World’s Greatest Mint Errors is an enjoyable resource packed full of some of the most dramatic, rare and extraordinary mint errors and die trials ever assembled in one publication.

This book combines stunning imagery with the most accurate information available to provide anyone interested in mint errors with the latest information on mint error coins from the United States and around the world. Hundreds of spectacular mint errors are pictured. Each error coin photo is presented in full color, and enlarged to enhance the smallest details. Some of the error coins featured in this book have never been seen by the public before, and each is described in great detail as to the type of error, the assigned grade, rarity and estimated value.

· First published book on mint errors that accurately lists retail values.

· Accessible to any coin collector or numismatist, regardless of experience.

· Up to date with the latest information on new discoveries and new types of errors.

· Hundreds of rare, expensive, and famous coins to excite all collectors.

· Will educate and raise awareness in this fascinating area of numismatics.

The release of World’s Greatest Mint Errors will ignite an interest in non-collectors and advanced collectors alike. This book is a must have for every numismatic library!

Releasing on May 15th, look for copies of World’s Greatest Mint Errors at your local coin shop, or visit www.amazon.com. You can also order from Zyrus Press by mailing to PO Box 17810, Irvine, California 92623, calling (888) 622-7823, or online at www.zyruspress.com.

The American Numismatic Association is accepting applications for two summer internships

at its headquarters in Colorado Springs. Young collectors, college or graduate students and numismatic professionals who are members of the ANA are encouraged to apply.

One applicant will be selected for The Harry W. Bass Jr. Numismatic Internship, and will conduct original research using ANA resources in conjunction with the renowned Harry W. Bass, Jr. collection of rare American coins.

Another applicant will be selected for the ANA Numismatic Internship, and will work with the staff of the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum and Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library, the Publications and Education departments, and help with Summer Seminar and the Los Angeles World’s Fair of Money in August.

The deadline for internship applications is Feb. 13. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, which will announce its selections March 2. Interns must be at least 18 and will stay in housing on the Colorado College campus, adjacent to the ANA.

For applications or more information, call 719-482-9850, e-mail education@money.org, or visit www.money.org (select “Internships” from the “Explore the World of Money” dropdown menu).

The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 32,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or visit www.money.org.

Collectors of Franklin Half Dollars have free access to an important new resource now being offered by the Certified Acceptance Corp. (CAC).

The company recently acquired an advanced reference set of Franklin halves to enhance its recognition of full-bell-lines specimens.

CAC is sharing the knowledge it gleaned from the set by posting detailed photographs of the coins on its Web site.

“We felt that this would be a useful educational tool for collectors,” said John Albanese, founder and president of the New Jersey-based company.

“It’s also a good way for people to learn more about CAC,” Albanese added. “When people ask what it is we’re looking for when we decide whether Franklin half dollars have full bell lines, we can tell them to check our Web site and see the kinds of things that keep a coin from being stickered.”

Full-bell-lines halves, known by the acronym “FBL” for short, are coins on which there is full separation between the bottom two lines on the Liberty Bell. Specialists prize such coins because full bell lines denote sharp strike, much like a full head on a Standing Liberty quarter, full split bands on a “Mercury” dime, or full steps on a Jefferson nickel. Typically, these pieces command substantial premiums over coins in the same grade without this designation. (more…)