Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta

We are collectors of coins, paper money, tokens, and medals.

News Release

PNG Honors Numismatic Leaders at 2025 Awards Dinner

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James Halperin
James Halperin, co-founder of Heritage Auctions, receives the prestigious 2025 PNG Abe Kosoff Founders Award for his lifelong dedication to numismatics.

The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) celebrated outstanding contributions to the numismatic community during its annual membership dinner on April 23, 2025, held in conjunction with the Central States Numismatic Society Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois. The event highlighted the achievements of several industry leaders, including David Crenshaw, a proud member of the Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta (MCCA), Georgia Numismatic Association, Rockdale Coin Club, and Classic City Coin Club.

David Crenshaw, executive director of the National Coin & Bullion Association, received the Significant Contribution Award for his years of dedication and impactful contributions to numismatics. His work has strengthened the hobby and profession, making him a respected figure in the numismatic community. The MCCA is thrilled to celebrate one of our own for this well-deserved recognition.

The evening’s highest honor, the Abe Kosoff Founders Award, was presented to James Halperin, co-founder of Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest rare coin and collectibles auction firm. Halperin, a 35-year PNG member, was recognized for his lifelong dedication to numismatics, including pioneering standardized coin grading through the Numismatic Certification Institute (NCI) in 1984.

Other notable PNG award recipients included:

  • Sol Kaplan Award: Kenneth Mullins, a former NYC police officer, for his efforts in combatting numismatic crimes through his security firm, Positive Protection, Inc.
  • Robert Friedberg Award: John W. Dannreuther, a PNG member and researcher, for his book United States Proof Coins Volume II: Nickel.
  • Harvey G. Stack Lifetime Achievement Award: Dean Oakes and Greg Roberts for their extraordinary service as a paper money dealer and CEO of A-Mark Precious Metals, respectively.
  • Art Kagin Ambassador Award: Robert Campbell, former ANA President and owner of All About Coins, Inc., for advocating numismatic goodwill.
  • Distinguished Service Award: Wayde Milas, president of RARCOA, for a decade of service on the PNG Board.
  • nexGen Future Numismatist Award: Frank Sawin, a Bentley University student and employee at Northeastern Numismatics, for his promise as an up-and-coming coin dealer.

PNG also honored four dealers for 50 years of membership: Jack Beymer, Dieter Gorny, Malcolm Varner, and Fred Weinberg.

The Professional Numismatists Guild, a nonprofit representing top rare coin and paper money dealers, upholds a strict Code of Ethics in all transactions. For more information about PNG and its members, visit www.PNGdealers.org or call (951) 587-8300.

The MCCA congratulates David Crenshaw and all award recipients for their remarkable contributions to the numismatic world!

Beware of Misleading Coin Value Claims: Expert Advice from the Professional Numismatists Guild

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In recent months, viral stories and social media posts have claimed that certain rare coins—such as a penny worth $124 million or a 1976 Bicentennial quarter valued at $1.5 billion—are circulating among unsuspecting collectors. However, according to the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), these claims are completely false or grossly exaggerated.

The Truth Behind the Hype

John Feigenbaum, Executive Director of PNG, warns that these misleading reports often raise false hopes for people who believe they have stumbled upon a fortune. “Unfortunately, these clickbait stories and videos with absurdly inflated rare coin values often get picked up by major search engines,” Feigenbaum explains. “The truth is, while some coins can be valuable, the extreme claims about common coins being worth millions or billions are pure fantasy.”

The highest price ever paid for a rare coin at auction is $18.9 million—far from the wild figures touted in online articles. Additionally, some of the coins featured in these misleading stories are either misrepresented or haven’t been in general circulation for decades.

How to Determine Your Coin’s Real Value

For those who genuinely want to assess their coins’ value, it’s essential to rely on trusted sources. PNG President James Sego emphasizes the importance of expert evaluation:

“For consumer protection and education, it is important to rely only on expert sources, such as long-time hobby and trade publications, established price guides, and professional numismatists.”

One of the most reliable resources for coin valuation is the Numismatic Guaranty Company’s (NGC) free online price guide, available at:
👉 www.NGCcoin.com/price-guide/united-states

If you suspect you have a rare coin, consulting a reputable coin dealer is the best course of action. The Professional Numismatists Guild maintains a directory of experienced, ethical dealers who adhere to strict industry standards. You can find a verified PNG member-dealer here:
🔎 www.PNGdealers.org

A Cautionary Tale: When Hype Meets Reality

Damaged 1926 Peace Dollar
Misleading information led the owner of this silver dollar to believe it was a valuable mint error. In reality, post-mint damage reduced its worth to just its silver content—about $25.
(Photo courtesy of JMS Coins.)

Sego recalls a recent incident where a collector thought he had struck gold with a 1926 silver dollar. After watching a misleading online video, he believed the severe gouges on his coin indicated a rare minting error worth tens of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, expert evaluation revealed the scratches occurred after the coin left the U.S. Mint, reducing its value to merely its silver melt price—about $25.

This example highlights why accurate information is crucial for collectors.

Final Advice: Trust the Experts

For anyone looking to buy, sell, or evaluate coins, reputable expertise is key. The Professional Numismatists Guild was founded in 1955 with the motto: “Knowledge, Integrity, Responsibility.” PNG members must adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring fair dealings in numismatic transactions.

📩 For more information or to connect with a trusted expert, contact PNG at:
📧 Email: info@PNGdealers.org
📞 Phone: 951-587-8300

Bottom line: Don’t fall for exaggerated claims—get your coins evaluated by professionals. As PNG President James Sego puts it:
“If you don’t know rare coins, you better know your rare coin experts.”

Whitman Brands Unveils New Editions of Coin Reference Guides and Expands Red Book Series

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Whitman Brands a leading name in numismatic publishing, has announced the release of updated editions of two bestselling reference guides—Washington Quarters and Shield and Liberty Head Nickels—alongside a brand-new addition to its acclaimed Red Book Series, Private and Pioneer Gold Coins. These releases reaffirm Whitman’s commitment to providing collectors with authoritative, richly detailed resources to explore America’s coinage history.

Red Book Series Book Covers

Washington Quarters, 3rd Edition: A Modern Classic Evolves

The third edition of Washington Quarters offers an expansive look at one of the nation’s most beloved coin series. Covering the silver quarters of 1932–1964 and all modern iterations—from the Bicentennial quarters to the recent American Women Quarters—this fully updated guide features over 850 listings, including every new issue since 2017. Market values, now aligned with the Collector’s Price Guide (CPG) Retail pricing, are presented across up to nine grades, alongside Greysheet Identification (GSIDSM) catalog numbers for seamless cross-referencing.

This edition dives deep into the series’ history with vibrant narratives, including a biography of George Washington, the origins of the quarter dollar, and a year-by-year breakdown of the coins from 1932 to 1998. A dedicated section explores the last 25 years of modern programs, such as the State Quarters, America the Beautiful, and Crossing the Delaware series. Enhanced with over 750 images, the book covers circulating, Proof, and Special Mint Set coins from the Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point mints.

Adding a personal touch, John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands, pens a new foreword reflecting on his lifelong connection to the Washington Quarter. “The only book I’ve authored is The Complete Guide to Washington Quarters (1994),” Feigenbaum writes. “Now, as Publisher at Whitman Brands, my career has come full circle. It’s an honor to contribute my insights—and pricing—to the 2025 edition of such a rich reference work.”

Washington Quarters, 3rd Edition is available now at Whitman.com, Whitman’s eBay Store, Amazon, Walmart.com, and various retailers nationwide.

Shield & Liberty Head Nickels, 2nd Edition: A Fresh Take on Early Nickels

The second edition of Shield & Liberty Head Nickels revisits America’s first two five-cent pieces with a comprehensive update. This guide details the Shield nickels (1866–1883) and Liberty Head (V) nickels (1883–1913), including proofs and varieties, across more than 200 listings. Collectors will appreciate the date-by-date analysis, historical context, and refreshed market values based on CPG Retail pricing and GSIDSM catalog numbers. A new foreword by Patrick Ian Perez, Editor of Greysheet and Greensheet magazines, adds further depth to this essential reference.

Jeff Garrett, Senior Editor of A Guide Book of United States Coins (Red Book), praised the evolving landscape of Whitman’s publications: “The ecosystem being formed—with the all-new, reimagined 2026 Red Book, Red Book Quarterly, The Red Book Podcast, and major updates in the Red Book Series—is truly special to watch.”

Shield & Liberty Head Nickels, 2nd Edition will be available for pre-order later this month.

Private and Pioneer Gold Coins, 1st Edition: A New Frontier in the Red Book Series

The Red Book Series welcomes Private and Pioneer Gold Coins, a groundbreaking exploration of coins minted outside federal authority from 1786 to 1862. Authored by industry experts Donald Kagin and David McCarthy, this volume uncovers the stories behind these rare pieces—from Brasher doubloons to fractional gold to hefty $50 slugs—crafted during America’s gold-rush era. The book highlights the ingenuity of private mints that filled a critical gap in early commerce, offering collectors a window into a pivotal chapter of U.S. history.

“Kagin and McCarthy are true professionals and experts in the field of private and territorial gold,” said Feigenbaum. “This resource is an overdue addition to an ever-growing Red Book Series.” Set for release this spring, Private and Pioneer Gold Coins complements the expanded “Private and Territorial Gold” section in the forthcoming 2026 Red Book, which now boasts 580 listings and BG (Breen-Gillio) attribution numbers.

The Red Book Series: A Growing Legacy

With nearly 30 volumes, Whitman’s Red Book Series remains a cornerstone for collectors, offering in-depth coverage of U.S. coin types and programs. Each book blends stunning photography, historical insights, pricing data, mintage figures, and collecting tips. Upcoming releases include Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents, 4th Edition and United States Type Coins, 4th Edition, alongside the titles announced today.

Published by Whitman, a trusted authority in numismatic literature, these guides are designed for collectors of all levels. For more details or to purchase, visit whitman.com. Stay tuned for pre-order opportunities and further updates on these exciting releases!

New Edition of United States Currency Now Available – A Must-Have for Paper Money Collectors!

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Ninth edition of United States Currency cover

Attention collectors! The newly revised ninth edition of United States Currency is here, now featuring expert market values powered by Greensheet®. Published by Whitman Brands™, this essential guide offers a deep dive into the history, identification, and valuation of U.S. paper money—from the early 1800s to today.

What’s Inside?
✅ Complete listings of U.S. currency, organized by the trusted Friedberg Numbering System™
✅ Market values in up to seven collectible grades, now updated with industry-standard pricing
✅ High-quality images and details on large-size notes, fractional currency, error notes, World War II issues, and more
✅ Expert insights on grading, counterfeit detection, and collecting tips

With a new foreword by Patrick Ian Perez, this guide is a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned collectors. It’s part of Whitman’s Collector Series™, which includes must-have references like Coin Collecting: An Introduction to the World of Numismatics and The Official ANA Grading Standards for U.S. Coins.

📖 United States Currency is available now at Whitman.com, Amazon, Walmart.com, eBay, and major bookstores. Don’t miss out on this updated edition—perfect for expanding your collection and knowledge!

The Redesigned 2026 Red Book Launches April 8, 2025!

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Attention numismatists! Whitman Brands has unveiled the all-new, completely redesigned 79th edition of A Guide Book of United States Coins, better known as the Red Book. Set to hit major U.S. retailers on April 8, 2025, this edition features a larger 6″ x 9″ format, an intuitive layout, and updated market insights. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, this is the must-have guide to U.S. coinage.

A Bold New Redesign for the 2026 Edition

2026 A Guide Book of US Coins Cover

Since its first edition in 1946, the Red Book has been the go-to reference for coin collectors worldwide. The 2026 edition enhances this tradition with exciting upgrades:

  • Expanded Private and Territorial Gold Section – Now includes BG (Breen-Gillio) attribution numbers, growing from 100 to 580 listings across five pages.
  • Reorganized Commemoratives Section – Classic commemoratives are listed alphabetically, while modern commemoratives remain in chronological order.
  • Improved Value Charts – Circulation and Proof-strike values are now separated, and Type-coin value charts include premium surface qualities (e.g., Deep Cameo, Full Bell Lines, Red/Brown distinctions).
  • Better Data Organization – Coin type information is consolidated at the start of each section, making comparisons easier.
  • Fun-Fact Spotlights and Collector Insights – This edition includes a fully illustrated grading case study on Morgan Dollars and a new Collector’s Notebook discussing “Misinformation in Numismatics.”

Enhanced Market Data and Accessibility

For the first time, Red Book pricing is based on Collector’s Price Guide (CPG®) retail pricing, with Greysheet Identification (GSIDSM) catalog numbers integrated to streamline comparisons across Whitman’s numismatic products. With over 32,500 market values spanning 12,000 coins, tokens, medals, and sets, this book is an indispensable tool for collectors and investors alike.

Multiple Formats for Every Collector

The 2026 Red Book will be available in four different print bindings:

  • Hardcover
  • Perfect-bound softcover
  • Spiral-bound
  • Large print spiral-bound

Pre-Order and Availability

Pre-orders are now open at Whitman.com and Amazon. Starting April 8, 2025, you can find the 2026 Red Book at Whitman’s eBay Store, Walmart.com, bookstores, hobby shops, and other retailers nationwide.

Stay Connected with the Red Book Community

Explore more with the Red Book Podcast (now in its sixth episode) and subscribe to the Greysheet & Red Book YouTube channel for exclusive numismatic insights. Check it out here: YouTube.com/@greysheet-redbook/playlists.

Don’t miss this exciting new edition—secure your copy today and stay ahead in the world of coin collecting!

Experience $100 Million in Rare Coins at the Atlanta National Money Show

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Coin enthusiasts and curious visitors alike are in for a treat at the upcoming National Money Show, taking place at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta from February 27 to March 1, 2025. With over $100 million worth of historic rare coins and currency on display, including a $3 million Liberty Head nickel, this event promises an unforgettable experience for collectors, investors, and families alike.

A Family-Friendly Event for All

Hosted by the nonprofit American Numismatic Association (ANA), the National Money Show is more than just an exhibition—it’s an educational opportunity. “It’s incredible that such small treasures can hold so much value and history, and we want everyone to have the chance to see this remarkable show in person,” says ANA President Thomas J. Uram.

The show will feature hundreds of dealers ready to buy, sell, and appraise coins and paper money. Visitors will also have access to pre-convention seminars, expert-led lectures, and world-class museum-quality exhibits.

Convention Details & Admission

The event will take place in Hall A of the Cobb Galleria Centre, with the following hours:

  • Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, while children 12 and under enter for free. Additionally, admission is free for everyone on Saturday. A valid photo ID is required for entry.

Claim a Free Collectible Challenge Coin

Visitors can receive a free limited-edition challenge coin by visiting table 130 near the Money Museum Showcase at noon each day. Designed by ANA President Uram, this exclusive coin features initials of famous Mint engravers and ties into a special National Coin Week contest. Attendees who correctly identify the engravers will be entered to win prizes.

Spectacular Rare Coin & Currency Exhibits

The National Money Show will showcase an array of stunning exhibits, including:

  • An 1804 silver dollar, one of the most coveted U.S. rare coins, with only 15 known examples.
  • One of the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels, valued at $3 million.
  • A selection of Renaissance portrait medals, highlighting the artistic influence of the era.
  • A rare 1933 gold Eagle, one of fewer than 40 surviving specimens.
  • Historical currency from the Silk Road, offering insights into early global trade.
  • Rare Bank of the United States notes and checks, including ones signed by President Andrew Jackson and General Winfield Scott.
  • A $100 trillion banknote from Zimbabwe, a unique piece of world currency history.

Educational Opportunities & Family Fun

Attendees can expand their numismatic knowledge through the “Money Talks” lecture series, featuring industry professionals. These free, interactive 30-45 minute presentations will take place on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Families and young collectors will have plenty to enjoy as well. Ernie’s Treasure Treehouse will offer fun, educational activities like scavenger hunts, coin toss games, and opportunities to win numismatic prizes. On Saturday morning, the Young Collectors Corner workshop will introduce children to the basics of coin collecting, including coin identification, collecting strategies, and preservation techniques.

National Money Show Sponsors

This prestigious event is made possible through the support of key sponsors, including:

  • Corporate Sponsors: GreatCollections, Numismatic Guaranty Company, Paper Money Guaranty, Certified Guaranty Company, and Whitman.
  • Title Sponsor: TEXITcoin
  • Additional Sponsors: Angel Dee’s Coins and Collectibles, Americana Rare Coin, Classical Numismatic Group, Coins & Collectables, Coleman Foster Rare Coins, U.S. Coins, Patriot Coins and Precious Metals, West Coast Coins, Gold and Coin Exchange, and Zaner Precious Metals.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore rare coins, learn from experts, and participate in exciting numismatic activities. For more information, visit NationalMoneyShow.com.