Launching Pilot Program to Increase Circulation of Presidential $1 Coins

WASHINGTON – Jingling in your pockets in 2008 will be Presidential $1 Coins bearing the images of James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren-the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Presidents of the United States. The United States Mint released photographs of the four coins today.

The United States Mint will be putting a new Presidential $1 Coin into circulation every three months in 2008 beginning with the James Monroe Presidential $1 Coin on February 14. The John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin will follow May 15. Then look for the Andrew Jackson Presidential $1 Coin on August 14 and the Martin Van Buren Presidential $1 Coin on November 13.

“We hope the next four Presidential $1 Coins will not only jingle in pockets but be spent as well,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “These coins are convenient. Each Presidential $1 Coin weighs less than four quarters, and they’re especially useful for vending machines and mass transit.” (more…)

WASHINGTON -Sales of the 2008 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin will open at 12:00 noon (ET) on January 3, 2008, the United States Mint announced today. This year’s coin is offered at $31.95. There is no production limit for this product, or mintage limit for this coin.

The American Eagle Silver Proof Coin, available in the one-ounce size, bears the distinctive “W” mint mark denoting production at the United States Mint at West Point. Each coin, containing 99.9 percent silver, is sealed in a protective capsule and housed in a satin-lined velvet presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the Director of the United States Mint, accompanies the coin.

Since its debut in 1986, the obverse of the American Eagle Silver Proof Coin has featured the full-length image of Liberty designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Liberty is rendered in full-stride with her right hand extended and carrying branches of laurel and oak in her left. The reverse of the coin, designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti, features the heraldic eagle clutching an olive branch in its right talon and arrows in its left. (more…)

By Mark Ferguson COIN VALUES

Describing today’s collector of modern coins in 25 words or less is a challenging if not impossible task. We’ll use Jefferson 5-cent piece, struck since 1938, to illustrate how those with an interest in the same series can take dramatically different approaches while pursuing the common goal of building a date set.

Jefferson 5-cent coins are an ideal area for low-budget fun, as the vast majority of dates can be found – Proofs included – for well less than $10 apiece. By spending a few dollars at a time, it is possible to obtain all but a handful of dates in Uncirculated condition.

That thrifty approach certainly appeals to many collectors, but others want to go for high-grade “investment quality” pieces with low grading service population numbers. They are also willing and able to pay hefty sums for coins in a series long known for rock-bottom prices. Read Full Article