Coins Recently Made Obsolete

By:  Henry M. Smith

                 Obsolete coins are coins no longer in general usage, and not currently available as collector coins from a mint.  For circulation coins, they were replaced by new issues, and subsequently they have become so scarce that they cannot normally be found.  When a coin no longer appears regularly, its value can increase, and often does.

                 In modern times two major events caused a multitude of coins to become obsolete.  These were not two individual events, rather they were two sets of like events.

One set of events occurred as a reduction of the influence of Great Britton on nations that were part of the might British Empire.  Many countries that were part of the British Empire used such coins as the pound and the shilling.  Many of these countries now have the freedom to issue their coins in the denominations they wish.  Until recently, Australia, New Zealand, and many small island nations followed the British coinage, issuing denominations of coins normally found in Great Britton.  Now the decimal coin is favored, and has replaced the British denominations in many countries, including both Australia and New Zealand.  Currently, coins in these countries include dollar coins and coins with denominations of decimal parts of a dollar.

An even greater impact on coinage occurred with the establishment of the European Union.  One major purpose of the European Union was to allow trade to exist between European countries without the need for monetary conversions.  One of the first things the European Union accomplished was the establishment of the Euro, the basis of its common monetary system.  The European Union also allows decimal parts of the Euro to be minted in coins.  While different countries do produce Euros, to the delight of collectors, with different images, the denominations used are unified, and based on the Euro.  This move rendered obsolete a multitude of coin types that were used in Europe.  This change occurred over time as various nations joined the European Union. The list of coins rendered obsolete by the Euro is too extensive to include here, but many names used prior to the various countries joining the European Union are now part of history.  Among them are the German mark, the French franc, and the Italian lire, to give a few examples.

Does this imply coins from before these sets of events are becoming rare, and therefore valuable?  This will be determined at some future time, but the possibility is real and worthy of consideration.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

One major difference should be noted.  All Euros are worth one Euro in any country, but dollars of different nations are not equally valued.

Obsolete Denominations of United States Coins

By:  Henry M. Smith

                 The United States has issued coins for over two hundred years, and several denominations have become obsolete.  Other denominations have had major changes

                 One of the early coins issued was the half cent piece.  It was minted through 1857, after which its production ceased.  With the current talk of eliminating the penny, there certainly is no need for a fraction of a cent.  When it was minted, the dollar had a much higher buying power, and a half cent was a significant monetary unit.

                 While the one cent coin is not an obsolete denomination, the large cent should be mentioned.  A one cent coin of its size is indeed obsolete.  The last large cent was last minted in 1957, the year after the small cent, the flying eagle, made its appearance. The flying eagle was itself only minted in three consecutive years.

                 Two denominations that had short production periods were the two cent piece and both three cent pieces.  The two cent piece was minted from 1864 through 1873.  The three cent pieces consisted first of the silver three cent piece minted from 1851 through 1873, and the nickel three cent piece minted from 1865 through 1889.  Notice the overlap of the years during which these two coins were minted.  The problem with the silver coin was that is was much too small.

                 While the denomination of five cents continues today, the original five cent coin was the half dime.  These coins had a rather long run, and were not discontinued until after 1873.  The nickel began production is 1866, hence there was an unusually long period during which two different five cent pieces were minted.

                 Another denomination that was minted only over a short period was the twenty cent piece.  These coins were only minted from 1875 through 1878.  Because the size was too close to that of the quarter, and the coin caused too much confusion, it met a rapid demise.

                 In 1935, the last silver dollars were minted.  This denomination remained dormant until the Eisenhower dollar appeared in 1971.  This issue lasted only until 1978.  In 1979, the smaller Susan B. Anthony dollar replaced the Eisenhower dollar.

                 Gold coins were minted in many denominations.  Some of these are currently being revived, but the extensive time between the last gold coins minted in 1933 and the current gold bullion coins makes their inclusion appropriate.  The older gold coins were minted in denominations one dollar, two and a half dollars, three dollars, four dollars, five dollars, ten dollars, and twenty dollars.  The four dollar denomination was particularly short, being minted in only two years, 1879 and 1880.

                 These obsolete denominations, and the other coins mentioned here, are obtainable through a dealer, but they will not be found in circulation.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

                 Many coins have obsolete types, not included here.  The focus of this article is to make the readers aware of the obsolete denominations of United States coins, and the denominations that continued, but were either significantly altered in size or had a lengthy lapse in time of minting.

Collecting Mardi Gras Doubloons

                 About fifty years ago there was a new item that appeared on Mardi Gras Day, the doubloon.  This is a medallion about the size of a silver dollar.  The first organization to throw these from floats during a parade was Rex, on Mardi Gras Day, 1960.  The doubloons has been a fixture at Mardi Gras ever since.

                 The Mardi Gras doubloons were, and to some extent still are, collectable.  After Rex introduced the first doubloons many other parading organizations followed with their own.  These medallions are usually aluminum, somewhat standard in size, and depict the organization on the obverse with the dated parade theme on the reverse.  This means that new reverses are needed annually.  Some parades use the uncolored aluminum doubloons, but others have some or all of their doubloons anodized with color.  They come both with plain and reeded edges, and a few have tried shapes and sizes that differ from the norm.

                 In the early years there was a move by most parading “krewes” to have their own doubloons minted, since these doubloons brought out more parade watchers.  After some time, the plastic cup became so popular that many parade goers allowed the doubloons to remain on the ground.  The cup also depicted the parading organization and theme of the year, and had practical purposes.  This was also about the time many collectors realized they would never get every doubloons minted, and began to lose interest.  In the last few years the doubloons has regained some of its appeal, and is now becoming more difficult to catch.

                 Doubloons are not as easy to collect as coins.  Few dealers handle them, and getting high quality doubloons is difficult.  You cannot order them from the mint.  They are tossed from moving floats, and often thrown by the handful.  They hit the street and immediately dent or scratch.  The equivalent of an uncirculated coin is rare.  For best results in owning a quality example of a doubloon one must know a member of the organization that throws it, and have the doubloon handed out privately, not thrown.  Next best is to catch a doubloon in the air.  Finally, standing on the median side of the street, called the “neutral ground” by the locals, allows the grassy median to cushion the doubloon’s fall and reduce the scratches.

                 Currently, only a few organizations throw doubloons.  Those that do may have one color, like the gold Rex doubloons, or several doubloons of different color.  There were doubloons in the past for individual floats in some rare cases.  Occasionally, a color is declared “rare” and thrown in a lesser quantity than the others.  Some organizations give the Captain, officers, or the king or queen special doubloons.  These are usually a distinctive color and a heavier gauge.

                 The most valuable doubloons are those not intended to be thrown.  These may be one Troy ounce of silver, or disks colored with enamel.  They are purchased as keepsakes by the members of the organization, and without connections these are practically impossible to obtain.  A few coin dealers will handle these when they are available, but they are minted in very small quantities making that a rare occurrence.

                 At this time some avid collectors are trying to replace collections destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.  Many doubloons dated 2005 and earlier were lost in the flood and the cleanup that followed.  Unfortunately, some of these collectors have moved away or have simply given up on collecting anything, so the demand has not increased as much as it could have.

                 This article is a service of Black Spaniel Gallery.  Go to blackspanielgallery.com for more informative articles on similar topics.

Coins as Displayable Art

                 Coins are displayable.  One would never have an entire collection worth a small fortune setting out on display, but one coin, or even a few, coins can be displayed.  Mints make coins for two reasons, for use as money and for collectors.  Those made for collectors are often very beautiful.  Some even come in small display cases that hold them at just the correct angle for viewing.

                 If you plan to add a decorative coin, make it blend with your decorating scheme.  There are coins of vintage cars, old sailing ships, animals, historical events, and  Australian indigenous art, just to give a brief list.  These can be found today in excellent condition when ordered directly from a mint.

                 At Blackspanielgallery.8m.com you will find links to major English speaking mints.

                 The Perth Mint of Australia is particularly good at designing and producing a multitude of coin motifs annually, and keeping old issues available during subsequent years while supplies last.

                 The Perth Mint still has coins of vintage automobiles dated 2006, and these would look great on the desk of an automobile enthusiast.  Animal lovers have many coins to choose from, and these can be displayed on a shelf or in a shadow box.  Historians would find the eye-catching colorized “Famous Battles in History” series especially attractive, and there are still World War II ships and planes available.

                 Currently, the Perth Mint is producing coins of indigenous art in gold, silver, and platinum.  The silver coins are the largest, and beautifully colorized.  There are five coins for 2009 release, and five each for release in the years 2010 and 2011.  It should be noted that there are actually fifteen art pieces released each year, since the coins are unique for each metal.

                 Some people are infatuated with the British Royal Family.  The multitude of events portrayed in coinage, and the masterful designs used, make coins a real treasure trove of displayable Royal Family tributes.

                 Perhaps the greatest beauty can be found in the New Zealand Mint’s galleon, or the Royal Canadian Mint’s Tall Ship Hologram series.  Strangely, the Perth Mint has the 2006 Royal Canadian Mint’s Tall Ship “Ketch” hologram for sale, uncirculated.  The coin has yet to sell out at the Perth Mint, probably because few people know it is available there.  The “Snowflake” coins of the Royal Canadian Mint, where a silver snowflake is enhanced with beautiful gemstones, has to be considered when one discusses coins as art.

                 If you are looking for something to display on a desk or on a wall shelf, peruse the mints for ideas.  The Perth Mint has many coins to consider, but do not omit the other mints.  Just scrolling through all the artwork is itself rewarding.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Ancient Coins

Ancient coins can be quite useful in bringing history to your hands.  The images are those of the emperors, the scenes show real events, and even the coin itself shows the ability of a culture to purify metals and make coins.  Making coins in antiquity was more arduous than it is now, there were no mechanical mass production devices.  So ancient coin collecting can be a quite informative hobby.

                 Collecting Biblical coins is a special branch of ancient coin collecting.  They can bring events of the Bible in a special link to the present.  Nothing can substitute for the real thing.

                 One problem with collecting ancient coins is their shortage, and lack of precision in their production, makes counterfeiting them too easy.  There are many fakes out there, and if you pay for the real coin, you want the real coin.  In fact, if it looks too well preserved, look it over very carefully.  Remember. If it was struck by a die under the pressure of a press, it cannot be from the date shown.  We do not sell ancient coins because we do not have the expertise of evaluation them.

                 Our recommendation is to deal with a known, reputable dealer with whom you have established a trust.  Whenever possible, view the coin in person.  If you have no dealer in your area go to a coin show and meet the antique coin dealers.  As a rule you should look for the ANA membership of your dealer, since there is a strict set of rules of conduct that are viewable online at ANA’s site.  And deal with those who either specialize in ancient coins or have a line of ancient coins, since they are probably more expert than someone with a handful they picked up with a purchase of an estate.  Here, dealing with a properly credentialed professional is strongly recommended.

                 If you prefer to buy online, consider going to Vcoins, since they are an online sales outlet for many dealers specialized in these coins, and who can spot a counterfeit coin before it enters their inventory.

                 Remember the axiom, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.  This really applies here!

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

May 22 Releases from the Perth Mint!

                 The Perth Mint has made a significant release of new coins today, many in “proof” condition with COAs..

                 The popular Celebrate Australia $1 Coin has eight new issues.  These affordable, popular coins include Tasmania, Northern Territory, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria.  These coins come in beautiful color, and on a presentation card.  They can be ordered individually, or as a set.

                 The popular Famous Battle Series now has the second coin in the set of five available.  This is a “proof” 1 troy ounce silver coin set.  The first coin sold out in a matter of weeks, so the second,The Battle of Cannae 216BC requires immediate attention.  This is a very limited release, limited to 5,000 coins.  This coin is colorized.  It is legal tender in Tuvalu, a part of the Commonwealth.  This coin comes in a beautiful presentation case.

                 The is the year of astronomy, and the Perth Mint has just released the 1 troy ounce “Proof” coin celebrating the International Year of Astronomy.  This is a colorized coin, and limited to 7,500 .  This coin comes in a beautiful presentation case.

                 The Perth Mint also is celebrating through two coins 100 Years of Swimming Excellence.  The proof coin is one troy ounce, colorized limited edition coin.  Mintage is limited to 7,500.  The proof coin comes in color.  The uncirculated coin is unlimited mintage, and is not in a precious metal.  This coins is affordable to most collectors.

                 In addition, the Perth Mint released the 1966 Australian Decimal Pattern Silver Proof Coin Set, a five coin “proof” quality set in silver, enclosed in a beautiful case.  This release is limited to 7,500.

                 The silver “proof” coins, and the silver “proof” quality set all come with a numberedCertificate of Authenticity.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Collecting and Selling Hummels on Ebay

                 If you are collecting Hummels, Ebay can offer some real finds.  Bidding often ends long before reaching the price listed in the reference books.  A Hummel that should sell for $300 may go for $30 - $40.  This is because of several factors.  Crazing usually does not show up in photographs, and trusting the seller is required.  But the seller is often a stranger, and this trust must be based on feedback from other strangers.  Small chips can be hidden by careful photography, avoiding the angles that show them up.  Again, you must trust the seller.  Then there are those who will photograph one Hummel and ship another.  This is bad news for the honest seller, but a bargain for those who can identify the sellers wh are trustworthy.

                 If you plan to buy from Ebay, find someone who sells many Hummels, check the quality for yourself with one or two inexpensive pieces, and go back to them if you are satisfied with the quality.  You may pay a slight premium for this, since the people with the reputations for being honest on Ebay usually have repeat business.  You will have to outbid their other regular customers, but it is better to pay a premium than to pay for something that is virtually worthless.  And any piece with any defect, offered by a reputable seller with the proper disclosure of the defect, will bring little as a highest bid.  Defects make Hummels virtually worthless!

                 Selling Hummels on Ebay can be frustrating.  The books say you should get $500, but you barely managed to get $50.  This is a common scenario.  The problems is that while Hummels are no longer in production, that higher fair price for a discontinued piece is discounted because your customers are uncertain what you are offering with respect to quality.  And selling Hummels on Ebay can be expensive.  Ebay fees are high, and do not forget the Paypal fees.  Paypal fees are lower than Ebay fees, but unlike Ebay fees, they apply to shipping.  Shipping can itself be expensive.  You need to procure packaging material to keep the item from breaking.  You can charge insurance, but the problem is people buying collectibles are astute with money, and will add the shipping and insurance to what is bid to determine the maximum they will spend.  This means you get a lower bid if you charge shipping and insurance.  Photographs are another expense, and Hummels require many.  You must make it clear that there are no defects from every angle, and have a photograph of the trademark on the bottom.  That trademark indicates authenticity of the piece, and also helps determine the value.

                 Perhaps, if you have an outlet, buying on Ebay and selling in a physical store might be profitable.  Just remember, if it does not mention a box on Ebay, do not expect one.  So, it will be clear to your customers that the piece was previously owned.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Disney Collectible Coins

                Disney produces coins, and some of them have a collector premium.  Generally, those not in a precious metal have little value, but the silver and gold coins often are highly prized coins.  Disney uses the Rarity Mint, and produces limited quantities of their coins.  These are most valuable if accompanied by the numbered Certificate of Authenticity that was originally the coin’s accompaniment.

                 Disney coins are best collected, and hold a higher value, if they are part of the entire set with which they were issued.  The Disney Around the World six coin set is more valuable than the six coins offered individually.  Always sell as an entire set if possible.  But not every coin was part of a set.  The Epcot coin is a typical example of a stand alone item.

                 The notable exception to the value of Disney coins is the silver Snow White series.  They are too abundant, and most are worth just a little over the price of silver.

                 Disney has issued gold, silver, and silver gilded with gold coins.  The gilded coins were a version of the five coins depicting the various castles of the Disney parks around the world.  These were issued a couple of years ago, and a few were still available this year.

                 In addition to the Snow White series, the Around the World series, and the five castle coins, several others have appeared.  The Mickey Mouse’s 60^th Birthday coins depicting Steamboat Willie are rather common, the Epcot opening and the Lion King coins are hard to find, and the Sorcerer Mickey and Sorcerer’s Apprentice coins are rare but can be found with a little patience.  They are frequently offered on Ebay, but command a higher premium than the common coins.

                 Most of the silver coins are struck in the one-ounce 0.999 fine silver proof condition.  A few are in unusual sizes, so always read the specifications.  And there are those that come in multiple sizes, like the Steamboat Mickey coin, which can come in the one-tenth ounce size when mounted on a card, and the Snow White series can come in the one-half ounce size, also mounted on a card.  Smaller coins are often mounted on a card, while larger ones often come in a display case.  A few come larger, such as the five-ounce Sorcerer Mickey silver coin.

                 Disney also has issued at least one Christmas coin in silver.

                 Coins bearing the likeness of a Disney character, especially an old animated character, seem to hold the best value.  Several of these can be found, but not as easily as many other coins.

                 Disney gold coins are often in fractional sizes, such at one-fourth of an ounce.  They are collectible!  Even the Snow White coins are highly priced because of the price of gold.

                 Disneyanna, the vacation club that annually gathers at Disney, has issued a few silver coins of its own for its gathering.  They are also collectible if in a precious metal.

                 To find Disney coins on Ebay, search Collectibles, Disneyanna, and type in silver coin or gold coin.  If you do not restrict your search you will wade through many toy coins, such as the Star Wars weekend coins and the pirate coins.  These may appear if you restrict your search, but will be less common.  The Disney Epcot coins of the world sets are inexpensive foreign coins.  None of these are worth obtaining.

                 Before you buy, have the seller assure you that the coin is in the display case, or on the original card, and the Certificate of Authenticity is included.  It may be the card for the smaller coins.  Also, the condition is important.  If it was ever taken from its case and used as a toy, consider avoiding the purchase.  Handled coins lose their value quickly.  The usual protection is a transparent acrylic holder, and it should be included if it originally accompanied the coin.

                 Even if a coin remains sealed, toning can occur.  Coins can tone beautifully, or become ugly.  If the coin is not recently issued, ask for pictures of both sides.  Another disturbing feature of coins is some can develop spots, often white in color, even though the coin is permanently sealed by a mint.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Do I Need to See Both Sides of an Uncirculated Coin I am Bidding on?

                Even if a coin remains sealed from the mint, toning can occur.  Coins can tone beautifully, or become ugly.  Another disturbing feature of coins is some can develop spots, often white in color, even though the coin is permanently sealed by a mint.

                 In silver coins, always look for black carbon spots, black circles around the rim, and white spots.  Unfortunately, these do not show up well in photographs.  So asking for a second picture is of little value.  Read the auction, and read the feedback.  Undisclosed flaws should be noted in the feedback comments.  And do not just look at the negative and neutral feedbacks.  Some buyers do not leave negative feedback, but make comments in the positive feedback that warns other buyers.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.

Coca Cola Silver Bars

 Usually, silver bars and silver rounds are worth little or nothing over the spot price of silver.  This is not true of Coca Cola silver bars.  These highly collectable bars were made to celebrate the 75^thanniversary of Coca Cola, and were released in 1979.  The collectors of Coca Cola items is a large community, and they pay higher than silver prices for these one-ounce bars.  So, some coin collectors, and most Coca Cola collectors, have interest in them.

                 At the time of this article being written, they were averaging about three times the spot price of silver, with some bringing in much more.

They are not all equally valued.  Different bottling plants are depicted, and some from smaller towns are harder to find.  Yes, there are many different bars, with a Coca Cola bottle shown on one side and a bottling plant on the other.  When they appear for auction, like on Ebay, some are run using Coca Cola in the title and some using the Coke in the title.  To view everything available you must conduct two searches.  Searching Ebay regularly for about a year will probably reveal all or most of the varieties available.

The number available appears to currently be increasing, possibly due to the economic times.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.