The U.S. Mint will produce a near record number of coins in 2020.  How is this possible? We have a coin shortage!   Even with all the business closures and restrictions, the economy may be overheating and demand for cash is very strong.  This directly contradicts that online and credit card use is at an all time high.  So can both be true; or is this a symptom of stimulus cash being spent quickly?  Here are some facts to consider.    According to the U.S. Mint, in 2019 they produced 17 percent of the coins used in circulation.  In 2019, the Mint pro ..read more

I have heard many stories of theft and break-ins. And is it just me or I am hearing a dramatic increase of these stories to the point that California is almost lawless.   I can only hope things change in the future and the penalties for these offensives increase to the point of being a real deterrent. It goes without saying that individuals should seek professionals to guide them through the following points. I can help with coin questions or evaluations for insurance.   Remember that most home owners insurance does not automatically cover coin collections, so speak to your ..read more

Part 3, This article is continued from the last issue which continues with a general list of coins worth a premium. Silver Dimes, Quarters, and Half Dollars dated 1964 and before will have a premium..   You may be shocked as to their value. Half Dollars made between 1965 and 1970 are made of 40% silver and will have a premium. Silver dollars made 1935 and before will have a premium.  Note that the Eisenhower dollar made for circulation from 1971 to 1978 are not silver and can occasionally be picked up at your local bank.  That being stated, the U.S. Mint did issue 40% silver dollars from 1971 ..read more

Part 2, This article is continued from the last issue.  Other collections will contain receipts for coins that were purchased from reputable dealers and auction houses and may contain a library of reference books.  There is also the collector who is essentially collecting and accumulating coins.  This may be a low budget collector who is fishing for coins in everyday change.   It can be the person placing mail orders from private coin companies. If this is the case, then it’s always a good idea to bring examples into the shop to do a price check. Below is a general list of coins worth a premiu ..read more

Which coins are worth a premium? Do you have a batch of old coins? Stop! Do not take them to the bank. I wrote this article to help anyone identify the most common premium coins. I have looked through thousands of accumulations and coin collections and based on my experience, I have written this guide. Let’s get started! If the collection or accumulation is part of an estate, many times just dividing up the coins will turn out to be inequitable simply because one coin of the same type may be worth multiples of a similar coin. As a general rule, never clean coins. Please do not attempt to wipe ..read more