Numerous overdates in GSA sale

How many of the 80/79 and 8/7 overdates were included in the GSA sales of the 1880-CC dollars?

Out of the 131,000+ 1880-CC dollars, about 50,000 were overdate varieties. Slightly more than 15,000 of those were the VAM-4 variety of the 80/79.

I have a Spanish Carolus IIII 2 reales coin, but it is not listed under that country. Was it overlooked?

The coin was struck in Mexico and is listed in the Standard Catalog under that country. This is a case of common confusion. The many counterfeits that exist only add to the problem.

Is the Standing Liberty quarter considered to be a “war” coin?

Definitely. Take a look at the design. The partially uncovered shield, in heraldic terms, indicates that Liberty is prepared for combat.

If a coin is listed or described as “obsolete,” does that always mean that it is no longer legal tender?

Obsolete can mean that, but by no means is limited to coins that have been demonetized. It is generally used to describe coins of a series or denomination that is no longer in general circulation. For a single example, the Buffalo nickel is considered to be obsolete, yet it is still legal tender.

What was the unusual distinction of Felix Schlag’s Jefferson design for the nickel?

Schlag’s Thomas Jefferson and Monticello 1938 designs were for many years the last privately executed coin designs for a general circulation. There were private designs for the reverses of the three Bicentennial coins, but they are (circulating) commemoratives. The Sacagawea dollar of 2000 ended the Schlag nickel designs’ distinction.

Is the eagle on the Franklin half dollar copied from the U.S. Army’s Good Conduct medal?

Could be, since the two are quite similar, and the medal preceded the coin by several years. The medal was designed by Arthur E. Dubois. There is no proof of the connection that I know of, but there is the fact that the eagle was rushed onto the Franklin half after Sinnock’s death.

Weren’t the original Olympic games limited to women?

The Olympics are traced back to an annual women’s foot race. There was a secondary men’s race, with the winner named king. It was a somewhat dubious honor, as he was put to death at the next solstice.

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More Collecting Resources

• The Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000 is your guide to images, prices and information on coinage of the 1900s.

• The Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money is the only annual guide that provides complete coverage of U.S. currency with today’s market prices.