Trump.

An Unlikely Hiding Place

The discovery occurred when White House technicians were performing a “slight repair” on the desk’s middle-right drawer. While realigning a stuck runner, a technician triggered a hidden spring, releasing a false bottom. Inside the velvet-lined cavity sat a single, brilliant specimen.

This coin, which bears a striking likeness of the 45th President on the obverse and a meticulously detailed rendering of Mar-a-Lago on the reverse, is not your standard circulation strike. Initial testing confirms it is an experimental die trial struck in 24-karat gold over a tungsten core, a composition never before documented in U.S. Mint history.

The Authentication Process

As an artifact, it was immediately turned over to the Office of White House Management. Lirpa Sloof, the Special White House Curator, was brought in to lead a routine inventory and authentication.

“It is unlike anything in the National Archive,” Sloof noted during a press briefing. “The weight is significantly heavier than a standard nickel due to the tungsten center, yet the exterior displays the unmistakable luster of high-purity gold. It appears to be a ‘pattern’ for a commemorative series that was never officially authorized.”

To verify the find, a team of metallurgical experts from the U.S. Mint was summoned to the White House. Using X-ray fluorescence, they confirmed the gold-clad tungsten composition. While the Mint has no public record of such a strike, the die work bears the unmistakable hallmarks of Philadelphia Mint craftsmanship, leading experts to believe this was a “midnight strike” or a highly classified experimental trial conducted during the transition of power in early 2017.

A Future for the “Trump Gold Nickel”

The historical and political implications of the find are immense. How did an experimental gold trial of a sitting president end up in a secret compartment of the Resolute Desk? While theories abound regarding the coin’s origin, its authenticity as a Mint-struck product is no longer in question.

Collectors are already estimating the value of the “Trump Gold Nickel” in the millions, though the coin remains government property. In a move to ensure public access, the White House announced that the coin will be transferred to the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

Numismatists won’t have to wait long to see this “impossible” coin in person. The Smithsonian has confirmed that the 2024 Trump Gold-Tungsten Nickel will go on public display this June, anchored in a special exhibit highlighting “Secret Treasures of the Executive Branch.”

Until then, the hobby is left to wonder: are there more of these hidden in the drawers of Washington? For now, we can only marvel at this golden enigma. Happy hunting, and of course, a very happy April Fools’ Day from all of us at CoinWeek.

The post The Golden Enigma: Secret Trump “Gold-Core” Die Trial Discovered in Oval Office Desk appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Something vanished from the United States Mint sometime between 2008 and 2022. No announcement followed. Even more striking, no one seems to have noticed.

CHARGES FILED

The charge is simple but serious. The Master Hub may have quietly disappeared from the die-making process without notice. As a result, numismatists may have attributed Master Die Doubled varieties to a process that may no longer exist.

SETTING THE SCENE

By 2008, the Mint used the freeform 3D modeling system by Sensable Technologies, Inc. to design some of its most recent coins. At the same time, the computer numerical control (CNC) digital engraver cut hub manufacturing time to under 24 hours. [1] Clearly, the die-making process was changing fast, and not everyone was keeping up.

An article from 2016 includes a photo of a CNC milling machine. America the Beautiful 5-ounce silver coins were struck by dies engraved by this machine. No hubs, whether Master or Working, were used in the die-making process for these coins because 3-inch-wide dies were too large to hub. [2]

THE FIRST CLUE

The first clue comes from the Mint’s own 2024 Biennial Report. In its discussion of hubbing technology, the report does not mention Master Hubs. Instead, it focuses on PVD coatings of Working Hubs. [3] Perhaps the report had no reason to mention Master Hubs at that point. In fact, Mint Reports rarely mention them. The last reference before 2008 appears in 1974. Still, the silence of an official document can sometimes say as much as direct testimony.

A detailed series of articles on equipment and procedures at the Philadelphia Mint [4.3] gives exhaustive detail on die making and coin production. The articles describe the specific CNC machine in use: a Mikron HSM 300 MoldMaster. This machine used a BLUM laser system for tool measurement and a water-cooled high-frequency spindle as the cutting instrument. It cut hubs and dies. It also created resin templates for Mint artists who sculpt in clay.

Yet despite that level of detail, one omission stands out. The articles mention a Master Hub, but they provide virtually no detail about its creation or use. In contrast, they describe nearly every other step in die making and coin production in depth.

“These Are Not Masters”

One article even includes a photo of a working hub and die with the notation “These are not masters.” That line feels telling, as if even the author recognized the gap. When a witness volunteers what something is not, the obvious question becomes why the disclaimer was necessary.

The court also notes that sources asserting the continued use of Master Hubs in recent years may rely on little more than “Mint Lore.” In other words, they may repeat the same story year after year out of habit and familiarity, with one source echoing another and no one verifying whether the practice remains current. [4]

In a court of law, uncorroborated hearsay is inadmissible. So the question before us is whether numismatic tradition deserves a higher standard.

MASTER HUB/DIE DOUBLING AS A WITNESS

In the past, numerous instances [5] of Master Hub Doubling (MHD) appeared on Wheat Cents. These cases pointed directly to movement of the stylus needle on a Janvier Reduction Lathe. Therefore, they confirmed the involvement of a Master Hub.

Since hub doubling on a Master Die (MDD) should also confirm the involvement of a Master Hub, what do expert witnesses say?

Expert witnesses use different approaches when they attribute whether an example is MHD/MDD or Working Hub Doubling (WHD).

Some focus mainly on the number of different doubling examples identified. In that view, more examples make MHD/MDD more likely.

Others focus mainly on appearance. WHD resembles Strike Doubling because it looks flat and “shelf-like.” MHD, by contrast, resembles Hub Doubling because it looks raised and rounded. Then, secondarily, they consider the number of examples identified.

Some of these attributors recognize the inexact nature of these methods. They especially recognize the limits created by the number of examples available to them.

Even so, the methodology behind this testimony does not conclusively confirm the existence of a Master Hub, especially for the years after CNC technology arrived. So what does the evidence tell us?

EVIDENCE FROM MASTER DIE DOUBLING EXAMPLES

Only a few primary years, 2019, 2022, and 2023, show attributed MDD since the beginning of CNC technology. Even there, questions remain. As discussed in the witness testimony above, the 2022 and 2023 examples may instead reflect Working Hub Doubling (WHD), CNC irregularities, die dents, or something similar. [6]

Since the 2019 Cent MDD attribution stands as the sole unchallenged example since 2008, another possibility arises. Other recent doubling examples attributed as MHD/MDD may actually represent something else. If so, the use of a Master Hub may have gradually faded out since the beginning of CNC use.

EVIDENCE FROM 2022 DOUBLING

Why did hub doubling varieties explode in 2022? [8]

With the arrival of CNC, the Mint pursued coin-design optimization in earnest. It aimed to prolong die life through failure mapping, characterization, design modification techniques, changes to die curvature, and lower design relief. CNC programming handled a large portion of these adjustments. [7]

Observers have noted that the explosion of hub doubling varieties in 2022 may relate to experiments with die curvature that affected how a die slips and creates doubled dies during the hubbing process. [8] However, that type of die slippage would not explain the simultaneous increase in Master Die Doubling because working dies play no role in creating a master die.

We do know that the Mint worked to incorporate effective testing results into circulating coinage production. In the 2018 Biennial Report to Congress, the Mint stated: [9] “Specifically, matching planchet upset and die curvatures will reduce coining pressures around the coin edge…[called] ‘matched system’ … Once completed, these refinements can be incorporated into the standard 5-cent design and testing undertaken to transition the approach to other denominations.”

So another explanation becomes possible. Incremental design optimization, applied through fine adjustments to CNC programming, may have influenced the appearance of transitional features and anomalies. In turn, observers may have mistaken those features for Master Die Hub Doubling, or doubling assumed to originate from a Master Hub.

Was the Master Hub gradually phased out? What does the documentary evidence say?

INTRODUCING EXHIBITS OF DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

A study commissioned by the Mint may provide the most important clue of all. The 2012 Alternative Metals Study reports the tooling progression for making a coin with this caption: “Arranged from left to right are the master hub, the master die, a working hub, a working die and a coin.” [10]

The same study then draws a clear distinction between the old process and the current one. The old process involved “the evolution of artistic design details from digital maps through machining the master hub.”

The current process, as of 2012, is described as follows: “Currently, all coin designs are modeled and digitized, or produced digitally. Master Dies (emphasis mine) are prepared on digitally controlled milling machines at the Philadelphia facility.” [10]

That study appears to draw a quiet but firm line between what was and what is. And in that distinction, the Master Hub seems to stand on the wrong side of the line.

AN ALTERNATE PERPETRATOR IS IMPLICATED

The prosecution has assumed that Master Hubs are still used in the die-making process. However, the evidence pushes us to consider an alternate perpetrator of master die doubling.

Could the explosion of hub doubling varieties in 2022, attributed as MDD from the hubbing process, instead come from an entirely different suspect? The evidence invites a new charge.

Perhaps we are not seeing Hub Doubling of a Master Die at all. Instead, perhaps we are seeing a type of “Master Die Doubling” that arises from the CNC milling process itself. Let the record show this as CNC DOUBLING (CNCD).

The CNC milling process had both means and opportunity. Tool deflection [11] is a well-documented operational issue. In addition, spindle misalignment, chatter vibration, work-holding instability, and tool wear can all cause the cutting tool to deviate from its intended path.

Any of those conditions, if they occurred at a specific moment and location during the cutting of a Master Die, could leave behind exactly the kind of localized outline variation that witnesses have attributed as MDD.

The jury is still out. Even so, the record shows one more motive. If the die-making process no longer uses Master Hubs, then the cost savings would be significant. That result would directly address the cost reduction mandated by The Coin Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010. [12]

THE COURT NOTES ONE FINAL EXHIBIT

The 2008 Mint Director’s Report reveals that CNC milling was already producing single or multiple hubs [13], and that detail may be the most telling clue of all. The traditional Master Hub drew its value from a single, carefully preserved object that maintained design integrity through minimal use. [14]

But if CNC milling could reproduce that same design accurately on demand, and in multiples, then the machine had already assumed the Master Hub’s most essential function. The evidence suggests that 2008 may mark not only the beginning of CNC technology at the Mint, but also the beginning of the end for the Master Hub itself.

A FLAW IN THE PROSECUTION’S CASE

The court identifies a critical gap in the methodology used to attribute Master Hub Doubling and Master Die Doubling. The prosecution has moved forward on the unchallenged assumption that only a single Master Hub and/or Master Die exists for each design. Yet the exhibit just entered into evidence directly contradicts that assumption.

If multiple Master Hubs or Master Dies of a single design were produced, then the entire framework for distinguishing MHD/MDD from Working Hub Doubling by counting examples comes into question. Clearly, the methodology needs reexamination.

SURPRISE WITNESSES COME FORWARD

At this point in the proceedings, two confidential witnesses step forward. The court protects their identities. The first was present during the testing of the Martha Washington Nonsense Dies in 2012. The second is currently involved in Mint operations.

Both testified, with a high degree of certainty though not absolute certainty, that current die making begins with the Master Die produced via CNC 3D technology, that Working Hubs still hub all dies, and that hubbing is now 100% single hubbing.

The court recognizes that confidential testimony, while compelling, cannot be independently verified.

COURT IS ADJOURNED PENDING NEW EVIDENCE

The case remains open. The jury is still deliberating. And somewhere in Philadelphia, the Master Hub may be hiding in plain sight,or it may simply be gone. Additional witnesses are invited to come forward!

CITATIONS

The post The Case of the Missing Master Hub appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The Mint released the quarter into circulation through Federal Reserve Banks and their designated coin terminals. From there, financial institutions will distribute the coins nationwide.

Notably, Brandon Beach, Treasurer of the United States, represented the Department of the Treasury and the Mint during the ceremony.

A Historic Setting Reinforces the Coin’s Meaning

Brandon Beach emphasized the importance of launching the coin at Mount Vernon. He explained that the location directly connects the coin’s story to the ground where history unfolded.

He stated that the coin invites Americans to reflect on the courage and ideals that shaped the nation’s founding. Moreover, he noted that the legacy of the Revolutionary War lives not only in books but also in historic places, and now in everyday coinage.

Mount Vernon Leadership Highlights the Coin’s Impact

Doug Bradburn, President and CEO of Mount Vernon, reinforced the coin’s historical significance.

He pointed to George Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War as a defining force behind American independence. Furthermore, he stressed that the coin arrives at a meaningful moment as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.

According to Bradburn, the quarter allows Americans to connect with history in a tangible way. It also honors the resilience and sacrifice of those who fought for liberty.

Design Details: A Story Told in Metal

Obverse: Washington and America’s Founding Ideals

The obverse features George Washington, the nation’s first president and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

The design includes the inscriptions:

• “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
• “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• “1776 ~ 2026”

These elements link the nation’s founding year with its 250th anniversary.

Reverse: Valley Forge and the Struggle for Independence

The reverse depicts a Continental Army soldier at Valley Forge.

This imagery captures a critical moment in the war. After defeat at the Battle of Brandywine, Washington’s forces endured extreme cold, disease, and shortages during the harsh winter of 1777–1778.

At the same time, independence had already been declared. However, the Second Continental Congress fled Philadelphia to avoid a British attack.

The soldier’s determined expression symbolizes perseverance in the pursuit of liberty.

The reverse includes the inscriptions:

• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• “LIBERTY”
• “25¢”
• “REVOLUTIONARY WAR”

Authorized by Congress: A Semiquincentennial Tribute

Congress authorized this coin through the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. Donald J. Trump signed the law on January 13, 2021.

The program commemorates 250 years of American liberty. It reflects the nation’s founding principles while honoring its history through circulating coinage.

Why This Coin Matters to Collectors and the Public

This release does more than introduce a new quarter. It brings history into daily life.

Every transaction now carries a reminder of sacrifice, endurance, and the fight for independence. As a result, the coin bridges past and present in a uniquely accessible way.

At the same time, collectors gain a historically rich addition tied directly to the Semiquincentennial milestone.

Learn More About the Program

For additional details on the Semiquincentennial Coin and Medal Program and upcoming collectible releases, visit the official U.S. Mint website.

The post U.S. Mint Unveils Revolutionary War Quarter at Mount Vernon, A Powerful Tribute to America’s Fight for Liberty 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.

Feeder mechanism damage remains one of the more challenging areas of modern mint-error attribution. Researchers must work with incomplete documentation about coining presses and feeder systems. In addition, mints often use multiple presses and feeder types at the same time.

As a result, clear identification of feeder-related die damage can be difficult. However, careful analysis of damage patterns can still reveal the most likely mechanical cause.

This article examines die damage patterns in feeder mechanisms observed from 1945 through approximately 1990. The examples represent the mechanisms most likely responsible for specific types of die damage.

Understanding Feeder Mechanisms in Coining Presses

Feeder mechanisms perform a critical role inside a coining press. They transport, align, and position planchets into the striking chamber. Once the dies strike the coin, the system ejects the finished piece and prepares the press for the next planchet.

Modern presses operate at very high speeds. Consequently, mechanical wear, timing errors, or misaligned components sometimes occur. When these failures develop, feeder components may strike or scrape the coin dies.

This contact produces distinctive die damage patterns that later appear on struck coins.

This study [1] forms part of a broader research project examining coin presses, feeder systems, and their associated die damage patterns. The goal involves identifying mechanical causes based on the appearance of damage seen on coins.

To simplify identification, the research divides feeder-related die damage into eight primary patterns observed since the early 1900s. This article introduces two of those patterns. Future installments will examine the remaining types.

PATTERN 1945 to 1966: VARIOUSLY ORIENTED DIE SCRAPES NEAR RIM

Examples of feeder mechanism damage during this period remain relatively uncommon. When they appear, they usually share several characteristics:

• Scrape directions range from horizontal to angular (around ±45°) and occasionally vertical
• Damage typically extends 2–3 millimeters inward from the rim
• Scratches or scrapes appear light but clearly directional

Although rare, these features can help attribute a coin to a specific feeder mechanism design.

The 1945 Conversion Unit for Coining Presses

In 1945, machinist William P. Kruse of the San Francisco Mint designed a conversion unit for coining presses. [2] He collaborated with Joseph Steel, the Superintendent of Coining at the San Francisco Mint. Their design introduced a Dual Coining Press conversion system.

The United States later issued the patent in 1949 (U.S. Patent 2,470,102).[3] The design allowed existing presses to convert quickly into dual-operation systems.

Widespread Adoption of the Conversion Unit

The conversion unit likely saw wide installation across several press types, including:

Bliss coining presses

Ferracute presses still in production at the time

Mint records from 1945 reported that the device already operated on domestic and foreign coins the size of quarters or smaller. Because operators could easily attach the device to existing presses, the design spread quickly through production facilities.[4]

Interestingly, examples of feeder mechanism die damage remain scarce during the decade following its introduction. Nevertheless, when damage from this era appears, this conversion unit likely produced it.

Pattern: 1966 to ≈1990 – Horizontal and 30° Angular Die Scrapes

Beginning in the mid-1960s, another feeder mechanism began producing identifiable die damage patterns.

These patterns display:

• Horizontal die scratches, or
• Angular scrapes oriented around 30° (±10°)

Because surviving examples remain limited, researchers cannot yet define a complete set of characteristics. However, two documented coins illustrate the pattern clearly:

• 1967 Roosevelt dime with light horizontal die scratches
• 1974 Lincoln cent showing tightly compressed scratches at an angle

The Dual Coin Press Slide Finger Mechanism

These scratches most likely result from the sliding motion of a slide finger feeder mechanism used in dual coin presses.

Inventors Derald Henry Kraft and Ronald Herman David Armbruster filed the patent for this system in 1963. The United States Patent Office granted the patent in 1966 and assigned it to the E. W. Bliss Company.

The patent describes the feeder action as a reciprocating slide finger mechanism that moves across the press to deliver planchets.

In simplified terms, the mechanism works as follows:

• A slide finger moves along a path perpendicular to the dies.
• The mechanism connects to the press drive system.
• The slide finger moves between retracted and extended positions.
• In the retracted position, it receives a planchet.
• In the extended position, it delivers the planchet to the lower die.

This sliding action occasionally contacted the die surface. When that occurred, it produced the horizontal or ~30° scrape marks seen on coins struck during this period.

Why Identifying Feeder Damage Matters

Feeder mechanism damage offers valuable insight into minting technology and mechanical failures. When numismatists identify these patterns correctly, they can:

• Distinguish die damage from post-mint damage
• Understand mint production methods
• Attribute errors to specific press and feeder designs

Because feeder-related damage remains rare, each documented example contributes important data to the ongoing study of minting technology.

Future articles in this series will introduce additional feeder mechanism damage patterns and further refine identification methods.

More Articles on Feader Mechanisims from Pete Apple

• Feeder Mechanisms and Die Damage Patterns (1896–1945)
• Feeder Mechanisms and Die Damage Patterns (1945–1990)
• Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns (1990–2018)
• Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns (2018 – Present)

References

[1] Apple, Pete. A Study of Feeder Mechanism Die Damage Patterns.

[2] Annual Report of the Director of the United States Mint (1945). Treasury Department of the United States.

[3] Conversion Unit for Coining Presses, U.S. Patent 2,470,102. Inventors: William Peter Kruse and Joseph Wynn Steel.

[4] Automatic Feed Mechanism for a Press, U.S. Patent 3,283,551. Filed November 29, 1963. Assigned to E. W. Bliss Company.

The post Feeder Mechanisms and Die Damage Patterns (1945-1990) appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The United States Mint marks America’s 250th anniversary with a special 2026-W American Eagle Gold Proof Four-Coin Set. Featuring a Liberty Bell “250” privy mark and dual dates, this limited-edition release arrives March 5 and highlights one of the most historic milestones in U.S. coinage.

The United States Mint will release the gold set designed for a once-in-a-generation celebration. The 2026-W American Eagle Gold Proof Four-Coin Set marks the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special one-year-only edition of the Mint’s flagship gold collector coins.

The release arrives during a historic moment. In 2026 commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone, known as the semiquincentennial, has inspired celebrations nationwide. However, few tributes carry the symbolism of a gold coin.

Gold coins have long represented national pride and permanence. Therefore, the Mint chose the American Eagle series to honor the nation’s founding. The result blends history, artistry, and modern minting technology.

For collectors, the opportunity comes with urgency. The set becomes available March 5, 2026, at noon (ET) through the Mint’s website. Quantities remain limited.

A Privy Mark That Connects Two Centuries

The 2026 coins feature design elements created specifically for the semiquincentennial.

Most importantly, each coin carries the dual date “1776 ~ 2026.” These numbers frame the story of the United States. The first marks the birth of the nation. The second marks a quarter millennium of American history.

The Mint also added a distinctive Liberty Bell privy mark with the numeral “250.”

Few objects symbolize American independence more clearly than the Liberty Bell. The bell rang in Philadelphia during the founding era and later became a powerful symbol of freedom. By placing the Liberty Bell on the coins, the Mint ties the American Eagle program directly to the nation’s founding story.

In addition, the coins include anti-counterfeit variable reeding on the edges. This advanced feature helps authenticate the coins and strengthens the Mint’s security technology.

Each coin bears the “W” mint mark, which identifies production at the United States Mint at West Point.

Because the set commemorates the semiquincentennial, the Mint will produce this edition for one year only.

Saint-Gaudens’ Liberty Returns for America’s Milestone

The obverse design continues one of the most celebrated images in American coinage.

It features the iconic full-length figure of Liberty created by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Liberty strides forward with flowing hair. She holds a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left.

Saint-Gaudens first introduced this design on the $20 gold coin of 1907. President Theodore Roosevelt supported the effort to improve the artistic quality of American coinage during that era. Today, the design remains one of the most admired works ever placed on a United States coin.

The reverse features the modern American Eagle design introduced in 2021. It presents a powerful portrait of a bald eagle.

The inscriptions read:

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• E PLURIBUS UNUM
• IN GOD WE TRUST

Each coin also displays its weight and face value.

Together, the classic obverse and modern reverse connect early 20th-century artistic ambition with the symbolism of America’s 250th anniversary.

Four Gold Coins in One Historic Set

The set includes four proof coins struck in 22-karat gold.

Each coin contains 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and the balance copper, the traditional alloy used for American Eagle gold coins.

The denominations include:

• $50 One-Ounce Coin — 1.000 troy ounce of gold
• $25 Half-Ounce Coin — 0.500 troy ounce of gold
• $10 Quarter-Ounce Coin — 0.250 troy ounce of gold
• $5 Tenth-Ounce Coin — 0.100 troy ounce of gold

All four coins feature a proof finish and a reeded edge. The one-ounce coin measures 1.287 inches in diameter, while the tenth-ounce piece measures 0.650 inch.

Each example also carries the Liberty Bell “250” privy mark, reinforcing the anniversary theme across the entire set.

A Presentation Designed for Collectors

The Mint packages each coin in a protective capsule. The four coins then rest inside a black clamshell presentation case.

The lid displays the United States Mint seal. Meanwhile, the outer sleeve features a limited-edition semiquincentennial design.

The set also includes a certificate of authenticity with matching imagery that confirms the coins’ specifications and origin.

The overall presentation reflects the significance of the anniversary.

The American Eagle Program at 40

The American Eagle program began in 1986 when the United States Mint introduced gold and silver bullion coins for investors.

Since then, the program has grown into one of the most recognized precious-metal coin series in the world. The Mint later expanded the lineup to include platinum and palladium coins. It also produces proof and uncirculated versions of many issues for collectors.

Over four decades, the American Eagle has become both an investment vehicle and a collector icon.

Why the Liberty Bell Privy Mark Matters to Collectors

Privy marks often define key issues within long-running coin series.

In modern United States Mint releases, a privy mark signals a special event or anniversary. These small design elements create instant recognition for collectors.

The Liberty Bell “250” privy mark performs that role for the 2026 American Eagle coins. It links the series to the semiquincentennial of the United States.

Collectors often seek coins that feature one-year-only design elements. Those details can become identifiers within the broader series. Over time, they may also help define milestone issues.

The Liberty Bell also carries deep national symbolism. As a result, the privy mark connects the American Eagle program directly to the founding era of the United States.

Market Analysis: Semiquincentennial Coins Could Drive Strong Demand

Major national anniversaries often energize the numismatic market. The United States semiquincentennial in 2026 will likely follow that pattern.

Collectors often pursue coins tied to historic milestones. Bicentennial coinage from 1976 remains among the most widely collected modern U.S. issues. The 250th anniversary carries even greater symbolic weight. Therefore, many collectors view semiquincentennial coins as cornerstone pieces for modern collections.

The American Eagle series already commands global recognition. Since 1986, collectors and investors have purchased millions of these coins. That reputation provides a strong foundation for the anniversary edition.

Several factors could influence demand.

• First, the Liberty Bell “250” privy mark makes this release unique within the American Eagle program. Collectors often focus on one-year design elements.
• Second, the coins feature the dual date “1776 ~ 2026.” Dual-date issues often attract collectors who want coins tied directly to historic anniversaries.
• Third, the coins display the enduring Saint-Gaudens Liberty design, which many collectors consider the most beautiful design ever used on an American coin.
• Finally, the set includes four denominations of proof gold coins, which often become centerpiece items for collectors of modern United States Mint products.

Together, these elements suggest the 2026 American Eagle Gold Proof Four-Coin Set could become one of the most discussed Mint releases of the semiquincentennial year.

A Coinage Moment Tied to American History

Major anniversaries often inspire memorable coin issues. Yet the 250th anniversary of the United States represents a milestone rarely seen in a lifetime.

The 2026 American Eagle Gold Proof Four-Coin Set captures that moment in gold.

Saint-Gaudens’ Liberty continues her forward stride. The eagle remains powerful. Meanwhile, the Liberty Bell privy mark reminds collectors of the ideals that began in 1776.

For numismatists, the set represents more than a collectible. It stands as a golden tribute to a nation that has spent 250 years shaping its identity—and its coinage.

Collectors can purchase the set beginning March 5, 2026, at noon Eastern Time through the United States Mint.

The post 2026-W American Eagle Gold Proof Four-Coin Set Honors America’s 250th Anniversary appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Politics, Principle, and Power at the Philadelphia Mint

Archibald Loudon Snowden stood at the center of American coinage for nearly three decades. He mastered Mint operations. He modernized production. And in 1885, he chose principle over power.

His resignation as Superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint marked a decisive moment in U.S. Mint history. The letter reproduced below, discovered in National Archives records in 2026, provides rare insight into the politics of the Mint Bureau during the Cleveland administration. As far as the author is aware, this letter has never before been published.⁷

A Career Forged Inside the Mint

Archibald Loudon Snowden began his Mint career on May 7, 1857, when he received appointment as Register of Deposits in the Treasurer’s Office at the Philadelphia Mint.[1] He was the nephew of former Mint Director James Ross Snowden and had graduated from Jefferson College the previous year.

He worked alongside future Mint leaders and technical experts, including Henry R. Linderman, Robert Patterson, Die Forger George Eckfeldt, Assayer Fred Eckfeldt, William Steele, Engraver James Longacre, Assistant Engraver Anthony Paquet, and Machinist Robert Jefferson. These associations shaped his technical foundation and administrative skill.

When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Snowden left the Mint to organize a Pennsylvania volunteer regiment. He succeeded and was elected Lieutenant Colonel by the men. However, once federal authorities mustered the regiment into service, officials divided the companies among established units. Snowden received no command.[2]

Mint Director James Pollock soon invited him back to Philadelphia. Snowden returned carrying the honorary title “Colonel,” which remained attached to his name thereafter.

Chief Coiner and Industrial Modernizer

In late August 1866, Chief Coiner John G. Butler resigned to accept appointment as Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions. [3] Snowden received appointment as Chief Coiner on October 1, 1866.[4]

Working in close cooperation with , Snowden reorganized and modernized the Coiner’s Department. He oversaw the purchase of a Hill Reducing Lathe from London. In addition, the Mint imported Ziess automatic weighing and sorting machines from Germany to detect underweight gold blanks.

These improvements transformed efficiency and precision. Consequently, the Philadelphia Mint achieved a new standard in mechanical excellence.

Snowden resigned as Chief Coiner on December 13, 1876. President Ulysses S. Grant immediately appointed him Postmaster of Philadelphia.[5] His mandate was reform. He imposed business discipline and addressed pervasive drunkenness within the office. His rule was simple: “All employees who do their duty will be retained, those who do not will be removed.”

Although lucrative, the Postmaster’s office never satisfied Snowden’s long-standing ambition to lead the Mint.

The Director’s Offer  – and a Personal Sacrifice

On December 5, 1878, Snowden received an offer to replace the terminally ill Henry R. Linderman as Director of the United States Mint. He deliberated for nearly two months before declining.[6]

His letter to Treasury Secretary John Sherman reveals the emotional weight of that decision.

My dear Mr. Secretary,

I have written to the President declining the position of Director of the United States Mint, which, through his and your generous confidence, was voluntarily proffered me on the 5th of December last.

“Until the last moment:… I ‘ve  anxiously hoped that I might be able to see my way clear to accept this high office. I have shut my eyes to pecuniary interests – inconvenience in living, and separation from friends, in my anxiety to serve you, and administer an office, in which I felt I could render some service to the Government, accomplish results that I have long hoped to see realized, and gratify the ambition of my life.  But I have failed to satisfy my judgment that, in its acceptance, I would be doing my whole duty to my wife and children. Failing in this, all fails, and I yield up the hope of more than twenty years in these brief lines.

I have had long and varied experience in the service of the Mint. The days passed therein were the happiest of my life, and the equipment I possess in that direction I would gladly pledge at the disposal of the Government, but under all the circumstances I cannot do so, in the high office you have tendered me. You can perhaps never comprehend how great a personal sacrifice I make in this declination. The hopes of a life time are subordinated to a sense of duty.

In concluding, my dear sir, permit me to say, it will afford me great pleasure at any time to serve you, either officially or personally. I mean this in its fullest sense

I am Most Faithfully Your Obdt Serv’t
A. Loudon Snowden

Thus, Snowden surrendered a twenty-year ambition for family duty.

Superintendent Under Cleveland

Snowden soon returned to the Philadelphia Mint as Superintendent. With political support from Presidents Grant and Hayes, and deep operational experience, he exercised significant practical control over mint operations.

On March 5, 1879, President Hayes appointed Horatio C. Burchard as Director. Burchard possessed political credentials but lacked mint manufacturing experience. As a result, Snowden became the effective operational authority between Mint facilities and Treasury Secretary Sherman, later William Windom.

By 1885, the political landscape shifted again. President Grover Cleveland entered office committed publicly to civil service reform, though he also used patronage when expedient.

Snowden anticipated change.

The 1885 Resignation Letter

On May 28, 1885, Snowden formally submitted his resignation as Superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint.[7] He remained in office until July 1, 1885, when his successor qualified.

Mint of the United States at Philadelphia, Pa.,
SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE,

May 28, 1885.

[Hon. Grover Cleveland,
President of the United States
Washington, D.C.]

Sir.
You will remember that some weeks since I personally expressed to you, and the Secretary of the Treasury, my entire willingness to retire from my present post of duty, whenever you desired to succeed me by a gentleman of your own political faith. I took this course, not because I am in accord, for I am not, as I trust you are not, with the pernicious doctrine, that a change in the personnel of the Executive of the Nation makes every office in the land, from the village Post Office to the Directorship of the National Mints, his perquisite, to be handed over to partisans, as the legitimate spoils of a campaign, but because I felt, under all the circumstances this much was due to you, as well as to my own self-respect.

The Interview

Since that interview I have carefully considered the situation, and am irresistibly led to the conclusion, that to remain in my present position, under your administration, even if you so desired, might occasion misunderstanding and criticism from those whose good opinion I value,might also hamper me in the discharge of my official duties, in which for years I have been untrammelled [sic], might add to my already grave responsibilities, without the corresponding pleasure I have heretofore felt in performing an agreeable and congenial service, and beyond any of these, and more important to me than all combined, is the consciousness that in remaining in office under existing circumstances, it might be expected that I should surrender, to some extent, that freedom of thought, speech and action, which are among the most precious rights and privileges of our American citizenship. This I could not do.

The Resignation

Entertaining this view of the situation, I must, in justice to myself, formally present my resignation as Superintendent of the Mint of the United States at Philadelphia, to take effect at such time as my successor may qualify, or as will occasion the least inconvenience or expense to the Government. This period, I presume, would be at the close of the present fiscal year, when the annual settlement required by law will occur.

In retiring from a service into which I entered as a youth, more than twenty-eight years ago, I carry with me the consciousness, that in the several positions which I have held, by the voluntary action of my superiors in the Mint, or by the President, I have endeavored faithfully to discharge my duty; I leave to my successor perhaps the best equipped Mint, in its mechanical appliances, in this or any other country. Upon this point, for nearly twenty years, I have been earnest, and exacting, and am today quite satisfied with the results.

The Politics

In addition to this, he will find an efficient and thorough organization, in which merit has been the law of promotion, and in which every officer and foreman, in all the departments has been advanced under this law, from subordinate positions, after years of faithful service. No employe [sic], under my authority, has ever been promoted for a political reason, as no one has ever been displaced, except for a cause that would have justified his removal from any well organized business establishment.

Breaking up the habits, associations and congenial employment of a lifetime, must of necessity be a serious matter, but to me that which is most painful in my retirement from the Mint, is the separation from those faithful and efficient co-workers, with many of whom I have been associated from boyhood, and for all of whom I have an affectionate regard.

For these I bespeak that generous consideration to which they are entitled, after long years of devotion to duty, and fidelity to important trusts.

The Conclusion

In conclusion I beg to say that I shall be glad to render any assistance to my successor that he may require in the technical work of this Office.

Trusting that your administration may be alike honorable to yourself and our country,

I remain Respectfully

A. Loudon Snowden
Superintendent.

After the Mint

After 1885, no further Mint Bureau offers followed. The new Mint Director, James Kimball, brought a formal engineering background and stricter regulatory emphasis.

Nevertheless, Snowden continued in public service. President Benjamin Harrison appointed him Minister Resident and Consul General to Greece, Romania, and Serbia on July 1, 1889. He later served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, and subsequently in Spain from July 22, 1892 through June 3, 1893.

Following diplomatic service, Snowden remained active in numismatic circles. He negotiated coin exchanges between the Mint Cabinet collection in Philadelphia and prominent collectors until his death in 1912.

Why the 1885 Snowden Resignation Matters

Snowden left behind more than administrative reforms. He left a model of merit-based advancement and mechanical modernization. Moreover, he rejected partisan pressure when it conflicted with independence.

His 1885 resignation letter stands as a rare and candid statement of political principle within the Mint Bureau.

For collectors, historians, and students of American coinage, it provides critical context. For leaders, it offers something more enduring: integrity in office.

Citations

by Roger W. Burdette
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

The post Superintendent Snowden’s 1885 Resignation appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Now, the Mint unveils its latest release: the 2026 Austria 25 Euro Quantum Physics Silver Niobium Coin, issued February 25, 2026. This spectacular piece fuses cutting-edge science with one of the world’s most advanced minting technologies.

And once again, it proves why this series commands attention.

A Coin Series Unlike Any Other

Among the most spectacular products of the Austrian Mint are its Silver Niobium coins.

These €25 coins stand apart. They do not use color printing. Instead, their vivid hues emerge through precise light refraction.

Here is how it works.

The niobium core undergoes anodized oxidation. During this process, a very thin oxide layer forms on the coin’s surface. When light hits that layer, refraction produces striking, natural color effects. No paint. No artificial coatings. Only science.

As a result, each issue is completely unique. The design changes. The colors shift. No two editions look alike.

Moreover, these coins are exclusively produced by the Austrian Mint using state-of-the-art technology developed in Austria. Over the years, the series has earned numerous international awards. Collectors actively seek them out. Many earlier issues have sold out and now trade on the secondary market at significant premiums.

Notably, Silver Niobium coins also rank among the most popular gift coins in Europe. Their themes center on science and technology. Consequently, they appeal to both collectors and intellectually curious buyers.

The Quantum World Takes Center Stage

The 2026 issue dives into one of the most transformative fields in modern science: quantum physics.

Quantum physics explores the tiniest constituents of matter, electrons, photons, and atoms. However, unlike classical physics, it reveals a universe governed by probabilities rather than certainties.

In this realm, particles exist in multiple states at once. Only observation or interaction forces a measurable outcome. Concepts such as superposition, entanglement, uncertainty, and chance redefine how we understand space, time, and reality itself.

Although abstract, quantum theory shapes everyday life. Lasers rely on it. So do computer chips, LEDs, MRI scanners, and atomic clocks. Even GPS technology depends on quantum principles.

Furthermore, a second quantum revolution is underway. Scientists now pursue quantum computers, tamper-proof communication systems, and advanced quantum cryptography. Research teams at the University of Vienna help drive this progress forward.

Obverse: Schrödinger’s Cat and Superposition

The obverse features Schrödinger’s cat, the famous thought experiment that illustrates quantum superposition.

The cat’s face dominates the niobium core. Its eyes represent the simultaneous states of “alive” and “dead.” Around the cat, extending to the coin’s edge, appear:

• An unstable atom
• A Geiger counter scale
• A radioactivity symbol
• The observing figure

At the top, the abbreviation of Schrödinger’s equation completes the composition.

The design transforms abstract theory into striking visual storytelling.

Reverse: Zeilinger and Quantum Entanglement

The reverse honors Austrian physicist Anton Zeilinger and his groundbreaking experiment on quantum entanglement.

The design presents a simplified experimental setup. Measuring stations labeled ALICE (A) and BOB (B) connect through both a quantum channel and a classical channel.

Within the niobium core, two particles appear entangled with opposite spin directions. The imagery symbolizes the deep, nonlocal connections that define entangled systems.

Together, the obverse and reverse create a narrative arc. First, superposition. Then, entanglement. The coin encapsulates the foundations of quantum theory in a compact 34-millimeter canvas.

Specifications: 2026 Austria 25 Euro Quantum Physics Silver Niobium Coin

• Date of Issue: February 25, 2026
• Quality: Special Uncirculated
• Series: Silver Niobium
• Face Value: 25 Euro
• Diameter: 34.00 mm
• Alloy: Silver Niobium
• Ring: Silver Ag 900
• Core: Niobium Nb 998
• Fine Weight: 9.00 g (0.29 oz)
• Total Weight: 16.50 g
• Designers: Rebecca Wilding, Kathrin Kuntner
• Packaging: Case with numbered certificate of authenticity and protective slipcase
• Occasions: Father’s Day, Sponsion, Birthday, Retirement

Why This Issue Matters

The Silver Niobium series consistently blends artistry and engineering. However, the 2026 Quantum Physics coin adds deeper resonance.

First, it honors Austrian scientific achievement. Schrödinger and Zeilinger stand among the most influential figures in physics. Second, it highlights technologies that shape modern civilization. Third, it showcases a minting process found nowhere else in the numismatic world.

Most importantly, the coin reminds collectors that reality itself can be stranger than imagination.

That is the enduring power of the Austrian Mint’s Silver Niobium series. Each release offers more than color. It delivers a story. And in 2026, that story ventures into the quantum realm, where probabilities rule, particles connect across space, and observation shapes existence.

For collectors of modern world coins, this issue stands at the intersection of science, art, and advanced minting technology.

In short, it is not just a coin.

It is a glimpse into the fundamental fabric of the universe.

The post 2026 Austria 25 Euro Quantum Physics Silver Niobium Coin Explores the Frontiers of Reality 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.

The United States Mint will launch a new numismatic program in 2026 with the release of the Charters of Freedom Platinum Proof Coin – Declaration of Independence. This issue marks the first coin in a platinum proof series dedicated to America’s founding documents.

Together, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are known as the Charters of Freedom. As a group, these documents define American sovereignty, establish the nation’s system of government, and affirm the rights of states and citizens. The new platinum series uses natural imagery to explore the transformational impact of these texts on American democracy.

A New Platinum Proof Series from the U.S. Mint

The Charters of Freedom Platinum Proof Coin series traces the development of the United States through a progression of environmental motifs. Each design reflects the ideas and principles expressed in one of the nation’s founding documents.

Individually, these documents articulate core democratic ideals. Collectively, they represent the birth of the United States and the country’s enduring commitment to liberty. The series presents these themes through symbolic imagery rather than literal historical scenes.

The 2026 Declaration of Independence issue serves as the inaugural release in this multi-year program.

Obverse Design Symbolism

The obverse design features sun rays emerging through storm clouds. This imagery represents the dawn of a new nation rising from the turmoil of revolution. At the same time, it reflects the Enlightenment ideas that influenced the authors of the Declaration of Independence.

A quill sweeps across the landscape, symbolizing the act of writing the Declaration and the power of revolutionary ideas to catalyze change. Thirteen stars line the border, representing the original 13 colonies.

The obverse inscriptions read:

• LIBERTY
• IN GOD WE TRUST
• E PLURIBUS UNUM
• 2026
• DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Reverse Design Shared Across the Series

The reverse design will remain consistent throughout the Charters of Freedom Platinum Proof series. It depicts an eagle in flight carrying an olive branch in its talons.

The reverse inscriptions are:

• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• $100
• 1 OZ.
• .9995 PLATINUM

Composition and Production Details

Each 2026 Charters of Freedom Platinum Proof Coin contains 99.95 percent platinum and carries a $100 nominal face value. The coin has a proof finish and a platinum fine weight of one troy ounce.

The West Point Mint produces the coin, and it bears the “W” mint mark. The edge is reeded, and the issue does not include a privy mark.

Each example will ship with an official certificate of authenticity from the United States Mint.

Specifications

• Denomination: $100
• Finish: Proof
• Composition: 99.95% platinum
• Platinum Fine Weight: 1.000 troy ounce
• Diameter: 1.287 inches (32.70 mm)
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint and Mint Mark: West Point – W
• Privy Mark: None

The post New Releases by the US Mint on Feb 6th: 2026 Charters of Freedom Platinum Proof Coin appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

In recognition of the 2026 Semiquincentennial, which marks 250 years of the United States of America, the United States Mint will issue five new circulating quarters that celebrate the Nation’s history and founding principles.

Among these releases, the 2026 Mayflower Compact quarter highlights the early colonial experience at Plymouth and the document that helped shape American self-government.

Limited-Year Semiquincentennial Coinage Program

For one year only, the United States Mint will mark the Semiquincentennial through special coins and medals that introduce design changes to most circulating denominations. These issues commemorate American Liberty by reflecting the Nation’s founding ideals and honoring key moments in United States history.

Within this program, the Mayflower Compact quarter serves as one of five circulating quarter designs planned for 2026.

Mayflower Compact Quarter Available February 5

Collectors may acquire the 2026 Mayflower Compact quarter beginning February 5. The Mint offers these circulating-quality coins in a two-roll set, as well as in 100-coin bags.

Through these formats, the Mint allows collectors and the public to obtain the coins directly upon release.

Obverse Design Depicts Pilgrims and the New World

The obverse of the 2026 Mayflower Compact quarter features two Pilgrims embracing as they behold the New World. This design reflects the moment before the establishment of the Plymouth Colony.

The Pilgrims did not arrive at their intended destination. As a result, they did not possess a charter to establish a colony at Plymouth. Instead, the Mayflower Compact, signed on November 21, 1620, established the colony as a mutual enterprise. Its force of law depended on the consent of the colonists themselves, who sought to promote the common good.

The Mayflower Compact is considered a precursor to both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Obverse inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1776 ~ 2026,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Reverse Design Shows the Mayflower Under Full Sail

In contrast, the reverse design presents the Mayflower with full sails as it moves west through rough seas. The image represents the Pilgrims’ journey in search of religious freedom in the New World.

The Pilgrims eventually landed at Cape Cod and settled in what later became Plymouth, Massachusetts. Reverse inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “MAYFLOWER COMPACT,” and “25¢.”

Specifications

The following specifications apply to the 2026 Mayflower Compact quarter:

• Denomination: Quarter
• Composition: 8.33% nickel, balance copper
• Weight: 5.670 grams
• Diameter: 0.955 inch (24.26 mm)
• Edge: Reeded
• Mint and Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P); Denver (D)
• Privy Mark: None

The post New Releases – 2026 Semiquincentennial Mayflower Compact Rolls and Bags Feb 5th appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

2026 Native American $1 Coin Honors Oneida Allies at Valley Forge

The Native American $1 Coin Program honors and recognizes the important contributions made by Indian tribes and individual Native Americans. Each year, the program highlights a specific historical theme tied to Native American service and influence in the United States.

For 2026, the program focuses on the Oneida Nation and its support of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The reverse design specifically commemorates the actions of Polly Cooper and the Oneida people at Valley Forge.

Obverse Design Maintains the Sacagawea Portrait

As in prior years, the obverse of the 2026 Native American $1 Coin features Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean-Baptiste. This portrait remains the central design element of the series.

In addition, the obverse includes the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The coin also retains its distinctive golden color and lettered edge, both of which continue to define the Native American $1 Coin Program.

Reverse Design Highlights Polly Cooper and Oneida Support

In contrast, the reverse design for 2026 introduces a historically specific scene. The design depicts Polly Cooper holding a basket while sharing the Oneida Nation’s gift of corn with General George Washington. Washington holds his hat in a gesture of gratitude and respect.

According to the design’s stated intent, this imagery represents the generosity, courage, and sacrifice shown by the Oneida people during the American Revolutionary War. More specifically, the design honors the Oneida Nation’s role as an ally to the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

The reverse inscriptions read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “POLLY COOPER,” “$1,” and “ONEIDA ALLIES AT VALLEY FORGE.” Together, these inscriptions identify the individuals and events commemorated by the coin.

Minting, Distribution, and Legal Tender Status

The United States Mint strikes the 2026 Native American $1 Coin at both the Philadelphia Mint and the Denver Mint. The coins carry the “P” and “D” mint marks, respectively, and feature a circulating finish.

Although the Mint has never released these coins into circulation, they remain legal tender. Collectors and the public may still use them for transactions if desired. The Mint offers the coins in 25-coin rolls and 100-coin bags.

Technical Specifications

The following specifications apply to the 2026 Native American $1 Coin:

• Denomination: $1
• Finish: Circulating
• Composition: 6% zinc, 3.5% manganese, 2% nickel, balance copper
• Weight: 8.100 grams
• Diameter: 1.043 inches (26.49 mm)
• Edge: Lettered
• Mint and Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P); Denver (D)
• Privy Mark: None

The post New Releases- US Mint to release Native American $1 Coin 2026 Rolls and Bags Jan 27th. appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

For me, and for many others, this year’s FUN Convention actually began on the Sunday before the show officially opened. In recent years, road warriors on the coin show circuit have been arriving earlier and earlier for major events. The goal is simple: get first looks at as many dealer inventories as possible before competition heats up.

Our team arrived Sunday night so we could hit the ground running early Monday morning. By the time we landed in Orlando, I had already heard reports of some dealers arriving as early as Friday. Pre-show coin dealing has become a brutally competitive business.

Precious Metals Set the Tone

In the weeks leading up to the 2026 FUN Show, most professional coin dealers were bracing for impact due to the skyrocketing precious metals market. Silver, in particular, had surged to new record highs and appeared poised for further gains. For many dealers, pricing inventory accurately amid such rapid movement was a challenge.

My biggest concern heading into the week was replacement cost, how expensive it would be to replace coins sold during the show.

Monday: First Shots and Big Numbers

Monday started early, with appointments scheduled weeks in advance to show inventory to some of our largest buyers. These “first shots” are earned based on past performance. Buyers know there’s pressure to spend, and future early opportunities depend on how much business they do.

Those who look early and buy lightly tend to drop down the list at the next show. As mentioned, it’s brutally competitive.

Likewise, when dealers give me an early look at their coins, I try to buy anything that’s even close. Sellers keep score just like buyers do. First shots are critical in the wholesale coin business, and the best deals disappear fast. There are few things more frustrating than asking to see a dealer’s inventory only to hear that another dealer just bought most of it, though I’m welcome to look anyway.

Fortunately, our Monday morning appointments delivered. The first three dealers who viewed our coins each spent well into six figures. One dealer alone spent over $1 million thanks to a special collection I had on consignment from a retail client.

I also spent part of Monday looking at other dealers’ inventory, though options were limited. Later that day, I reviewed the Heritage Auctions lots, which included incredible rarities such as an 1804 Silver Dollar, an NGC MS 63 1808 Quarter Eagle, and even a complete set of Stellas.

Dealer Day Changes the Game

Historically, the FUN Show organization resisted calls for a dedicated dealer trading day. In the past, pre-show business took place in hotel rooms, which was far from ideal. After years of encouragement, FUN management finally agreed to host an official “Dealer Day” on Tuesday and part of Wednesday before public setup.

This year, FUN offered a dedicated dealer room on a first-come, first-served basis for a small fee. Dealer Day began at 9 a.m., and the room immediately filled with 75 to 100 dealers. The energy was nonstop, and many dealers likely did more business that day than during the rest of the show combined. Several sold the majority of their inventory before the official show even opened.

Education, Setup, and a Packed Bourse

Traditional FUN Show setup begins at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. For the past several years, the Professional Numismatists Guild has hosted an educational symposium prior to setup. This year’s event focused on live-stream numismatic sales, with presentations from Whatnot and eBay Live to a standing-room-only crowd.

By early afternoon, hundreds of dealers crowded the lobby waiting for the doors to open. The 2026 FUN Show featured more than 750 dealer tables, and the massive bourse floor filled quickly as participants raced to set up. Setup continued until 8 p.m., when dealers were required to stop trading for the night.

Public Attendance Breaks Records

Thursday morning began with dealer setup at 8 a.m., followed by public entry around noon. The bourse floor was completely full, with every booth occupied and early bird badge holders already actively buying.

By midday, word spread quickly about the massive crowd attempting to enter the convention center.

Lines stretched the length of the building, and some members of the public reportedly waited more than 90 minutes to gain entry. Based on what we saw, that estimate was likely accurate.

Once inside, the bourse exploded with activity. Aisles were packed, showcases were surrounded, and every table had multiple buyers competing for attention.

In more than 50 years of attending major coin shows, I have never seen a bourse floor this active.

Calling the 2026 FUN Show “amazing” would be a massive understatement.

Rare Coins Take Center Stage

Many attendees commented that the FUN Show felt more like a sports expo or Comic-Con than a traditional coin show. Rare coins were finally having their moment in the spotlight. The momentum continued through the weekend, with coins selling straight out of the cases late Saturday afternoon.

Fortunately, we continued buying throughout the show, allowing us to keep our showcases stocked.

World and Ancient Coins Shine

In recent years, more world and ancient coin dealers have discovered the FUN Show. Previously, the New York International Numismatic Convention conflicted with FUN, forcing dealers to choose. Now that NYINC takes place a week later, many no longer have to decide.

As a result, the world and ancient section at the 2026 FUN Show was larger than ever. Dealers reported exceptional sales, and we were able to purchase some outstanding ancient coins from a German dealer.

NGC, Walmart, and the Future

The Certified Collectibles Group (NGC and PMG) created an impressive booth showcasing the wide range of collectibles they certify. Their display included comics and other non-numismatic items, which sparked some interesting ideas for future expansion. The NGC on-site grading booth was busy from start to finish.

Other major companies also made strong impressions—including an unexpected new entrant into numismatics: Walmart. Representatives were signing up dealers for their online platform, which reaches hundreds of millions of monthly visitors. It will be interesting to see how coin dealers perform in that ecosystem.

Record Attendance, Record Sales

Against the backdrop of soaring gold and silver prices, the 2026 FUN Show proved to be historic. According to FUN Show Convention Manager Katie Williams, attendance figures were as follows:

• Public: 11,595
• Early Bird: 477
• Dealers/Staff: 2,075
• Total Attendance: 14,147

This shattered all previous attendance records in the show’s more than 70-year history.

Many dealers told me it was the best show they had ever experienced. Our company also set a new single-show sales record. The FUN Show has long been considered the bellwether event of the numismatic year, and if this show is any indication, 2026 is going to be very, very special.

The post 2026 FUN Show Report by Jeff Garrett appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.