Posts Tagged ‘Coin’
Five things you need to know about the world’s most expensive coin…
You might have heard in the news recently that the world’s most expensive coin is due to be sold at auction next month.
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is believed to be the first silver dollar to be struck by the US Mint. It was last for sale in 2013 and was auctioned for just over $10 Million Dollars, making it the most expensive coin in the world.
The First US Dollar
In 1792, the US Congress issued an act stating that the Dollar was to be the cornerstone of US coinage. It was to be based on the Spanish Silver Dollar which was already widely used throughout the Americas. The act also stated that coins should include a symbol of Lady Liberty as well as an eagle – two icons that remain today on many US coins.
Where the nickname came from
The coin was designed by Robert Scot, who was Chief Engraver at the US Mint. His take on the bust of Liberty is what gave rise to the nickname of the coin with its detailed hair ‘flowing’ from the head of Lady Liberty. There are also fifteen stars on the coin, to represent each of the 15 states that had ratified the Constitution.
Was it just a PR stunt?
It’s thought that because the US was still struggling from the impact of the War of Independence it didn’t have access to much silver and other precious metals. Historians have argued that the introduction of a silver dollar was a way to showcase the power and capability of the US.
Very few of the 1794 Dollars were issued but they weren’t released into general circulation. They were mostly given to international VIPs or important congressmen, further adding fuel to the rumours that the Dollar was originally issued as part of a PR stunt.
Struck on just one day in October
Only 1,758 of these coins were struck, and according to the National Museum of American History, they were all minted on the same day. It’s thought that of this tiny number, less than 150 still survive today. Many would have been hidden forever, or melted down for their precious metal content, adding to the coin’s collectability.
It’s given rise to one of the most competitive collecting markets worldwide…
Eight of the top ten most expensive coins are US coins and the market is one of the most competitive around the world. Whether it’s the Coin of the Cowboys, the Mercury Dime, or even the first Half Dollar to feature a non-president, US coins have some of the most collectable stories attached to them. It’s hardly surprising that many collectors are looking to source American coins for their collection these days.
The Flowing Hair Dollar is due to be sold on October 8th 2020. How much do you think it will sell for this time? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re interested…
Today you can own the TWELVE coin collection of America’s most fascinating and collectable coin issues with the Infamous US coins set. But you’ll have to hurry – there are only 25 sets available!
My top August releases revealed…
From Rupert Bear to the Mayflower and even the Battle of Britain, August was a busy month for collectors as it was packed with new releases. Watch our latest video to see Adam’s countdown of the top releases of the month.
If you’re interested
Click here to add these must have coins to your collection today >>
Breaking 50p news from deep in the Hundred Acre Wood
The Royal Mint have just confirmed a brand new 50p series will be launching on 23rd September featuring characters from Britain’s favourite books – Winnie the Pooh!
Each design has been inspired by A.A. Milne’s classic children’s stories starting with Pooh Bear himself and is sure to be one of the most popular coin releases this year.
Originally published in 1926, Winnie the Pooh is a story about the adventures of Christopher Robin’s honey-loving teddy bear and his friends Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Kanger, and Rabbit.
Since then, Winnie the Pooh has featured in over 11 films, 11 television programmes, 4 different books, and has become a worldwide collectable item.
Whilst the designs of the upcoming 50p coins are currently top-secret, we can’t wait to see this loveable bear and his friends come to life once more, this time on the UK’s most collected coin.
But who is your favourite character? Let us know in the comments below!
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By signing up we’ll make sure you’re the first to know any updates about these new coins, including when they are launched. So what are you waiting for?