Minted Insights February 2025

In November, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) had the chance to examine and grade an exceptionally rare 1862 Bank of Germantown $1 note, originating from Philadelphia. This banknote is unique not only for its scarcity but also for its artistic and historical significance. Central to its design is a vivid "Polar Bear Attack" scene showing a dramatic encounter between men in a boat and a bear rising from the water. This centerpiece was engraved by DeWitt Clinton Hay, drawing inspiration from Felix O.C. Darley's artwork. The notes' imagery reflects the fascination with Arctic exploration in the mid-1800s, closely tied to expeditions searching for lost explorer John Franklin and his ships.

Numismatist Logan Mifflin, who submitted the note for grading, highlighted its connection to the era's admiration for heroic exploration. Other design features include a Native American princess on the left side and intricate details such as a vermillion color tint plate bearing the word "PHILADELPHIA" surrounded by protective embellishments and complex guilloche patterns. This stunning note is a rare glimpse into 19th-century artistry and historical storytelling through currency.

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 https://www.coinworld.com/news/paper-money/rare-note-from-philadelphia-area-seen-by-graders 

The U.S. Mint is evolving to stay relevant in the modern era. Recent and upcoming programs demonstrate the Mint's expansion into innovative designs that include pop culture themes and unique coin shapes, as well as experiments with adding elements of increased exclusivity to coin programs.

In 2025, the U.S. Mint will debut the product of their first major public-private partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. This series of coins will pay homage to DC heroes, such as Batman and Superman, on legal tender American coinage, with more designs planned. This initiative highlights the influence of comics on American culture while continuing the Mint’s tradition of creating coins and medals that celebrate American values and history.  Collectors also eagerly anticipate the possible release of Liberty Bell-shaped coins in 2026 to mark the 250th Anniversary of the founding of America. Such issues represent a significant shift from traditional U.S. Mint coin designs.

A particularly groundbreaking moment came with the December 2024 auction, where the U.S. Mint sold off 230 privy-marked 2024 Flowing Hair Gold Dollars through the renowned Stack's Bowers Galleries. The Flowing Hair Series was notable for its special additions, such as 230 Gold Coins of the entire mintage being struck with a special privy mark that included a COA signed by the current Director of the U.S. Mint, Ventris C. Gibson. The top-selling piece at the December auction was the first struck example which included the die used to strike it, which achieved $440,000, making it the third highest price ever paid for a contemporary U.S. coin at auction. While such initiatives cater to high-end collectors, they have sparked debates about accessibility.

With more experimental designs like superhero-themed coins and Liberty Bell-shaped releases on the horizon, the Mint continues to redefine the boundaries of U.S. coinage.

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https://readingroom.money.org/how-the-u-s-mint-is-changing/ 

Whitman® Publishing has acquired the intellectual property rights to several distinguished numismatic reference works authored by subject matter experts Art and Ira Friedberg. These texts include iconic titles like "Gold Coins of the World" and "Paper Money of the United States," along with the Friedberg Numbering System™, which sets the standard for cataloging gold coins and U.S. currency. Known for their depth and accuracy, these references have been trusted by collectors and researchers for decades.

Whitman plans to update these works with new insights and pricing information to continue their legacy. The acquisition also encompasses celebrated titles such as "So-Called Dollars" and guides to fractional currency and U.S. paper money errors. This move strengthens Whitman's reputation as a leader in numismatic literature and ensures that these essential resources remain accessible to future generations of collectors and scholars.

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https://www.coinnews.net/2025/01/06/whitman-acquires-iconic-numismatic-titles-by-the-friedbergs/ 

One of the rarest Lincoln Cents, the 1944-S Steel Penny, was recently made available for bidding at GreatCollections. This remarkable coin resulted from a wartime minting error, where leftover steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used in 1944. Of only two known examples, this penny is the sole surviving Mint State specimen, earning a grade of Mint State 66 from Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

This coin has an illustrious history, having once been part of the Bob R. Simpson collection, where it sold for $408,000 in 2021. With bids already surpassing $300,000, some experts anticipate the final price could exceed $375,000. This penny is a symbol of World War II-era production challenges and remains a prized piece in the long-lived Lincoln Cent series. Its sale marks a significant moment for collectors passionate about rare and historically rich coins.

Read the Full Article: 

https://coinweek.com/rare-1944-s-lincoln-steel-penny-to-sell-at-greatcollections/