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....

Summer Profits Tailored To Childhood

Release: JULY 24, 2026

    As happens every year right about now, I’m having difficulty digesting signs announcing “Back To School” in stores.  It’s barely the end of July.  When do kids get to enjoy summer?  In fairness, I do understand some schools begin way earlier than in the past.  Particularly for kids who have football practice, going back early is now the norm.  (That being said, there’s no way I can wrap my head around Halloween merchandise now appearing on shelves.  C’mon!)

    I’m of the mind that, particularly for kids, summer should be summer.  The new Toy Story 5 movie in theaters underscores that with the sad but true premise that digital media has all but usurped familiar summer pastimes for kids such as pick-up baseball games or coin, stamp and card collecting....

Collectors Are Never Too Old To Dream

Release: JULY 17, 2026

     No matter the era, there’s a defining phenomenon of summer for kids.  Agelessly enduring, it’s the absolute certainty children have that they can make lucrative tangible discoveries during summers.  Truly, kids are convinced treasure and caches of immeasurable wealth are out there waiting.

    I don’t know of a child that didn’t, at one time or another, believe they could unearth untold riches during the summer.  Maybe it started with a story, perhaps from a TV show or movie.  Better yet, after reading from an enticing book checked out of the library.  Sources for inspiration abound.  Any or all of those inspire kids to dream and hope about what waits to be found on a long, lazy summer afternoon.

    One book that has done exactly that is a volume kids and adults alike have stumbled across or sought out for eight decades.  Officially, it’s known as “The Guide Book Of United States Coins.”  More colloquially, collectors have called it “The Red Book” due to its perennial red colored cover....

New “Collectibles” Don’t Ring A Bell

Release: JULY 11, 2026

     About a week ago, the United States turned 250.  That’s based on when we officially declared our independence from Great Britain.  Some 25 years prior, in 1751, the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly, then under British authority, decided they needed a large bell in their State House.  One was commissioned, cast in London and shipped to Philadelphia.  It didn’t work.  It sounded tinny.  People were unhappy.  So, it was twice recast.  Finally, they thought they got it right.  For a while....