In the December issue of our newsletter, we reported that separate class-action lawsuits had been filed in Florida against two of the leading third party coin grading and authentication companies concerning their designations of certain coins as "First Strikes." The suits allege the companies are violating unfair trade practices laws of their home states. One of the companies, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), has since announced that it will no longer label modern bullion coins, such as gold and silver American Eagles, as first strikes. It will instead offer an "Early Release" designation.

An advisory issued by the United States Mint during 2006 noted that approximately 50% of the projected sales numbers for its uncirculated bullion coins are struck before shipments begin and that the order in which the coins are packed or shipped is not an indication of the order in which they were struck.

NGC's new designation is more consistent with what's actually known about the striking and release of modern bullion coins. It remains to be seen whether coins designated "Early Release" as well as coins previously labeled "First Strike" will command any significant premium in the marketplace. The willingness of some buyers to pay more for "first strike" coins has been at least partially based on the assumption that they were struck early in the life of coin dies, before stress, wear and metal fatigue began to affect the dies in ways that may be visible on struck coins. We see no reason why coin prices should in any way be based on when they left the Mint.

(via Telesphere Newsletter)

April-dated bullion contracts added $1.10, to close at $650.10 an ounce.

1. What type of half dollar was minted with a 40% silver composition for circulation?

2. Queen Juliana's portrait was shown on the coins of what country?

3. Small-sized notes were introduced in what year in the United States?

4. What is a BIE error?

5. What US Mint does the letter "O" designate?

Answers

1. The Kennedy half dollar
2. Netherlands
3. 1929
4. Lincoln cents that have die chips located within LIBERTY, often between the B and the E.
5. New Orleans

Americom, L.P. Marketing is presenting Universal Coin and Bullion its “Top of the Class” Customer Award distinction for 2006. (PRWeb Jan 30, 2007) Post Comment:Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/chachingpr.php/UHJvZi1aZXRhLUhhbGYtWmV0YS1NYWduLVplcm8=

Beaumont, TX (PRWeb) January 30, 2007 -- Americom, L.

On TV. On radio. On billboards. In newspapers. He's a pitchman and an analyst. Dan Marino will be back on the Dolphin Stadium field on Sunday, making the ceremonial coin toss for Super Bowl XLI before a national television audience expected to exceed 100 million.

Federal Reserve Banks recently set up a special 6-week ordering process for unmixed Presidential $1 Coins only, according to the National Automatic Merchandising Association. Retail banks will be able to order these George Washington $1 Coins starting Feb. 1, 2007. Actual distribution to the public will begin Feb. 15. Federal Reserve Bank offices will provide retail banks with unmixed Presidential Coins in boxes containing $1,000 worth of wrapped $25 rolls or $2,000 bags of unmixed Washington Coins. Retail banks, or depository institutions as the Federal Reserve refers to them, can continue ordering and receiving unmixed quantities of the Washington Coins unless a Reserve Bank office's supply runs out. After March 15 the Federal Reserve Banks will fill orders for $1 coins using its customary practice of providing loose, mixed $1 coins in $2,000 bags.

When the John Adams $1 Coin is released in May, this type of special ordering process will begin again.

The U.S. Mint is urging businesses such as vending, office coffee or foodservice operators to talk with their financial institutions about the new Presidential $1 Coins. The National Automatic Merchandising Association urges members to contact their bank in January to discuss plans for ordering this coin.

(via AM Online)

Ibegan collecting the Federal Wildlife duck stamps years ago because they always seem to go up in value. Most years you write about the new annual duck stamps around Christmas. I didn't see anything in your column this year. What about the new stamp? - D.H.

Here's some information from ABC's Wife Swap TV show asking for people to volunteer. If you make it on the show you get $20,000 and if you let them know how you found out about it, I get $1,000 so we both win. Here's the information.

Are you and your kids passionate about coin collecting?

Do you feel that collecting coins is a great way to spend family time together?

Would you love an opportunity to show another family about this great hobby?

If so, ABC Television wants to hear from YOU!

We are currently casting for the third season of our hit reality show, "Wife Swap," and we are seeking fun families who are all involved in interested hobbies together - including coin collecting! If your family consists of two parents, you have at least one child between the ages of 6-17, and you live in the continental USA, you might just be the family we are looking for!

Those chosen to participate in the show will receive $20,000, and if you refer a family that gets cast on the show, you will receive a $1,000 finder's fee.

For more information, to obtain an application or refer a family, please contact Meghan McGinley at (212) 404 1473 or Meghan.McGinley@rdfusa.com.

A former GOP fundraiser who embezzled from a state investment in rare coins must repay the state $13.7 million.