The 1909‑S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny stands unrivaled in American numismatics. Released in San Francisco with the initials of designer Victor David Brenner—VDB—on the reverse, only 484,000 were minted. Critics deemed the initials too prominent, Continue reading
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This 1999 “Wide AM” Lincoln Penny Has a Hidden Detail That Could Make You Rich
In 1999, over 6.3 billion Lincoln Memorial pennies were minted, yet a few contain a stealth design variation that isn’t obvious at first glance. Dubbed the “Wide AM” error, the spacing between the letters A‑M in Continue reading
1934A $1,000 Bill Reappears: Rare Federal Reserve Note Returns After Disappearing From Treasury
After being presumed long gone from Treasury reserves, a 1934A $1,000 Federal Reserve Note recently surfaced at auction—stunning collectors. Known as Series 1934A, this high-denomination note features President Grover Cleveland and was printed for large-value Continue reading
Why the 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar Was Almost Impossible to Mint — And Now Priceless
In late 1921, the United States Mint introduced the Peace Dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, to commemorate the end of World War I. The initial striking was the only time the Peace Dollar was issued Continue reading
Why Collectors Are Obsessed With the 1916-D Mercury Dime — And Why It’s So Rare
In 1916, the U.S. Mint unveiled the Mercury Dime—actually the Winged Liberty Head Dime, designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Among these, the 1916-D dime, struck at the Denver Mint, stands out as the key date Continue reading
How the 1851 Gold Dollar Became the Smallest U.S. Coin Ever Made — by Size and Weight
In 1851, the U.S. Mint produced a coin that holds two unique distinctions: it was the smallest American coin ever struck by diameter, and also the lightest by weight. The 1851 Gold Dollar, part of Continue reading
This 1928 $500 Bill Fooled Experts — Until the Truth Came Out
In 2005, a collector bought what seemed an exceptional 1928 series $500 Federal Reserve Note, featuring President McKinley. Initially seen as a rare gem—only ~75,000 genuine $500 bills are believed to remain—it underwent expert examination. Continue reading
U.S. Commemorative Coins from the 1800s That Now Sell for Over $100,000
The world of rare U.S. coins is filled with historical treasures, but few items hold as much intrigue and market value as commemorative coins from the 1800s. These early coins were minted to honor important Continue reading
Why a Small Date vs. Large Date on a 1960 Lincoln Penny Makes All the Difference
In 1960, the U.S. Mint issued Lincoln pennies at Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) featuring two distinct date styles: the Small Date and the Large Date. Though subtle at first glance, this variation Continue reading
This 2001 New York Quarter Has a Hidden Error Few Collectors Know About
The 2001 New York State Quarter is iconic in the 50 States Quarters series, featuring the Statue of Liberty and issued in est. 619 million pieces from Philadelphia and 655 million from Denver. Yet, among Continue reading