Colloquium Spring 2018 Full

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Colloquium Spring 2018 Full A Quest for Common Cents The Future of the Penny in United States Currency By Ethan Starr ’21 Since its creation in 1793, the United States penny has enjoyed nearly uninterrupted production. Te cent’s long-term durability can be matched only by its adaptability, evidenced by its numerous designs before the advent of its modern iterations. Tis paper follows the penny throughout American history, from its origins through its evolution into the nation’s most unproftable and insignifcant piece of cur- rency. As a combination of perpetual infation and rising costs of compositional metals renders contin- ued production of the single-cent coin costly and unsustainable, the United States government must take immediate action to evaluate the coin’s status within circulating currency. Te only forward-thinking and cost-saving solution to the inefciencies of penny production entails elimination of the one-cent coin. Tis paper outlines the processes crucial to the eventual retirement of the single-cent coin from American currency, including necessary interventional measures that minimize negative economic im- pacts, potential difculties afecting the passage of currency reform packages in Congress, and instances of unsuccessful past attempts at eliminating the penny. Finally, the essay evaluates the likelihood of elim- inating production of the penny through legislative action in the present day, as the coin’s dissolution becomes more imperative. COLLOQUIUM Idly they lie in the depths of piggy banks, the to signifcant opposition from self-interested fssures of mall fountains, and the gutters of city groups. Informed in these considerations, the streets. Some are amassed and stockpiled; others United States Congress should explore discontin- collect only the eerie green patina of a watery ne- uation of the penny in order to eliminate excess glect, or the flthy black sheen of incomprehen- government spending on a single-cent coin that sible substances. Tese little, copper medallions is unnecessary and irrelevant in modern America. are rendered untouched, unnoticed, and unap- Te penny has undergone a number of trans- preciated by modern American society. formations throughout its history and had con- Despite its status as the most numerous sistently adapted to the conditions within the item of metal currency in the world, the pen- nation. Te United States’ one-cent piece, infor- ny remains America’s forgotten coin. Te same mally known as the penny, has been in circula- metal token that survived World War rationing, tion in a number of diferent forms since 1793, underwent frequent metallic and dimensional becoming the lowest minted denomination of adjustments, and was emblazoned with images American currency in 1858. Te obverse of the as iconic as Abraham Lincoln, faces a sudden early ‘large cent’ coins displayed variations of and irreversible incompatibility with contem- Lady Liberty, with a simple wreath illustration porary American life. Modern externalities like surrounding the denomination on the reverse. infation and non-cash transactions threaten the Te post-1857 ‘small cent’ penny transformed penny’s purchasing power and solubility, while the coin into a size and weight more familiar the coin’s production costs simultaneously sky- from a modern perspective, featuring subsequent rocket to greater degrees of unsustainability. designs of a fying eagle and an Indian head be- Te United States government continual- fore the coin was fnally graced with the profle ly subsidizes production of the most unproft- of Abraham Lincoln in 1909. Following the able major American currency in history while laurel wreath on the reverses of the coin were simultaneously maintaining an infexibility that wreaths of oak leaves and then wheat, before the hinders currency innovation and modernization. Lincoln Memorial appeared starting in 1958.1 While the average American could easily iden- Following the recent centennial of the Lincoln tify the uselessness and wastefulness of contin- penny in 2009, the Mint exhibited their contin- ued penny production, voices for reform within Congress are met with signifcant opposition, denying proper attention to the issues of neces- sary currency modernization. Tis comprehen- sive examination of currency reform will analyze the necessity of penny retirement, as well as the procedures and obstacles involved in the pro- cesses of currency legislation. Close analysis and consideration of these incentives, as well as the difculties of currency discontinuation, should inform future governmental actions toward the single-cent coin. Future progress towards curtail- ing government waste in the form of continued penny production must overcome the margin- alization and gridlock of Congress in addition PAGE 31 ued willingness to adapt coinage, with a ‘Union time period, one cent would have been rough- Shield’ design. Perhaps more consequentially, the ly equivalent to one quarter in today’s money. United States Mint has also regularly adjusted While the Consumer Price Index (CPI) should the metal composition of the cent coin, often in be taken only as a broad estimate, as its measure- response to rising production costs. Currently, ment is independent on many other external eco- the penny is composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% nomic elements, the value of pennies has clear- copper, with a weight of 2.5 grams.Te modern ly decreased in daily transactions. Diminished composition is a result of the rising price of cop- purchasing power of the penny only further in- per coupled with rapid infation in the 1970s centivizes individuals to discontinue use of the which forced the adjustment of the metal con- coin, which efectively removes the coins from tent, from pre-1982 levels of 95% copper and circulation. Infation presents a signifcant obsta- 5% zinc.2 An additional noteworthy example is cle for the future solubility of a single-cent coin, the 1943 steel cent, for which the Mint adjust- as annual decreases in purchasing power push ed penny metal composition to a steel coin with the coin ever-closer to an inevitable extinction. only a thin outer coating of zinc. In reaction to Production costs of the penny present the wartime shortages in copper, the steel penny sym- most striking evidence of the coin’s long-term bolizes the adaptability of coinage to refect the unsustainability, with metallic composition once condition of the nation. Just as post-Civil War again acting as a decisive factor in the cent’s fu- America required a downsizing of the penny and ture. Te calamitous relationship between a con- the 20th century Mint developed a cost-saving tinually falling purchasing power and increasing adjustment for the cent coin, the future will re- costs of production create staggeringly wasteful quire the extraordinary step of eliminating the costs for production of the penny at the United nation’s smallest denomination of currency. States Mint. An individual penny’s production Perhaps more than any physical change, cost in 2016 was 1.5 cents, including both the infation has afected the evolution of the sin- prices of raw materials and distribution to the gle-cent coin in the American economy. As the Federal Reserve Banks. Production cost reached purchasing power of the penny continues to fall, an all time high in 2011, when each penny re- the coin becomes increasingly irrelevant in every- quired 2.41 cents to mint. Although the price day transactions as well as the greater American fuctuates, pennies have consistently cost more economic landscape. As Stephanie King states in than their face value since 2006, with their pro- her analysis of penny retention and elimination, duction totaling about 300 million dollars in the penny “has outlived its usefulness in the U.S. loss for the Mint from 2010-2015.5 Additional- economy due to its somewhat insignifcant mon- ly, since zinc and copper prices fuctuate mostly etary value.”3 For example, a penny would have due to the burgeoning economies in Asia, metal around the same purchasing power in 1965 as 8 commodity prices are not expected to fall in the cents today. In fact, the value of a penny did not coming years, with some projections expecting fall below the equivalency to today’s nickel un- a loss of at least 2 billion dollars in penny pro- til well into the infationary decade of the 1970s. duction from 2016-2031.6 Alongside the nickel, Due to continual infation, prices in the United the penny represents a rare example of the Mint States have increased roughly 25-fold since the producing currency at a fnancial loss. Because early 20th century and the introduction of the the Mint produces most coins at costs below face Lincoln penny.4 Despite the penny remaining the value, they derive a proft from selling the coins lowest denomination of legal tender during that at face value to the Federal Reserve Bank. Tis COLLOQUIUM process is ofcially known as seignorage and the continued production of the 1 and 2 cent piec- Mint’s profts from coin production enabled a es. While additional countries have taken similar 2016 proft of $550 million, which is then giv- steps to combat infation and production costs, en to the Treasury Department. Seignorage from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand each intro- other coins reverse the losses of the penny, leav- duced a rounding system to fnalize the absence ing the losses from penny production inconspic- of their lowest currency denomination.10 A simi- uous in budget reports. Despite the skyrocketing lar price rounding system for retail, cash transac- costs of production,
Recommended publications
  • Minting America: Coinage and the Contestation of American Identity, 1775-1800
    ABSTRACT MINTING AMERICA: COINAGE AND THE CONTESTATION OF AMERICAN IDENTITY, 1775-1800 by James Patrick Ambuske “Minting America” investigates the ideological and culture links between American identity and national coinage in the wake of the American Revolution. In the Confederation period and in the Early Republic, Americans contested the creation of a national mint to produce coins. The catastrophic failure of the paper money issued by the Continental Congress during the War for Independence inspired an ideological debate in which Americans considered the broader implications of a national coinage. More than a means to conduct commerce, many citizens of the new nation saw coins as tangible representations of sovereignty and as a mechanism to convey the principles of the Revolution to future generations. They contested the physical symbolism as well as the rhetorical iconology of these early national coins. Debating the stories that coinage told helped Americans in this period shape the contours of a national identity. MINTING AMERICA: COINAGE AND THE CONTESTATION OF AMERICAN IDENTITY, 1775-1800 A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Miami University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of History by James Patrick Ambuske Miami University Oxford, Ohio 2006 Advisor______________________ Andrew Cayton Reader_______________________ Carla Pestana Reader_______________________ Daniel Cobb Table of Contents Introduction: Coining Stories………………………………………....1 Chapter 1: “Ever to turn brown paper
    [Show full text]
  • How to Collect Coins a Fun, Useful, and Educational Guide to the Hobby
    $4.95 Valuable Tips & Information! LITTLETON’S HOW TO CCOLLECTOLLECT CCOINSOINS ✓ Find the answers to the top 8 questions about coins! ✓ Are there any U.S. coin types you’ve never heard of? ✓ Learn about grading coins! ✓ Expand your coin collecting knowledge! ✓ Keep your coins in the best condition! ✓ Learn all about the different U.S. Mints and mint marks! WELCOME… Dear Collector, Coins reflect the culture and the times in which they were produced, and U.S. coins tell the story of America in a way that no other artifact can. Why? Because they have been used since the nation’s beginnings. Pathfinders and trendsetters – Benjamin Franklin, Robert E. Lee, Teddy Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe – you, your parents and grandparents have all used coins. When you hold one in your hand, you’re holding a tangible link to the past. David M. Sundman, You can travel back to colonial America LCC President with a large cent, the Civil War with a two-cent piece, or to the beginning of America’s involvement in WWI with a Mercury dime. Every U.S. coin is an enduring legacy from our nation’s past! Have a plan for your collection When many collectors begin, they may want to collect everything, because all different coin types fascinate them. But, after gaining more knowledge and experience, they usually find that it’s good to have a plan and a focus for what they want to collect. Although there are various ways (pages 8 & 9 list a few), building a complete date and mint mark collection (such as Lincoln cents) is considered by many to be the ultimate achievement.
    [Show full text]
  • Penny 1 - 64 5 Penny 65 - 166 15 Threepence 167 - 221 32 4 1914 Halfpenny (Obv 1/Rev A)
    LOT 8 LOT 15 LOT 100 LOT 180 Stunning! That was my first impression of this fantastic collection. So many superb grade coins, superb strikes, wonderful old tone, beautiful eye appeal, in a word - sexy… the list of superlatives goes on. Handling a Complete Collection such as the Benchmark Collection is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we are proud to present this magnificent collection, in conjunction with Strand Coins (who have compiled it over many years with the current owner). We have included many notes and comments by Mark Duff of Strand Coins due to his intimate knowledge of every coin and it’s provenance, as well as a comprehensive, never before released illustrated “Key” to each and every coin Obverse and Reverse die type. As such, the catalogue, the information and images it contains will truly become a Benchmark in their own right. The quality of the George V coins right across the board is simply unbeatable, the Florins contain so many breathtaking coins, the Silver issues are all struck up, the Copper has many amazing coins, and most of the “Varieties” are amongst the finest, if not the finest known. The grading by NGC is very even across every lot, and if anything, is sometimes conservative given the genuine superb quality of the collection. We are proud to offer this complete “Benchmark” collection, the likes of which may not be seen on the market ever again. Viewing In Sydney: Monday 5th to Saturday 10th January 2015, Strand Coins, Ground Floor Shop 1c Strand Arcade, 412-414 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 10am to 5pm.
    [Show full text]
  • Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2019, and for Other Purposes
    H. J. Res. 31 One Hundred Sixteenth Congress of the United States of America AT THE FIRST SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and nineteen Joint Resolution Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019’’. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Sec. 3. References. Sec. 4. Statement of appropriations. Sec. 5. Availability of funds. Sec. 6. Adjustments to compensation. Sec. 7. Technical correction. DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019 Title I—Departmental Management, Operations, Intelligence, and Oversight Title II—Security, Enforcement, and Investigations Title III—Protection, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Title IV—Research, Development, Training, and Services Title V—General Provisions DIVISION B—AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019 Title I—Agricultural Programs Title II—Farm Production and Conservation Programs Title III—Rural Development Programs Title IV—Domestic Food Programs Title V—Foreign Assistance and Related Programs Title VI—Related Agency and Food and Drug Administration Title VII—General Provisions DIVISION C—COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019 Title I—Department of Commerce Title II—Department of Justice Title III—Science Title IV—Related Agencies Title V—General Provisions DIVISION D—FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2019 Title I—Department of the Treasury Title II—Executive Office of the President and Funds Appropriated to the President Title III—The Judiciary Title IV—District of Columbia H.
    [Show full text]
  • A Penny All the Way
    SECOND BRITISH g q [\ ] £ Ţ EDITION. A PENNY ALL THE WAY THE STORY OF PENNY POSTAGE BY FRED. J. MELVILLE PRESIDENT OF THE JUNIOR PHILATELIC SOCIETY LONDON : 4 7, S trand. W. C f— 7 l£t * S 'J Photo] [ Passano. THE RIGHT HON. SYDNEY BUXTON M.P. A P e n n y a l l t h e W a y . INTRODUCTORY. n preparing this short story of penny postage at a time when popular interest in the subject is aroused by the inauguration of penny postage between Great Britain and the United States, the writer has given his chief attention to the more obscure phases of the develop­ ment of the idea of penny postage. Rowland Hill and his great struggle to impress both the Post Office and the Treasury officials with the main arguments in favour of Uniform Penny Postage are matters which are dealt with in our histories. But of his namesake, John Hill, who tried hard to induce the Council of State to look favourably upon a similar plan nearly two hundred years earlier, nothing is known. The name of William Dockwra is known only to students of postal history and to philatelists. Yet he established and conducted what was in many senses a better system of local postage in London in 1680, at the rate of one penny per letter, than was in existence in 1840. After Rowland Hill came one Elihu Burritt, “ the learned blacksmith,” whose memory is cherished in the United States, and who, long before his own country had adopted Uniform Penny Postage, urged Great Britain to give the world what he termed “ Ocean Penny Postage,” which was different to, yet anticipatory of, Imperial Penny Postage and Universal Penny Postage, which became the questions of later years.
    [Show full text]
  • Coinage of 1857
    US Coinage In 1857 John D Wright, NLG The US coinage of 1857 consists of fifteen totally different coins, including all of the ten different denominations authorized in 1792 (half cent and cent in copper, half dime through dollar in silver, and quarter eagle through eagle in gold) plus the gold dollar introduced in 1849, the double eagle introduced in 1850, the trime introduced in 1851, the $3 gold introduced in 1854, and finally the small cent introduced in 1857. In only nine years did the US mint strike all ten denominations of the 1792 mandate. The first time this was done was 1796. The second time was 1849 – over fifty years later. And the last time this was done was 1857. The Original Ten Denominations in 1857 In 1857 the five US mints produced 51 million coins: 368,726 in copper (large cents and half cents), 17.5 million in copper-nickel (new small cents), 30.4 million in silver (3c through $1), and 2.9 million in gold ($1 through $20). That is over fifty nickel cents for every copper coin of this year. There are several rarities of this year, but no great or legendary rarities. The most noteworthy of these are the gold dollar and quarter eagle of Dahlonega (fewer than 6,000 mintage combined), and the eagle of New Orleans (fewer than 5,600 mintage). The shortest-issue DENOMINATIONS of 1857 are the $3 (21K), the half cent (35K), and the eagle (48K), though when I tried to assemble a type set of 1857 I found the silver dollar (94K) to be the most elusive piece.
    [Show full text]
  • First Session, Commencing at 9.30 Am MISCELLANEOUS AUSTRALIAN
    11 First Session, Commencing at 9.30 am Edward VII - Elizabeth II, penny, 1925; threepence, 1910; shilling, 1915H; florins, 1927 Canberra, 1943S, 1951 Jubilee (3), 1953, 1954 Royal Visit, 1957, 1961. Good - uncirculated. (13) $150 12 MISCELLANEOUS AUSTRALIAN COINS George V - Elizabeth II, fl orins, 1918M impressed on obverse 'Sir Charles Hotham' (VG reverse damaged), 1927 Canberra, 1943S, 1954 Royal Visit; shillings, 1943 (VF), 1961-1963; sixpence, 1954; threepences, 1910, 1921M (VF), 1962-1964. 1 In three brand new Supreme albums, uncirculated unless George V, shilling, 1917M; halfpenny, 1930. Attractively otherwise indicated. (14) toned extremely fi ne/good very fi ne; cleaned very fi ne. (2) $250 $50 13 2 George V - Elizabeth II, fl orins, 1927 Canberra (2); sixpence, George V, threepence, 1936; fl orin, 1936. Extremely fi ne; 1922; threepences, 1923 (2); also varieties, fl orins, 1946 mottled toning on obverse, nearly extremely fi ne. (2) large 6 and die cracks, 1951 Jubilee fl orin with die cracks; $70 sixpences, 1928 upright 8, 1934 (3, two with wide date, 3 one with tilted 4); threepences, 1924 dot under emu's tail, George VI, threepence - fl orin, set of four, 1938. The shilling 1934/3 overdate, 1934 arrow close to 4. Very good - very nearly uncirculated, the rest uncirculated, all with mint fi ne. (14) bloom. (4) $100 $200 14 4 Australian medalets, and world issues, also a few tinnies, George V - George VI, penny, 1946; halfpennies, 1914, noted an Irish love token of a gilt Queen Victoria farthing 1930, 1942. The fi rst cleaned now retoning, otherwise very with a green enamel shamrock inset on each side, also silver good - very fi ne.
    [Show full text]
  • GTMP-Ed4-Ebook-1.Pdf
    Gold: The Monetary Polaris by Nathan Lewis Copyright 2013 by Nathan Lewis. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form of by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, printing, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Canyon Maple Publishing. Published by Canyon Maple Publishing PO Box 98 New Berlin, NY 13411 [email protected] newworldeconomics.com Fourth edition October 2019 If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people. –Confucius [I]n all cases human society chooses for that basis-article we call "money" that which fluctuates least in price, is the most generally used or desired, is in the greatest, most general, and most constant demand, and has value in itself. "Money" is only a word meaning the article used as the basis-article for exchanging all other articles. An article is not first made valuable by law and then elected to be "money." The article first proves itself valuable and best suited for the purpose, and so becomes of itself and in itself the basis-article – money. It elects itself. ... [The precious] metals proved their superiority. These do not decay, do not change in value so rapidly ... [T]hese metals are less liable to fluctuate in value than any article previously used as "money." This is of vital importance, for the one essential quality that is needed in the article which we use as a basis for exchanging all other articles is fixity of value.
    [Show full text]
  • 35 Colorado Railroad Museum
    TABLE OF CONTENTS SPORTS: 3 Grand Hyatt Denver Hotel • (303) 295-1234 1750 Welton Street, Denver 80202 • MUSEUMS: 4-12 Fact Sheet: https://assets.hyatt.com/content/dam/hyatt/hyattdam/documents/2018/ • MUSIC: 13-18 06/20/1124/Grand-Hyatt-Denver-Fact-Sheet-062018.pdf Attractions nearby with map & 16th Street Mall Information: • SHOPPING & RESTAURANTS: 19-21 https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/colorado/grand-hyatt- denver/denrd/area-attractions • OUTDOORS AND NATURE: 22-40 • TRANSPORTATION: 41 Check out Denver’s CityPass for discounts to numerous museums, the Zoo and other venues for vistors (and locals). https://www.citypass.com/denver FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2020 6:30 P.M. COLORADO COORS FIELD ROCKIES 2001 BLAKE ST, DENVER, CO 80205 $61.00 Per person Thirty seats are available and situated overlooking the diamond between first and AND second base. The evening game allows for a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains in the background. Contact Kathy Eisenmenger, Host Arrangements Chair, to purchase tickets by CINCINNATI check payable to her with notation 5/8 NAA Baseball Game no later than May 1, 2020. REDS Send check to Kathy L. Eisenmenger, 135 W. 1st Ave., Denver CO 80223 Tickets will be distributed during the conference. Call or text (720) 438-8791 or email [email protected]. 3 MUSEUMS 4 Denver Art Museum 100 W 14th Ave., Denver, (720) 865-5000 www.denverartmuseum.org Tue–Thu, Sat–Sun: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Fri: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM Winslow Homer and Frederic Remington “Natural Forces ” in the Hamilton Bldg, Level 1 Norman Rockwell “Imagining Freedom ” in the Hamilton Bldg, Level 2 Anthony McCall “Eyes O n” a recorded artistry, performers for Landscape for Fire followed by a second performance of shifting configurations of light and dark across a thirty-six-point grid choreographed pattern across a field igniting small fires, the flames grows incrementally, an aural tempo builds from sounds: scratching of matches, erupting blazes, a brisk wind, a foghorn and the hiss of a flare.
    [Show full text]
  • In Reaction to Rising Consumer Prices and New Basel III Banking
    July 2021, Volume 27 Issue 7 Liberty Coin Service’s Monthly Review of Precious Metals and Numismatics June 29, 2021 In Reaction To Rising Consumer Prices And New Basel III Banking Regulations Taking Effect, US Government Suppresses Gold And Silver Prices! US Dollar Surges In Value Over 2021 Year To Date Results South Africa Rand -2.6% Past 34 Days Through June 28, 2021 Canada Dollar -3.3% Brazil Real -5.2% May 25, 2021-June 28, 2021 Precious Metals Palladium +9.9% U.S. Dollar Index 91.888 +2.22% Currency US $ Change vs Currency Platinum +4.2% US And World Stock Market Indices Sweden Krona +3.1% Silver -0.7% Russell 2000 +17.6% South Africa Rand +2.8% Gold -6.1% Standard & Poors 500 +14.2% New Zealand Dollar +2.7% Numismatics Frankfurt Xetra DAX +13.4% Euro +2.7% US MS-65 Morgan Dollar, Pre-1921 +32.3% NASDAQ +12.5% Denmark Krone +2.7% US MS-63 $20 St Gaudens +1.9% Dow Jones Industrial Average +12.0% US MS-63 $20 Liberty -1.6% Australia S&P/ASX 200 +10.9% Switzerland Franc +2.7% London FT 100 +9.5% Canada Dollar +2.5% US Dollar vs Foreign Currencies Dow Jones World (excluding US) +8.9% Australia Dollar +2.4% Argentina Peso +13.2% Sao Paulo Bovespa +7.1% Colombia Peso +8.2% Tokyo Nikkei 225 +5.8% India Rupee +2.0% Peru New Sol +7.3% Shanghai Composite ` +3.8% Great Britain Pound +1.9% Japan Yen +7.2% Thailand Baht +6.3% 10 Year US Treasury Note interest rate Thailand Baht +1.7% 1.49% +60.22% Switzerland Franc ` +4.0% Japan Yen +1.7% South Korea Won +3.9% Energy and Other Metals Peru New Sol +1.5% Sweden Krona +3.7% Molybdenum +94.8% Singapore
    [Show full text]
  • Coins and Medals;
    CATALOGUE OF A VERY IKTERESTIKG COLLECTION'' OF U N I T E D S T A T E S A N D F O R E I G N C O I N S A N D M E D A L S ; L ALSO, A SMx^LL COLLECTION OF ^JMCIEjMT-^(^REEK AND l^OMAN foiJMg; T H E C A B I N E T O F LYMAN WILDER, ESQ., OF HOOSICK FALLS, N. Y., T O B E S O L D A T A U C T I O N B Y MJSSSBS. BAjYGS . CO., AT THEIR NEW SALESROOMS, A/'os. yjg and ^4.1 Broadway, New York, ON Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 21, 23 and 2Ji,, 1879, AT HALF PAST TWO O'CLOCK. C a t a l o g u e b y J o l a n W . H a s e l t i n e . PHILADELPHIA: Bavis & Phnnypackeh, Steam Powee Printers, No. 33 S. Tenth St. 1879. j I I I ih 11 lii 111 ill ill 111 111 111 111 11 1 i 1 1 M 1 1 1 t1 1 1 1 1 1 - Ar - i 1 - 1 2 - I J 2 0 - ' a 4 - - a a 3 2 3 B ' 4 - J - 4 - + . i a ! ! ? . s c c n 1 ) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 'r r '1' '1' ,|l l|l 1 l-Tp- S t ' A L E O P O n e - S i x t e e n t h o f a n I n c h .
    [Show full text]
  • Modern Chinese Counterfeits of United States Coins a Collection of Observations and Tips to Help Survive the Modern Counterfeiting Epidemic
    Modern Chinese Counterfeits of United States Coins A collection of observations and tips to help survive the modern counterfeiting epidemic. By: Thomas Walker I’ve had several requests for me to do a writeup on detecting modern Chinese counterfeits of Chinese coins, so here we go. In the past 2 decades, we have seen an influx of counterfeit US coins into the market to the scope of which we had never seen before. They are being mass-produced by Chinese counterfeiters in workshops dedicated to creating counterfeit coins of all types. Then these counterfeits are sold on wholesale sites (which I will not name so nefarious folks don’t go there) and can be bought for $1-2 (up to around $100 or more!) apiece from very reliable sellers. This is a low risk, high possible reward scenario for criminals and scammers. The price indicates the level of quality of the counterfeits, ranging from crappy obvious fakes (which still screw ignorant people out of hundreds of dollars) to high-quality fakes that can fool dealers and possibly even the leading third-party graders. The Chinese counterfeiters are no longer casting their counterfeits; the vast majority are die-struck on heavy-duty coin presses. In addition, the majority are not magnetic as they are being made of non-ferrous materials, such as brass. Of paramount importance to know is that the Chinese have determined that no US coin is too cheap or common to fake, so the logic that “a coin has to be real since it is not worth faking” should be thrown out the window.
    [Show full text]