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Next Monthly Coin Show

Coin Show - Monthly Notes for August 2021

Mark your calendar and join us at the next show on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in the Joe Mack Wilson ballroom.

As usual, the dealers will fill the bourse with their displays of coins, currency, bullion, exonumia, scripophily, semi-precious stones, jewelry and other interesting items.


Guests are welcome to visit the show from 9am to 5pm to buy, sell, trade or just look at the many different collectible and historical items in the dealers' showcases.

People can also bring items such as coins, currency and bullion to the show for the dealers to provide free verbal appraisals.

In the event circumstances impact the show, check with this web site, the recorded show message (770-772-4359) or join our mailing list to receive information about the shows.

Make a reminder note and visit the next Greater Atlanta Coin Show on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in the Joe Mack Wilson ballroom to join the fun and view the items on the bourse.
Many people visited the August 2021 Greater Atlanta Coin Show and its bourse filled with dealers and their numismatic and collectible displays.

Though August is normally a hot month in Hotlanta with temperatures in the 90s, this coin show Sunday began in the 60s and only rose into the 80s by mid afternoon. The weather provided this pleasant day under overcast skies.

We thank all of the guests who visited the show, the dealers who set up the displays, the security that kept watch over the bourse and the hotel's staff that facilitated the area. All of you help make the coin show a fun adventure each month.

In the hotel, some of you may have noticed the Pub restaurant has re-opened its doors after the remodel. If you visit and want a nice lunch, they can provide service to you.
For the folks who arrive early, the hotel's Hamilton Restaurant is back open for breakfast, too.

It's difficult for dealers to visit the restaurants during the busy show.

But, it's nice to know that the coin show's guests will once again have places in the hotel for a nice meal.

Now, let's take a look at a few things seen on the bourse from decanters to four-piece gold sets.
Woven Straw Decanter

Woven Straw Decanter

Our first specimen showcases a non-numismatic collectible.

This woven straw decanter looks to be the size of a wine bottle.

Could it perhaps be an old Chianti bottle with straw woven to cover the bottle and provide a handle?

Or, was this perhaps a simple clear glass bottle with the straw woven over it to make the decanter more interesting?

And, was the straw dyed the colors before weaving or was the color added later?

Some of these old straw covered decanters are from France, some from Italy. What is this one's origin?

There are many curious questions to ask about this simple but interesting collectible.

Those with interest in this type of item could have fun finding the answers to those curious questions.
 
1881 CC Morgan Dollar Coin PCGS MS-65 obverse
1881 CC Morgan Dollar Coin PCGS MS-65 reverse

1881 CC Silver Dollar Coin

Our first coin for this month is an 1881 CC Silver Dollar Coin graded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Services) as MS-65.

The coin designed by George T. Morgan is frequently referenced as a Morgan Dollar and is highly regarded as one of the most popular silver dollar designs.

The US Mint produced this coin as part of a total mintage of 296,000 at their Carson City facility.

Per PCGS, they estimate 180,000 of the coins have survived over the last 140 years with150,000 of those being a grade 60 or higher.

Why would so many of a low mintage year have such a high grade?

Well, roughly $3 million in silver dollars were discovered in US Treasury vaults in the 1960s.

An audit by the GSA found that 95% of the coins were uncirculated specimens from the Carson City Mint.
The  ANA's Official Grading Standards makes these comments about the Morgan dollar:

"Circulation strike silver dollars were all placed in mint bags of 1000 coins. Subsequent handling of bags caused bag marks and abrasions on virtually all coins, which should not be confused with circulation wear. Full mint luster and lack of any wear are necessary to distinguish MS-60 from Au-58."

Similarly, they describe the MS-65 coin's characteristics:

"No trace of wear; nearly as perfect as MS-67 except for a few additional minute bag marks or surface mars. Has full mint luster but may be unevenly toned. Any unusual striking traits must be described."
Of the only 296,000 coins originally struck in Carson City in 1881, the GSA found 147,500 in the US Treasury vaults.

Being hidden away in 1000-coin bags provides a valuable provenance for the 1881 CC Morgan silver dollar coins.

At a grade of MS-65, this coin is one of 5,121 graded similarly by PCGS.

In addition, they have specified 2,623 of the 1881 CC dollar coins in the grades higher from MS-65+ to MS-68.
This Morgan Silver Dollar coin is a beautiful example of George T. Morgan's artistry and the US Mint's capabilities during that era.

1914 Buffalo Five-Cent Coin

1914 Buffalo Five-Cent Coin PCGS PR-66+ obverse
1914 Buffalo Five-Cent Coin PCGS PR-66+ reverse
Next, we have a 1914 Buffalo Five-Cent Coin graded as PR-66+ by PCGS.

As a proof, the US Mint produced 1,275 of these coins at their Philadelphia location.

Today, PCGS estimates 1050 of the coins have survived the last 100+ years with 975 in grade 60 or better and 700 of those in grade 65 or better.

Our example is one of seven that PCGS has graded as PR-66+.

On the PCGS website Jaime Hernandez commented:

"The 1914 Proof Buffalo Nickel has the third lowest mintage in the series. Just under 1,300 examples were struck. Overall few Proof Buffalo Nickels were produced since they were only struck for six years, therefore, making them scarce overall.

"Examples up to about PR67 condition appear in the market regularly that most collectors can find one with minimal efforts.
"In PR68 condition it is a different story, as few examples exist. It may take many years before one appears in the market, so collectors cannot be too picky when it comes to finding a PR68 example."

From the ANA's Official Grading Standards, the PR-66 grade:

"Has above average quality of strike and full mirror (or other style Proof) surface, with no more than two or three minor but noticeable contact marks. A few light hairlines may show under magnification, or there may be one or two light scuff marks showing on frosted surfaces or in the field. The eye appeal is above average and very pleasing for the variety."

Our coin being PR-66+ is somewhat better than that description.
2021 US Mint Proof Set seven coins

2021 US Mint Proof Set

The set includes the final quarter in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program series honoring the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama. The reverse design depicts a Tuskegee Airman pilot suiting up to join the fight during World War II with the Moton Field control tower in the background. The pilot looks upward with pride and confidence as two P- 51 Mustangs pass overhead. The inscription “THEY FOUGHT TWO WARS” is arced across the top as a reference to the dual battles the Tuskegee Airmen fought - fascism abroad and racial discrimination at home. Inscriptions are “TUSKEGEE AIRMEN,” “ALABAMA,” “2021,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Next, let's look at the 2021 version of the US Mint's Proof Set, which features seven proof coins inside two clear plastic lenses held in a box.
Another quarter coin shows features an obverse (heads) design that marks a return to the familiar depiction of George Washington by John Flanagan as it appeared on the quarter from 1932 to 1998. The image was modified for the 50 State Quarters, the DC and U.S. Territories Quarter, and the America the Beautiful Quarters Programs. In this revived depiction, Washington’s portrait is larger, and with higher relief. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021.” The reverse (tails) design features General George Washington commanding his troops through the overnight crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River prior to the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War. Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "CROSSING THE DELAWARE," and "QUARTER DOLLAR.”
The Native American $1 Coin has a new reverse (tails) design in the series honoring Native American military service. This reverse design features two eagle feathers, which were traditionally earned in battle or by performing a brave deed. Eagle feathers are revered, receiving the utmost care and handling, and are to be displayed proudly in homes. Stars representing five branches of the U.S. Military are in the foreground. A circle, a symbol with deep meaning to Native Americans, connects all the elements. Inscriptions include “NATIVE AMERICANS - DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE SINCE 1775,” “$1,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

The remaining coins are the Kennedy half dollar, the Roosevelt dime, the Jefferson nickel and the Lincoln penny.

This is an easy set to collect and showcases the current US coinage.

2021 US Mint Silver Proof Set

2021 US Mint Silver Proof Set seven coins
However, in the Silver Proof Set the quarters, dime, and half dollar are struck in 99.9 percent silver.

Its version of the Tuskegee Airmen and the General George Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter coins are struck in silver with its beautiful luster.

The whole set contains just under one ounce of silver at 0.984 ounce.

Like the regular proof set, this provides examples of our current coinage, however this set also has value due to the silver content of four of the seven coins.

This is a nice set to add to a US Mint collection.
Like its counterpart, the 2021 United States Mint Silver Proof Set  contains seven proof coins, each bearing the “S” mint mark of the United States Mint at San Francisco.

2021 American Eagle Gold One-Tenth Ounce Proof Coin

"The newly designed reverse features a portrayal of an eagle. Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "5 DOLLARS," and "1/10 OZ. FINE GOLD."

"Struck in 22-karat gold and exquisitely crafted, this new design is sure to be cherished by collectors around the world.

"To complement this new coin design, the coin is encapsulated and placed in a black presentation case with the United States Mint seal on the lid. The case fits into an outer sleeve incorporating an image of the reverse coin design, and the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity includes artwork of the obverse design."
American Eagle Gold One-Tenth Ounce Coin Type 2
For the circulation coins, the Buffalo Five-Cent pieces often had missing details due to weak strikes by the US Mint's machines.

As a proof version, this coin has beautiful details and luster reminiscent of when the US Mint first produced the coin.
The One-Tenth Ounce Gold American Eagle coin is the first of several this month to showcase the new reverse design for the eagle.

The US Mint describes the coin:

"The obverse design features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ full-length figure of Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. For the 2021 coin, the United States Mint returned to its original historical assets in 2020 to render a closer reflection of Saint-Gaudens’ original vision and detail.

2021 American Eagle Gold One Ounce Proof Coin

Similarly, the one ounce Gold American Eagle Type 2 coin is just a larger version using the same design.

The larger coin has a denomination of $50 and contains 91.67% Gold, 3% Silver, Balance Copper.

The coin has a diameter of 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) and weighs 1.0909 troy oz. (33.931 grams).

The edge is reeded and has a missing reed as an anti-counterfeiting measure.

The US Mint's West Point location produces the beautiful Proof Gold American Eagle coins
.
American Eagle Gold One Ounce Coin Type 2

2021 American Eagle Gold Four-Coin Proof Set

The newly designed reverse of each coin features a portrait of an eagle. Inscriptions on each are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” along with the face value and size.

Each coin in this set is encapsulated, with the set placed in a single black presentation case with the United States Mint seal on the lid. The case fits into an outer sleeve incorporating an image of the reverse coin design, and the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity includes artwork of the obverse design.

The  denominations for the coins are: One Ounce - $50, One-Half Ounce - $25, One-Quarter Ounce - $10 and One-Tenth Ounce - $5.
American Eagle Gold Four-Coin Set Type 2 obverse
American Eagle Gold Four-Coin Set Type 2 reverse
This mid-year Type 2 set includes proof versions of the one-ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce coins. Each coin is struck in 22-karat gold and contains the new reverse eagle.
In 2021, the US Mint marked the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program with  updated designs. The Mint used historical assets such as the original bronze cast to closer reflect Saint-Gaudens’ original vision. The refresh includes modifications to the Capitol Building, stars, torch, sun rays, and other design elements.

For the new reverse design,  Jennie Norris, Artistic Infusion Program was the designer while Renata Gordon, a Medallic Artist, was the sculptor.

Whether purchased one at a time or as a set, whether the previous eagle reverse or the new type 2, the American Gold Eagle Proof Coins provide both beauty and metal value to the collector or investor.
The metal composition is 91.67% gold, 3% silver and the remainder copper.

The four coins' diameters decrease in size from 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) to 1.063 inches (27.00 mm) to 0.866 inch (22.00 mm) to 0.650 inch (16.50 mm).

Their weights also vary from 1.0909 troy oz. (33.931 grams) to 0.5455 troy oz. (16.966 grams) to 0.2727 troy oz. (8.483 grams) to 0.1091 troy oz. (3.393 grams).