Numismatic News April 22, 2025

On March 21, 2025, H.R. 2257, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act, was introduced to Congress. The legislation directs the Treasury Department to “mint and issue coins that are emblematic of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the service and sacrifice of firefighters throughout the history of the United States.” The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) was founded in 1992 and charged with maintaining the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, leading efforts to remember fallen firefighters, and delivering programs to assist Fire Hero Families. Colleagues of fallen firefighters and improving firefighter health and safety. The proceeds from the sales of the coins would go to support NFFF’s programs and initiatives in support of the nation’s fire services. ONLINE POLL THIS WEEK’S QUESTION: Do you think collectible cryptocurrency here to stay?…

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers. Read more responses at www.numismaticnews.net. What’s one numismatic mystery you wish could be solved? There’s undoubtedly a lot more treasure somewhere on Oak Island. It has been visited as far back as the 8th and 9th centuries. The Knights Templar and Blackbeard, the Privateer turned Pirate, were stashing gold and reportedly “The Holy Grail.” Did the Lagina brothers give up their hunt? Or did they find the “Booty” and keep quiet about it? With all of the work that went into digging tunnels, the massive drilling equipment that proved there was a capstone down there, and all of the untimely deaths throughout the ages, there must be something of great value still buried on Oak Island. Name and Address withheld Editor’s…

Players of the new mobile video game EIGHTH ERA™ have an opportunity to acquire NGC-certified MS70 examples of the 2025 American Silver Eagle bullion coins with the new eagle-in-flight privy mark via gameplay and in-game tournaments beginning April 7, 2025. Many of EIGHTH ERA’s major characters, including the ASE-inspired character Golden Griffin, levels of play, and rewards, are inspired by historical coins. Created by gaming publisher and developer Nice Gang® (www.NiceGang.com), the innovative game is free to play and available to download on iOS and Android devices. Starting April 7, reach level 7 to unlock the exclusive chance to purchase NGC-certified MS70 ASEs—now featuring the bold new eagle-in-flight privy mark while supplies last. For gamers and coin collectors seeking a competitive experience, ASEs with the new eagle-in-flight privy mark can…

The modern commemorative coin series, authorized by Congress and issued by the United States Mint, now has a rather impressive history and a deep range of subjects. Some of the issues have had downright huge mintages, while others have had pretty small totals. Right now, though, let’s look back more than forty years to the very beginning of this broad spectrum of commems. Let’s see if there might be some kind of bargain to be had with the 1982 Washington half dollars. A one-year wonder? The United States Mint had been out of the commemorative coin business for decades when the “George Washington 250th Anniversary of Birth” half dollar was produced and issued in 1982. Yes, the nation’s bicentennial had been commemorated in 1975, with three coins dual-dated 1776-1976. But…

The Department of Money and Medals at the British Museum boasts one of the world’s finest numismatic collections. This remarkable collection spans the history of coinage from its origins in the 7th century B.C. to the present day. The collection comprises approximately 800,000 objects from around the world. Alongside coins and medals, it also includes related items such as coin weights, tokens, and dies. The British Museum also holds the national collection of paper money, featuring notes from various historical periods. You’ll find everything from 14th-century Chinese bank notes to the modern euro. The museum’s collection extends beyond functional currency. It includes an internationally renowned assortment of commemorative and art medals, ranging from pieces created during the Italian Renaissance to those crafted by contemporary artists worldwide. Furthermore, the department curates…

■ I’ve read about patina on ancient bronze coins. Can the discoloration on U.S. copper coins be considered to be patina as well? The short answer is yes. Patina will occur to a coin either naturally or by chemical manipulation. Basically, patina is oxidation. Patina will typically appear to give a green, blue, red, or light toning to the surface of a coin. The patina on U.S. copper half cents, cents, and 2-cent coins is typically described as Red, Red Brown, or Brown. ■ How much damage will a patina do to a U.S. cent? Patina protects rather than damages the surface of a cent. Ironically, while an attractive patina often enhances the desirability of an ancient coin, patina is treated just the opposite of U.S. copper coins. A cent…