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There is a large group of people who collect world paper money. Some people focus on specific countries of interest and even specific time periods in specific countries. Often interest in paper money follows an interest in the general history as well. Some collectors focus on things ranging from notes with portaits of Queen Elizibeth to notes with pictures of boats to notes with specific serial numbers (all the same digit or very low serial numbers).
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The Kangaroo gold coin was first produced in 1986. The Australian Gold Nugget/Kangaroo coin is one of the most popular coins created by the Perth Mint in Western Australia. Perhaps the most diverse of any nation's bullion coinage, the Gold Australian Nugget/Kangaroo is minted in eight different sizes from 1/20th of an ounce all the way up to 1-kilogram. The design on the reverse originally depicted natural Australian gold nuggets (example right), with different designs for various sizes. The design theme changed in 1989 to feature the most recognizable animal in Australia, the kangaroo (example above). For this reason, the coin is referred to both as an Australian Nugget and Kangaroo.
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After many revisions, the Great Seal became the national emblem in 1782. The back of the current U.S. $1 Federal Reserve Note displays images found on both sides of the seal. The obverse of the seal is found on the right side of the note and was designed by Charles Thomson. A bald eagle holds an olive branch with 13 leaves in one talon and arrows (the traditional American Indian symbol of war) in the other. The eagle is facing the olive branch to signify that peace is preferable to war. Written on the ribbon above the eagle's head is the national motto in Latin "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "one from many" or one country composed of 13 states. The 13 stars, leaves, letters and stripes denote the 13 original states or the Continental Congress. The reverse of the seal, located on the left, was submitted by William Barton and displays a pyramid, a symbol of strength and permanence, however the structure was left incomplete, just as the United States continues to grow and build. The eye in the triangle overlooking the pyramid suggests the "all-seeing Deity" emphasizing spiritual welfare, while also recognizing education and freedom of knowledge. The Latin phrase "ANNUIT COEPTIS" translates "He (God) has smiled on our undertakings." The mottos have 13 letters, and there are 13 steps on the pyramid. "NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM" means "A new order of the ages." The date at the base, 1776, refers to signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
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Higher Powers of Magnification

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:38:44 +0000
Posted by Skip Fazzari, Authentication Consultant to NGC
A set of high-magnification hand lenses is an invaluable tool for numismatists. However, magnification of 10× and up is only recommended for spotting signs of counterfeiting. Skip Fazzari offers these tips and more.
There are a host of things to see on coins. No matter what you are looking ...]

TWO-BITS, FOUR-BITS, SIX-BITS, EIGHT…

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:46:24 +0000
by Leon F McClellan as published on columnarios.com
Have you ever wondered why a United States quarter-dollar is called “two-bits”? Or, a half-dollar “four-bits”? Do you know why we call our basic monetary unit “dollar” instead of something else?
Two-bits, four-bits, six-bits and eight-bits make reference to the eight-reales silver coin of New Spain and Mexico. It ...]

2008 uncirculated silver dollars | australian silver dollars

1921 silver dollars Information

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Coin Collecting - Avoid Worthless Silver Coins

By Alberto Evans

Worthless silver dollars for collecting purposes is any circulated silver coin that is only in fair condition and has value to collectors beyond the value of the silver bullion it contains.

This is an unofficial term used in the United States and Canada. Junk silver is not scrap silver. These coins can still be spent in the US and Canadian markets for the value stamped on the coin. However, coin collectors call them �junk� because they have little numismatic, or trading, value.

The Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, the Washington quarters, and the Franklin and Kennedy half dollars are the most popular US coins collected for junk silver. These coins, minted before 1964, contain 90% silver composition, with 0.7 troy ounces of silver per each dollar of face value. Kennedy half-dollars minted from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver composition, so they are collected but are not as popular. The Peace Dollar (minted from 1921 to 1928, then again in 1934 and 1935) is also collected for its silver value, which is high at a little over 90%. However, these are more rare and may have collectible value beyond the value of the silver.

Circulated Canadian coins - dollars, half dollars, dimes and quarters - may also be sought for their silver value. These coins minted before 1966 contained 80% silver. In 1967, they transitioned to 50% silver by minting both 50% and 80% coins, but by 1968, they were all 50%.

While not as common as in the past, many junk silver coins are still in circulation in the United States and Canada. People wishing to collect junk silver can purchase these coins for a small premium over the price of silver at the current time. Especially during periods when the economy is stable, this has become an affordable way to invest in silver at levels below bullion prices. Because these coins are legal tender, they will never fall below their face value, regardless of how low silver may fall. The current values for the coins listed above range from $.90 to around $11 US. The Morgan Dollar and the Peace Dollar have the highest value, and the Mercury and Roosevelt dimes have the lowest.

Junk silver coins have become a popular collectible among survivalist. These individuals have speculated that a disaster or crisis will eventually occur which will render the paper currency worthless and that silver will be the currency of choice because of its inherent value.

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Additional Numismatists Information

Cherrypicking dealer stock, such as the boxes of slabbed coins or 2x2's, generally requires that you have a lot of back and forth interaction with the dealer. Typically, he'll hand you one box at a time to look through, and if you're fast, you might be pestering him several times in a short period of time for more coins to check. In such a scenario, it is important to be courteous and patient, and to only pull out and set aside the coins that you are pretty sure you're going to buy. The reason is that the dealer must go to several different places to put back any unsold coins you've pulled out.
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1917 U.S. Legal $1 notes: These notes are a continuation of the act of 1863 that provided for a paper currency issue by the United States government during the Civil War. Though not specifically redeemable in specie these notes carry text stating that they are acceptable at par by the government as payment. The early 20th century was a time of reflection on the past by Americans as evidenced by the celebrations of Columbus in 1893, Jamestown in 1907 and Plymouth in 1920. This note's engraving of the landing of Columbus is therefore unsurprising. These popular notes are generally worth between $40 and $150 depending on condition. Superlative examples are of course worth more.
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On March 10, 1862 the first United States paper money was issued. The denominations were $5, $10, and $20. They became legal tender by Act of March 17, 1862. The inclusion of "In God We Trust" on all currency was required by law in 1955. The national motto first appeared on paper money in 1957 on $1 Silver Certificates, and on all Federal Reserve Notes beginning with Series 1963.
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Coin Dealer Angst

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:38:00 +0000

1. What was the initial year for the copper-nickel 5-cent piece?

TWO-BITS, FOUR-BITS, SIX-BITS, EIGHT…

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:46:24 +0000
by Leon F McClellan as published on columnarios.com
Have you ever wondered why a United States quarter-dollar is called “two-bits”? Or, a half-dollar “four-bits”? Do you know why we call our basic monetary unit “dollar” instead of something else?
Two-bits, four-bits, six-bits and eight-bits make reference to the eight-reales silver coin of New Spain and Mexico. It ...]

rare gold and silver coins