Jeff Garrett

Privy marks have generated excitement among collectors in recent years, but how much is too much? A privy mark is a small, distinguishing symbol or mark added to coins during the minting process, typically used to commemorate a special event, anniversary or to add a layer of security. The use of privy marks has a long history that dates to at ...

For a well-known rarity, you can’t beat the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. When meeting someone for the first time, the subject of my unusual profession often comes up. After some brief description of the hobby and what I do, many will ask about the one coin they know about: the super-famous 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent.The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln ...

Regardless of its monetary value, there are many benefits to sharing your numismatic collection with others. One of the highlights of the recently completed 2024 ANA World’s Fair of Money was the exhibit of the Egyptian portion of the "Tyrant Collection." The collection is billed as the world’s most valuable private coin collection, ...

Collecting Proof United States gold coins is not for the faint of heart. My company has recently been working on the sale of a magnificent collection of Proof United States gold coins, including several of which rarely come to market. The chance to handle even a single Proof US gold coin is special for most collectors and dealers. No other ...

Although business slows down in the summer, there are still some big things, such as the ANA World's Fair of Money, to look forward to. These summer months are traditionally the slowest for the rare coin business. The few major shows going on — such as the Long Beach and Baltimore Whitman expos — are the lightest-attended shows in ...

As the 250th anniversary of our nation approaches, this might be the perfect time to collect milestone issues of the United States. On July 4, 1826, there were parades, fireworks and speeches around the country to celebrate the 50th birthday of the United States. In Philadelphia, there had been invitations sent to the original signers of the ...

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cents kickstarted modern coin collecting in the US. United States Large Cents were first produced in 1793 and continued nearly uninterrupted until 1857. The lone exception was 1815, when the Mint experienced a shortage of metal. By the late 1850s, the price of copper made the coins expensive to produce and the large size ...

Tips and words of caution that will help you successfully navigate the business of shipping rare coins. The internet has vastly expanded the reach and scope of the rare coin business. You can now buy and sell coins with companies and individuals around the globe. With a few clicks, you can find coins you have been looking for and add them to your ...

This could be an unparalleled opportunity for anyone who loves vintage US gold coins. As gold prices surged to record levels in the last month or so, the value of "generic" United States gold coins has fallen to historic lows in relation to spot gold prices. Gold recently topped $2,400 per ounce for a few days. Generic gold coins are defined as ...

Everyone has to start somewhere, so here are some tips and suggestions on how to begin your collection. One of the questions people frequently ask me is, "How do you get started collecting coins?" This question was posed to me a few weeks ago when a local TV station was doing a story about the "Great Kentucky Hoard." Almost every day I field ...