Collectors are rushing to buy up thousands of misprint coins in Chile after the managing director of the country’s mint released thousands of coins in 2008 bearing a misspelling of the nations title.

In an error that was not noticed until late last year the coins spell “Chilie” as “Chiie”

“I was fired for making a human error…but the situation is treated as if it were an intentional act,” said Lizana , who is trying to dispel rumors of sabotage.

National Mint director Gregorio Iniguez and two other former mint employees  are currently under investigation for the alleged coin production tampering.

They are also being investigated for various other suspicious coin cast irregularities, as well as the absence of minting tools from factory inventory. Their hearing is set for April 12.

“Director Gregorio Iniguez has been fired over a series of issues, including the misspelled coins, which have brought the institution into disrepute,” a mint official told Reuters on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61E4FJ20100215

Jonathon Harris filed suit in Martin County court against Google on Monday and elected to act as his own attorney in the case. His claim is that Google’s actions placed him and his family at risk of robbery.

“[Google] disclosed that the plaintiff’s family home is where rare coins can be found, and conveniently provided a map,” said Harris.

Harris says he was upset when he first discovered in 2007 that his home address was appearing in the search engine for a search for local coin dealers. At this time, he wrote a letter of complaint to Google and the address was removed.

In 2009 it happened again. Harris had an attorney send a letter threatening legal action and sent four letters of his own. Google’s failure to correct the situation was causing an “inherently dangerous” situation for Harris and his family, wrote attorney Mitchell Sens’s.

Officials from Google have still cannot be reached commented. Harris’s injunction seeks to stop Google from re-posting the address. Harris also points out in his suit that Google’s very own policy to remove sensitive information within 48 hours of a written request was ignored.

Source: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/feb/08/rare-coin-dealer-sues-google-for-address-mixup/

Early in 1858 claim stakers descended en masse upon Fraser Canyon when news of a gold strike reached San Francisco. In less then a month small villages like Victoria with populations under 500 swelled to tens of thousands.  While the gold fever had essentially passed on by 1860 it was known as the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush, and was a key factor in Britain declaring the Colony of British Columbia.

British Columbia is Issued Decimal Currency

In January of the year 1858 an Act passed in England placed the currency of Canada on the decimal system. The designs for the new coins would be created by the skillful Chief Engraver, Leonard Charles Wyon, designer of the new decimal coinage of the empire and the last in a family line of famous English engravers.

The obverse design of Canada’s one cent piece was originally intended for use on English coinage but because it was thought to have too much in common with the bronze coins of France and it’s Emperor it was ultimately rejected for use on English Coins.

There was something of an anti-British sentiment that arose that year in France due to a failed assassination attempt on emperor Napoleon III that involved the machinations of French émigrés living in Britain. This is also the year the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to St. Bernadette in Lourdes.

Meanwhile in England the British Treasury went to work minting 70,000 pounds of sterling and 20,000 pounds of copper into the Canada’s new decimal currency. A pair of each of the first coins to be struck was presented in a double set to Queen Victoria.

Also that year the traditional wedding recessional, Felix Mandelssohn’s Wedding March, was played at the wedding of Queen Victoria’s Daughter popularizing it as the traditional wedding recessional to this day.

1858 in the United States

In the United States Hyman Lipman sold his patent for a pencil eraser for $100,00 and Minnesota was admitted as the 32nd State of the Union. In August 1958 the United States President James Buchanan touched off the new transatlantic telegraph system by exchanging greetings with the Queen.

August 1858 – Canada Receives it’s First Shipment of Decimal Coins

In August Canada received the very first shipment of decimal coins from England. It consisted of only 20,000 twenty-cent pieces, 7500 ten-cent pieces, 15,000 five-cent pieces and 50,000 pennies! When you consider mintage’s of today that’s not very much money.

These coins had an obverse picturing the young Queen Victoria with the word “Canada” underneath. The reverse shows two maple boughs on either side of the crown of St. Edward at the top.  The denomination and year were centered under the crown.

The fact that the British colonial one-cent coins were struck at a weight of 100 coins to the pound unlike the British standard of 80 coins to the pound did not make them big winners with the public.

The five-cent coins earned the nickname, “Fish Scales” due to their small size (only 15.5mm), and the identical L.C. Wyon design continued to be used even after confederation in 1870 as was also the case with the ten-cent pieces, the type remaining the same until 1902.

By the end of 1858 Canada had issued it’s new currency although they still hadn’t received all the coins on order from Britain.

Early on Canadians weren’t too keen on the twenty cent pieces and preferred the American coinage system. The design became the forerunner for the 25 cent pieces issued after confederation. They would actually be removed from circulation and melted down by 1870 making examples of them rare.

The Year 1859

In 1859 the chimes of Big Ben rang for the first time in London and the British Colony of Queensland was created. In the United States Edwin Drake drilled the first oil well in Pennsylvania and John Brown raided the Harpers Ferry armory in an attempt to spark a slave revolt.

The Pig War of 1859

In 1859 American General William Harney with 416 American Soldiers and 14 Cannon was occupying the island of San Juan.  Off shore five British warships mounting 70 guns and carrying 2,140 men waited for orders to engage the enemy. When tensions had reached their peak the governor of Vancouver Island, James Douglas, ordered British Rear Admiral Robert Baynes to land on the island and engage the enemy!

The battle was thankfully halted by Baynes’ refusal to fight. The level headed admiral is quoted saying that, “Two great nations in a war over a squabble about a pig is foolish.”

..and he was right.

It was a dispute that started earlier that year when an American farmer claiming his right to live on the island due to ambiguity in land boundaries shot a pig belonging to an Irishman employed by the British East India Company. While the laughing Irishman looked on as the pig gobbled the farmer’s potatoes he was quoted as saying, “Well.. it’s up to you to keep your potatoes out of my pig!”

When British authorities threatened to arrest the farmer American settlers called for military protection and the 9th infantry were dispatched at once to San Juan Island.

Apparently news of all this warlike activity took awhile to reach London and Washington. Maybe the President was still tying up the telegraph system sending messages to the Queen; I don’t know, but when they found out about it they were shocked.

Joint military occupation over the island was eventually established, tensions were resolved, and thankfully nobody was killed in the Pig War of 1859. To this day U.S. Park Rangers still raise and lower the Union Jack where the “British Camp” was established.

The Die Variations of Canadian Provincial Coinage of 1859

Coins minted for the Provence of Canada in 1859 are rife with variations that are of interest to the collector. Since the one-cent dies for 1858 were simply re-punched without erasing the second 8 you’ll find 1859 cents where the 8 is still slightly visible beneath the 9. Even later die varieties, while showing no hint of the 8, seem to have acquired a rather funny looking 9.

Provincial Coins for Collectors

Provincial coins of the years 1858 and 1859 should be considered to be of great value. There were only two years in which coinage was made for Canada as a Provence of England. New issues did not come until 1870, and by then Canada had become an independent nation.

A closer inspection reveals something truly unique about Canadian Specimen Coins that gives them a distinctive style all there own. Watch the light move over their distinctive frosted finishes that grace the relief and the subtly striated backgrounds lending an aesthetic flair all their own.

Canadian Specimen Coin Sets – 1980-1996

Canadian Specimen Coin Sets from 1980-1996 contain 6 coins in the standard denominations: 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c and Loon Dollar. Coins come in an attractive leatherette case with information and certificates of issue.

The 1997 Flying Loon Canadian Specimen Set – Introducing: The Toonie!

The Toonie

On February 19, 1996 the Royal Canadian Mint introduced a new coin to the standard denominations. The Two-Dollar coin bearing the image of a Polar Bear. While a variety of names were created as a moniker for the new addition such as, “The Beary”, “The Doubloonie”, and “The Deuce”, it was”The Toonie” that eventually won out among the public. A contest to select a good name for the bear resulted in the name “Churchill” in reference to Churchill Manitoba, the famous town along the polar bear migration route. It was in 1997 that the Toonie was introduced into the Canadian Specimen Sets increasing the number of coins included from six to to seven.

Another interesting addition of note to the 1997 Canadian Specimen Set was the Flying Loon Dollar.

This image was specially designed by Jean-Luc Grondin to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Loonie that went into circulation in 1987 replacing the Voyager Dollar, an idea that really “took off” with the public although this was not the case among Canadians when it first came out. This specimen set had a mintage of only 97,595 but was also depicted on a limited mintage of 25,000 Silver Dollars of the same year.

Canadian Two-Dollar Specimen Variation Sets

In the year’s 1999 and 2000 The Royal Canadian Mint released two-dollar coin variations in special specimen sets. These unique and attractive coins are exclusive to these sets but can be found being sold separately where buyers have split up their sets.

1999 – The Nunavut Specimen Set

On April 1st 1999 the Nunavut Act officially created the new Canadian Territory of Nunavut from the Northwest Territory resulting in the Royal Canadian Mint’s decision to issue a special specimen set featuring the Nunavut two-dollar coin in place of the polar bear.

The mintage of this set was limited to 45,104 however specimen sets featuring the usual polar bear two-dollar coin were also issued with a mintage of 46,786.

2000 – The Two-Dollar “Knowledge” Coin

The 2000 Canadian Specimen set includes the special Millennium Edition Commemorative Knowledge (Le Savoir) Toonie featuring the a mother polar bear and her cubs. This specimen set had a mintage of 87,965. It commemorates the the turn of the millennium and the knowledge passed on.

Also, another specimen set was minted that year which includes the standard Toonie (Two-Dollar) coin depicting the single polar bear.

Canadian Specimen Dollar Variations 2002 -2010

During the years from 2002 and continuing to the present the Canadian Royal Mint has released a special variant specimen coin set with a commemorative issue dollar. Many years these sets were minted in addition to a standard specimen set with the standard Loonie one-dollar coin.

2002 Canadian Specimen Set – The Loon Family Dollar

In 2002 The Royal Canadian Mint issued a special commemorative specimen set featuring the “Loon Family Dollar” to celebrate the Loonie’s 15th anniversary. It beautifully depicts a family of loons gracefully plying the waters of North America’s lakes.

It’s mintage was limited to 67,672 sets and like the “Flying Loon Dollar” of five year earlier it was designed by the talented Jean-Luc Grondin. The initial list price for this specimen set was $39.95.

2004 Canadian Specimen Set – Jack Miner Goose Dollar

The 2004 Canadian Specimen Set honors Jack Miner and the Canadian Geese. “Wild Goose Jack” was a true pioneer in wildfowl conservation and is often seen as “The Father of North American Conservation”. Miner founded a bird sanctuary in 1904 and the Canada Dollar in this set commemorates the 100th anniversary of this achievement with a coin depicting Canadian Geese soaring above the farmlands of North America. This coin was only sold with this set which had a mintage limit of 60,000.

2005 Canadian Specimen Set – The Puffin Dollar

The Royal Canadian Mint has truly created a special coin for 2005 with it’s beautiful “Tufted Puffin” Dollar created by artist Mark Hobson, B.C.’s Wildlife Artist of the Year in 1996. Mintage on these specimen sets was limited to just 40,000.

Once again the mint has chosen to honor wildlife conservation efforts with this spectacular dollar coin only offered in these sets and this is certainly a nice coin to have in any collection.

2006 Canadian Specimen Set – Snowy Owl Commemorative Dollar

The avian symbol adopted by Quebec in 1987 has glided into yet another commemorative dollar that’s available exclusively in a Canadian Specimen Coin Set. This Specimen set had a mintage of only 40,000 sets.

The spectacular artwork on the Snowy Owl Specimen Dollar was designed by Glen Loates who was represented at the White House by Ronald Regan in 1982 where the President accepted his “Bald Eagle” painting on behalf of the United States.

2007 Canadian Specimen Set – The Trumpeter Swan Dollar

For 2007 the Trumpeter Swan graces the dollar in this specimen set with a limited mintage of only 40,000. The swan is a North American symbol of nobility and beauty cherished worldwide.

It’s majesty is wonderfully captured here from the designs of renowned artist Kerri Burnett. Burnett was featured in the 1997 grey wolf and 2004 grizzly bear platinum proof coin sets.

2008 Canadian Specimen Set – Eider Duck Dollar

The 2008 Canadian Specimen Set features the Eider Duck Dollar with the standard specimen bill of fair. This attractively designed coin by the artist Mark Hobson was completely sold out at it’s low mintage rate of 40,000 sets. Once again, a unique coin to own as they were issued only with this variant specimen set.

The coin’s artist Mark Hobson also the designed the Puffin Dollar in 2005.

2009 Canadian Specimen Set – The Great Blue Heron Dollar

The Great Blue Heron takes flight from the wetlands of North America on the specimen set dollar variation for 2009. This set was limited to a mintage of only 40,000 worldwide and once again the dollar was not released for circulation.

If features the spectacular art of Chris Jordison and is only one of his three design contributions to the Royal Canadian Mint. His “Prairie Red Lily” was featured on Canadian pure cold coins in 2005 and he contributed two designs to the RCM’s 2007 collectors series gold and silver coins.

2010 Canadian Specimen Set – Northern Harrier Dollar

For this year the Royal Canadian Mint is releasing the seventh consecutive specimen set commemorating Canada’s diverse avian wildlife and the Northern Harrier is truly a glorious addition to these special Loonies.

The Northern Harrier Loonie is unique to this set with a mintage of only 35,000. It is yet another fine collector dollar coin designed by renowned nature artist Arnold Nogy.

Canadian Specimen Sets from any year are a nice addition to your coin collection. Their relatively low mintage and their dollar variations have something to offer to the collector in terms of endearing beauty and enduring value.

This year the Canadian Navy steams into our collections as it celebrates it’s centennial with the 2010 Silver Dollar featuring the HMCS Sackville. While the first unit of Canada’s newly founded Navy was actually the light cruiser HMCS Rainbow in 1910, (The ship some collectors would rather they featured on the coin), it was near the end of World War II that Canada boasted the third largest Navy in the world and ships like the Flower Class Sackville plowed the Atlantic. The coin is obviously a celebration of the tremendous success that is the Canadian Royal Navy.

Notice the engraved dots and dashes circling the face. This is actually Morse code spelling out the Canadian Navy’s motto, “Ready Aye Ready” and “Prêt Oui Prêt” – A nice touch I think..

2010 Canadian Proof Set – The Winter Collection

Frosted details accent brilliant backgrounds for a crisp looking finish that has always made Canadian Proof Sets a must for discerning coin collectors. Apart from the Loonie and the one-cent coin each is struck in sterling silver.

Once again the RCM has struck a winner in it’s proof set for 2010; and while no limits are pending on orders as of yet, the mintage is limited to 55,000 sets worldwide. So, if you’d like one yourself click on over to the Royal Canadian Mint’s Product Page and get one!

From the Mint: “The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to celebrate Canada’s heritage, culture and values through the rich and exciting variety of collector coins it produces every year,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “In 2010, Mint employees are honoured to pay tribute to the distinguished celebration of the centennial of Canada’s Navy while celebrating many other uniquely Canadian symbols through an inspiring array of world-class collector coins”.

2010 Royal Canadian Mint Proof Set: Specifications

Coins are generally hard round pieces of metal that are used as currency and have been used this way for centuries. Coins are issued by the banks or Government. Coins are used for day to day circulation. Lower denominations are in the form of coins where as higher denominations are often issued in the form of bank notes.

The gross value of the metal used in coins is often much lower than the face value of the coin.
An exception to the currency coins are bullion coins, or coins made out of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. These coins are not used for currency. Gold and silver coins being used as currency was generally ceased in 1933 when the gross value of many coins became higher than the face value.

Gold and silver coins are not produced only as souvenirs or for collectors but also for investors.
Gold and silver coins, being very valuable, are mainly produced for coin collectors or for investors who purchase these coins to safe-guard their savings. These valuable coins are a good way of liquidating your investments. In the United States some financial planners are known to advice their clients to put at least 40% of their savings in purchasing these Gold and Silver Bullion coins.

Just about every country mints gold coins for investors as well as coin collectors. The United States mints the American Gold Eagle. Canada is known to mint the very popular Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. South Africa is known to for it’s minting of the Krugerrand although it is less in demand these days.

The face value of the U.S Eagle is $10, though in this case as in the case of all gold and silver coins, the face value makes little difference as the gross value of the coin is much, much more. The coin in this case is valued as per the prevailing market price of gold or silver. The Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin also has a nominal face value, but once again it is the weight of gold in the coin that determines it’s liquid value.

Currency coins are the coins we use for day to day circulation. The face value of these coins is the market value of the coin while often the gross value of these coins in terms of their composoition is lower than the face value.

A great number of metals and alloys are used for the production of coins. Earlier in history valuable metals like gold, silver, and platinum were used in circulating coins many of which then became collectors items. Later, for currency, the use of copper and nickel came into practice. However, at some point when the metal value of even these less precious metals increased, minting exclusively with copper and nickel had to be ceased.  Nowadays steel is used as the base for practically all circulating coins, though plating and coloring of different kinds are given to create differentiation among the coins.

Bullion Coins and Gold and Silver Coins

The coin value of these coins depends fully on the market value of the metal. A gold coin is priced as per the prevailing rate of the gold metal. Bullion coins are valued as per the cost of metal, their standard weight, and their purity. These coins are no longer used in circulation, but they are used as investors items.

Rare Antique Coins

These coins are collector’s items. The value of these coins is determined by the rarity of their age, mintage, and their condition. The date of issue and typically a mint mark can be found on the coin.
Certain coins have historical significance and such coins, whatever their condition may be, are well priced within the collectors market.

Coins have been a part of our lives from at least the 6th century BC. Archeologists belive the first coin may have been minted by the Mahajanapadas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.  Since then coins have become an essential part of our lives either in the form of currency or in the form of bullion coins as investments.

Coins – Go figure? – and enjoy!

About the Author:

Muna Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Coins for Years.

Irrespective of the reasons coin collectors collect coins, this activity is a time consuming and endless process. There are literally million coins in circulation and different coin collectors consider collecting these. For instance, there are international coins, Statehood Quarters, limited edition coins and rare coins that are yet to be collected because they are still in circulation among consumers. Although a coin collector can collect just about any coin, most investors and hobbyists prefer to collect valuable coins.

But, as stated previously, finding these kinds of limited edition, rare and other such valuable coins takes a long time and needs a lot of patience and perseverance. Purchasing is the first factor that needs to be considered. There are a number of coin collectors who miss out on various options available to them while looking to increase their valuable coin collection. If you want to add valuable coins to your coin collection, the best way would be to meet professional coin dealers. There is also the option of using the internet and going to online auction websites.

Although it is ideal to seek help from online auction websites, coin dealers and the internet in order to increase one’s valuable coin collection, many people are not sure on how to select. The coin collecting software plays an important role here. There are many different formats in which coin collecting softwares come, but all coin collecting programs have a common goal; to make it easy for all hobbyists and professional coin collectors to collect coins.

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding coin collecting software involves the price. There are many softwares that are free and these are usually sought after. Although free coin collecting programs are available for downloading, these softwares are usually limited. There are many free softwar programs that provide the user with a list of coins that any enthusiastic coin collector will want to examine. Usually, these software programs give the user the option of checking out coins once acquired and added to the collection. From these points of view, free coin collecting software may seem ideal for organizations, but it is always a good idea to spend a little money, perhaps around $100, and purchase a professional program.

Coin collecting software, as stated previously, varies, but there are a number of professional coin collectors and hobbyists who prefer to pay for the software programs they use. These professional software programs, apart from outlining the worthiness of a coin, will also allow you to check off the coins that are in your collection. All values are kept current by regularly updating using the option of automatic updates like yearly updates.

As discussed earlier, all coin collecting software and in particular the paid ones benefit professional coin collectors and coin hobbyists. Even if you are not certain about using a software program to help you collect coins, it is always worth the shot to see what it is about. A few minutes online should do the trick as any ardent coin collector will not fail to see the many benefits of using a software for collecting coins.

About the Author:

Abhishek is an avid coin collecting enthusiast and he has got some great Coin Collecting Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 58 Pages Ebook, “Understanding And Mastering The Art Of Coin Collecting!” from his website . Only limited Free Copies available.

So while they are being returned from vending machines or denied as valid currency by an uninformed bank teller, they have been moving into the hands of collectors for years.

Queen Victoria Type – The Canadian Half Dollar – The Early Years..

In 1870 the land that was formerly maintained by the Hudson Bay Company was given over in the formation of the Dominion of Canada. In this same year the first decimal coinage was struck for the newly formed Dominion in England in silver 5, 10, 25, and yes, 50 cent pieces. They bore the same depiction of Queen Victoria as were issued to the Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, were largely the same, their major difference being that the coins for the dominion featured a crown instead of a wreath on the queen’s head.

Edwardian Type – The First Official Coin of the Ottawa Branch of the Royal Canadian Mint

Fifty-Cent pieces of this era (1902-1910) featured an image of Edward the VII on the obverse and the denomination encircled by either Edwardian or Victorian, (Minted in 1910), style maple leaves, with a crown at the top.

It is during this time that the Canadian Mint officially begins on January 2nd, 1908 with the striking of the Mint’s first official coin, a silver fifty-cent piece.

Canada had come into it’s own and national pride demanded that a coin of their own making be minted within the dominion. The elite from all financial and political circles were in attendance to watch as Governor General Earl Grey as he activated the press and struck the first official coin of the Canadian Mint in Ottawa. The beautiful fifty-cent piece it produced was to mark a new era in Canada and a new turning point in world currency.

George V Type – The “Godless” Coins

In 1911 King George V, who had just been crowned King, and Queen Mary were in India being presented to Indian Dignitaries and princes as “Emperor and Empress of India”. George took some time off during the trip to shoot a couple dozen tigers and over a 1000 pheasants.

Meanwhile George’s likeness was being minted on coins throughout the realm, and the Canadian Mint was having trouble with their dies. Apparently the latin inscription “DEI GRATIA” (By the Grace of God..), went missing on the die tools sent over from England. A plan to restore the inscription was put into motion, as it was thought most inappropriate. Nonetheless coins were minted in 1911 that lacked the inscription.

The George V type was minted throughout world war I and up until 1937 where we herald a new coin type and a new monarch.

GEORGE VI Type – 1937-1952 – Maples and Curves

We might have had an entirely different monarch on the 1937 half-dollar had it not been George V’s older brother Edward VIII who abdicated his throne in 1936 after the death of George V. Edward would be forced to abdicate if he wanted to marry Ms. Wallis Simpson, a well known American socialite who was declared “Woman of the Year” in 1936 by Time Magazine. The first time a woman was ever chosen over a “Man of the Year”.

Well.. you can’t beat that so, therefore it was George VI who took Edward’s place on the coin when he became King in his stead. The Canadian Government would make a special change to the fifty cent piece that year by introducing the Canadian Coat of Arms on the reverse.

A popular die state is shown in Canadian fifty-cent pieces in 1946 where one of the dies had deteriorated and was producing coins with a “crack” that extends across the 6 in the date.

The 1947 half-dollar actually can be found in four die varieties. It was in 1947 that India gained it’s independence and therefore “IND IMP” (India’s Emperor) had to be expunged from the coin’s legend and all coins struck in 1948 were to be corrected.

Trouble was in 1948 while still waiting for dies with the corrected seals from England to arrive they decided to just mint coins still bearing “IND IMP”, and just date them 1947. Problem solved. They added a small maple leaf behind the date to signify that they were actually minted in 1948 though, and these “Maple Leaf Half-Dollars” came to be another die variety for the coin.

Among these two varieties you’ll also find yet two other variations when you look closely at the 7 in the date. You’ll notice some curl to the left and others to the right. Thus we have the 1947 “Left Curved 7″ or “Straight 7″ and the 1947 “Right Curved 7″.

ELIZABETH II – 1953 to the Present

The first issue of the Elizabeth Half Dollar appeared in 1953. One of first things noticed was the Queen’s bare shoulder! An absolute no-no and thought at the time to be most inappropriate. So the mint moved in the same year to cover it up with a fold of cloth.

There were also changes made to the date that make for large and small date varieties. All small dates appear on the bare shouldered versions while large dates can be found on both large and small dates.

Look closely at the 1958 versions and you’ll find a small dot below the last “A” in Canada that was caused by a pit in the die.

When Canada celebrated it’s 100th anniversary as a country in 1967 the government decided to have common Canadian animals depicted on the on all standard denominations. The animal chosen for the 50 cent piece is the wolf.

In 1967 the Canadian Mint began striking half dollars from 100% nickel with zero silver content.  Because nickel doesn’t lend itself to a cameo finish even proof-like examples exhibiting a strong cameo finish are rare.

Even though half dollars continued to be struck in relatively large numbers until the mid 80’s we see the circulation of the Canadian half dollar decreasing in the the mid-60’s. In 1986 the mintage’s were substantially reduced and the dies were used primarily for producing mint sets before their being used to strike circulation coinage.

In 1996 Proof 50 cent coins were struck with a sterling silver alloy to please collectors. The regular circulation strikes continued to be made from 100% nickel alloy.

In 2008 to celebrate the Royal Canadian Mint’s 100th anniversary a special set of half-dollars was minted using the 1908 reverse and the date reading 1908 – 2008. Collectors balked about the matte finish on these proofs and they later produced a mirror finished version which is actually more common.

Invovations in Coinage The Triangle Coin

The Canadian Mint continues to provide new and inovative coin designs for collectors worldwide! To prove this point I offer you the 2009 50 cent Triangle Coin! This coin will strike a chord with coin collectors world-wide. Designed by Susanna Blunt it’s limited to a mintage of 30,000. There’s still some left to be had at the Royal Canadian Mint so head on over and check it out! While you’re there treat yourself to the site’s vast historical resources and find out why the Canadian Half Dollar continues to provide collectors with some of the greatest coins for their collections.

Those who already save loose coins in jars, or have retained coinage obtained from trips abroad, may find they already have what they need to enter into the realm of the novice coin collector. Take your coins and sort them out in a well lit location. What have you got? Some coins.. Well sure, but look more closely as you start to try and arrange them into groups. Certainly you can sort them by denomination, quarters, nickels, etc.. but as we look deeper we will begin to understand the principal occupation of coin collectors, sorting them out.

To able to say you own a certain coin you need to be able to identify it. That means that you can take that coin and place it in a group that defines it and others like it, within a range of characteristics. These are principally the coin’s date, mintmark, and perhaps most importantly, it’s actual condition. You’ll most likely find the first two characteristics easy to determine. A coin’s date is stamped prominently on the face of the coin, but what about the mintmark?

Mintmarks

A mintmark is a mark on the coin that determines where the coin was struck. In US coins this is a letter bearing indication of the mint’s location. For example, a coin stamped with an “S” was struck in San Francisco. Whereas as coin bearing a “D” may have been minted in Delaware. I say “may”, because there were gold coins minted from 1838-1861 in Dahlonega, GA. Click here to see a list of the different types of U.S. mintmarks and their meanings.

Mintmarks bear important information to the collector in terms of a coin’s production level. A coin may have been produced in lower quantities at one mint and in much higher amounts at another. Take for example a 1923 Mercury Dime.  If it lacks a mintmark it was minted in Philadelphia with over 50 million others. But if the coin is stamped with an “S”, you know the coin was minted in San Francisco where only some 6 million were struck. The lesser amount makes the 1923 dimes minted in San Francisco more valuable then the Philadelphia variety, especially if the coin is in fine condition condition. Always take special note of the mintmark. If you happen to have a Mercury Dime struck “1923 D”, then you’re the proud owner of a counterfeit coin!

Types, Sub-Types, Die Variations, and Die States

Coins can then be further divided into types, sub types, die variations, and die states. All though these terms are often used there is sometimes some confusion about their meanings. Type refers to coins that share a common theme in terms of design. Take for example the the Shield, Liberty Head, and Indian Head nickels. These represent three distinct types of American nickel.

But if one looks closer into the matter we’ll find that there are more variations within each of these coin types. For example, the Liberty Head nickel was minted from 1883 to 1912 and contains two major subtypes.

1883 Victory Nickel Sub-Types

In 1883 nearly five and a half million Liberties were minted. Because of the large “V” on the coin, some unscrupuless individuals had taken to “gold plating” these coins to pass them off as five dollar pieces. This fraudulent practice was put a stop to later that year by the minting of 5-cent pieces with the word “CENTS” stamped below the luareled “V”. These were then minted like this until 1912.

Actually there were five liberty coins struck in 1913 that sold for $1,840,000 at auction in 2001! However with the exception of those beauties we can safely say that the Liberty Head nickel contains two major subtypes.

One can make further distinctions among the coins of a type or subtype by taking such factors as die variety, and die state. Die varities represent distinguishing changes that were made to a die during it’s production that gave coins minted with it unique characteristics, whereas a Die State refers to an identifiable period in the life of a certain die.

Coin Condition and Grading

While in the beginnings of coin collecting coins can be said to have been judged only to be either used or new, the modern coin collector has made many distinctions they make in terms of a coin’s value. What has evolved is a grading system beginning with BU (Brilliant Uncirculated Coinage) all the way down to PO or (Poor). Coins can be graded be professional organizations such as the PGNS or the ANACS who will encase the coin in plastic and stand behind it’s value.

As general rules for the condition of a coin use the following chart:

PROOF – A specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail and usually with a brilliant mirror-like surface. Proof refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition, but normally the term implies perfect mint state unless otherwise noted and graded as below.

MINT STATE – The terms Mint State (MS) and Uncirculated (Unc) are interchangeably used to describe coins showing no trace of wear. Such coins may very to some degree because of blemishes, toning or slight imperfections as described in the following sub-divisions.

PERFECT UNCIRCULATED (MS-70) – Perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The finest quality possible, with no evidence of scratches, handling, or contact with other coins. Very few regular issue coins are ever found in this condition.

CHOICE UNCIRCULATED (MS-65) – An above average Uncirculated coin that may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on the surface or the rim.. MS-67 through MS-62 indicate a slightly higher or lower grade of preservation.

UNCIRCULATED (MS-60) – Has no trace of wear but may show a number of contact marks, and surface may be spotted or lack some luster.

CHOICE ABOUT UNCIRCULATED (AU-55) – Barest evidence of light wear only on the highest points of the design. Most of the mint luster remains.

ABOUT UNCIRCULATED (AU-50) – Has traces of wear on many of the high points. At least half of the mint luster is still apparent.

CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE (EF-45) – Light overall wear shows on highest points. All design details are very sharp. Some of the mint luster is evident.

EXTREMELY FINE (EF-40) – Design is lightly worn throughout, but all features are sharp and well defined. Traces of luster may show.

CHOICE VERY FINE (VF-30) – Light wear on the surface and highest points of the design. All lettering and major features are sharp.

VERY FINE (VF-20) – Shows moderate wear on high points of design. All major details are clear.

FINE (F-12) – Moderate to considerable even wear. Entire design is bold with overall pleasing appearance.

GOOD (G-4) – Heavily worn with design visible but faint in areas. Many details are flat.

ABOUT GOOD (AG-3) – Very Heavily worn with portions of lettering, date, and legends  worn smooth. The date may be barely readable.

There are two concerns when discussing the storage of coins. First, the storage of the individual coin, and Second, the storage of a group of coins, or an entire collection.
Storage of a Coin Collection

The Environment of the entire Collection, or Group of Coins is the focus, taking into consideration Temperature, Humidity and Light. A relatively constant, moderate to low temperature and low humidity are preferable for long term storage of numismatic collectibles. Placing packets of silica gel, which absorbs moisture, in the coin storage areas helps control atmospheric humidity. The less light, the better; and absolutely no sunlight. This is why a safe or vault is ultimate storage container; because it controls Temperature, Light and Humidity, and provides Superior Safety.
Groups of Coins, or Collections are best stored in plastic coin boxes, such as sold by PCGS, NGC and Whitman, and which will hold 20, separated, “slabbed” coins. Another alternative is a cardboard coin storage box (single and double; red, blue or black), which stack easily on each other. Different sizes are available for slabs, as well as Vinyl and Cardboard Flips.
Storage of Individual Coins

Putting Individual coins into Holders is Imperative for all coins whose condition is BU and above, or MS60 and higher. Coins below these designations are considered “circulated” because they are found in the general circulation of money. Typically this will mean they are found in pocket change, or in rolls of coins purchased at a local bank. Although collecting Circulated coins is a great personal challenge for many collectors, the more serious Coin Collectors will concentrate on “Uncirculated” coins (BU+ and MS60+ ) because of their better condition (grade), value, and appearance.
Types of Containers or Holders.

Almost anything will do for coins with small or no numismatic value. A coin that is worth only face value, is not likely to have much numismatic value. while nearly airtight holders made of inert materials are a better idea for valuable coins.

Bags, jars and boxes are adequate for raw pocket change and circulated coins. Paper Envelopes or Paper Flips of various sizes (usually 2 x 2) are still used for single coins. Be sure to use envelopes made explicitly for holding coins, otherwise your coins may change color (tone) over time due to reaction with sulfur or other chemicals present in the paper. Since the coin can not be seen, it is now out of favor with collectors.

Folders and Albums are sold primarily for series and type sets. Properly used, they offer moderate protection from wear and handling. Over the years coins may tone due to reaction with sulfur or other chemicals present in the folders and albums, and are therefore not a good choice for long term storage of higher grade coins. The coins are still exposed to light, air, chemicals and human touching. Albums have clear plastic covers over the coins, which slide in and out. This sliding action can leave unwanted and unattractive marks on the coin.

Plastic Flips are available in various materials. “Soft” flips were once made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which decomposed over time with disastrous results for coins; leaving a green appearance and substance. PVC flips are no longer made and sold. Mylar, vinyl and acetate flips do not contain PVC. While not airtight, they are reasonable choices for moderate value coins that will be “left alone” for multiple years.

Vinyl Pages (8 ½ x 11) which fit into a 3 ring binder. Well suited for Cardboard and Vinyl Flips, with great visability of coin obverse and reverse. This is a Great Favorite.

Mylar-lined Cardboard Flips, often called “2×2s” or cardboard flips. At one time, the most preferred and commonly used. but also available in other sizes, are similar to plastic flips. A coin is placed between the two halves, which are then folded over and stapled together (some brands contain an adhesive). The boxes that they come in are ideal for multiple coin storage.

Tubes are plastic containers designed to hold a number of the same size coins. They come in different sizes for different coins. They are fine for bulk storage of circulated coins and are appropriate for higher grade Uncirculated, BU+ and MS60+ coins. A disadvantage is that the coins cannot be viewed without being removed from the tube.

Hard Plastic Holders are preferable for more valuable coins. They are self sealing, and not known to contain any materials that harm coins and offer good protection against scratches, touching and handling, air and chemicals, and other physical damage. They are available for individual and small sets of coins, and come in all sizes.

Slabs are Sonically Sealed hard plastic holders for individual coins. They offer Excellent protection. Because of the expense of having a coin slabbed, they are generally suitable only for more valuable coins i.e.: BU+ and MS60+ Coins.

Although generic slabs are available, most often, a slab will be seen holding a coin that has been Professionally Certified and Graded – which has tremendous advantages. The biggest advantage is when buying a coin on the Internet or by phone. You know what you’re getting. A coin Certified and Graded by one of the “Top Four” gives reliability, assurance and security. A big advantage over the scam sellers of raw coins, and non-conforming grading companies.

Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins!

About the Author:

Robert Taylor is a 59 year old retired Lawyer, from Denver, CO, who spent most of his career representing people who could not afford an attorney, and who has had a passion for collecting US coins, particularly Morgan Dollars, since the age of 6. Wanting to share his Passion, he created http://www.ThePerfect-Coin.Com which features US Rare and Modern Dollars (from 1878) and Coins (from 1960 to 2000), all Certified and Graded by NGC or PCGS.
For Beginning Coin Collectors, he then created http://www.Beginning-Coin-Collecting.Com which features US Modern Coins, from 1960 to 2000, that are high quality BU, Certified and Slabbed Coins that are all priced less than $10 per coin.