Coin Information

The Trade Dollar was authorized and first minted in 1873 in order to create an American coin to compete with other favored forms of currency in the Orient. The coins were produced in quantity at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City Mints until 1878, after which point, the Philadelphia Mint continued to strike the coins for a number of years in proof format only.

Depicted on the obverse of the coin is Lady Liberty seated on a bale of merchandise with her right hand holding an olive branch. She appears to be at a coastline with the sea before her. On the reverse is a bald eagle holding an olive branch and bundle of arrows. The weight of the silver content is included specifically as "420 grains 900 fine". This represented a slightly higher silver content than the previously issued silver dollars.

The coins had a very interesting history as they were initially legal tender for payment of up to only five dollars. Eventually, the legal tender status of the coins was revoked. Overseas the coins did achieve some measure of success, where they circulated and were heavily chopmarked.

Collectors of the series can acquire most dates in circulated condition, but higher grades are often elusive since so few of the coins were initially saved. The lower mintages generally took place at Carson City. The true rarities are the proof only issues of 1884 and 1885, which were struck under unusual circumstances. There are just 10 and five pieces which exist for each date.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1873-1885
Mint: Philadelphia, Carson City, San Francisco
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Weight: 27.22 grams

More Information: Trade Dollar mintages

Coin Information

Designed by Christian Gobrecht, the Liberty Coronet Gold Eagle was an extremely long running series for the $10 gold denomination. The design was introduced in 1838 and amidst some periodic modifications, continued to be produced until 1907.

The original obverse designed featured the head of Liberty facing left and wearing a cornet with the inscription of "Liberty". There were an arrangement of thirteen stars surrounding with the date placed at the base. The reverse was based on the work of John Reich and featured an eagle with wings outstretched and talons grasping an olive branch and group of the arrows. The inscription surrounding reads "United States of America" with the denomination at the base.

Over the coming years as the coins were produced at Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans, several design changes would take place. This included modification to the lettering and the inclusion of the motto "In God We Trust" on a banner above the eagle. After the motto was added, production also took place at Carson City and Denver.

Mintage levels would vary widely over the course of the series, reaching the absolute low of just 100 pieces in 1875. Other issues during the same era experienced similarly low mintages.

The series concluded when a new design known as the Indian Head Eagle was created by sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1838-1907
Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, Carson City, New Orleans, San Francisco
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper and silver (0.48 troy ounces of pure gold)
Diameter: 28.6 mm
Weight: 16.718 grams

Coin Information

The second series for the twenty dollar double eagle gold coins was designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens. The coins would be produced between the years 1907 and 1933, with the first and the last years of issue both being extremely notable for collectors. For the first year of issue, there were attempts to strike the coin in ultra high relief as the designer intended, but the relief was ultimately lowered. In the final year of issue, the large mintage was not released for circulation and ultimately melted, with a few survivors managing to escape.

Depicted on the obverse of the coin was the full figure of Liberty in flowing gown. She holds an olive branch in one hand and a lit torch in the other and steps confidently forward across a rocky crag. Within view in the background is the US Capitol building and rays of the rising sun. This image became iconic for the young and heroic allegorical representation of the United States bringing Liberty to the world. On the reverse was the image of a young bald eagle in flight with the rays of the sun filling the field beneath.

As mentioned, Augustus Saint Gaudens intended for his design to be executed in ultra high relief for an appearance similar to the coins of ancient Greece. Despite numerous attempts, this was not possible to be implemented on a mass scale for a circulating coin. The relief was reduced and a limited number of high relief pieces were struck, before the relief was lowered once again for mass production. The design remained as such for the duration of the series.

Production would take place at three different mint facilities in varying numbers. The rarities of the series are not necessarily the coins with the lowest mintages, but instead the coins with the lowest survival rates. Because a great number of coins were melted, some years with high mintages have become prized rarities for present day collectors like the 1927-D Double Eagle with just 12 examples known to remain in existence.

In 1933, the Philadelphia Mint struck 445,500 pieces. However, all of these were withheld from circulation following the executive order of the President to recall federal gold. The entire number minted was supposed to be melted, except for two examples sent to the Smithsonian Institution. Over the years, a number of pieces have surfaced, which somehow managed to escape melting. However, only a single piece was deemed legal for private ownership.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1907-1933
Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper (0.96750 troy ounces of pure gold content)
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 33.436 grams

More Information: Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Mintage

Coin Series

The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was produced for two years from 1794 to 1795 and represents the first silver dollars struck in the United States. Due to their important place and history, the low mintages, and only two years of production, these coins are prized by collectors at all grade levels. Many are happy to acquire an example of the coin even if it exhibits problems such as cleaning or damage.

The silver dollar was included as one of the denominations authorized under the Coinage Act of 1792. The coins have a composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. The weight is 26.29 grams and the diameter can vary slightly from 39 to 40 mm. The denomination is placed on the edge as "Hundred Cents One Dollar or Unit".

Designs for the coin were created by Robert Scot, who was also responsible for other of the early Mint's coinage designs. Liberty is pictured on the obverse with her hair flowing slightly backwards in the wind. The word "Liberty" appears above with fifteen stars surrounding the image. This represented the current number of states. Later U.S. coinage would revert to thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen states.

The reverse includes an American Eagle, chosen for a symbol on the coinage. It is placed within an wreath tied with a ribbon and open at the top. The words "United States of America" surrounds. The denomination did not appear on either the obverse or reverse, but only the edge of the coin.

The undisputed key date of the series is the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, which had just 1,758 pieces released. Fewer than 10% of this original number is estimated to still exist. Famously, an exceptional quality piece believed to be the first silver dollar ever struck by the United States Mint sold for $7,850,000, representing the highest price ever paid for a coin.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 18794-1795
Mint: Philadelphia
Composition: 89.24% silver, 10.76% copper
Diameter: 39-40 mm
Weight: 26.29 grams

Additional Information: Flowing Hair Dollar Mintages

The United States Mint first made the 2011 American Gold Buffalo available on March 14, 2011. This was the first date that authorized purchasers could place orders for the bullion version of the coin. Featuring James Earle Fraser's classic design for the Buffalo Nickel, the bullion and collector releases of the series continue to be popular with collectors and precious metals investors.

Each coin is struck in a composition of 24 karat (.9999 fine) gold and contains one troy ounce of gold content. Bullion versions, struck at the West Point Mint without a mint mark, are distributed through the US Mint's authorized purchaser network based on the market price of gold plus a mark up. Collector versions, bearing the "W" mint mark, are sold directly by the United States Mint at established prices that can fluctuate weekly based on the average price of gold.

For the current year, the US Mint intends to release a one ounce proof version of the coin for collectors. The release date for the 2011 Proof Gold Buffalo is currently scheduled for May 19, 2011. This will represent the third year that the US Mint will only offer a single version of the coin for collectors. For the 2008 Gold Buffalo coins, the US Mint had released eight different coins across two finishes and four sizes. Although these coins have gained success on the secondary market, low sales during the period of availability caused the US Mint to discontinue the additional offerings.

Availability of the bullion versions of the Gold Buffalo has sometimes been erratic. In recent years, the coins have been released late and had sales end abruptly without advance warning. This limited availability has sometimes resulted in higher premiums compared to other bullion products. For the 2011 Gold Buffalo bullion coins, the US Mint made the coins available earlier than previous years, hopefully signaling the start of a better pattern of availability.

Coin Specifications

Designer: James Earle Fraser
Date: 2011
Mint Mark: W (proof coins), none (bullion coins)
Weight: 1.0001 troy oz (31.1035 grams)
Composition: .9999 fine gold
Diameter: 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness: 0.116 inches (2.95 mm)

More Information: Gold Buffalo Guide

Coin Information

The Liberty Double Eagle was produced from 1849 to 1907. These twenty dollar gold pieces were authorized under the Act of March 3, 1849, which created the new higher denomination coins to deal with the mass of gold being sent to the Mint at the start of the California Gold Rush. The lengthy series is divided into three types, marked by changes in the inscriptions.

The original design created by James B. Longacre features the head of Liberty facing left. She wears a coronet inscribed with the word "Liberty" and has her hair pulled back and bound with some curls falling behind her neck. Thirteen stars surround, and the date appears below. On the reverse of the coin is a version of the heraldic eagle holding scrolls with the words "E Pluribus Unum".  The inscription "United States of America" appears above, with the denomination written as "Twenty D." below. In 1866, the motto "In God We Trust" was added on the reverse within the circle of stars above the eagle. This represented the start of the Type 2 or "with motto" design. In 1877, the denomination was spelled completely as "Twenty Dollars" and other elements of the design were slightly modified. This represented the Type 3 or "twenty dollars" design.

A number of important rarities are included within the series. The first is the 1849 Liberty Double Eagle, which has only a single specimen known. Technically a pattern, this was the first double eagle struck within the United States. It is currently within the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian Institution. Another important rarity is the 1861 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle. This coin was created when Anthony Paquet modified the reverse design and an unknown number of coins bearing the new design were struck. After the design was recalled, all examples were melted except for two pieces which managed to escape.

Other rarities of the series were created as a result of low mintages and extensive circulation, leading to a very low survival rate. Examples of these issues include the 1854-O, 1856-O, and 1870-CC. For each of these dates, only a small number circulated examples have survived, with no mint state pieces known to exist. The lowest mintage issue of the series is the 1882 Double Eagle, which had a mere 571 coins originally produced.

Proof versions of the Liberty Double Eagle were struck in extremely small quantities. Regular production took place from 1859 to 1907, with mintages ranging from 20 to 158 pieces. For three years 1883, 1884, and 1887, the Philadelphia Mint only struck proof versions of the double eagle, giving these proof only issues a special allure with collectors.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1849-1907
Mint: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper (0.96750 troy ounces of pure gold content)
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 33.436 grams

More Information: Liberty Double Eagle Mintages

Coin Series

The 24 karat gold coin series honoring the spouses of the Presidents of the United States will enter its fifth year. The 2011 First Spouse Gold Coins feature Eliza Johnson, Julia Grant, Lucy Hayes, and Lucretia Garfield.

Following the format of the series thus far, the obverse of each coin will include a portrait of the First Lady and the reverse will present an image, which is representative of her accomplishments or major themes of her life. There was some controversy surrounding the designs of this year's coins. When the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee reviewed the design candidates provided by the United States Mint, they selected only two designs from a field of 55 candidates. The US Mint subsequently provided additional sets of designs for evaluation.

After dropping for a number of years, sales levels for the First Spouse Gold Coins are showing signs of stabilization. When the series was first released it generated a tremendous amount of interest, which proved fleeting. After sales levels fell to historically low levels for some of the 2009 issues, the US Mint cut maximum production levels. For the 2010 issues, collectors ordered the coins in slightly higher quantities.

The following coins will be issued in 2011:

• Eliza Johnson First Spouse Gold Coin
• Julia Grant First Spouse Gold Coin
• Lucy Hayes First Spouse Gold Coin
• Lucretia Garfield First Spouse Gold Coin

Each coin is struck in one-half ounce of 24 karat gold and available in proof or uncirculated versions. The order of the release will follow the Presidential Dollar series, although the spouse coins have sometimes seen delays. The US Mint establishes maximum mintages for each issue at the beginning of the year, although these levels remain unknown.

Pricing is dependent on the market price of gold. The initial prices are determined based on the prior week's average gold price. Once the coins are available, pricing may be adjusted weekly following changes in the average price of gold.

Coin Information

The Jefferson Nickel has the distinction of being a series that is accessible to new collectors and challenging to advanced collectors. The series was introduced in 1938, replacing the previous Buffalo Nickels. The new design was created by Felix Schlag and featured a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and a depiction of his home Monticello on the reverse. Earlier dates of the series can sometimes be found within circulation, making assembling an affordable set a distinct possibility. On the other end of the spectrum, some issues are extremely elusive with full steps, creating enormous premiums.

The original design was used for nearly seven decades without major alteration. In 2004, a series of new designs known as the Westward Journey Nickels were introduced to mark the Louisiana Purchase and the expedition of Lewis and Clark. A series of four different reverse designs were used, including one depicting a buffalo, along with two different obverse designs. From 2006, a new obverse portrait by Jamie Franki and the original reverse design by Felix Schlag would serve as the new permanent design.

One of most notable issues of the series is the 1950-D Jefferson Nickel. The low mintage of 2,630,030 caused collectors to hoard large quantities of the issue. Prices rose to high levels, before eventually peaking, and crashing. The widespread hoarding of the issue results in abundant supplies of uncirculated examples of this coin.

"Full steps" refers to the steps visible at the base on Monticello on the reverse of the coin. Specialized collectors will pursue Jefferson Nickels that have five or six steps visible, which are uninterrupted by contact marks, strike weakness, or planchet flaws. Many issues of the series are exceedingly difficult to find with qualifications to meet the designation, resulting in large premiums.

The Jefferson Nickel carried the composition of 25% nickel and 75% copper for the entire series, except for a brief period from 1942 to 1945. During this time, the copper content was reduced, nickel was eliminated, and silver and manganese were added. The change was instituted in order to save strategic metals for the war effort. The composition of the nickel has recently become a topic of discussion as the intrinsic value of the coins exceeds face value, although it is illegal to melt the coins.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1938-present
Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel (1942-1945: 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese)
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Weight: 5.0 grams

Coin Information

The final release of the year for the 24 karat gold coin series honoring the First Ladies will be the Lucretia Garfield First Spouse Gold Coin. The estimated release date is December 1, 2011, although this will remain subject to potential change.

A portrait of Lucretia Garfield appears on the obverse of the coin, which was designed by Barbara Fox and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions include her name, "In God We Trust", "Liberty", "20th", "1881", and "2011". She had served as First Lady for only a brief time before her husband was shot and struggled for his life for three months before passing.

The reverse of the coin is intended to represent Lucretia Garfield's interest in art, with an image of her seated before a canvas with palette and brush. The surrounding inscriptions include "United States of America", "E Pluribus Unum", "$10", and "1/2 oz. .9999 fine gold". The reverse was designed and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso.

First Spouse Gold Coins typically carry a specified maximum mintage, which is announced prior to the start of sales. The coins remain available from the United States Mint until the maximum mintage has been sold or for approximately one year. Pricing for the coins is determined based on the average price of gold, and may be adjusted weekly.

Coin Specifications

Designer: Barbara Fox (obverse), Michael Gaudioso (reverse)
Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill (obverse), Michael Gaudioso(reverse)
Date: 2011
Mint: West Point (W mint mark)
Weight: 0.5000 troy oz. (15.554 g)
Composition: 0.9999 fine gold
Diameter: 1.041 inches (26.49 mm)
Thickness: 0.074 inches (1.88 mm)

Coin Information

The United States Mint began sales of the 2010 Proof Platinum Eagle on August 12, 2010. Within approximately one week, the entire mintage was sold out in similar fashion to the prior year release.

The coins represented the second year in an ongoing design series that presents the six core concepts of American democracy as stated in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. The design for the 2010 Platinum Eagle was for the theme "To Establish Justice".

On the obverse of the coin is a portrait of the Statue of Liberty designed by John Mercanti. This image has appeared on every American Platinum Eagle since introduction in 1997. Inscriptions include "Liberty", "In God We Trust", and the date "2010".

The reverse of the coin features an image of a blindfolded justice holding scales and an olive branch. This design was greeted enthusiastically by collectors and had been supported by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The inscriptions read "Justice the Guardian of Liberty", "United States of America", ".9995 Platinum", "$100", and "1 oz." Additionally, a bald eagle privy mark is positioned beneath the denomination.

The maximum authorized mintage was established at 10,000 coins, representing a 20% increase from the level of the prior year. The coins were originally priced at $1,892 with a household ordering limit of five.

Besides, the one ounce collectible proof version of the coin, the US Mint did not issue the 2010 Platinum Eagle in bullion format or any other collector formats.

Coin Specifications

Designer: John Mercanti (obverse), Donna Weaver (reverse)
Date: 2010
Mint Mark: W
Weight: 31.120 grams
Composition: 0.9995 platinum
Diameter: 32.7 mm
Thickness: 2.39 mm

More Information: American Platinum Eagles