Entries by ReededEdge

Philadelphia Minted Morgan Dollars: A Date by Date Analysis

By Rob Lehmann The discussion and analysis of the Morgan Dollar series often focuses on the branch mint issues, most notably those emanating from Carson City. But, there were more Morgan Dollars minted in Philadelphia than any of the corresponding branch mints. Prior to 1878, Philadelphia had been the epicenter for the production of United […]

1893-1897 New Orleans Morgan Dollars

By Rob Lehmann In order to fully appreciate and understand the rarity of the 1893-97 New Orleans Morgan Dollars, one must first review the history of this period. The Depression of 1893 was one of the worst in American history, with unemployment exceeding 10%. The National Bureau of Economic Research estimated that the economic contraction […]

Building a World Class Coin Collection

By Rob Lehmann Rome was not built in a day, and neither is a great coin collection. Assembling a collection of coins can be an arduous but enjoyable undertaking. And, like any goal that is accomplished incrementally, building your collection will require discipline and planning. I suggest laying the ground work for your coin collection […]

Components of Grading Mint State Coins

By Rob Lehmann I know that much has been written about grading uncirculated coins, most of it very specialized and analytical. I wanted to address grading as a much more generalized topic, and give some basic guidelines that would have multiple applications across the numismatic spectrum. There are three major components of grading a coin: […]

Key-date San Francisco Mint Morgan Dollars

By Rob Lehmann There are many dates of Morgan Dollars which are collected as the semi-keys and keys. Carson City rarities, such as the 1879-CC, 1889-CC and 1893-CC have always been at the top of most collectors want lists. New Orleans, which produced both rare and deficient quality coins has their notable run of “toughies” […]

Few People Saved Philadelphia Barber Halves

By Paul M. Green Numismatic News Barber half dollars in general are the toughest type coin of the past century. Of the Barber halves, the most overlooked group within the set are probably the Philadelphia issues. Overlooking Philadelphia issues is easy to understand. As the main mint of the United States, Philadelphia generally did have […]

Auction Prices Provide Historical Perspective

By David L. Ganz Numismatic News Auctions fascinate and engage us. It’s not just eBay, but also mail-bid auction sales, live auctions and other sale methods where items go to the highest bidder. It’s a combination of skill – to win an item at the high bid but at the lowest possible price – knowledge […]

All Barber Half Mintages Below Six Million

By Paul M. Green Numismatic News If you are looking for fascinating coins, it would be safe to suggest that to find some real values the San Francisco Barber half dollars represent a perfect group to explore. The two facilities that basically produced Barber half dollars from their start in 1892 until their end in […]

Build an Eight-Piece 20th Century Gold Set

By Weimar W. White Numismatic News Many collectors are attracted to U.S. gold coins, especially if they are in uncirculated condition. Fortunately, one can still assemble an eight-piece 20th century gold type set, made for circulation, at reasonable prices. For collectors who like different coin designs, such a set is very appealing. Capital Plastics offers […]