Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta

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AU-58: The Grade of the Future?

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In the July 16, 2025, issue of the Metropolitan Coin Club of Atlanta’s Newsletter, the From the Desk of the Editor column, titled Understanding AU-58 and the Nuances of Coin Grading, introduced three seminal articles by Bill Fivaz exploring the importance of AU-graded coins. As announced, these articles—AU-58: The Grade of the Future?, Almost Unlimited Bargains in AU, and It’s Confession and Revelation Time!—are being reprinted in full on our website and will appear in the club’s next three consecutive newsletters, presented in the order of their original publication. We are pleased to begin this series with AU-58: The Grade of the Future?, a foundational piece that examines the growing significance of AU-58 coins in the numismatic world. Dive into this article to explore the origins of Fivaz’s perspective on AU-graded coins and stay tuned for the subsequent articles in this series.

Have you been just a wee bit confused as to why one particular coin in a certain grade sells for a great deal more than another coin of the same date in the same grade? Why does one MS-65 1882-O Morgan dollar, for example, sell for $650 while another, also a legitimate MS-65 specimen, bring only $400?

While both of these coins might technically grade MS-65, the specimen that garners the higher price probably has that “something” extra in the way of toning and appearance—eye appeal! No two coins are exactly alike (a nick here, an abrasion there); each must stand on its own merit and therefore may command a higher (or lower) price than the one “listed” for that grade.

AU-58: The Grade of the Future? image Indian Cent, Lincoln Cent, Bust Half Dime, Buffalo Nickel.
Arrows indicate the first point of wear to watch for on the (top row, left to right) Indian Cent, Lincoln Cent, (bottom row, left to right) Bust Half Dime, and Buffalo Nickel.

The point is that there are MS-65s and there are MS-65s, just the same as there are different qualities in the grades of MS-63, Fine (F), Extremely Fine (EF) and, most important in my opinion, About Uncirculated (AU).

The quality grade in the AU range is at least AU-55 and more specifically, AU-58. So that we know what an AU-58 coin really is and what it actually looks like, let’s define it. I suggest the following: “AU-58—a coin that when first observed, appears to grade MS-64 or MS-65 (good luster, few contact marks), but on closer examination reveals slight wear on the highest points.”

AU-58: The Grade of the Future? image Mercury Dime, Washington Quarter, Bust Half, and Liberty Seated Half.
Arrows indicate the first point of wear to watch for on the (top row, left to right) Mercury Dime, Washington Quarter, (bottom row, left to right) Bust Half and Liberty Seated Half.

A common misconception is that a high-quality AU-58 “super slider” is just a hair away from an MS-60. Nope! In reality, it is much closer to an MS-64 or an MS-65 with just a touch of honest wear. It jumps right over the MS-60 grade because of what makes an MS-60 an MS-60—lots of contact marks, impaired luster (or a combination of each), and, in general, no real eye appeal. Add the same amount of honest wear to a coin such as this and you have an AU-50.

Is AU-58 the grade of the future?

Why not? MS-64 and MS-65 coins (and soon MS-63) have, for the most part, skyrocketed in price into the stratosphere and properly graded, very choice AU pieces are currently the bargains of the century!

Think about it. Top quality AU-graded pieces are much more attractive and priced far less than MS-60s. Someday someone is going to see the light and realize that many, if not most AU-58s, and even some AU-55s should com­mand a price in excess of MS-60 listings! I don’t know when this will happen* but believe me, they’re worth it. Don’t hesitate to pay a hefty premium for a nice, eye appealing, choice AU coin—in the years ahead you’ll be glad you did.

AU-58: The Grade of the Future? image Morgan Dollar and Peace Dollar.
Arrows indicate the first point of wear to watch for on the (left to right) Morgan Dollar and Peace Dollar.

Learn the first points of wear on your series and on some of the popular issues. Look for a loss of detail from wear in these areas as well as a difference in color, usually dull and flat in the same areas. Remember, an AU-58 coin must have MS-64 or MS-65 luster and a corre­sponding lack of marks in addition to just that little bit of wear.

If you can locate these coins, properly graded at an AU price, grab them, especially type coins and pre-1935 modern issues. Plain common sense dic­tates that these are the coins of the future—the ones collectors will seek to complete their sets without having to pay big bucks for the MS-63s, -64s and -65s.

*This article was written for The Numismatist in 1986 and this prediction has come to pass. Many technically AU-58 coins now reside in MS-61 and MS-62 holders as this is the price they are commanding in the market.

© 1999 Bill Fivaz. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
Originally published in Helpful Hints for Enjoying Coin Collecting (Stanton Printing and Publishing).

Father Goose’s Kids Love Coins! Sparks Young Collectors’ Imaginations

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On August 5, 2025, Whitman Brands will release Kids Love Coins!, a vibrant picture book introducing young readers to coin collecting. Written by Charles Ghigna (Father Goose®) and Andi Martin, with illustrations by Jacqueline East, this 32-page book for ages 3+ combines rhymes, vivid artwork, and fun facts to inspire a lifelong passion for numismatics.

Kids Love Coins book interior

Whitman aims to nurture young collectors as the U.S. nears its 250th anniversary in 2026. “Kids Love Coins! is the ideal way to get children excited about coins,” said John Feigenbaum, Whitman’s President and CEO. The book explores U.S. coins—Lincoln cents to Kennedy half dollars—covering their materials, designs, minting, and use, plus coin terminology and collecting tips. East’s whimsical illustrations capture the joy of discovery.

“It was fun and refreshing to help bring this project to life,” said Matt Jeffirs, Whitman’s Creative Director. “The artwork is beautiful, reflecting the wonder at the heart of the hobby.”

Charles Ghigna, author of over 5,000 poems and 250 books, including The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry, brings warmth to this project. His prior Whitman book, Alabama My Sweet Home (2018), celebrated Alabama’s bicentennial.

Building on Whitman’s children’s publishing legacy, Kids Love Coins! is perfect for budding collectors. Pre-order now at Whitman.com or Amazon, with availability at Whitman’s eBay Store, Walmart.com, bookstores, and hobby shops starting August 5, 2025. This charming book is set to delight young readers and collectors alike.

2025 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Coin Set Available July 17

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Coin collectors, mark your calendars! The United States Mint has announced that its 2025 Uncirculated Coin Set will be available for purchase starting Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM (ET).

2025 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Coin Set
2025 U.S. Mint Uncirculated Coin Set – A stunning 20-coin tribute to American history, innovation, and inspiration, featuring uncirculated coins from both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.

This year’s set includes a total of 20 coins—10 each from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints—featuring sharp uncirculated finishes that collectors have come to expect from this classic annual release. Each set includes:

Five 2025 American Women Quarters honoring:

  • Ida B. Wells – pioneering investigative journalist and civil rights leader
  • Juliette Gordon Low – founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA
  • Dr. Vera Rubin – astronomer who contributed to dark matter research
  • Stacey Park Milbern – trailblazing disability justice activist
  • Althea Gibson – legendary athlete who broke color barriers in tennis and golf

One 2025 Native American $1 Coin celebrating Mary Kawena Pukui, Native Hawaiian scholar and cultural icon. The reverse features her likeness with hibiscus flower, kukui nut lei, and aloha-print muʻumuʻu, with inscriptions including “Nānā I Ke Kumu” (“Look to the Source”). The obverse continues the traditional Sacagawea design.

  • One Kennedy Half Dollar
  • One Roosevelt Dime
  • One Jefferson Nickel
  • One Lincoln Penny

Each set is packaged with a Certificate of Authenticity from the U.S. Mint.

Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Uncirculated Coin Set is priced at $33.25 with a product limit of 190,000 units. There is no household order limit, making it a great opportunity for collectors and gift-givers alike.

Collectors can visit the official product page (code: 25RJ) to sign up for a REMIND ME email or enroll through the Mint’s Product Subscription Program, which offers convenient automatic delivery of annual sets.

Additionally, the set will be available through the Mint’s Authorized Bulk Purchase Program, which allows early access and special product codes for AB members.

Where to Buy In-Person
Starting July 17, collectors can also purchase the set at the following Mint retail locations:

  • Philadelphia Mint – 151 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
  • Denver Mint – 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
  • Washington, D.C. Mint Headquarters Coin Store – 801 9th St. NW, Washington, DC

For more details, visit www.usmint.gov or call 1-800-USA-MINT. TTY service is available at 1-888-321-MINT, and international customers can call 001-202-898-6468.

Important Note: The Mint will not process any orders before the official release time of noon ET on July 17, 2025, to ensure equal access for all customers.

This annual set is always a cornerstone for modern collectors. Whether you’re expanding your own collection or introducing someone new to the hobby, the 2025 Uncirculated Coin Set offers a beautiful and meaningful slice of American history.

Rare NASA Artifacts, Including Buzz Aldrin’s Gemini Medallions, Hit Auction Block

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Goldberg Coins & Collectibles in Los Angeles is set to auction a remarkable collection of space memorabilia from the estate of Clark C. McClelland, a NASA aerospace engineer who worked on U.S. space missions for over three decades. The auction held February 27, 2025 features rare items like moon-flown American flags, a complete set of Gemini mission silver medallions originally owned by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and a signed photograph of Neil Armstrong taken during his historic moonwalk.

McClelland, who served NASA from 1958 to 1992 at Cape Canaveral, the Johnson Space Center, and Area 51, amassed a museum-quality collection during his 34-year career. His work included technical checkouts for the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Skylab programs. “My father was passionate about NASA and inspiring the next generation in science and engineering,” said Carrie Lane, McClelland’s daughter. Her husband, Russell Lane, added, “He loved our country and the space program, and this collection reflects his dedication.”

A highlight of the auction is a rare set of sterling silver medallions from the Gemini missions (1965–1966), originally owned by Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon. Encased in a Lucite block on a wooden base, the set includes medallions from missions GT-3 through GT-12, signed by Aldrin in blue Sharpie. Only 24 such sets exist, making them highly coveted. The auction catalog estimates their value at $9,000–$12,000, noting their significance as a piece of NASA history suitable for elite collectors or museums.

Gemini missions medallions

The collection also includes five American flags flown to the moon during Apollo missions, a sixth carried by John Glenn on his first spaceflight, and vintage photographs from nearly 40 missions. A standout is a rare autographed photo of Neil Armstrong from the live broadcast of his first steps on the lunar surface—a moment that captivated the world.

Freeman Fisher, Director of Manuscripts & Collectibles at Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, described the collection as “museum-quality,” emphasizing its historical value. Bidders can participate in person in Los Angeles or online via the auction house’s website. The full catalog is available at auctions.goldbergcoins.com, with printed copies available for $20 (U.S.) or $40 (international).

For more details, contact Goldberg Coins & Collectibles at (310) 551-2646 or freeman@goldbergcoins.com.

United States Paper Money Errors Whitman’s 5th Edition Launches Professional Series

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U.S. Paper Money Errors cover
United States Paper Money Errors is a richly illustrated and fully revised guide to one of the most exciting areas of paper money collecting.

Whitman Brands proudly announces the fifth edition of United States Paper Money Errors, a vibrant, fully revised guide to the captivating world of paper money misprints. Authored by the esteemed father-daughter duo Dr. Fred Bart and Bianca Bart, this cornerstone title, previously published by the Coin & Currency Institute, now launches Whitman’s Professional Series™ as its flagship release.

Dr. Fred Bart, a leading authority in U.S. paper money errors, and Bianca Bart, CEO of Executive Currency, bring their combined expertise to this richly illustrated edition. With over 550 full-color images, updated values across four grades, and the trusted Friedberg Numbering System™, the book is a must-have for both novice and seasoned collectors. Organized to mirror the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s (BEP) production sequence, it offers a clear, engaging journey through the creation of U.S. currency—and the fascinating mistakes that make error notes so collectible.

“Paper money errors are surging in popularity, especially among younger collectors drawn to their uniqueness,” said Dr. Bart. “This edition modernizes the content while staying true to its educational roots.” Bianca Bart added, “From first and second printing errors to overprints and folds, error notes are endlessly entertaining, and this book captures that excitement vividly.”

Historic BEP photographs complement the detailed explanations, showcasing how printing methods have evolved and where errors occur. The book also includes rarity guides, making it accessible yet comprehensive for collectors at all levels.

U.S. Paper Money Errors interior
Fifth edition features more than 550 high-resolution, full color images.

As part of Whitman’s Professional Series, alongside titles like United States Pattern Coins and Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties, this edition caters to dedicated numismatists seeking advanced insights. “We’re thrilled to bring this iconic book into the Whitman family,” said John Feigenbaum, President and CEO of Whitman Brands. “With the growing market for paper money errors, its timing is perfect.”

Published by Whitman, the trusted name behind the “Red Book” and “Blue Book,” United States Paper Money Errors is available for pre-order at Whitman.com and Amazon. It will hit Whitman’s eBay Store, Walmart.com, bookstores, hobby shops, and authorized retailers nationwide by mid-July.

For more details, visit www.whitman.com.

Historic 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle to Shine at World’s Fair of Money

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A masterpiece of American numismatic art, the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, will be a centerpiece at the American Numismatic Association’s 2025 Oklahoma City World’s Fair of Money, held August 19-23. Graded PCGS Proof 68, this iconic coin, often hailed as America’s most beautiful coin design, is on loan from California collector Dan O’Dowd, owner of the prestigious Tyrant Collection.

1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle

O’Dowd, who acquired the $20 gold piece for $2,115,000 in 2015, expressed his enthusiasm: “It is not only the most beautiful coin America has ever produced, but it also rivals anything created by any other country.” Insured for $5 million, the coin features Saint-Gaudens’ intricate design, inspired by ancient Greek aesthetics, and bears inverted edge lettering of the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM and the designer’s initials, ASG. Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt to elevate early 20th-century U.S. coinage, this coin represents a pinnacle of artistic and historical significance.

The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is exceptionally rare, with the United States Mint producing fewer than two dozen patterns. “It required multiple strikes in the coining press to bring up the design, and the coins could not be stacked due to the high relief,” explained Ira Goldberg, CEO of Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, Inc., who has assisted O’Dowd in curating the Tyrant Collection, often regarded as the world’s most valuable rare coin collection in private hands. The high relief was later reduced for mass production, making these original patterns even more coveted.

This particular coin, presented to Saint-Gaudens’ widow, Augusta, in 1908 on behalf of President Roosevelt, was later inherited by their son, Homer. It was loaned to the American Numismatic Society in New York until 1950, then privately sold in the 1970s. O’Dowd purchased it at Heritage Auctions’ Florida United Numismatists sale in January 2015. Public sightings have been scarce, with only two prior exhibitions since 2015—at the 2021 ANA Chicago World’s Fair of Money and the 2022 Long Beach Expo—making its appearance in Oklahoma City a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.

The coin will be showcased in the ANA’s Museum Showcase exhibits, offering attendees a chance to view a numismatic treasure that blends artistry, history, and rarity. For more details about the Tyrant Collection, visit www.TheTyrantCollection.com. Additional information about the ANA 2025 Oklahoma City World’s Fair of Money is available at www.WorldsFairofMoney.com.