Coin collecting is often a solitary hobby. Historically, doctors, lawyers and other professionals worked in their studies alone night after night to learn the ins and outs of whatever niche they happened to have an interest in. Continue reading →

How many coins are in a set? Trick question? Maybe just a little. As this issue was deadlining the details of a new Mint offering came to my attention. Continue reading →

A note arrives from the U.S. Mint in your email or in your mailbox that says, “Dear Collector, We need you. We are so desperate for your business that after being jilted by silver bullion investors who won’t buy our 5-ounce coins, we have decided to create something for you that hasn’t been seen in almost 60 years.” Continue reading →

When you are eyeing that flashy new convertible, what are you thinking? Certainly not that it might be stolen or end up in a flaming wreck. That’s what insurance is for. You buy insurance and think nothing of the dangers the policy protects you from. Continue reading →

I have just returned from the Central States Numismatic Society convention that was held in Schaumburg, Ill. While it is easy to get caught up in the convention and hotel facilities themselves, it is important to remember that it is the many club volunteers and workers who make shows of this kind possible. Continue reading →

If you are working for the U.S. Mint today, it might not seem to be the best of times judging from the letters of readers that appear on this page. However, the Mint is catching at least one break: It isn’t 1965. Continue reading →

What’s the future of the hobby? Who will be collecting coins after we’re gone? Those questions, or some form of them, are often tossed at me to initiate a discussion about what we should be doing to inspire youngsters to take up the coin collecting challenge. Continue reading →