Times staff writer PEKIN - Police arrested an East Peoria woman Thursday after they learned that she allegedly stole coins to pay her heroin drug

So, you feel it's time to sell your long-time coin collection, or you might have inherited a collection and you know nothing about coins and you would like to sell them. As with the sale of anything, you would like to make sure you get a fair price. Sounds simple enough, right?

The Royal Australian Mint kicked off the introduction of a new circulating one dollar coin and a series of new collector coins with a gigantic and symbolic coin commemorating the Centenary of Scouts Australia.

Sacagawea coins took a back seat to the new Presidential $1 Coins in 2007. With an already vaulted inventory of older Sacagawea coins and the over 943 million new Presidential coins produced in 2007, there was little need to mint Sacagawea golden dollars and release them to the public.

A monster rarity which speaks volumes on its own. Quite likely one of the finest 3 specimens known of this famous rarity. Over the past decade, the 1802 half dime has abandoned its sleepy status as an overlooked rarity and come into the limelight as one of the most coveted of all U.S. coins in the catalog. This particular specimen currently offered by David Lawrence Auctions in Sale 225 Lot #3146 is not only one of the finest known, but also has the distinction of having the richest pedigree of any specimen. For starters, it hails from the famous Pittman Collection. It was later immortalized by Logan and McCloskey as the plate coin for the date in their reference books on Bust half dimes.

The following interview was posted on the Blanchard & Company Website: BLANCHARD: Is there an affordable area of the coin market that you think may be undervalued? ALBANESE: We have experienced a rare coin bull ...

WASHINGTON- She was instrumental in refurbishing the White House following its destruction during the War of 1812. The people of France-with whom she and her husband were popular-called her la belle Americaine. A mere visit from her to Madame Lafayette saved the imprisoned woman from the guillotine. Monroe First Spouse and Presidential Dollar coins released

The Nation celebrates the life and work of this woman-Elizabeth Monroe-with the United States Mint's release of a 24-karat gold coin on February 28 at noon (ET). The Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be available in 1/2-ounce proof and uncirculated versions offered at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. Mintage is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.

Hackensack, NJ, ... Quickly responding to customer inquiries from across the United States, Lighthouse Publications, Inc. has become the first manufacturer to announce production of a coin album page specifically created for the additional six coins following the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. The extension of the program was signed into law by President George W. Bush late last year, and the new coins, to be issued in 2009, will feature the District of Columbia and five U.S. Territories.

Senator the Hon Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, today joined with former Governor-General Sir William Deane AC KBE, National President of Scouts Australia and Mr John Ravenhall AM, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia to launch a new one dollar coin to mark the centenary of scouting in Australia.Royal Australian Mint Boy Scout Coins

"Scouts Australia was founded 100 years ago. We all know just how big a part of our culture the Scouts have become since then, with over 60,000 scouts spread across the country.

Here is an article from the British Royal Mint about an upcoming change to their coins.

This year, for the first time since decimalisation, the legal tender coins of the United Kingdom will undergo a major design change. In Spring, the Royal Mint will reveal to the nation, the new designs on its coinage, from the 1p to £1. The new reverse designs are a contemporary take on traditional heraldry reflecting the nation's rich history.

To mark this major numismatic milestone and to commemorate the reverse designs that have served Britain for many years, the Royal Mint has produced three magnificent limited-edition coin collections. Prior to the launch, we will take a look back at the coinage to which we have all become accustomed too.

Decimalisation

On 1 March 1966 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, James Callaghan, announced that the centuries-old system of 12 pennies to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound would be replaced by a decimal currency system in which the pound was to be divided into 100 units. Recognising the enormity of a change that would affect every business and household in the country, the government proposed a five-year preparatory period before the official changeover. The introduction of the new decimal series of coins was no easy task 40 years ago. From settling the dimensions of the coins, to the creation of the designs and their production by the Royal Mint it was a mammoth undertaking. Not only did the different denominations need to be readily distinguishable by sight and touch from each other, they also needed to avoid being confused with existing coins of the pre-decimal system.

The Designs

As for their designs, a new portrait of the Queen by Arnold Machin RA had already been prepared and approved, while for the reverse designs it was announced in November 1966 that a public competition would be arranged. More than 80 artists took part and, from the 900 or so designs that were received, a series by Christopher Ironside was eventually approved, his designs drawing praise for the 'lack of clutter', a requirement that had been stressed in the creative brief.

The Coins

Christopher Ironside's winning designs for the 1/2p, 1p, 2p, 5p and 10p pieces were largely heraldic in theme. The 1p coin features the crowned portcullis, which was first issued on 15 February 1971, the day British currency was officially decimalised. The 2p coin features the Badge of the Prince of Wales, which includes the motto ICH DIEN meaning 'I serve'. The 5p coin was introduced in 1968 in preparation for decimalisation and the coin's reverse features the Scottish emblem of the crowned thistle. A smaller version of the coin was subsequently introduced in 1990. The 10p coin was also first released into circulation in 1968 to replace the florin. As part of the ongoing review of the coinage, a smaller version was introduced in 1992, although the reverse design of the crowned lion remained unchanged. The 20p coin, featuring a much-loved reverse design by William Gardner was introduced in 1982 and incorporates a crowned Tudor rose. The 50p piece bears Christopher Ironside's definition of Britannia, a symbol that has graced British coins for over 300 years. As with the 5p and 10p, a smaller version of this coin was introduced in 1997. The £1 coin, which was first introduced in 1983, bears a design by former Royal Mint Chief Engraver, Eric Sewell, and features the Royal Coat of Arms. The coin also features 100 beads around the circumference of the reverse representing each penny in the pound.

A whole generation has since grown up with decimal currency and the traditional nature of the reverse designs. This year, however, another milestone in the history of the coinage will be reached when the reverse designs of the 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 are to change. For further information on this historic Numismatic event, and for your opportunity to own a complete collection of the last of the old coin designs, visit http://www.royalmint.com/emblems/home.html.