By Ken Potter - I reported upon a Spiked Head die crack on a proof 2007-S Thomas Jefferson Presidential dollar in the Nov. 13, 2007, issue of Numismatic News. What I did not say was that it was actually just one of several Spiked Heads found on proof coins submitted to me in the past year and a half.

New to the list of significant die cracks on proof coins are 12 examples dated 1998-S, 1999-S, 2000-S, 2005-S and 2006-S, spanning all denominations from nickels through a single Sacagawea dollar. The “list” was originally started with a Spiked Head 2002-S silver Kennedy half dollar that headlined the April 15, 2003, issue of NN. This coin prompted a long string of finds that followed as folks began to check other denominations and dates closer.

The 10-part series of reports ran intermittently with the last appearing in the June 14, 2005, issue up until my recent Jefferson dollar story. Read Full Article

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…)