9/11 Commemorative Coin That’s Worth A Buck

Release: SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
    A sunny day last week allowed us all to recall one of the darkest days in American history.  Some might argue that day came 84 years ago at Pearl Harbor in Japan when the Japanese attacked the anchored Pacific fleet that sunny Sunday morning on December 7.  On that, “day of infamy,” over 2,400 Americans lost their lives.  Or, it could have been three years later on the beaches of Normandy.  That June morning marked D-Day when the US entered the war in Europe.  That day, just over 2,500 US soldiers were killed trying to land on the beaches....

Discovered Riches Can Often Reroute Plans

 

Release: SEPTEMBER 4, 2026
     A major concern road planners have is encountering an impediment along a planned thoroughfare.  Everything may seem fine on maps and surveys.  But, as crews excavate below the surface, surprise elements can arise.  This is particularly true for hidden historic obstacles.  Those can shut down and/or reroute entire projects....

More Than Knowledge Found In Books

 Release: August 28, 2026

    One of the Kiplinger financial publications recently included an article chronicling 10 'Treasures' Your Adult Children Don't Want You to Pass Down.  I could guess some. For instance, vintage china once coveted by grandparents and new brides.  Today, there is clear indifference to any classic china patterns families once fought over.  Seasoned auction companies even attest that china sets once worth hundreds or many thousands are now relegated to “bargain bins....” 

New Dollar Coin Trumps Law and Logic

Release: August 21, 2026
    A century ago, right now, a negative hue and cry went up from the American public regarding something that was initially under-the-radar.  It was supposed to be huge.   Instead, it was a flop.
    The year was 1926 – the Sesquicentennial of the United States was taking place, the 150th anniversary of the US.  Big plans were made including a scheduled giant World’s Fair celebration in Philadelphia.  Thirty million were expected to attend.  The event was said to have been “plagued by construction delays and financial issues.”  In the end, less than 5 million people showed up.  The venture was a notable financial failure.  (Sounding familiar?)   
    A significant aspect of that memorial year was the pending issuance of a silver half-dollar commemorative coin.  At that time, silver dollars along with five-, ten- and twenty-dollar gold pieces circulated in substantial quantities.  Rarities as they may be now, back then, they were the norm....

A “Two-Bit” Idea From The Mint? You Decide.

 

Release: August 14, 2026

I’ve reminisced about memories of the US Bi-Centennial in 1776 before.  I speak of those good ol’ days having been hip deep in them when they took place.   Honestly, 2026 should blow that anniversary out of the water.  After all, 250 year is beyond merely a milestone.  It’s epic.  And, the United States is the longest existing democracy in the history of the  world....

Always B. Free To Find A Fortune

 

Release: August 7, 2026
     The tiny hamlet of Deerfield sits in the western part of Massachusetts.  I say “hamlet” not to sound poetic, but because it is honestly too small even to be called a town or village (though those who live there might prefer it).  No stores.  No gas stations.  No Dollar General.
    Deerfield dates to some of the earliest days of America.  Founded between 1663 and 1673, it was about as remote as one could get – hip deep in Algonquian-speaking Pocumtuck Indian territory.  It’s said, the then-Puritan New England folks endeavored to foster good relations with their Indian neighbors.  They also tried their best to stay in touch with what might have been called the “civilized” world.  That wasn’t easy.
    Deerfield wasn’t on a “Post Road.”  It was, as we’d say today, “in the sticks.”  Only primitive paths to the south barely linked Deerfield to Northampton and then on to a Post Road to Boston.  The isolation made communication slow.  That proved particularly bad in February of 1704 when a French and Indian massacre took place.  Over 50 colonists died and 112 were taken captive and on a forced 300-mile winter march to Montreal.  Many died along the way....

Medal For A Turtle Trying To Win The Revolution

Release: JULY 31, 2026

    It’s fascinating how coins and medals can tell a story even beyond the obvious images embossed onto them.  A perfect case-in-point is a US $20 gold piece struck in 1860.  The coin features the classic profile of allegorical Liberty on the front with a heraldic spread-winged eagle on the back.  160 or so years ago, such coins were commonplace for people of means....