Welcome to Something About Coins! Collectors are chattering about a dealer's stolen coins, skyrocketing gold prices, and Lincoln Coin & Chronicles Set excitement. Here are some quick summaries!
There's a $74,500 reward for Julian Leidman's coins, reports CoinLink.com. Mr. Leidman is a dealer from Maryland, and his minivan was burglarized on October 11th in New Jersey, when he was on his way back from the Coinfest Coin Show. According to various articles, there were over 1,000 coins stolen, some rare. CoinLink's article lists several notable coins, including Leidman's most identifiable coin, a 1929 German 5 Mark that is about 25% off center. CoinLink urges anyone with information about the crime to contact Detective Christopher M. Keezer of the Montville, N. J. Police Department at 973-257-4113 (CKeezeer@MontvilleNJ.org) or Julian Leidman at 301-585-8467. Also, if anyone suspects that any of the stolen items are being offered for sale either online, in person, at flea markets, at auctions, or at coin shops on the east coast to please reach the detective or Leidman. The reward is being offered by the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) and several coin dealers.
Speaking of selling coins, the high price of gold right now makes it tempting for people to sell. CoinValuesOnline.com, however, is saying some major wholesale dealers are decreasing their buying of common U.S. uncirculated gold coins and are softening the market. For example, Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagles graded in Mint State have lost about 10% of their price from mid-September. On the other hand, the article did note it may be a while before retail dealers behave the same way. A tip for sellers is also given at the end of the post.
If you're curious how many modern 2009 UHR Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagles the Mint has made so far, CoinNews did an analysis of this year's UHR gold coin sales history. The write up includes everything from sales numbers and prices to sales trends and specifications. If you're thinking of buying, you'd better do it quick. CoinNews predicts the Mint's collector gold coin prices will increase tomorrow.
Lincoln Coin & Chronicles fever is growing as collectors count down to this Thursday's launch at noon eastern time. Many anticipate a quick one day sell-out, and already there are "pre-sale" sets being offered on eBay. SilverCoinsToday.com is covering all the action, including an announcement yesterday about a new Lincoln Coin & Chronicles web site. Collectors' emotions are high because only 50,000 sets will be available from the U.S. Mint on Thursday, there's a one-per-household limit, and the sold out Commemorative Lincoln Silver Dollar is part of the set.
Finally, changing subjects to one hundred year old coins, Paul M. Green talks about the New Orleans Seated Liberty half dollars. Last month he covered Philadelphia Seated Liberty half dollars and argued they were a "doable challenge." This month, he says the New Orleans' minted coins are good values in some interesting issues. Some examples from his article include a 1840-O for $36 in G-4 and $450 in MS-60 plus a 1841-O for $30 in G-4 and $600 in MS-60. Of course, several grades and values for multiple dates are described, as well as the history of the New Orleans Mint from 1838 through 1862. Green also explains why the 1853-O without arrows and rays is rare and desirable. In VG-8, a 1853-O Seated Liberty half dollar without arrows and rays sold for $154,000 in 1997 and a very fine was sold for $161,000 in 2002.
Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow!
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