Every coin is as diverse and unique as the people who made it. Every coin has its own design, and each design represents a certain era in the history of man. Mints usually switch to newer coin dies that complement the characteristics of the present society. Coins usually feature the prominent people of the time they were minted, like how Queen Elizabeth II’s side profile is featured in the 1953 coins.
With the succession of Elizabeth II, the mint switched to a new coin die to feature the queen and represent a new era of reign. The original Elizabeth II coin dies were a bit of a problem though, because the resulting coins showed a side profile of the queen seemingly wearing a strapless dress. Monarchists then demanded for the issue to be addressed, since the coin made Elizabeth II look undignified. The new-minted coins were then known as the 1953 Shoulder Fold Pennies.
These coins are the scarcer variety of Elizabeth II pennies, since in 1954 the Mint ordered a new die again which produced the No Shoulder Fold (NSF) variety. 1953 Shoulder Fold (SF) variety is distinguished by the less flared I in the DEI inscription on the coin. If the “I” looks more like a stick than a flared one, then the coin is a Shoulder Fold coin. The no flare “I” is also seen in the ELIZABETH inscription.
Another characteristic of the Shoulder Fold Coins are the two maple leaves on the other side. They are usually extremely close to the ends of the coin and the denticles. The 1953 Shoulder Fold coins are also known as “Shoulder Fold, Far Maple Leaf” whereas the No Shoulder Fold variety is known as “No Shoulder Fold, Near Maple Leaf” to collectors for easier distinction.
Since the 1953 Shoulder Fold variety was scarcer than the No Shoulder Fold variety, the value of these coins is relatively higher than the latter especially when in good condition. They are a serious collector’s must have, and coin shops seek these coins to sell to their customers.
If you are new in the coin-collecting hobby, Colonial Acres can give you loads of information about the coins you seek. Colonial Acres Coins is in the business of buying and selling rare coins. With more than a decade in business, Colonial Acres has the reputation in the coin collecting industry and you can rest assured that what you see is what you will get.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Coin Profiles: Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins
There is a good number of pure gold coins out there for coin collectors. These gold coins have varying values depending on the rarity, weight and purity of the material. If you are into collecting pure gold coins, then you may already have heard about the Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Bullion Coin. It contains a .9999 millesimal fine gold or 24 karat gold. They hardly contain impurities, so if you’re aiming for gold bullion coins, this coin is one in the list.
But first, what does the coin look like? The front design features a side profile of Queen Elizabeth II as well as the inscription ELIZABETH II, the coin’s value and year of minting. The backside features the Maple Leaf—which is Canada’s official national symbol—and the inscriptions CANADA, the coin’s purity and denomination. This coin design is a creation of Walter Ott.
The Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Bullion Coin is produced annually since 1979 by the Royal Canadian Mint. These coins were produced to deliver to the high demand of gold bullion coins at that time, since before the Canadian Maple Leaf Coin was produced, the only pure gold bullion coin was the South African Kruggerand. The Canadian Maple Leaf Coin is produced from gold mined only within Canada. The Currency Act has also provided these gold coins legal tender status in Canada. It has a face value of 50 CAD. In other markets, the coin may even cost higher because of rarity, weight and other factors. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins now have a gold purity of .9999, whereas those minted from 1979 to 1982 have a gold purity of .999.
Because of counterfeiting issues, an additional security feature was added to these coins. They now have radial lines from the center to the ends of the coins. Collectors and investors alike seek these pure gold coin bullions to preserve their value.
As a coin collector or an interested buyer, you want to make sure that what you get is pure and legit. There are many coin shops out there that can give you access to Canadian Maple leaf Gold Bullion Coins. Trusted for its service, Colonial Acres has provided good and honest service and has gained a reputation of its own. As an aspiring collector, a beginner or even a professional, you can trust that the coins in Colonial Acres will be a great addition to you collection.
But first, what does the coin look like? The front design features a side profile of Queen Elizabeth II as well as the inscription ELIZABETH II, the coin’s value and year of minting. The backside features the Maple Leaf—which is Canada’s official national symbol—and the inscriptions CANADA, the coin’s purity and denomination. This coin design is a creation of Walter Ott.
The Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Bullion Coin is produced annually since 1979 by the Royal Canadian Mint. These coins were produced to deliver to the high demand of gold bullion coins at that time, since before the Canadian Maple Leaf Coin was produced, the only pure gold bullion coin was the South African Kruggerand. The Canadian Maple Leaf Coin is produced from gold mined only within Canada. The Currency Act has also provided these gold coins legal tender status in Canada. It has a face value of 50 CAD. In other markets, the coin may even cost higher because of rarity, weight and other factors. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins now have a gold purity of .9999, whereas those minted from 1979 to 1982 have a gold purity of .999.
Because of counterfeiting issues, an additional security feature was added to these coins. They now have radial lines from the center to the ends of the coins. Collectors and investors alike seek these pure gold coin bullions to preserve their value.
As a coin collector or an interested buyer, you want to make sure that what you get is pure and legit. There are many coin shops out there that can give you access to Canadian Maple leaf Gold Bullion Coins. Trusted for its service, Colonial Acres has provided good and honest service and has gained a reputation of its own. As an aspiring collector, a beginner or even a professional, you can trust that the coins in Colonial Acres will be a great addition to you collection.
Coin Profile: 1936 Canadian Dot Dime
Coins hold much more than their monetary value. For a long time, coins have been a part of every civilization. The creation of each coin design in influenced by the era it represents, or the year of its mintage. In Canada’s history, coins were designed after the monarchial rule.
In 1936, King George V’s throne was ascended by his son, Edward VIII. During this year, the Royal Canadian Mint continued to produce coins with the effigy of the deceased monarch. In the late months of that year, the new coin dies bearing the effigy of King Edward were developed and were at an advanced stage. However, because King Edward VIII abdicated the throne on December 1936, the Mint encountered problems regarding their coin dies. The coin die bearing King Edward III’s effigy was negated and was later not used. This resulted to a shortage of coins the following year, 1937.
To resolve this coin crisis, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to continue producing 1936 dated coins, which still featured the side profile of George V. In order to determine these 1937-minted coins from their 1936 coins, a tiny dot was placed on each of the reverse dies. In the ten-cent pieces, the dot was placed under the bow on the wreath. Later on, only the 25-cent pieces were put into circulation. This resulted to higher rarity value to the one- and ten-cent pieces.
One of these 10-cent pennies was acquired by the famous coin collector, John Jay Pittman. The first owner was Ottawa coin collector Tom Roberts, but after his death in 1951, his wife sold his coin collection to Pittman for $2,000.
Now, after Pittman’s death in 1996, the coins were auctioned off. Because of its extreme rarity, it was sold at a 2010 coin auction for over $184, 000.
Coin collection is not just a hobby. It may also be considered a profession. The 1936 Canadian Dot Dime is only one of the examples of how coin collecting can be a good source of profit if done right. Rare coins are appreciated highly for their rarity, and for serious coin collectors—it’s a real job to hunt for these precious coins.
One of the contributing factors of successful coin collectors is trusting a partner numismatic shop. Colonial Acres Coins have been partners with many coin collectors since they have opened the business for more than a decade now and are reputed for trustworthy service. So, if you want to enter the world of coin collection, let Colonial Acres Coins accompany you every step of the way.
In 1936, King George V’s throne was ascended by his son, Edward VIII. During this year, the Royal Canadian Mint continued to produce coins with the effigy of the deceased monarch. In the late months of that year, the new coin dies bearing the effigy of King Edward were developed and were at an advanced stage. However, because King Edward VIII abdicated the throne on December 1936, the Mint encountered problems regarding their coin dies. The coin die bearing King Edward III’s effigy was negated and was later not used. This resulted to a shortage of coins the following year, 1937.
To resolve this coin crisis, the Royal Canadian Mint decided to continue producing 1936 dated coins, which still featured the side profile of George V. In order to determine these 1937-minted coins from their 1936 coins, a tiny dot was placed on each of the reverse dies. In the ten-cent pieces, the dot was placed under the bow on the wreath. Later on, only the 25-cent pieces were put into circulation. This resulted to higher rarity value to the one- and ten-cent pieces.
One of these 10-cent pennies was acquired by the famous coin collector, John Jay Pittman. The first owner was Ottawa coin collector Tom Roberts, but after his death in 1951, his wife sold his coin collection to Pittman for $2,000.
Now, after Pittman’s death in 1996, the coins were auctioned off. Because of its extreme rarity, it was sold at a 2010 coin auction for over $184, 000.
Coin collection is not just a hobby. It may also be considered a profession. The 1936 Canadian Dot Dime is only one of the examples of how coin collecting can be a good source of profit if done right. Rare coins are appreciated highly for their rarity, and for serious coin collectors—it’s a real job to hunt for these precious coins.
One of the contributing factors of successful coin collectors is trusting a partner numismatic shop. Colonial Acres Coins have been partners with many coin collectors since they have opened the business for more than a decade now and are reputed for trustworthy service. So, if you want to enter the world of coin collection, let Colonial Acres Coins accompany you every step of the way.
The Lincoln Cent: The Longest Running Coin Series
Coin collection is a wonderful hobby that preserves remnants of history in a form of a coin. There is, of course, a wide variety of coins that may have not existed long enough to gain historical value but in the future, may have their timely values.
Coins have existed for a long, long time, and since the start of coin collection, coin series of different categories began to develop. The longest running coin series in the history of The United States is the Lincoln Cent Series, and also among the longest running coin types in the world coinage history.
The U.S. Lincoln Cent has been designed by Victor David Brenner. His initials are associated with the coin design he created. His initials, VDB, are found in the Lincoln Cent first releases at the time of President Theodore Roosevelt, although they were later removed because of some issues. These coins first came into circulation in the year or 1909.
There were six types of Lincoln Cents issued in 1909 which are the Indian Head Cent 1909, Indian Head Cent 1909-S, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909 VDB, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909_S VDB, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909 and the Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909-S. In 1918, the VDB was restored to the coins and it remains on the coins to this day. These letters are found at the base of Lincoln’s bust.
In 1942 and 1943, there was a change of coin metals made, including the Lincoln Cent Series. Because of WWII and the needs for copper and tin skyrocketed for military use, the U.S. Mint left only a small trace of tin in the cent alloy and changed the metal from bronze to brass. 1942 Lincoln Cents are then made from both of these alloys.
In 1943, the Mint decided to remove all traces of copper and resorted to cheaper alternatives in making the cents. 1943 Lincoln Cents were made from alloy composed of steel coated with a thin zinc layer. This resulted to a poor coin condition. It shone like a dime when new, but corroded after the zinc layer wore off. These were the coins nobody wanted, since they did not work on vending machines. In 1944, the Mint was forced to resume making brass-alloy coins, and in 1947, the Lincoln Cent returned to the bronze alloy it used before WWII.
There was also this Doubled Die Lincoln Cents Saga in 1955. This was because of a minting error resulting in a coin die getting two impressions hubbed into it. An estimated number of 20,000 to 24,000 coins were doubled die coins, but they were let out to the public nevertheless.
The Lincoln Cents have gone through a lot in the last hundred years since it first came out. Because of this, this coin series is a must-have for professional coin collectors out there.
Whether you are a beginner or have already been in the coin-collecting hobby for some time, Colonial Acres Coins will be able to help you in every step of the way. With more than a decade in the business, it is our aim to help numismatists grow their collection and eventually, spread the love for coin collecting.
Coins have existed for a long, long time, and since the start of coin collection, coin series of different categories began to develop. The longest running coin series in the history of The United States is the Lincoln Cent Series, and also among the longest running coin types in the world coinage history.
The U.S. Lincoln Cent has been designed by Victor David Brenner. His initials are associated with the coin design he created. His initials, VDB, are found in the Lincoln Cent first releases at the time of President Theodore Roosevelt, although they were later removed because of some issues. These coins first came into circulation in the year or 1909.
There were six types of Lincoln Cents issued in 1909 which are the Indian Head Cent 1909, Indian Head Cent 1909-S, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909 VDB, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909_S VDB, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909 and the Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909-S. In 1918, the VDB was restored to the coins and it remains on the coins to this day. These letters are found at the base of Lincoln’s bust.
In 1942 and 1943, there was a change of coin metals made, including the Lincoln Cent Series. Because of WWII and the needs for copper and tin skyrocketed for military use, the U.S. Mint left only a small trace of tin in the cent alloy and changed the metal from bronze to brass. 1942 Lincoln Cents are then made from both of these alloys.
In 1943, the Mint decided to remove all traces of copper and resorted to cheaper alternatives in making the cents. 1943 Lincoln Cents were made from alloy composed of steel coated with a thin zinc layer. This resulted to a poor coin condition. It shone like a dime when new, but corroded after the zinc layer wore off. These were the coins nobody wanted, since they did not work on vending machines. In 1944, the Mint was forced to resume making brass-alloy coins, and in 1947, the Lincoln Cent returned to the bronze alloy it used before WWII.
There was also this Doubled Die Lincoln Cents Saga in 1955. This was because of a minting error resulting in a coin die getting two impressions hubbed into it. An estimated number of 20,000 to 24,000 coins were doubled die coins, but they were let out to the public nevertheless.
The Lincoln Cents have gone through a lot in the last hundred years since it first came out. Because of this, this coin series is a must-have for professional coin collectors out there.
Whether you are a beginner or have already been in the coin-collecting hobby for some time, Colonial Acres Coins will be able to help you in every step of the way. With more than a decade in the business, it is our aim to help numismatists grow their collection and eventually, spread the love for coin collecting.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Cleaning Coins: Should I or Shouldn't I Do It?
People who join the ranks of numismatists often ask the question, ‘how do I clean my coins?’ It is normal to think that a shiny and clean coin will be appealing to coin collectors and appraisers, thinking that cleaning it will increase its value. The truth is, coin collectors would rather get a coin displaying its natural and original color.
If a coin manages to stay bright and shiny because of preservation methods or just released from the mint, collectors would gladly purchase it. A coin cleaned with baking soda, vinegar or abrasives would give them several reasons to hold off on the purchase.
Experts Know When a Coin Has Been Cleaned
Collectors prefer a deep, brown coloured coin that is more than five decades old than a similar coin cleaned to look brand new. Here are signs that indicate a coin has been cleaned:
You will not be unable to fool a true collector, if they detect any of these signs on the coins you plan on giving or selling to them.
Determining Value: Cleaned Vs. Un-cleaned Coins
There is not much science involved in determining the value of a cleaned coin. Many factors of value follow an ‘eye appeal’ and how ‘good’ it looks. But a coin loses some of its value after you clean it.
Are there safe ways to clean a coin?
There are a few instances where cleaning a coin is recommendable. One such case is when it is encrusted in dirt, the best way to clean this is by using clean water. Pat the coin until it dries instead of rubbing it.
Problems about cleaning a coin arise when a person attempts to, whether deliberately or not, remove the natural patina or colour that a coin has taken on over time. Rubbing a coin leaves scratches and lines on its surface, reducing the coin value.
If a coin manages to stay bright and shiny because of preservation methods or just released from the mint, collectors would gladly purchase it. A coin cleaned with baking soda, vinegar or abrasives would give them several reasons to hold off on the purchase.
Experts Know When a Coin Has Been Cleaned
Collectors prefer a deep, brown coloured coin that is more than five decades old than a similar coin cleaned to look brand new. Here are signs that indicate a coin has been cleaned:
- It has an unnatural colour
- Streaks or blotches of colour
- An unnatural uniform colour
- An unnatural and uniform reflectivity
You will not be unable to fool a true collector, if they detect any of these signs on the coins you plan on giving or selling to them.
Determining Value: Cleaned Vs. Un-cleaned Coins
There is not much science involved in determining the value of a cleaned coin. Many factors of value follow an ‘eye appeal’ and how ‘good’ it looks. But a coin loses some of its value after you clean it.
- A coin that has underwent abrasive cleaning that it now has hairlines, scratches and has lost its former lustre is no longer worth anything more than half its un-cleaned value.
- A lightly cleaned coin and does not have scratches or shows little to no signs of loss of lustre, may drop in value by as little as 10% or as high as 30%.
Are there safe ways to clean a coin?
There are a few instances where cleaning a coin is recommendable. One such case is when it is encrusted in dirt, the best way to clean this is by using clean water. Pat the coin until it dries instead of rubbing it.
Problems about cleaning a coin arise when a person attempts to, whether deliberately or not, remove the natural patina or colour that a coin has taken on over time. Rubbing a coin leaves scratches and lines on its surface, reducing the coin value.
Coins to Collect Under $100
There are different kinds of coins from special events, limited edition or coins minted decades ago. As a numismatist, you can collect a few coins without spending more than a $100.
2015 $20 Canada's First Submarines During the First World War
The summer of 1914 was an eventful year for the Royal Canadian Navy as it was still in its infancy years when the threat of war hung over it. Two new submarines added to the navy’s fleet to guard the west coast helped a young Canada to bolster its coastal defence.
Coin features:
This is a commemorative coin that is a noteworthy addition for numismatists who have a naval, history or military-themed collection.
2015 $1 1oz Captain Jean-Luc Picard Star Trek The Next Generation
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard was the commander of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise and a renowned Starfleet office, diplomat and archaeologist. He commanded the Enterprise for seven years during important skirmishes, which included the defeat of the Borg invaders in 2366 and 2369.
Coin features:
2015 $20 Columbian Yew Tree- Forest of Canada Fine Silver Coin
The Columbia Forest lies in a series of mountain ranges situated approximately 600km from the pacific coast in British Columbia. It is the world’s only inland temperate rainforest where a majority of its moisture is snow rather than rain. The Western Yew, a slow growing and long living tree is also one of the few species of coniferae that lacks cones. It instead produces individual seeds in berry-like casings.
Coin features:
These are some coins under $100 that you can consider adding to your coin collection. Find more unique and collectible coins under $100 at Colonial Acres.
2015 $20 Canada's First Submarines During the First World War
The summer of 1914 was an eventful year for the Royal Canadian Navy as it was still in its infancy years when the threat of war hung over it. Two new submarines added to the navy’s fleet to guard the west coast helped a young Canada to bolster its coastal defence.
Coin features:
- Costs $89.95
- 99.99% pure silver with a limited mintage totalling 7,500.
- This is the second coin in the Canadian Home Front series.
- It highlights the country’s war effort on its home front.
This is a commemorative coin that is a noteworthy addition for numismatists who have a naval, history or military-themed collection.
2015 $1 1oz Captain Jean-Luc Picard Star Trek The Next Generation
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard was the commander of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise and a renowned Starfleet office, diplomat and archaeologist. He commanded the Enterprise for seven years during important skirmishes, which included the defeat of the Borg invaders in 2366 and 2369.
Coin features:
- Costs $99
- The reverse side of the coin has a coloured image of Sir Patrick Stewart OBE as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard.
- The design includes the traditional ‘P’ mintmark of Perth Mint.
- The coin comes in a housing of a replica of a Star Trek transporter machine, which lights up when you open the lid.
- Each purchased coin comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
2015 $20 Columbian Yew Tree- Forest of Canada Fine Silver Coin
The Columbia Forest lies in a series of mountain ranges situated approximately 600km from the pacific coast in British Columbia. It is the world’s only inland temperate rainforest where a majority of its moisture is snow rather than rain. The Western Yew, a slow growing and long living tree is also one of the few species of coniferae that lacks cones. It instead produces individual seeds in berry-like casings.
Coin features:
- Costs $99.95
- Part of the series of coins that displays the beauty and diversity of Canada’s forests.
- Crafted in 99.99% pure silver and comes in a selective colour to highlight the distinctly crimson fruit of the Western Yew.
- An ideal gift to tree-lovers and British Columbian numismatists.
These are some coins under $100 that you can consider adding to your coin collection. Find more unique and collectible coins under $100 at Colonial Acres.
Gifts for the Coin Collector
You must be wondering what can you buy for your numismatist loved one? Finding collectibles, coins or subscriptions that might interest them may be easier than you think. Read these gift ideas to make your loved one feel special.
Loupe Coin Magnifiers
This item is a small magnification device that has at least two lenses and is small enough to fit within the palm of your hand. This helps users to decrease or increase the magnification power which it important to identify details on a coin that the naked eye cannot see or regular magnifying glasses.
Bullion Coins
American Gold and Silver Eagles are famous bullion coins that can be used as an investment because of their intrinsic metal value. Even if the person you give it to is not that interested in collecting bullion, this gift idea is ideal because it has value.
The person you gave it to can keep the bullion coins you gave them as an investment or for their collection. They can also sell the coins to purchase more collectibles for their collection.
Commemorative Coins
Aside from collecting mint coins, the person you are giving a gift to might be interested in commemorative coins of historical figures, athletes, movies and others. These types of coins may only be available once.
Presenting them with commemorative coins is a unique gift idea as there may be only a few people who have them.
Coin Show Tickets
A numismatist will have a lot of fun geeking out at various coins when you give them tickets to a coin show. There are different shows for hobbyists, check local listings to know when a show might be held near your area.
United States Mint Subscription
The United States Mint has a subscription program that a numismatist will appreciate. Subscribers get individual or set coin sets; they can also receive new coins as soon as the United States Mint releases them. You have the option to stop the program whenever you like.
Coin Books
A good coin book is a good gift to a numismatist, a book may contain all the information about the coins your loved one is looking for. Compared to browsing online, a book gives your loved one, one place to look for the coins they want to add to their collection.
These are gift ideas that you might want to give your numismatist loved one or friend. Make them feel special by giving them a gift that interests them. Find these items and more at Colonial Acres Coins, the trusted source of coin and paper money collectors since 1991.
Loupe Coin Magnifiers
This item is a small magnification device that has at least two lenses and is small enough to fit within the palm of your hand. This helps users to decrease or increase the magnification power which it important to identify details on a coin that the naked eye cannot see or regular magnifying glasses.
Bullion Coins
American Gold and Silver Eagles are famous bullion coins that can be used as an investment because of their intrinsic metal value. Even if the person you give it to is not that interested in collecting bullion, this gift idea is ideal because it has value.
The person you gave it to can keep the bullion coins you gave them as an investment or for their collection. They can also sell the coins to purchase more collectibles for their collection.
Commemorative Coins
Aside from collecting mint coins, the person you are giving a gift to might be interested in commemorative coins of historical figures, athletes, movies and others. These types of coins may only be available once.
Presenting them with commemorative coins is a unique gift idea as there may be only a few people who have them.
Coin Show Tickets
A numismatist will have a lot of fun geeking out at various coins when you give them tickets to a coin show. There are different shows for hobbyists, check local listings to know when a show might be held near your area.
United States Mint Subscription
The United States Mint has a subscription program that a numismatist will appreciate. Subscribers get individual or set coin sets; they can also receive new coins as soon as the United States Mint releases them. You have the option to stop the program whenever you like.
Coin Books
A good coin book is a good gift to a numismatist, a book may contain all the information about the coins your loved one is looking for. Compared to browsing online, a book gives your loved one, one place to look for the coins they want to add to their collection.
These are gift ideas that you might want to give your numismatist loved one or friend. Make them feel special by giving them a gift that interests them. Find these items and more at Colonial Acres Coins, the trusted source of coin and paper money collectors since 1991.
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