Omega counterfeit coins

Anyone of you read about Omega counterfeit coins before? Its not about Omega gold watch but an unknown counterfeiter who signed his creations with a minute Greek letter omega “Ω”. His counterfeit works are the highest quality forgeries ever produced. He is believed to have made over 20,000 fake 1907 high-relief nominally US$20 gold Double Eagle coins and his signature omega can be found in the claw of the counterfeit US$20 gold Double Eagle coins. With a genuine coins a hard thing to get, it will be little bit harder to detect omega works.

Omega images by John Roberts

His counterfeits are of such high quality that collectors will pay upwards of $1,000 for one; a genuine coin sells for about $50,000 to $100,000. Omega also counterfeited other US gold coins, including a large quantity of $3 gold pieces, dated 1874, 1878 and 1882, with the 1882 being the most prevalent. Two of his counterfeit $10 gold pieces, the 1913-P and 1926-P, have the omega placed upside down within the upper loop of the "R" of "LIBERTY" in the Indian's headdress.

For this US$20 gold Double Eagle coins, Several diagnostic characteristics may help identify that this is a forgeries coin. The maker of these pieces, signed his work with a tiny symbol “Ω” inside the eagle’s claw. Two patches of distinctive tooling marks are found on the obverse, in the hair to left of Liberty’s face and on the ray directly above the first M of the date.

Source: Wikipedia, anacs.com.

9/11 coin scam warning

The United States Mint had issued a 9/11 coin scam warning following a product by National Collector's Mint; "10th Anniversary September 11th Commemorative Dollar" and claims that it is a "Liberian government authorized legal tender coin." US Mint warned users that this product is not a genuine United States coin or medal. Under the Constitution, Congress has the exclusive power to coin money of the United States. Congress has delegated its authority to mint and issue coins to the Secretary of Treasury, and Congress requires the Secretary to carry out these duties at the United States Mint. Thus, the United States Mint is the only government entity in the United States with the authority to coin money.

Consumers may find the advertisements for this product confusing because the National Collector's Mint uses phrases such as "legal tender dollar." The product itself may be confusing because it bears the denomination "One Dollar." Congress did not authorize the National Collector's Mint product, and the United States Government does not endorse it. On January 2011, US Authority said they're investigating a Fake September 11 coin minted by the National Collector's Mint. Two Democratic New York congressmen, Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Sen. Charles Schumer, have accused the National Collector's Mint in Port Chester, New York, of selling bogus September 11 coins in an attempt to exploit the tragedy for profit.

The only official United States coin or medal to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks is the "National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal," which is authorized by Public Law 111-221 (approved by the President on August 6, 2010). You can read the scam warning in US Mint website; 10th Anniversary September 11th Commemorative Dollar Alerts. I also found some news video by WPRI TV relating to that matter:

9/11 Official Medal 2011

Everyone in this world knew what happen on 11 September 2001. Almost 3,000 people were killed in terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. United States Mint released a 9/11 Official Medal 2011 for us to remember and honor those who perished in the attacks. The medal is authorized by Public Law 111-221, the "National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2010." Its not just Americans who died in that tragedy, Malaysian who work in the World Trade Center that day also perished. 

The medal's obverse (heads side) design features Lady Liberty holding the Lamp of Remembrance. Behind her are beacons of light stretching skyward. Lady Liberty, the lamp and the light symbolize not only the immeasurable loss on that fateful day, but also the resilience and triumph of those who persevered. Inscriptions are ALWAYS REMEMBER and 2001 - 2011. The medal's obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

The medal's reverse (tails) design depicts an eagle - symbolizing the strength of the survivors, the families and the Nation - against a backdrop of cascading water. The flowing water is emblematic of peace, serenity, healing and the continuity of life. Inscriptions are HONOR and HOPE. The medal's reverse was designed by Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.

Pricing for the 2011 September 11 National Medal is currently set at $66.95. A $10 surcharge included in the price of each medal is authorized to be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a private not-for-profit organization overseeing the design and funding of the memorial and museum at the World Trade Center site. The funds will support the museum's operations and maintenance once it is completed. To learn more about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, please visit http://www.911memorial.org/.

To place an order, visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.

Technical Specifications:

Condition: Proof

Contains: 1 ounce of silver

Diameter: 1.598 inches

Edge: Smooth

Mintage Limit: 2,000,000 (across all options)

MINT: Philadelphia or West Point

MINT MARK: P or W

Double eagles case-govt can seized coins

Yesterday, jury concluded on the 1933 double eagles case-govt can seized coins. A news by The Associated Press reported that jury has decided the U.S Treasury rightfully seized a set of rare 1933 gold coins from a Philadelphia family. The Langbord families are expected to appeal against the decision. The trial judge, Legrome Davis, will next rule on “ownership” of the coins later this year. The coins are estimated to be worth $75 millions dollar base on 1933 double eagles past auction.

In the case, the government argues that the safety box was not rented until six years after Switt died in 1990. Government lawyers say that 10 other "double eagles" that surfaced in the 20th century can all be traced to Switt. Prosecutors believe Switt and a corrupt cashier at the Mint had a hand in the breach. The Langbords had opened their deposit box the day before the London dealer's Farouk coin was seized in 1996, Romero said. The family later offered a similar 50-50 split with the U.S. to settle the case, but the government rejected it on grounds the family cannot legitimize their ownership of the coins, given Switt's history.

Lawyers for Langbord and her two sons Roy and David, argue in court documents that having a theory as to how the coins left the mint isn't enough. The government must prove the coins were stolen. They argue that in the 1930s, it was common and even permissible for employees of the mint to replace old coins with new ones of equal value.

Source: Associated Press

New Canada $100 polymers

The Bank of Canada had just unveiled New Canada $100 polymers and $50 polymers banknote today in Ottawa. Information on the polymer material and advanced new security features was released, along with the images and designs of the new notes. Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty and RCMP Commissioner William J. S. Elliott joined Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney for the unveiling ceremony of the New Canada banknote 2011.

Picture by CBC canada.

Minister Flaherty spoke of the importance of cash as a means of payment in the daily lives of Canadians, adding this is why it is important Canadians see their story reflected in the designs.

“These bank notes evoke the country’s spirit of innovation, and their designs celebrate Canada’s achievements at home, around the world and in space,” he said. “Bank notes are cultural touchstones that reflect and celebrate our Canadian experience.”

Picture by Star

The $100 note, which is to be issued in November 2011, features images that focus on Canadian innovations in the field of medicine: from pioneering the discovery of insulin to treat diabetes, to the invention of the pacemaker and to the role Canadian researchers have played in mapping the human genetic code. Sir Robert Borden, Prime Minister of Canada between 1911 and 1920, in an updated portrait, remains on the front of the note.

The $50 note, which will be issued in March of 2012, features images of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Amundsen in the North, reflecting Canada’s leading role in Arctic research. It also evokes the part that Canada’s northern frontier—with its vastness and splendour—has played in shaping our cultural identity. An updated portrait of William Lyon Mackenzie King, the Canadian Prime Minister between 1921 and 1930 and again from 1935 to 1948, is on the front of the note.

The notes will contain a number of unique features that expand the frontiers of bank note security and will make them difficult to counterfeit but easy to check. Most prominent are two transparent areas: the larger area extends from the top to the bottom of the note and contains complex holographic features; the other is in the shape of a maple leaf.

“The Bank’s objective with every new series is to produce a bank note that Canadians can use with the highest confidence,” said Governor Mark Carney. "The Bank is combining innovative technologies from around the world with Canadian ingenuity to create a unique series of bank notes that is more secure, economic and better for the environment."

RCMP Commissioner Elliott stated that, “These new and technically innovative notes will go a long way to deter the threat of counterfeiting in coming years.” He added that the RCMP will “continue to work with the Bank of Canada, and our policing partners, to maintain public confidence in Canada’s currency.”

In the next six months, the Bank will focus on raising public awareness of the coming note series. It will also continue to provide information to the cash-handling industry to help prepare the system for polymer notes, and will work to inform retailers, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies about how to check the new security features once the notes enter circulation.

Source: Bank of Canada.

CBP Seizes Counterfeit Rare Coins

U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP seizes counterfeit rare coins from China. CBP officers assigned to the International Mail Branch last week made an interesting discovery of a shipment of U.S. Trade Dollar coins. Suspicion was raised by the officers when they noticed an anomaly on the X-ray of a heavy package intended for a residence in Illinois. Further examination of the package revealed 361 coins that appeared to be U.S. Trade Dollar coins with dates between 1873 and 1878. The original U.S. Trade Dollar coin was minted from 1873 to 1878 and in proof form from up until 1885. Research of collector coins revealed that some of these coins can be sold for as much as $2,000.

A sample coin was turned over to CBP Laboratory and Scientific Services in Chicago for analysis. The result revealed the coins were made of brass with a thin sliver plated coating. Ironically the consignee contacted CBP inquiring about his shipment indicating he was going to sell them on a popular internet auction site. Based upon the laboratory results the shipment was seized.

“Legitimate traders are being duped into buying these coins believing they are genuine,” said David Murphy, CBP director of field operations in Chicago. “We strongly recommend buyers or any consumers to be aware and use caution when making these types of purchases on the internet.”

CBP officers and agriculture specialists are stationed at international mail facilities located throughout the country in major cities. CBP is constantly screening arriving international mail and on the lookout for any type of contraband, counterfeit or prohibited items being shipped to the U.S. which can harm the community or take advantage of the unsuspecting buyer.

I wish Malaysia Customs can do the same thing around here. More counterfeits can be seen now compare to 5 years back. Some of the coins look so real, even an expert also mistakenly display them as original.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Bank of Canada Announces Polymer Notes

The Bank of Canada today announced that it will begin circulating a new $100 polymer bank note in November 2011, with a polymer $50 note to follow in March 2012. The Bank also provided further technical and background information about the new bank notes. More details on the security features, themes and designs of these denominations will be unveiled in the spring of 2011. The remaining denominations – the $20 note, followed by the $10 and $5 notes – will be unveiled and issued by the end of 2013.


With the introduction of the polymer bank note series, the Bank's main focus continues to be security. "Canada's new bank notes will have innovative security features that are easy to verify," said Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada. "The leading-edge technology in these notes will expand the frontiers of bank note security."

In addition to enhancing security, the new bank note series will be easier to verify, more economical and have a reduced environmental impact. The Bank of Canada evaluated a number of options before deciding on a new suite of security features and on the use of polymer material – which is expected to last at least 2.5 times longer than the current cotton-paper bills.

To prepare for the new notes, the Bank is working closely with financial institutions and manufacturers of bank note equipment to ensure a smooth transition to polymer. Law-enforcement agencies and retailers will also be important partners as the Bank introduces the polymer series. "With these new notes, the Bank of Canada will provide Canadians with a durable, high-quality, secure form of payment that they can use with confidence," added Governor Carney.

Source: Bank of Canada

US dollar notes change to coins

US Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently reported that replacing the $1 note with a $1 coin could save the US government approximately $5.5 billion over 30 years. Many nations already replaced their lower-denomination notes with coins to obtain a financial benefit. Coins are more durable than notes and do not need replacement as often as notes.

To perform its work, GAO constructed an economic model and interviewed officials from the Federal Reserve, the Treasury Department, the U.S. Secret Service, outside experts, and officials from Canada and the United Kingdom. To determine the effects on stakeholders, GAO interviewed officials from industries and organizations that might be affected by changes to currency.

GAO has noted in past reports that efforts to increase the circulation and public acceptance of the $1 coin have not succeeded, in part, because the $1 note has remained in circulation. Other countries that have replaced a low-denomination note with a coin, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, stopped producing the note. As in the past, GAO's analysis indicates that replacing the $1 note with a $1 coin would provide a financial benefit to the government if production of the $1 note ceased.

Do this report includes normal people who will be using the dollar coins? I am a kind of person who don't like to bring coins when I go out. I will left my coins at home or car whenever I received to many coins. Coins will also be more vulnerable to counterfeiter then notes. This kind of report should involve people who will be using it, not just looking at it from the economic aspects.

Source: US GAO

Error in 100 dollar US notes

A printing error has forced the US to stockpile $110bn (£69.78bn) in new $100 notes until officials can sort and destroy the flawed bills. A snag in the printing process left up to 30% of the notes with a blank patch on the face, US network CNBC reported. Officials are working to devise a mechanical process to sort the flawed bills. Doing so by hand would take up to 30 years, officials said. The new, high-security notes were to begin circulating in February 2011.

Photo by newmoney.gov: obverse of $100 dollar.

"We are confident that a very high proportion of the notes will be fit for circulation," Treasury Department spokeswoman Darlene Anderson said.

The bills, which represent an estimated one-tenth of the value of all US currency in circulation, are being held in US government facilities in Washington DC and Fort Worth in the state of Texas. They are the latest in a series of redesigns of US currency intended to fight counterfeiting. The bills are also the first to bear the signature of President Barack Obama's Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner. US news media reported the high-quality cotton and linen fibre stock creased during production of some of the bills, yielding a portion that was not printed.

A statement by Federal Reserve before this stated the new bills circulating date will be delay. The same report by The Federal Reserve also said that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which produces dollars, discovered a problem with "sporadic creasing" of the paper during printing of the 100 dollar note. The technical glitch means that there will not be enough of the new bills to begin distributing them as planned.

Source: BBC News

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2010 christmas coins gift set

Christmas for 2010 is just around the corner and most of you probably still searching for a gift to your children, niece or grandchildren. I am suggesting this 2010 Holiday gift set by Royal Canadian Mint. This set includes uncirculated versions of each of the denominations issued for circulation in Canada and a painted 25 cent Santa coin. This will help to start children interest in coin collecting.

Denomination: $2
Composition: (outer ring) 99+% nickel; (inner core) 92% copper, 6% aluminum and 2% nickel
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 7.3
Diameter (mm): 28.03
Edge: interrupted serrations
Artist: Brent Townsend (reverse), Suzanna Blunt (obverse)

Denomination: $1
Composition: nickel electroplated with bronze
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 7.0
Diameter (mm): 26.5
Edge: plain
Artist: Ralph-Robert Carmichael (reverse), Suzanna Blunt (obverse)

Denomination: 50 cents
Composition: three-ply nickel finish plated steel
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 6.9
Diameter (mm): 27.13
Edge: reeded

Denomination: 25 cents
Composition: three-ply nickel finish plated steel
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 4.4
Diameter (mm): 23.88
Edge: reeded

Denomination: 10 cents
Composition: three-ply nickel finish plated steel
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 1.75
Diameter (mm): 18.06
Edge: reeded

Denomination: 5 cents
Composition: three-ply nickel finish plated steel
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 3.95
Diameter (mm): 21.2
Edge: plain

Denomination: 1 cent
Composition: two-ply copper finish plated steel
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 2.35
Diameter (mm): 19.05
Edge: plain

You can visit Royal Canadian Mint for more information about the coin.

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World's most expensive penny -Lincoln cent

Last month, the world's most expensive penny, a Lincoln cent struck in the wrong metal at the Denver Mint in 1943, has been sold for a world's record price of $1,700,000 by Legend Numismatics of Lincroft, New Jersey. The buyer is a Southwestern business executive, who wants to remain anonymous. The historic World War II era coin's former owner arranged for the entire proceeds of the sale to be given to a charitable organization. This one of a kind Lincoln cent, mistakenly struck in 1943 at the Denver Mint in bronze rather than the zinc-coated steel used that year to conserve copper for World War II. Most 1943 pennies are steel-gray in color and not worth much more than face value.

"This is the world's most valuable penny. It's the only known example of a 1943-dated Lincoln cent incorrectly struck in a copper alloy at the Denver Mint. Zinc-coated steel was being used for pennies in 1943 to conserve copper for other uses during World War II, and this one was mistakenly struck on a bronze coin disc left over from 1942. It took four years of aggressive negotiations with the coin's owner until he agreed to sell it," said rare coin dealer Laura Sperber, President of Legend Numismatics of Lincroft, New Jersey who obtained the unique penny for the unnamed collector.

"The new owner is a prominent Southwestern business executive who's been collecting since he was a teenager, searching through pocket change looking for rare coins. As a youngster he thought he'd actually found a 1943 copper penny in circulation but it was not authentic. He still has that in his desk drawer, but now he's the only person to ever assemble a complete set of genuine 1943 bronze cents, one each from the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints, and he plans to display them," said Sperber.

The anonymous collector who formerly owned the coin "donated it to a charitable organization so they could sell it with all of the proceeds going to the charity," according to Andy Skrabalak of Angel Dee's Coins and Collectibles in Woodbridge, Virginia who acted as agent on behalf of the former owner.

"Don't think you hit the jackpot if you have a common 1943 cent in the sock drawer. There were tens of millions of pennies made of steel in 1943, and most are worth only a few cents each today. We estimate that less than 20 Lincoln cents were erroneously struck in bronze that year at the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints, and this is the only known example from the Denver Mint. That's what makes genuine bronze 1943 Lincoln cents so valuable," explained Don Willis, President of Professional Coin Grading Service of Santa Ana, California, the rare coin certification company whose experts authenticated the unique 1943 Denver bronze cent.

In addition to the $1.7 million coin, the anonymous Southwest collector also paid $250,000 for a 1944-dated Philadelphia Mint cent mistakenly struck on a zinc coin blank intended only for 1943 cents, and paid $50,000 for an experimental 1942 cent composed mostly of tin, according to Sperber. Sperber said the collector's valuable, mis-made World War II era cents will be publicly displayed at a major rare coin convention in Tampa, Florida, January 6 - 8, 2011.

Source: PR Web Release

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New US 100 dollar delay

New United States 100 dollars bill production will be delay. The postponed of the launch due to production problems as reported by Federal Reserve in their statement. The issue date of the new bill that features anti-counterfeiting technologies, was initially set for February 10, 2011. The Federal Reserve said that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which produces dollars, discovered a problem with "sporadic creasing" of the paper during printing of the 100 dollar note. The technical glitch means that there will not be enough of the new bills to begin distributing them as planned.

Photo by Wall Street Journal: New 100 dollar banknote.

"This new design incorporates cutting-edge, anti-counterfeiting technologies and the Federal Reserve imposes strict quality controls to ensure that users of US currency around the world receive the highest quality notes," the central bank said.

The 100 dollar note is the largest denomination currently printed. Bearing a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the nation's founding fathers, on the front, the bill is a favorite among counterfeiters. The remake of the 100-dollar bill was unveiled on April 21. The US Government had been aggresively educate public awareness about this new 100 dollars and their security features. 3 podcast had been release by them in their website www.newmoney.gov.

The best new security feature for the notes is its 3D Security Ribbon by Crane & Co. called Motion, containing up to 650,000 microlenses embedded in the printing which allows for an underlying image to shift when the bill is moved. The blue 3D Security Ribbon on the front of the new $100 note contains images of bells and 100s that move and change from one to the other as you tilt the note. The Bell in the Inkwell on the front of the note is another new security feature. The bell changes color from copper to green when the note is tilted, an effect that makes it seem to appear and disappear within the copper inkwell.

Source: AFP

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The Art of Banknote Design

Have you ever wondered how U.S. currency is designed? US Government produced a podcast on how their new $100 dollars bill are develop. The video podcast, "The Art of Bank Note Design", features interviews with Larry Felix, Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and Michael Lambert, Assistant Director at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. This is the third series of podcast produced for public awareness campaign about the new dollars. Watch the video to learn about the banknote design process and how multiple government agencies collaborate to develop currency that is difficult to counterfeit yet easy for cash-handlers to authenticate:

Photo by newmoney.gov: obverse of $100 dollar.

Photo by newmoney.gov: reverse of $100 dollar.

The new design for the $100 note retains three effective security features from the previous design: the portrait watermark of Benjamin Franklin, the security thread, and the color-shifting numeral 100. The new $100 note also displays American symbols of freedom, including phrases from the Declaration of Independence and the quill the Founding Fathers used to sign this historic document. The best new security feature for the notes is its 3D Security Ribbon by Crane & Co. called Motion, containing up to 650,000 microlenses embedded in the printing which allows for an underlying image to shift when the bill is moved.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the new notes will be issued on February 10, 2011. He also announced that when this new design $100 note is issued on February 10, 2011, approximately 6.5 billion older design $100s already in circulation will remain legal tender.

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US 100,000 dollars bill

Boston World's Fair of Money bring a very rare item for its exhibition, US 100,000 dollars bills, fabulous gold treasures dating back to the California Gold Rush era, rare coins including those tied to the first stirrings for America's independence and federal government securities worth more than a billion dollars. The money fair started on 10 August 2010 until 14 August 2010. More than 1,000 of the United States best coin dealers with the best inventory of coins, paper money, medals, tokens and other numismatic items gather in Boston for the largest coin show in the world.

Photo by AP: Kevin Brown displays a sheet of $100,000.

Photo by AP: US 100,000 dollars bill.

The sheets of America's largest denomination currency, the $100,000 bill, which is said to be worth about $1.6 million today. The gold certificate note, which bears President Woodrow Wilson's portrait, was used only for official transactions between Federal Reserve Banks. It was not circulated among the general public and cannot be legally held by currency note collectors.

"The reaction from kids to grandparents is universally the same: `Wow, that's a lot of money.' So, they wouldn't mind having it," Kevin Brown, manager in the marketing division of the U.S. Treasury Department's Bureau of Engraving and Printing, said while holding the $100,000 bills.

Photo by AP: Gold Ingot from SS Central Amerika.

The SS Central America, which sank in a 1857 hurricane off the coast of North Carolina with more than 400 passengers and 30,000 pounds of gold from the California Gold Rush, made its inaugural appearance in Boston. The exhibit features more than $10 million in gold treasure recovered from the ship, also known as The Ship of Gold.

The show, which already ends last week, includes a comprehensive collection of U.S. paper money that has never before been exhibited. It has coins from the Mexican War of Independence and Mexican Revolution that are being seen outside of Mexico for the first time since 1970. There also are rare coins worth several million dollars. Other historic items include one of the few known surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence printed in Boston circa July 17, 1776, and silver spoons crafted by Paul Revere.

Photo by AP: Boston World's Fair of Money.

"The economic conditions have not diminished the demand for material from the standpoint of collectors who seek and desire to own the rare and exquisite pieces," said Larry Shepherd, president of the Colorado Springs, Colo. based American Numismatic Association.

"Demand also has been fed by rich people who are increasingly willing to store some of their wealth in rare coins with a proven history of gaining value after traditional investments vehicles, including real estate and the stock and bond markets, dipped to woeful levels during the economic crisis," Shepherd said.

You can read more about this even by visiting World's Fair of Money official website.

Source: Associated Press.

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1794 Silver Dollar Sells for $1.2 Million

Bowers and Merena Auctions, one of the world's pre-eminent numismatic auctioneers, hosted its Boston Rarities Sale on Saturday, Aug. 7 at Park Plaza Hotel and Towers in Boston, Mass., where the featured coin, a rare 1794 Silver Dollar, was sold for $1,207,500. The seller of the rare coin, Martin Logies, author of the book The Flowing Hair Silver Dollars of 1794 and director and curator of CCEF, recently purchased the Neil/Carter/Contursi 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar for $7.85 million in a private transaction brokered by Spectrum Group International, Bower and Merena Auctions' parent company. The sale marked a new world record price and the coin is currently being showcased by CCEF, a teaching organization, and is being shared with a wider national audience.

"There has been great anticipation within the industry for our auction of the condition census #4 1794 Silver Dollar," said Greg Roberts, CEO of Bowers and Merena. "We started to see bidding activity about two weeks before the live action began with multiple bidders moving the coin from its opening bid to $750,000 where the lot opened on the live auction floor. It then quickly moved up $300,000 at increments of $50,000. When the bid hit $1 million on Saturday, the gasp from the crowd was riveting, and with two of the four bidders live in the room, the intensity was overwhelming."

The silver dollar first struck in 1794 and was intended to replace the Spanish, English, Dutch and French coins that dominated local commerce. Only 140 surviving examples of the 1794 silver dollar coin are estimated throughout the world.

"Bowers and Merena welcomes the opportunity to be a part of transactions like the auction just completed for Martin Logies," said Roberts. "Not only are these coins a marquee attraction for collectors around the world, but highly visible auctions like the one we just hosted in Boson on Saturday, raise awareness to an audience that might not be familiar with the history and value of these rare coins."

Bowers and Merena hosts its next auction at the Baltimore Coin and Currency show in November which will feature U.S. coins and paper money, as well as world and ancient coins and paper money. Many coin enthusiasts are anticipating Bower and Merena's upcoming auction in Hong Kong this December, where an assortment of rare coins from China and Hong Kong will be auctioned from the Wa She Wong collection.

Bowers and Merena Auctions was founded in 1983 and has grown to become one of the world's preeminent numismatic auctioneers with more than half a billion dollars in rare coin and currency sales. They continue their service as Official Auctioneer of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expos three times every year. Bowers and Merena has handled four of the five most valuable United States coin collections ever sold, including the Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University and the Norweb Collection. In 2008, Bowers and Merena Auctions acquired Ponterio & Associates, Inc., which now serves as Bowers and Merena's auction division for world and ancient coins and currency. Bowers and Merena Rare Coin Galleries offers direct buying and selling of exceptional quality gold and silver rare coins.

Source: PRNewswire, Bowers and Merena Auctions.

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Blessings of Strength 2010 gold coin

Royal Canadian Mint has been releasing a Bleesing of Strengh 2010 gold coin and will be available for shipping starting 21 July 2010. This unique scallop shaped coin brings together two of China’s most powerful symbols for strength; the tiger and the dragon, both encircling a precious pearl. Crafted in 99.999% pure gold with an eye-catching irregular shape. Only 1,388 of this coin will be produced.

On the reverse of the design, Dragon and Tiger are competing for the precious pearl on which is written the popular blessing proverb, "Be as strong and energetic as Dragon and Tiger."

The coin’s obverse depicts the D.G. Regina effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the fine gold 99999.

In China, blessings of strength abound in a multitude of ancient symbols and artistic expressions, many of which are beautifully represented on this scalloped coin of pure gold. A blessing of “strength” (li) in Chinese culture is traditionally associated with one’s physical and inner power to endure, to take the challenge and to overcome adversities in order to succeed in life. Throughout thousands of years, the dragon and tiger images have become symbols of strength, bravery and success.

Specifications:

Mintage: Limited to 1388 coins worldwide
Composition: 99.999% pure gold
Finish: proof
Weight (g): 10.4
Diameter (mm): 22.5
Edge: plain
Certificate: serialized
Face value: $150
Artist: Harvey Chan (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

You can visit Royal Canadian Mint for worldwide sale. Each coin is housed in a presentation box and illustrated box-shipper and also accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Source: Royal Canadian Mint.

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World's most expensive coin: 1794 silver dollar

A 1794 silver dollar become a new world's most expensive coin this week. The Neil/Carter/Contrusi 1794 flowing hair dollar, sold for $7.85 million to the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation of Sunnyvale by Steven L. Contursi, who has owned the mint-condition 1794 Liberty dollar for the past seven years. The Name "Neil/Carter/Contrusi 1794 flowing hair dollar" came from the previous owner of the coin. The previous record price paid for a coin was $7.59 million for a U.S.-minted 1933 $20 double eagle gold piece, according to the American Numismatic Association.

The U.S. began producing silver dollars in 1794, and this particular one remains in near-perfect condition 216 years later. Of the approximately 1,750 such dollars produced that year, only about 150 are known to exist. The quality of the imprint on this one shows it was struck on a hand-cranked press from a special piece of polished, high-quality silver. That indicates it was intended for either a dignitary or the mint's own private collection, said Larry Shepherd, executive director of the American Numismatic Association. It likely remained in the mint's collection until the 1800s, Shepherd said, when it was probably traded to a private collector, something he said the mint sometimes did in those days. The Flowing Hair Dollar is slightly larger and heavier than later coins such as the Morgan or Peace dollars.

Photo:Martin Logies autographed his new book - The Flowing Hair Dollar of 1794.

"That's the type of piece that is available maybe once in a lifetime," said Martin Logies, curator of the Cardinal Collection, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving rare coins and educating the public about them. He said the foundation plans to put the coin on display, just as Contursi did much of the time he owned it.

Numismatic experts say it was among the first U.S. silver dollars ever made.
"From the research I've done, it is unquestionably the earliest struck of all the pieces known to remain in existence," said Logies, author of "The Flowing Hair Silver Dollars of 1794."

Photo:Steve Contursi and his 1794 Dollar.

Contursi, who runs Irvine-based Rare Coin Wholesalers, acquired it for an undisclosed sum in 2003. He said he wasn't looking to sell it until Logies approached him. The Cardinal Collection curator had been one of a handful of experts Contursi had allowed to examine the coin after he bought it. He joked that Logies had had his eye on it ever since.
"He just finally made me an offer I couldn't refuse," he laughed.

On the obverse: The engraver Robert Scot created the silver dollar with a portrait of a young female facing the right with her hair flowing freely behind her to the left. The word “LIBERTY” was positioned above her with the date centered below. Fifteen starts appear along the sides to represent the fifteen states at the time. It has been accepted that the flowing hair was meant to stand for freedom.

On the reverse: The dollar coin shows a small eagle perched upon a rock with wings spread and surrounded by laurel branches. Along the border is the motto “United States of America.”

On the edge: Has the words “HUNDERED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” inscribed with decorations separating the words.

Source: Associated Press, Rare Coin Wholesalers. All Photo by Rare Coin Wholesalers.

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Prairie Crocus 2010 99999 Gold Coin

This coin by Royal Canadian Mint is celebrated as the purest gold coin available in the world a masterpiece of unparalleled 99.999% gold that is crafted to proof perfection. Whether this coin is collected on its own or as the 13th issue in this ongoing collection, its limited low mintage (only 1,400 coin minted) distinguishes it as a limited work of art of the highest order. The coin have a face value of 350 dollars and come with a serial number and certificate.

Spring’s eagerness is almost palpable on this exquisite coin; the purest gold coin available in the world. This year’s issue features the prairie crocus, Manitoba’s floral emblem adopted in 1906. The beautiful yet hardy prairie crocus is truly an all-Canadian flower. It starts to bloom the moment days start to lengthen after a long prairie winter, often pushing its blossoms through melting snow. Dots of bluish-purple and light lavender decorate the white landscape while fine hairs on the flowers and leaves provide added protection against sudden drops in temperature.


Coin design:
A cluster of delicate prairie crocuses seemingly poised to soak up the springtime sun.

Specifications:

• Mintage: Limited to 1400 coins worldwide
  
• Composition: 99.999% pure gold
  
• Finish: Proof
  
• Weight: 35.0g
  
• Diameter: 34.00 mm
  
• Edge: serrated
  
• Certificate: serialized
  
• Face value: $350
  
• Artist: Celia Godkin (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)
  

This coin is available online at The Royal Canadian Mint website.

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$20 silver coin water lily 2010

Royal Canadian Mint had been releasing a unique collectible honouring Canada’s botanical heritage, $20 silver coin water lily 2010. This is only the third coin to combine colour and a crystal effect to create a unique keepsake of Canada’s diverse flora, with the shine of 99.99% pure silver as the ideal composition for capturing the essence of water. A beautiful water lily poised between two floating leaves with three CRYSTALLIZED™ Swarovski Elements adding delicate drops of glittering water. Glorious colour and a shimmering crystal effect combine on 99.99% pure silver to create a breathtaking tribute to the water lily (Nymphaea odorata), a beautiful water plant that crowns Laurentian lakes from early summer to mid autumn with showy pink or white flowers and round green leaves that can reach up to 28 cm (11 in) in diameter.

The flower’s cup-like form is designed for a unique pollination process. Each lily blooms for only three days, opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon. On the first day, it releases a sweet smelling fluid to attract pollen-laden insects that are washed clean and fertilize the stigmas. On the second and third days, the flower releases pollen which is carried away by insects that visit the plant. Then, the plant’s stalks recoil, pulling the flower under water where its seeds mature and are released into the lake.

Throughout North America, many First Nations communities used the water lily’s roots, leaves and flowers for medicinal purposes. Even the rhizomes, young leaves and lower buds were eaten and the seeds were fried or ground into flour. This intriguing beauty also caught the attention of Brother Marie-Victorin (1885-1944), one of Canada’s greatest botanists and founder of Montreal’s historic Botanical Garden. He included the water lily in one of the 2,800 illustrations in his book Flore laurentienne. A monumental work that remains a cornerstone reference in university botany courses to this day.

The water lily is related to the lotus, hailed the loveliest of flowers with powerful symbolism in cultures throughout the world. Much of this symbolism is attributed to the flower’s ability to emerge from the depths of muddy waters to bring life and beauty to the surface—an image that inspired the ancient Egyptian myth of a world created out of moisture.

Specifications:

• Mintage: Limited to 10000 coins worldwide
• Composition: 99.99% pure silver
• Finish: proof (with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements on the reverse)
• Weight: 31.39 g.
  
• Diameter: 38 mm.
  
• Edge: serrated
• Certificate: serialized
• Face value: $20
• Artist: Claudio D'Angelo (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

This coin is available online at The Royal Canadian Mint website.

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Coin collection found in ceiling

Another story of a lucky man found a coins collection in his new house. Fred Murray from Winnipeg, Canada uncovered a bunch of old currency stashed in the basement ceiling of his home during a renovation project. He found Canadian currency; ranging from regular and commemorative coins to paper money, including the 25 cent bills commonly known as shinplasters to $100 bills. The collection also included foreign cash from Weimar Germany, 1920s China and the United States, stamps from numerous countries and clippings from Winnipeg newspapers.

Photo by CBC News: Fred Murray finds, ready to shipped for auction.

Fred Murray bought the old bungalow in Elmwood and recently decided to renovate the basement, spurred on by the federal government's home renovation tax credit. From older neighbours, Murray found out the house was built by a German immigrant named Albert Schmidt in the 1940s, whose identification he also found in the rafters. He lived in the home until sometime in the 1970s. It was when he ripped out ceiling panels in the 750 square foot home's basement that he realized he'd be supplementing that funding with some older money. When he encountered trouble feeding an electrical wire through the ceiling, he started to remove the panels. That's when he found the cash and coins packed in cloth bags, pill bottles and tobacco cans.

"The oldest coin I found was from 1859. It was a penny," Murray said.

"If it pays for the house, it's a bonus," said the 54-year-old.

He took his find to local collectors but said there wasn't much interest, so he plans to send everything to an auction house in Eastern Canada.

"It's all getting shipped off. I have no intentions of keeping it, and no one here in the city seems to be serious about it," he said.

"So I am shipping it off to Quebec and from there it goes to Toronto. And then it will end up in an auction."

While Murray said he knew nothing about collectible currency or stamps before his demolition find, he's now a little more up to speed. However, he's not interested enough to hold onto the collection and plans to ship it off this weekend to an Eastern Canada auction house. He said he has no idea what he'll get for the collection but plans to put it right back into the renovations.

I wish I am as lucky as this man but I think there are no interest because the item is not valuable to collector.

Source: CBC News, Toronto Sun.

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