NUMISMATIC NEWS - Top 100 Insights published a revised rarity rating for the Top 100 Morgan dollar varieties in the Summer 2007 issue, Rare Coin Investments announced Sept. 10.

“Revised rarity ratings were the result of a detailed spreadsheet analyses comparing combined total Top 100 coins in PCGS, NGC and ANACS population reports from August 1996 to August 2007,” said Michael S. Fey, Ph.D., Top 100 Insights editor.

Investors flock to gold as a safe haven and a way to increase wealth
With the recent fluctuations of the stock market and the increasingly unstable real estate market, investors are looking for safe havens – like gold. Historically, gold holds its value and is the experts’ pick for diversifying your portfolio and potentially increasing its performance. (more…)

Dallas, TX: One of the greatest engineering undertakings ever accomplished was the building of the Erie Canal in order to connect the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. The canal, although conceived several years earlier, was constructed between 1817 and 1825 and connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, allowing a much quicker and more inexpensive transportation method than traditional land travel. The finished canal resulted in a considerable population surge in western New York, and eventually areas even further west. American commerce flourished, and international trade increased. Even by today’s standards, the completion of such an enormous civil engineering project would garner respect. Now, consider the utter lack of engineering resources, manpower, and finances that challenged early proponents of the manmade waterway. Obviously, the completion of the Erie Canal was cause for much fanfare. Statewide celebrations took place throughout late 1825 and into early 1826. (more…)

 First-Ever “Digital Unveiling” of a Redesigned Bill  - Introduction Scheduled for Early 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 20, 2007) - The U.S. government today digitally unveiled a new, more secure design for the $5 bill that will be issued and enter circulation in early 2008. A new $100 bill will follow. This is the first time in history that U.S. paper money has ever been unveiled entirely online.

Similar to recently redesigned $10, $20 and $50 bills, the new $5 bill incorporates improved, easy-to-use security features, making it easier for businesses and consumers to check the new $5 bills they receive and more difficult for counterfeiters to fake.

Officials from the U.S. Treasury, Federal Reserve Board, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and U.S. Secret Service were part of today’s “Wi-5″ preview, an entirely digital event which emphasized the government’s commitment to staying ahead of counterfeiters. The live “unveiling” of the $5 bill design, which featured government officials discussing currency security efforts, took place on www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney and also included an online Q&A for news reporters. Podcasts featuring important information about the new $5 bill are also posted on the site. (more…)