Posts by Alex
Six of the most collectable US coins ever issued
The coinage of the United States tell some truly fascinating stories about America’s heritage. To hold a US coin in the palm of your hand can feel as though you are literally holding a piece of history.
I have always been intrigued by American coins, but there are so many that it is a difficult decision knowing which ones you should own.
But, after some research, I have discovered what I believe to be some of the most interesting coins from the past 120 years of US numismatic history.
While they aren’t necessarily the best coins out there, they are certainly the ones with the most intriguing stories behind them…
The Columbian Half Dollar was the first ever commemorative coin issued in the United States.
1. Columbian Half Dollar (1892-1893)
The 1892 Columbian Half Dollar was the first ever commemorative coin issued in the United States. It was intended to raise money to fund the World’s Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893 – each half dollar was sold with a 50 cent surcharge which went towards the project. The design pays tribute to the 400th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World in 1492.
The Walking liberty Half Dollar is often referred to as the most beautiful circulating American coin.
2. Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
Struck from 1916 until 1947, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is sometimes referred to as the most beautiful circulating American coin. Its design, by Adolph A. Weinman, owes more to sculpture than functionality, and was critically acclaimed upon its issue. In respect of its status, the design has been reprised as the obverse of the current ‘Eagle’ series of Silver Bullion coins, making it one of the most recognisable designs in American numismatic history.
The Peace Dollar was proposed as a lasting commemoration after the tragedies of World War I.
3. Peace Dollar (1921-1935)
The Peace Dollar was proposed as a lasting commemoration after the tragedies of World War I. It was also the last ever Silver US coin struck for circulation. Featuring an eagle clutching an olive branch above the word ‘peace’ on the reverse, the coin was not without controversy. Word escaped that the design was to include a broken sword next to the eagle, but this was seen as a symbol of defeat. Public outcry stopped the design, but the dies had already been finished. Remarkably, amendments were carried out so skilfully that for 85 years it remained a secret that the sword had ever been engraved onto the coin.
One of the most poignant American coins, commissioned just months after Kennedy’s assassination.
4. Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present)
One of the most poignant American coins, this Half Dollar was commissioned just months after Kennedy’s assassination, and was in circulation by 1964 – a remarkable feat of planning and design. Your version is one of the very first coins struck, and contains 90% silver content. The combination of the emotional resonance of the coin with the silver content led to extensive hoarding and from 1965 the silver was reduced and eliminated entirely in 1971.
Proposed in 1969 as a commemoration of President Eisenhower and the success of Apollo 11.
5. Eisenhower Dollar (1971-74 & 1977-78)
This coin was proposed in 1969 as a commemoration of two major events that occurred that year. The first was the passing of former president Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the second was the success of the Apollo II mission landing on the moon. The coin was eventually released in 1971 and features an interpretation of the Apollo II insignia on the reverse and Eisenhower’s effigy on the obverse. There is speculation that the production of this coin was encouraged by lobbying from the Gambling industry, who wanted a large dollar coin in circulation for use in their casinos.
The Standing Liberty Quarter was first minted in 1916 and became America’s most scandalous coin.
6. Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)
The Standing Liberty Silver Quarter was first minted in late 1916 and instantly became America’s most scandalous coin. The designer was famed sculptor Hermon A MacNeil, and he used Broadway actress Irene MacDowell as the model for Lady Liberty. However, Liberty was shown with an exposed breast – and the Society for the Suppression of Vice was very vocal about the coin being immoral and obscene. There was such an uproar that the U.S. Mint was forced to change the design in 1917 to cover Liberty’s breast with a chain-mail shirt.
The “100 Poppies Coin” raises over £131,000 for The Royal British Legion
The presentation ceremony – from left to right: Stephen Allen (The Westminster Collection Chairman), Jim France (Royal British Legion Area Manager Hampshire & Dorset), Rachel Darby (The Westminster Collection Product Group Manager) and Jade Irons (Royal British Legion Corporate Partnership Officer)
The ‘100 Poppies’ Coin, launched by The Westminster Collection in partnership with The Royal British Legion last October has now raised over £131,000.
Since 2008, The Westminster Collection, has created a unique commemorative poppy-themed coin each year to honour those who have sacrificed their lives in the Armed Forces. However sales of the 2014 centenary edition coin have seen the biggest donation to date, ensuring that the memories of the fallen live on – as well as the care and support offered by The Royal British Legion.
The full amount was presented to The Royal British Legion by The Westminster Collection’s Chairman, Stephen Allen, on Tuesday 14th April at a special event held at The Legion’s pop-in centre in Southampton. The money raised will help The Legion provide financial, social and emotional support to all who have served and are currently serving in the British Armed Forces and their families.
Stephen said, “though we have been working in partnership with The Royal British Legion since 2004, the Poppy Coin came about in 2008 as a way to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
“100 Poppies” £5 Coin issued in support of The Royal British Legion
“We are delighted that the partnership has continued to grow, and our special Poppy Coins each year are a way of giving back to a charity that has done so much for both the Service community and the national spirit of Remembrance over the past 94 years.”
Charles Byrne, Director of Fundraising at The Royal British Legion, said the coin acts as “poignant reminder” of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“We are so proud of our long-term partnership with The Westminster Collection, a family business which shares our commitment to supporting the entire Service community; whether it’s helping veterans to remain independent in their homes, supporting bereaved families, ensuring people have access to the benefits they deserve or offering employment advice.
“The Poppy Coin is not only a poignant reminder of those who have fought and sacrificed their lives, it also helps the Legion to carry out our vital welfare work, allowing today’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families to live on to a more hopeful future.”
SAVE £10.00 on the new new VE Day Silver Medal
Following the success of last year’s coin, The Royal British Legion have teamed up once again with The Westminster Collection to issue an official VE Day silver medal to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
NOW SOLD OUT
Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip honour Battle of Britain heroes today
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
The Queen visited Kent today where she opened the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust’s new visitor centre at Capel-Le-Ferne near Folkestone.
The new centre, built in the style of a Spitfire’s wings, is aimed at educating and informing visitors about the Battle of Britain and the airman who defended the country from invasion in 1940.
Her Majesty and Prince Philip met some of the last remaining RAF airman who fought during the pivotal battle. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aerial display group was formed in 1957 with the aim to keep alive the memory of the heroic role played by the RAF in the Battle of Britain and the whole of World War II.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Squadron Logo pictured on the Commemorative Coin
The Memorial Flight’s squadron badge shows the aircraft in their famous formation atop the instantly recognisable red, white and blue RAF roundel with ‘Lest We Forget’ inscribed below.
This historically significant badge has been memorialised on a commemorative coin, issued by Guernsey and officially licensed by the RAF in recognition of this endearing squadron.
Impressively plated in 24-carat gold, the sought-after Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Coin is a prestigious issue which can be handed down to generations for years to come, and is the perfect way to commemorate this historic royal visit.
If you’re interested…
Take the opportunity to own a piece of history with The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Coin, now available for just £9.99. Complete in a capsule with coin wallet, this beautifully crafted piece also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.