CoinWeek

The countdown to America’s 250th anniversary just took a major turn for collectors. Whitman Brands has launched a sweeping new line of coin albums and folders built specifically for the historic Semiquincentennial coinage entering circulation in 2026.

This release arrives at a pivotal moment. The United States will mark 250 years since its founding in 2026. At the same time, the U.S. Mint will issue a one-year-only series of circulating coin designs authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020. For collectors, that combination creates a rare opportunity. In fact, it offers a once-in-a-generation chance to build a meaningful set directly from circulation.

A Historic Coin Program for 2026

The U.S. Mint’s Semiquincentennial program spans multiple denominations. It includes the dime, quarters, and half dollar. Each design reflects America’s founding ideals, key historical moments, and long-term aspirations.

Among the most ta…

1921 Alabama Centennial. 2×2. MS-66 (PCGS).

In 1919, Alabama marked the 100th anniversary of its admission to the Union as the 22nd state. Two years later, officials commemorated that milestone with the 1921 Alabama Centennial Half Dollar.

This coin stands out within the classic commemorative series. It reflects both a complex historical backdrop and a groundbreaking design choice—the inclusion of a living individual.

Alabama Statehood and Historical Context

Spain explored the region that became Alabama in 1540. France later established settlements in 1702 and claimed large portions of the interior. However, France ceded this territory to Great Britain in 1763 under terms that ended the Seven Years’ War.

A series of agreements between Native American nations, European powers, and neighboring colonies shaped Alabama’s boundaries. Spain relinquished its remaining coastal claims in 1819, clearing the way for statehood.

Alabama entered the Union …

A Coin That Redefines Modern Numismatics

Some coins mark history. Others become history.

The 2024 Great Britain £1,000 Gold Britannia & Liberty Kilo Proof does both. This extraordinary issue represents a turning point in modern coin design. It unites two of the most powerful national symbols ever struck on coinage.

Great Britain 2024 Gold £1,000 Britannia & Liberty Kilo With Case of Issue First Day of Issue NGC Proof-70 UC (Gordon Summers Signed Label) (AGW = 32.282 oz.)

Even more remarkably, the Royal Mint limited the mintage to just 10 pieces worldwide. That number alone places this coin among the rarest modern gold issues ever produced.

Now, an example graded NGC Proof-70 Ultra Cameo First Day of Issue, with a Gordon Summers-signed label, has surfaced at auction. It carries not only perfection, but also provenance.

A Historic First Between Two Great Mints

For the first time, the United States Mint and The Royal Mint created a single uni…

On March 23, 2026, the United States Mint joined George Washington’s Mount Vernon to celebrate the release of the Revolutionary War Quarter. This coin marks the second issue in the 2026 Semiquincentennial Circulating Coin Program.

The Mint released the quarter into circulation through Federal Reserve Banks and their designated coin terminals. From there, financial institutions will distribute the coins nationwide.

Notably, Brandon Beach, Treasurer of the United States, represented the Department of the Treasury and the Mint during the ceremony.

A Historic Setting Reinforces the Coin’s Meaning

Brandon Beach emphasized the importance of launching the coin at Mount Vernon. He explained that the location directly connects the coin’s story to the ground where history unfolded.

He stated that the coin invites Americans to reflect on the courage and ideals that shaped the nation’s founding. Moreover, he noted that the legacy of the Revolu…

Baldwin’s upcoming March 30 auction delivers an exceptional lineup of historic British gold. Notably, it features naval heroism, political symbolism, and royal tragedy, all captured in rare numismatic form. From Admiral Earl St. Vincent’s prestigious presentation medal to a powerful Oliver Cromwell gold broad and a poignant Edward VI half sovereign, this sale offers collectors remarkable opportunities.

Admiral St. Vincent’s Gold Medal: Loyalty, Victory, and Naval Legacy

At the center of the sale stands a remarkable gold presentation medal issued by Admiral Earl St. Vincent, also known as Sir John Jervis (Lot 369).

Remarkable gold presentation medal issued by Admiral Earl St. Vincent

This large medal displays Jervis’s bust on the obverse. Meanwhile, the reverse shows a naval officer and an enlisted seaman shaking hands before a Union flag, an unmistakable symbol of unity and loyalty within the Royal Navy.

Encased in two glass lunettes with a contemporary …

A Landmark in U.S. Commemorative Coinage

The 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition Quarter Eagle holds a unique place in American numismatics. It is the first $2.50 gold commemorative coin ever issued by the United States Mint. More importantly, it reflects a moment when the nation celebrated one of its greatest engineering achievements, the completion of the Panama Canal.

1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition Quarter Eagle. MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC.

Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this issue remains one of the most historically significant gold commemoratives of the early 20th century. Today, collectors value it for both its symbolism and its relative scarcity in top condition.

The Panama-Pacific Exposition and Its Purpose

In 1915, San Francisco hosted the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The event celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, which transformed global trade routes. It also marked San Francisco’s recovery from the devastating 1906 earthquake.

To…

By Doug Winter – RareGoldCoins.com …… Reformatted and updated by CoinWeek

The Charlotte Mint

The Charlotte Mint opened in 1838. A gold rush began around 1830 after miners discovered ore in western North Carolina and northern Georgia. Transporting gold to Philadelphia for assaying and coining proved nearly impossible, so officials established mint facilities in more convenient southern locations. As a result, they chose Charlotte, along with Dahlonega, Georgia, and New Orleans.

The mint operated from 1838 to 1861, closing after North Carolina seceded from the Union with other slave-holding states. It struck gold dollars from 1849 to 1859, quarter eagles from 1838 to 1860, and half eagles from 1838 to 1861.

Collectors will find both advantages and drawbacks when choosing Charlotte gold as a primary focus.

The pros, clearly outweighing the cons, include lower prices than comparable Dahlonega issues, largely due to lower demand. Thes…

A Lincoln Cent on Mars: The Story of a 1909 V.D.B. Penny in Space

If you have ever wondered how coins behave beyond Earth, this story will capture your attention. Even more, it highlights a real coin that now sits on another planet.

A Numismatic Journey Beyond Earth

Coins have traveled into space before. However, very few remain there permanently. One of the most fascinating examples is a 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Wheat cent. Today, that coin rests on Mars.

 

Meet “Mars Guy” and the Mission

Dr. Steve Ruff, also known as Mars Guy, brings this story to life. He serves as an Associate Research Professor at Arizona State University. Moreover, he specializes in Martian geology and has extensive experience studying Mars.

Through his YouTube channel, created in collaboration with NASA’s Infiniscope project, Dr. Ruff explains the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter missions. His approach stands out. He simplifies complex science into short, clear e…

Why U.S. Gold Dollar Coins Offer a Smart Collecting Alternative

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)

In recent weeks, the price of gold bullion has been on a rollercoaster. It presently exceeded $4,475 per ounce.

At the same time, global markets have struggled. Stocks and other assets have dropped sharply over the past 30 days. As a result, investors have moved toward safer assets. Historically, gold has filled that role for more than 2,000 years.

Type I Gold Dollar – 1852 Gold Dollar. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC.

Naturally, long-time gold investors have seen their predictions come true. However, collectors now face a different question: how do you collect gold coins when bullion sits at $4,475?

Rising Gold Prices Hurt U.S. Coin Demand

High bullion prices have created a major challenge for collectors. In particular, demand for many U.S. gold coins has weakened.

For example, double eagles now trade very close to melt value, even…

The United States Mint Director Paul Hollis will receive one of numismatics’ highest honors this spring. The Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) will present Hollis with the prestigious Q. David Bowers Award on April 23, 2026.

The award ceremony will take place during the opening day of the 2026 CSNS Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois, just outside Chicago.

A Major Honor in Numismatics

The Q. David Bowers Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the hobby by numismatic professionals. The CSNS Board of Directors selects the recipient each year. The award honors Q. David Bowers, a legendary dealer and prolific author whose influence spans generations.

CSNS President Mitch Ernst emphasized the significance of Hollis’ selection.

According to Ernst, Hollis’ appointment as Mint Director reflects a lifetime dedicated to collecting, scholarship, and service. Notably, Hollis began collecting coins as a child. While other students wrote reports on…