by Greg Reynolds, a CoinLink exclusive report

The Robert Bass collection of Private & Territorial gold patterns, die trials and related pieces is the all-time finest in this field. Bass started buying territorial gold coins and patterns in the 1960s. He sold his collection of territorial gold in 1999. He was too emotionally attached to his territorial patterns, however, to part with them, until 2006 when he had to deal with personal and health problems.

Don Kagin reports that he purchased this collection from Robert Bass “more than one year ago.” It has taken a long time to inventory, weigh, research and prepare a catalogue of the items. Kagin emphasizes that a featured trio are “three unique Humbert $50 pieces” that were previously in the legendary Bushnell and Garrett family collections.

Items from more than thirty private mints or prospective mints are in the Bass collection. Eleven of these may never have minted gold coins.

This Bass collection contains 179 pieces. For about eighty-three of these, fewer than five pieces are known. Even more startling is that, of these eighty-three or so, more than fifty of them are unique, meaning just one piece is known to exist today. (more…)

OTTAWA, - The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) today officially released the fifth of 17 circulation coins to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The sport of alpine skiing is depicted on the 25-cent coin.

“Alpine skiing is yet another sport the Mint is proudly celebrating as part of its extensive Olympic coin program,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “As we look ahead to the next two years, the Mint will continue to offer Canadians from coast to coast the unique opportunity to collect a piece of the Games.”

“Alpine Canada Alpin is honoured that our great sport is being showcased to all Canadians though the issuing of an Olympic coin,” said Mr. Ken Read, Chief Executive Officer of Alpine Canada Alpin. “Alpine ski racing has a long tradition of excellence in this country and our athletes are committed to being the very best in the world as we head towards the 2010 Winter Games.”

Up to 22 million 25-cent alpine skiing coins will enter into circulation today, October 24th, and will be available exclusively at RBC Royal Bank and participating Petro-Canada outlets. RBC Royal Bank is a Premier National Partner and Petro-Canada is a National Partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Canadians can also look for these special coins in their change. Participating Petro-Canada gas stations will also sell alpine skiing sport cards, containing a uniquely painted version of the coin. The sport cards, which are now available, sell for $7.95. (more…)

By Mark Ferguson for COIN VALUES

As rare coin prices in general have risen during this 5-year-old bull market trend we’re still in, prices have differentiated those coins that are solid for a grade or considered premium quality (PQ) from those coins that barely make a grade, or are even considered to be overgraded.

Demand has been unprecedented during this time, leaving the vast majority of coins on the market picked over because they are considered low quality for their grades.

Some collectors, and even some dealers, who are relatively new to the scene have trouble recognizing coins that are solidly graded. However, “old school” collectors and dealers, and those who’ve educated themselves about grading standards, are having a very difficult time finding coins they consider acceptable.

A common belief among dealers and collectors is that over the years, Professional Coin Grading Service and Numismatic Guaranty Corp., which have each been grading coins for more than 20 years, have practiced “gradeflation,” a loosening of grading standards, in order to entice more business (submissions). The belief some hold is that submitters have been receiving higher grades from one service, forcing the other to loosen its standards.  Read Full Story

The American Numismatic Association is asking its members to provide the theme for 2008 National Coin Week, April 20-26. This contest is open to all ANA members, with the winning theme announced in early December. Individuals who submit the top three themes will win beautiful and valuable coins. Specific prizes will be announced in mid-November.

This year, National Coin Week will feature activities and exhibits that highlight youth across the globe. Submissions should reflect this topic by focusing on unity in a global society, and what role children and numismatics play in achieving this unity. (more…)

Coinfest, one of the country’s largest and most exciting coin shows, will be at the East Greenwich Civic Center in Old Greenwich on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28. Doors will be open from 10 to 6 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday.

According to Jon Lerner, event organizer, Coinfest will have something for everyone.

“You could be a serious numismatist or just starting a hobby as a new collector,” Mr. Lerner said. “You’ll be guaranteed fun and learn a lot in the process.”

Mr. Lerner said that there will be well over 100 exhibitors displaying and trading everything from arrow head pennies, to rare coins worth tens of thousands of dollars.

“We expect a very good crowd,” he said. “This will be one of the biggest shows of its type on the East Coast this year, and certainly one of the biggest in product offerings.” (more…)