Category Archives: coins

Farewell, Maple Leaf Cent

Posted on 25 April 2012 by

Growing up in upstate New York, it was a common find in pocket change: Then the dove cent popped up once an a while. When I was eight, I wondered if it was really an 1867 coin: As of 1965, … Continue reading →

Posted in coins | Leave a comment

Calibration Cent

Posted on 27 February 2012 by

This might be the only chance I’ll ever get to post one piece in the two categories of astronomy and coins. Universe Today picked up the story of a 1909 Lincoln Cent being mounted on a calibration target on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, coins | Leave a comment

1931: Another “Good” Year

Posted on 20 October 2011 by

Experienced coin collectors know that a depression, panic, or recession often has an effect on mintage figures. When I was a boy, I didn’t always make the connection that coins of the early 1930’s were hard to find, or priced … Continue reading →

Posted in coins | 3 Comments

Continental Dollar: Mind Your Business

Posted on 4 July 2011 by

  As the Continental Congress was emboldened to declare independence, it also made plans to issue its own money. Ben Franklin provided the design–including that cheeky motto. And some rich folk contributed silver, brass, and pewter for some pattern strikes. … Continue reading →

Posted in coins, US History | Leave a comment

A Bit of Americana

Posted on 4 July 2011 by

Before you buy that slice of apple pie today, reflect a moment before you hand over that $2 bill.

Posted in coins, US History | Leave a comment

JP2 Coin

Posted on 5 April 2011 by

The Polish mint has produced many coins depicting their native son pope over the years. The latest is this 1000 zloty piece (face value over $300) in gold, honoring this year’s beatification. Somewhat imiliar to this earlier design from 1982, … Continue reading →

Posted in coins | Leave a comment

1909 S

Posted on 29 December 2010 by

Gold, and to a lesser extent, silver, had been the primary work of federal government’s branch mint in California since 1852. They had to do something with all the precious metal they were finding in pans and such. Rather than … Continue reading →

Posted in coins | Leave a comment