NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., — Collectors Universe, Inc.  reported that two of its directors, A. Clinton Allen, Chairman of the Company, and Bruce A. Stevens have completed the requirements for Professional Director Certification from the Corporate Directors Group, which conducts member educational programs accredited by ISS Governance Services.

“Messrs Allen and Stevens’ completion of the Professional Director Certification further demonstrates our strong commitment to upholding sound corporate governance principles,” stated Collectors Universe’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Haynes. “As a matter of policy, we encourage our directors to participate in ISS certified director educational programs such as those offered by the Corporate Directors Group.”

Five other members of the Collectors Universe Board of Directors also are members of the Corporate Directors Group and participate in its ISS certified educational programs. (more…)

By Allen Mincho, Bank Note Reporter

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the time gold soared to over $1,000 per ounce, it was the time that the bear in “bear market” rose up on its hindquarters to maul even such an established Wall Street name as Bear, Stearns.

What is one to make of such times? And, more important for those whose role it is to report, advise and generally pontificate, what can one say to bring clarity and direction to a currency market caught in an American economy that is beginning to appear closer to that of Argentina than Switzerland?

A look at history gives annoyingly little guidance, nor does it offer black-line rules that can be applied to the situation in which we seem to find ourselves today. During the past bout of “stagflation,” the term applied to the economy of the 1970s where inflation was high and growth low, the currency market rose steadily through the decade. As inflation and interest rates reached record levels not seen since the Civil War, the currency market erupted in an orgy of speculative excess, with prices of many type notes doubling and tripling within an 18-month period, buoyed by record prices for precious metals and an economy where confidence had disappeared and fear reigned. Read Full Numismaster Article

The American Numismatic Association and the coin collecting community will celebrate the 85th annual National Coin Week, April 20-26, with the theme, “Money Makes the World Go Round,” a tribute to numismatics, youth and world unity.

The ANA has created a National Treasure Hunt built around this year’s theme to help attract new collectors. Special bookmarks and buttons have been developed to help generate interest and enthusiasm for the event. More than 50 member clubs are distributing the bookmarks at dozens of schools, libraries and other community organizations across the country. The bookmarks list the five objects needed to complete the treasure hunt:

• A coin with an animal
• The oldest coin you can find
• A coin from a different place (country or state)
• A coin from the year you were born
• A coin that’s not a coin (token, medal, etc.)

Treasure hunters have until April 26 to contact clubs or the ANA with their coins. Each person who completes the treasure hunt wins a world coin and is entered in a local grand prize drawing for a 2008 State Quarter Proof Set. Everyone across the country who completes the treasure hunt is entered in the ANA’s national grand prize drawing for a half-ounce gold coin and other prizes. (more…)

By Kathleen Duncan - Pinnacle Rarities

The new breed of collector wants the coin regardless of price. I envy them that luxury, but hope they are not made complacent by their equally exuberant under-bidders. The extremely strong prices for the Husak collection of large cents is understandable. These coins are truly rare and may not surface again for years.

Some of the other items experiencing extremely spirited bidding, however, are replaceable. These coins, or their equivalents, have sold recently for far less.

Here are three examples from the recently concluded Heritage Long Beach sale:

1867 25c PCGS MS63 $86,250

It has a PCGS population of 3 with 2 higher. Greysheet is a misleading $1,500 (wake up guys!), but I doubt there are any dealers who would have bought this coin for more than a quarter of the price without having a ready buyer. (more…)