Unveiling the Artistry of Joseph Menna: The Chief Engraver's Impact on Coin Design Joseph Menna, a highly accomplished artist and innovator, has left an enduring imprint on the realm of coin design through his tenure as Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. Renowned for his artistic excellence, Menna's profound contributions to numismatics are celebrated, highlighting his exceptional ability to breathe life into history through intricately crafted coins. Menna's artistic journey took root in Albany, New York, where his passion for sculpting and drawing blossomed. He pursued his artistic ..read more

John Mercanti: A Numismatic Maestro's Journey at the Helm John Mercanti, renowned in the sphere of coin design and engraving, left an indelible mark on numismatic history during his tenure as Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 2006 to 2010. Revered for his exceptional skill, meticulous attention to detail, and prolific career, Mercanti's contributions are hailed by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Born on April 27, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mercanti's early passion for art blossomed during his education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Here, he honed ..read more

Elizabeth Jones: Pioneering Numismatic Artistry at the US Mint Elizabeth Jones revolutionized coin design, becoming the inaugural female Chief Engraver at the United States Mint. Discover her extraordinary journey from breaking gender barriers to leaving an indelible mark on numismatic artistry.  During her tenure, Jones crafted iconic designs, including the celebrated 1982 Washington Commemorative Half Dollar, commemorating George Washington's 250th birth anniversary. Notably, she also designed 1983 Los Angeles Olympic one dollar coin, obverse. Her design incorporated the traditional dis ..read more

The Artistic Journey of Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro Frank Gasparro, a luminary in the world of coin design, left an indelible mark on the numismatic landscape during his tenure as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1965 to 1981. His artistic vision and technical prowess transformed the appearance of American currency, and his legacy endures through the iconic coins he crafted. Born on August 26, 1909, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Frank Gasparro displayed an early passion for art. His journey into the world of coin design began when he enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academ ..read more

The Artistic Legacy of Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts Gilroy Roberts (March 11, 1905 – January 26, 1992) was a prominent figure in the world of numismatics made an indelible mark as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1948 to 1964. His contributions to the field of coin design and engraving not only left an enduring legacy but also showcased his artistic prowess and dedication to the craft. Gilroy Roberts was born on March 11, 1905, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His early interest in art led him to pursue formal education at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where h ..read more

 Showcasing the Charles II ‘Petition’ Crown and Other Historical Coins at Heritage's NYINC  Dallas, Texas, December 12, 2023 – The Heritage Auctions' NYINC Platinum Session in New York , scheduled for January 8, is set to be a remarkable showcase in the world of numismatics. A major highlight of this event is the auctioning of the second-finest known Charles II silver Pattern "Petition" Crown from 1663 , a coin that marries historical significance with stunning beauty. A Window into 17th-Century British History This rare "Petition" Crown, expertly engraved by Thomas Simon, a celebrated ..read more

 Unearthing the Rich Tales of America's Beloved Cent The Hidden Tales of a Simple Penny Ever held a penny and wondered about its story? Let's face it, we've all tossed a cent or two into a jar, not giving it a second thought. But what if I told you that one little penny, specifically the Lincoln Wheat Cent, could unfold a tale as rich as any history book? Now, I get it. You're probably thinking, "It's just a penny, right? What's so special about that?" That's where the magic lies. These pennies aren't just spare change; they're tiny time capsules, each with a unique narrative. You see ..read more

Ever looked at a coin and thought, “This little metal disc has been to more places than I have”? Funny, isn’t it, how we often overlook these pocket-sized travelers? Sure, they might just seem like spare change to use at the vending machine or the parking meter. But hey, every single one of those coins is a tiny, jingling piece of history – a story in its own right, waiting to be told. Maybe you've felt that coins, with their dates and mysterious mint marks, hold secrets from the past. Perhaps you’ve even held an old coin and wondered about the countless hands it's passed through. That’s th ..read more

Ever stared at a Washington Quarter and thought, “Buddy, what’s your story?” Let's face it: to the untrained eye, it's just 25 cents clinking around in your pocket or purse. But you and I know better, don't we? Each quarter isn't just a piece of currency; it's a snapshot of history, a tiny relic of a much bigger saga. You might've found yourself thumbing through your change, catching a glimpse of a date or a mint mark and wondering, "Is this one special?" Or maybe you've felt a little twinge of excitement picking up a quarter that seems just a tad different from the rest. That's not just y ..read more

Is it illegal to melt U.S. coins? Can You Melt Coins For The Precious Metal?   The short answer? It is illegal to melt and profit off of pennies and nickels. This also includes exportation of these coins (which usually is then melted in other countries).    There are still instances where it’s okay to melt coins, but let’s get a bit into why it’s illegal to melt pennies and nickels first!   Why is it illegal to melt pennies and nickels?   As we know, coins contain a few different types of metals . They used to be mainly gold and silver, but now coins are a composite ..read more