Author Archives: Alan Herbert

S’ nickels came down to wire in 1912

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Alan Herbert

I’ve been told that the 1912-S “V” nickels were a last-minute idea. When were they actually struck? Continue reading →

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Dime design represents unity, peace

Posted on December 27, 2012 by Alan Herbert

Did Adolph A. Weinman have any specific reason for picking the fasces for the reverse of the Mercury dime? Continue reading →

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Ike $1 silver used for Washington commem

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Alan Herbert

Was there a special source for the silver used for the Washington commemorative half dollar? Continue reading →

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Symbols abound on Saint-Gaudens $20

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Alan Herbert

Please explain the symbolism involved in the Saint-Gaudens design on the U.S. $20 gold? Continue reading →

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Why are coins from new rolls greasy?

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Alan Herbert

I’ve noticed some kind of grease on the coins I’ve taken from new rolls. Any idea of the source? Continue reading →

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Postholes served as makeshift banks

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Alan Herbert

What is a “posthole bank?” I’ve seen the term in connection with stories of coin finds with a metal detector. Continue reading →

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Holed large cents had many uses

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Alan Herbert

Why are so many of the old large cents holed? Many have one hole, but I’ve seen several with two holes in them. Continue reading →

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‘Lead’ common nickname for 1943 cents

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Alan Herbert

Contrary to some published reports that they were widely called “silver,” “steel” or even “zinc” cents, by far the most common slang term for them was “lead” cents. The public equated them to the still common lead counterfeits of the Depression years. Continue reading →

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Clinic: Taft’s head on nickel stretch of imagination

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Alan Herbert

What’s the story on President Taft’s head appearing on the first Buffalo nickels? Continue reading →

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First coins almost featured Columbus

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Alan Herbert

Was Columbus ever proposed as a subject for a United States commemorative coin prior to 1892? Continue reading →

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