Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta

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News Release

Kevin O’Leary Partners with Universal Coin & Bullion to Advocate for Gold Investment

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Kevin O'Leary
Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary Supports
Gold With Universal Coin & Bullion Partnership

Internationally renowned business executive, investor, journalist, and television personality Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary has joined forces with Universal Coin & Bullion, a leader in the precious metals market. As the company’s new spokesman, O’Leary will appear in national television and print advertisements promoting gold bullion coins and rare coins as a smart investment choice.

“Knowing what makes a smart investment is my job,” said O’Leary. “I believe everyone should own some gold as a hedge against inflation and for portfolio diversification. When it comes to quality and reliability, I turn to my partner Universal Coin & Bullion. With their expertise and top-tier selection, they’re my go-to for high-quality gold and silver products.”

The partnership is a significant endorsement for Universal Coin & Bullion, headquartered in Beaumont, Texas. Dr. Michael Fuljenz, President of Universal Coin & Bullion and recognized as America’s Gold Expert®, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“Kevin is a renowned, respected global investor, venture capitalist, and capital markets expert. His advocacy for gold ownership is a strong endorsement for consumers and investors to own gold. We are delighted to partner with him,” Fuljenz said.

Fuljenz also highlighted the broader benefits of O’Leary’s support:
“Kevin’s emphatic support for gold ownership will be good for the entire marketplace as well as our company. Over the years, we’ve seen that a significant number of people who begin to invest in gold and silver bullion coins subsequently also become collectors of rare coins.”

Dr. Fuljenz’s expertise is well-established in the industry. Through his award-winning Fuljenz Metals Market Report and decades-long advocacy for consumer and investor education, he has earned more than 70 prestigious awards from professional journalism and numismatic organizations.

For more information about Universal Coin & Bullion, visit www.UniversalCoin.com or call (800) 248-2223.

Historic Carson City Mint Scale Returns Home in Record Auction

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A monumental piece of Nevada’s rich history has been returned to its rightful home. A 155-year-old balance scale, once used to weigh hundreds of millions of dollars in gold and silver bullion from the legendary Comstock Lode, has been acquired by the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. The scale, originally installed at the Carson City Mint in 1869, was purchased for $60,250 during an auction hosted by Holabird Western Americana Collections on November 24, 2024.

Carson City Mint Scale

The winning bid was made possible through generous donor support, ensuring the scale remained in Nevada despite fierce competition from collectors nationwide. Bidding for the artifact opened at $12,500 and concluded after 30 intense minutes.

“This is an important and exciting acquisition for the Nevada State Museum in Carson City,” said Dan Thiele of the Nevada Division of Museums and History. “Staff, particularly Dr. Christine Johnson and Dr. Josh Bonde, worked tirelessly to ensure this scale was returned to the Mint. This item will allow a more complete experience for our visitors. We are so delighted.”

A Historic Homecoming

The Nevada State Museum is located in the original Carson City Mint building, where the scale was first installed by Henry Troemner and Company of Philadelphia. It was operational on the Mint’s opening day in 1870 and remained in use until the Mint ceased coin production in 1893. After being used as an assay office until 1933, much of the Mint’s equipment was discarded—considered “useless junk” at the time.

Fred Holabird, president of Holabird Western Americana Collections, emphasized the significance of the artifact. “This is the original Carson City Mint bullion scale built for the United States Treasury Department in 1869. Not only is this historic scale staying in Nevada, it is returning to its former home,” he said.

The five-foot-tall scale was later featured as a popular attraction at the Nugget Casino in Sparks, Nevada, under the ownership of John Ascuaga. The Ascuaga family kept the scale in pristine condition for decades before it surfaced at the auction.

The Most Important Numismatic Artifact in Decades

“This is the most important numismatic artifact to surface in many decades and is truly a treasure found,” Holabird remarked.

The scale’s return has sparked additional interest in Carson City Mint artifacts. Families with ties to the Mint have already come forward with heirlooms, including letters signed by President Ulysses S. Grant appointing Mint officials and rare Carson City silver dollars.

For more information on this historic acquisition and upcoming auctions, visit Holabird Western Americana Collections or contact them at 775-851-1859.

This acquisition represents not just a return of a physical artifact but a reunion with Nevada’s vibrant history, offering museum visitors an enriched perspective on the state’s gold and silver legacy.

Shake-Up at the Top: All-New 100 Greatest U.S. Coins Rankings Revealed

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100 Greatest U.S. Coins cover

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has officially claimed the No. 1 spot, dethroning the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar as the nation’s greatest coin in the newly reimagined sixth edition of Whitman’s best-selling 100 Greatest United States Coins.

Whitman has released its highly anticipated sixth edition of 100 Greatest United States Coins, offering readers an updated, personal guided tour through the legends of America’s numismatic history. The revised rankings feature an exciting mix of legendary rarities and accessible collector favorites, from the coveted 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the iconic 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent.

“This book is a remarkable and fascinating introduction to the hobby of collecting U.S. coins,” said John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. “As you flip through the pages, we hope you’ll be inspired by the beauty and stories behind these coins and pass this passion on to future generations.”

With a modernized layout designed by Creative Director Matt Jeffirs and Graphic Designer Thinh Bui, the sixth edition combines elegance with depth. It includes a Foreword by William R. Anderson, an expanded Top 250 U.S. Coin Auction Prices Realized appendix, updated market values based on Greysheet pricing, the addition of Greysheet Identification (GSIDSM) numbers, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that illuminate why these coins represent the pinnacle of U.S. coinage.

Author Jeff Garrett expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Even after working on six editions of this book, I couldn’t wait to open the box when the new version arrived. The redesign gives it a fresh, modern look, and selecting the 100 greatest coins remains a challenging but rewarding task. We believe this list will resonate with collectors of all levels.”

What Makes a Coin Great?

The ranking process involved polling members of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), esteemed leaders in the numismatic community. They voted on a curated list of coins, with the option to nominate additional candidates. The final rankings reflect a weighted scoring system, ensuring a balance of historical significance, rarity, and collector appeal.

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, now crowned the nation’s greatest coin, exemplifies the intrigue of U.S. coinage. Its story includes being spirited out of the Mint, owned by royalty, confiscated by the Secret Service, the subject of a decade-long legal battle, and even featured on Pawn Stars. Now, it graces the cover of this milestone edition.

New Look, New Sizes

The award-winning 100 Greatest series expands its versatility with new hardcover formats—available in both standard (10” x 12”) and compact (6” x 9”) sizes to suit collector preferences. Dawn Burbank, Vice President of Sales and Distribution, shared, “We’re thrilled to offer these popular books in a smaller, more economical format for broader accessibility, while still maintaining the large-format version collectors love.”

Both formats can be purchased through Whitman.com, Whitman’s Ebay Store, Amazon, and Walmart.com, and bookstores, hobby shops, and other retailers nationwide.

Coming Soon in the 100 Greatest Series

100 Greatest United States Modern Coins, 5th Edition (January 2025)

100 Greatest United States Paper Currency, 2nd Edition (Spring 2025)

100 Greatest World Paper Currency, 1st Edition (Summer 2025)

About the Author

Jeff Garrett, President of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries, Inc., serves as senior editor of the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) and is a board member of the National Museum of American History. A former president of the American Numismatic Association and Professional Numismatists Guild, Garrett has authored several books, including the Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: 1795–1933. Among his many accolades, Garrett is the recipient of the 2003 PNG Abe Kosoff Founders Award, the 2015 PNG Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2024 NLG Clemy Award for his dedication to numismatics and exceptional writing.

This reimagined edition is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the art, history, and allure of U.S. coins. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the hobby, the 100 Greatest United States Coins is a must-have addition to your library.

Rare 1837 Token Sells for $120K in Heritage Auction

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1837 American silver 25 cents token
Rare 1837 American Silver 25 Cents token leads event at $120,000

A rare 1837 Silver 25 Cents token led Heritage Auctions’ Robert A. Schuman, M.D. Collection of Hard Times Tokens Showcase Auction, selling for an impressive $120,000. The October 28 sale totaled $1,130,999, featuring many exceptional and historic tokens. The 1837 American Silver 25 Cents token, classified as Low-50, HT-74, W-NY-480-80j, R.8, MS62 NGC, is one of only two known examples and is made from Dr. Feuchtwanger’s “American Silver Composition.”

The Schuman Collection included numerous rare tokens from the early 19th century. A Low-146 Carpenter & Mosher Token sold for $48,000, and an 1838 “Am I Not a Man & a Brother” token reached the same price, highlighting the auction’s historical significance. Among other top sales, a rare Andrew Jackson Token, HT-4, brought $43,200, and a pristine 1837 Low-19A Silver Token fetched $36,000.

For more details on these rare tokens, visit HA.com/63304.

Numismatic Masterpieces at Heritage’s November Auction

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An 1856 Flying Eagle Cent, graded PR67+ PCGS CAC, shines as a historic masterpiece.

The Heritage Auctions U.S. Coins Signature Auction, running November 20-24, promises an exciting showcase of elite numismatic treasures. With contributions from more than 140 consignors and several significant private collections, this event is set to be one of Heritage’s largest auctions. Key highlights include remarkable coins from the Greensboro and Ronald Firman Rarities Collections, among other impressive lots.

From the Greensboro Collection, Part XI, there’s an outstanding array of Flying Eagle cents, Indian Head cents, and Buffalo nickels, most graded between PR65 and PR69, many with Cameos and high-end CAC certifications. Notable coins include an 1856 Flying Eagle Cent graded PR67+ PCGS CAC, celebrated for its first-year key date and quality.

The Ronald Firman Rarities Collection brings exceptional items such as a 1797 Reverse of 1797 Cent, graded MS66 Red and Brown, which stands as the finest known example of its kind. The collection also includes a rare 1793 S-3 Chain Cent graded XF45 NGC CAC, a significant piece from the first American copper coinage for circulation.

Other star lots feature rare gold coins, like an 1870-CC Liberty Double Eagle (the first coin struck at the Carson City Mint) and an 1855 Double Eagle graded MS63+ PCGS CAC. High-value double eagles include a 1931 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in MS64+ PCGS, and an 1879 Flowing Hair Stella graded PR63 Cameo NGC CAC, a popular and iconic pattern coin.

Collectors and investors can explore the full catalog, available at HA.com/1378. This auction presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire historic coins of exceptional rarity and quality.

U.S. Mint Teams with Nice Gang for Exclusive Coin Collecting Game

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The United States Mint has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Nice Gang, a new mobile gaming studio, to promote special, limited-edition coins to a new generation of collectors. Following its collaboration with DC Comics, this innovative project marks the Mint’s continued effort to engage younger audiences in the world of numismatics.

2024 American Silver Eagle with Star Privy Mark

Nice Gang’s flagship mobile game, Eighth Era, will give players early access to exclusive American Silver Eagles featuring a first-of-its-kind star privy mark. This partnership is the first of its kind, offering gamers real-world physical rewards in the form of collectible coins, an exciting fusion of gaming and numismatics.

The game, which is set to release in October 2024, is a free-to-play mobile title with over 90 unique characters inspired by historical coins such as the Athenian Owl tetradrachm, British £5 Una and the Lion, and the iconic Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Players will compete in a variety of levels, with opportunities to win physical coins in various metals and finishes.

Mark Salzberg, Nice Gang’s chairman and a prominent figure in the collectibles world as founder of Certified Collectibles Group and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “This is a total paradigm shift in the gaming industry… We’re excited to bring a new generation into the world of coin collecting.”

This partnership exemplifies the Mint’s commitment to connecting with younger collectors through creative, interactive methods. As Mint Director Ventris Gibson stated, “This is a truly transformative opportunity for the Mint.”

Learn more about this exciting project and sign up for notifications for the exclusive U.S. Mint coin offerings at www.NiceGang.com.

Stay tuned for more updates on Eighth Era and future opportunities to collect these special-edition coins!