44 BC Julius Caesar Silver Denarius

44 BC Julius Caesar Silver Denarius
Portrait Issue, NGC CH XF

Strike 4/5  Surface 4/5
Posthumous Portrait Issue – Julius Caesar Portraits are Much Scarcer than Non-Portrait Types
Obv: Wreathed head of Julius Caesar right; behind, laurel branch; before, winged caduceus.
Rev: L LIVINEIVS above, REGVLVS below, bull charging right. Rare.

Julius Caesar is one of the greatest figures in human history - he amassed one of the largest and most successful armies in the world, and extended Rome’s reach dramatically. He rose to power quickly and his political story is one of the most well-known in history. Making his coins some of the most popular and most desired coins in the world. 

A tremendous military leader and a cunning politician he used his power and influence to conquer and assure victory for the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar both divided and united the Empire by engaging in civil war and pursuing Pompey the Great to Egypt. It was there he found that Pompey had been killed by the Egyptian Pharoah. And thus, Julius Caesar engaged in war with the Egyptians and sided with Cleopatra, the Egyptian Queen, thus beginning their affair.

Julius Caesar and Cleopatra would remain in a relationship, despite his marriage, but was deemed as appropriate according to Roman tradition. He would go on to secure a few more major military victories and eventually be declared dictator of the Roman Empire. Attaining absolute power, he cemented his ultimate assassination. He acquired his power and paid the price, made too many political enemies along the way, and ultimately, they conspired to kill him.

It has been proposed that the symbolism behind the laurel branch and caduceus on either side of Caesar's head relate to the peace and prosperity Caesar had hoped to restore to the Roman world by victories over enemies of the state before he was murdered by Brutus. It also relates to propaganda the Triumvirs were promoting as they prepared to confront the leaders of the assassination plot against Caesar.

On the reverse, you will find the text of the moneyer, L. Livineius Regulus, whose father is known to have participated with Julius Caesar in the African campaigns. This surrounds the bull which most probably refers to an event of 47 BC, mentioned by both Dio Cassius and Suetonius, where during the African War, Caesar was performing a sacrifice before the impending battle at Thapsus against the combined forces of Scipio and Juba. During the sacrifice a hawk flew over the Roman Forum, dropping a laurel branch, and the sacrificial bull escaped by swimming across the lake. Soothsayers interpreted this as foretelling the fleeing of Pompey and his followers across the sea, but despite this ominous omen Caesar was not dissuaded from commencing battle.

Of course, this reference to the sacrifice at Thapsus is not the only interpretation of the reverse. The bull also represents the zodiacal sign of Taurus in Venus, and thus we should probably see an allusion to Caesar's claimed divine descent from the goddess Venus.

This is a rare coin with a rich history, both well struck and well centered with great details and an excellent finish. Having both a handsome portrait and the powerful imagery of the bull charging, it will make a wonderful addition to any collection.

For more details of this or other ancient coins call John R. 1-800-301-3868  

Ancient Coins: 14-37 AD Tiberius Gold Aureu

 

14-37 AD Tiberius Gold Aureus

Strike 4/5  Surface 4/5
Extremely Rare Type – Commemorating the Transition of Power
OBV: TI CAESAR DIVI - AVG F AVGVSTVS, head with laurel wreath
Rev: DIVOS AVGVST - DIVI F, head of the deified Augustus with laurel wreath and a star with six rays.

An outstanding collection specimen and extremely rare, especially in such a high state of preservation. The master carver made the portraits of Augustus and Tiberius unique, but at the same time gave the rulers a clear resemblance to each other. This was likely done deliberately to show the kinship and continuity of the two emperors.

This aureus testifies to the definitive adoption and the ensuing appointment of Tiberius as Augustus heir. It is worth mentioning how the minting of this extremely rare issue occurred so shortly before the death of the emperor, about whose demise various inferences have been made.

It is known that Augustus retired to Nola and, suspicious of his entourage, would eat only figs from his gardens. All the same, this cautious diet did not save him from a possible death by poisoning. Some have suggested the involvement of Livia, a powerful and controversial personality who may have been the shadowy orchestrator behind at least some of the inexplicable deaths of many heirs previously appointed by Augustus.

The first to succumb to a sudden and questionable disease, in 23 BC, was his nephew Marcellus, son of the emperor's sister Octavia and most loved potential heir. Next in line for succession was now Agrippa, but he also was not to outlive the Emperor, for an untimely albeit natural death took him in 12 BC. Then it was the turn of Agrippa's sons Lucius Caesar, who died of a suspicious illness in Gaul in 2 AD, his brother Gaius having died two years previously of a too fatal wound while at war in the East. Agrippa Postumus, younger brother of Gaius and Lucius, thus became the last male descendant of the Emperor who, if the truth be told, despised him for his intractability and madness, to the point of promoting a "senatus consultum" to have him transferred to an island, in perpetual isolation and surrounded by a body of soldiers.

After Augustus' death the position of Agrippa, next of blood, as legitimate heir – madness notwithstanding – could not be challenged and so he was immediately disposed of by one of his guardians and with that Tiberius’ path to the throne was finally clear.

An exceptionally important coin for the legacy of the early Roman Empire and representing the first new leader in 40 years, this coin is vital to the legacy of the Roman Empire.

An exceptionally important coin for the legacy of the early Roman Empire and representing the first new leader in 40 years, this coin is vital to the legacy of the Roman Empire. For further details of this coin or any other coin with the “Twelve Caesars” attribution call John R 1-800-301-3868

 

Perhaps the most important coin in South African Numismatics 

Only 983 Minted!

1902 South Africa Gold Pond NGC AU58

Perhaps the most important coin in South African Numismatics

Only 983 Minted!

The Second Boer War was fought between 1899 and 1902 between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics in South Africa. It was initiated after the discovery of diamond and gold deposits in the Boer republics. Of course, with those kinds of resources being discovered a fight ensued. Paul Kruger, whose name you might recognize from the famous Krugerrand, was the leader of the South African Republic (or in Dutch: Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek), or ZAR.
 
The Boer armies would end up falling to the iron fist of the British empire, but not before tens of thousands of lives were lost. Just 983 of these coins were produced as emergency issues to satisfy soldier pay. Each coin was made by hand from a pair of rough dies made from broken down gold mining equipment and were made to be equal in intrinsic value to the British Sovereign.
 
Today it is perhaps the most important coin in South African numismatics, a country whose influence is felt by the British Empire to this day from its people that live there. Thus, this coin carries multiple levels of appeal not just to collectors of South African coins, but also to major British coins and other world rarities.
 
These pieces have so many layers of historic significance about them and have been proving to go up and up in demand every time they’re available for sale.

Paul Kruger

2022 $1 1-oz Silver Eagle 3-pc Set PCGS MS70 First Strike Red, White & Blue Emily S. Damstra Designer Signed

2022 $1 1-oz Silver Eagle 3-pc Set PCGS MS70 First Strike Red, White & Blue Emily S. Damstra Designer Signed
 
The 2022 American Silver Eagle is an important key date coin in the series because it represents the first full year of production for coins featuring the new Type 2 design created by Emily S. Damstra. We offer this important collectible coin certified in perfect MS70 condition by PCGS with the coveted First Strike attribution. 

The coins are presented in eye-catching Red, White and Blue core holders. Each coin has been individually hand-signed by Master Designer Emily S. Damstra, with an impressive forty design credits, including two winners of the prestigious Coin of the Year (COTY) awards, the Damstra signature is the top modern issue numismatic signature, and it's exclusive only to coins certified by PCGS.

 
As a lasting tribute to her work, her initials ESD are engraved on the coin.
 
Collector Highlights
 
First full year of production for the Type 2 design
Key date in the series
Flawless MS70 condition
First Strike attribution
Coins signed by their designer, Emily S. Damstra
Patriotic presentation Red, White & Blue
Low PCGS certified population

Signed Coins

Signed Coins

Coins are collected by their date, mintmark, condition, rarity, special strikes, and issues. Signed coins are coins whose certified holders (slabs) have been individually hand-signed by someone with an interesting personal connection to a particular coin. Signed coins allow collectors to customize their sets, enhance the quality of presentation, and add a level of exclusivity and collectability. Coins have been signed by athletes, celebrities, coin designers, Generals, Mint directors, and many others. The popularity of Signed coins or Signature Series coins extends beyond the borders of the United States to Australian, British, Canadian, Chinese, and South African coins.

Top Most Sought-After Signatures on US Coins

The market for signed coins is growing daily. Based on who has signed the important key date modern issue coins, their longevity in the industry, PCGS population reports, NGC census reports, public auction records, and price guides, the most sought after signature coins in Alphabetical order are:

Kenneth Bressett - Appointed editor of the Official Red Book in 1962. He has since become one of the most famous numismatic researchers and writers of all time having published numerous books and articles in his more than 60 years of involvement in the hobby. He currently serves as the Official Red Book’s editor emeritus

Anna Escobedo Cabral - 42nd Treasurer of the United States, worked closely with the directors of the US Mint during a dynamic time in its history when some of its most successful and innovative coins were released. Her signature appeared on Federal Reserve Notes Series 2003A, 2004A, 2006, and 2006A.

Michael Castle - “The Coinage Congressman”. was a two-term Governor of Delaware and near twenty-year member of the US House of Representatives. He is directly responsible for some of the most important and popular modern U.S. coins. He introduced legislation that authorized the American Gold Buffalo coins, Americas first 24- karat gold coins, the American Platinum Eagle series, 50 States Quarters Program, the Sacagawea Dollar, the Presidential Dollar Series and numerous commemoratives. Castle's fifth great-grandfathers were founding fathers Benjamin Franklin and Daniel Carroll. .

Emily S. Damstra - Master coin designer with 40 credits at the United States and Royal Canadian Mints. Two of her designs have won Coin of the Year (COTY) awards. She is the designer of the new Type 2 American Silver Eagles.

John Dannreuther - Co-founded PCGS in 1986, is one of the great numismatic research experts of all time. He has authored several books, including The Official Guide to Coin Grading, Counterfeit Detection, Early U.S. Gold Varieties, and Proof Gold Coinage of the U.S. He was named one of Coin World’s Most Influential People (1960-2020).

 

John M. Mercanti - The 12th Chief Engraver of the US Mint, and the designer of the reverse of the American Silver Eagle 1986-2021. He designed well over 100 coins and medals—more than any other employee in the history of the US Mint.

Edmund C. Moy - The 38th Director of the United States Mint 2006-2011, was in charge of the world’s largest organization that manufacturer coins and medals. Moy led the U.S. Mint at a time when it launched many exciting new coins for collectors, bookended by the release of the hugely successful 20th Anniversary Silver and Gold Eagles in 2006 and the 25th Anniversary Silver Eagles in 2011. In his first year as Mint Director of the world’s premier manufacturer of coins, Moy increased numismatic sales to over $1 billion by increasing interest in modern coin collecting. In 2006 He helped introduce the American Gold Buffalo series, America’s first 24 karat gold coin, the Presidential Dollar program in 2007 and the America the Beautiful Quarters program, in 2009 the $20 Ultra High Relief gold coin along with several other interesting and innovative issues.

David J. Ryder - Served as both 34th and 39th Director of the United States Mint. Named one of Coin World’s Most Influential People (1960-2020), Ryder brought many exciting modern coins to the marketplace, greatly enhancing the tradition of U.S. coin collecting with his leadership. He oversaw the most popular U.S. Mint releases of recent memory, including the 75th Anniversary of World War II, Type 2 Silver Eagle, and Gold Eagle, as well as the 100th Anniversary Morgan and Peace Dollars. He Led the continued operation of the U.S. Mint during the global pandemic, including generating near-record revenue through its wildly popular numismatic releases while many of the mint’s peers around the world ceased operations.

Other popular Signatures

Paul Balan - U.S. Mint artist engraver with 15 design credits

John Boehner - Represented Ohio in the US House of Representatives from 1991 to 2015 and served as Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2015

General George William Casey Jr. - A four-star general who served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the United States Army from 2007 to 2011.

Thomas S. Cleveland - An original Master Designer from the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP). He has 15 design credits

Don Everhart – Lead sculptor at the U.S. Mint has been involved in the creation of hundreds of coins

Joel Iskowitz – A prolific designer of coins and medals worldwide. He has 50 design credits

Michael Guadioso - a coin designer and engraver with 40 credits at the U.S. Mint

Jennie Norris - a professional graphic designer, illustrator, and award-winning fine artist. She is the designer of the new 2021 Type 2 American Gold Eagle reverse.

Michael Reagan – Son of former President Ronald Reagan.

 

Michael Miles Standish - A prominent numismatist, author, coin grader, and industry innovator

Clifton Truman Daniel - The oldest grandson of former United States President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess Truman.

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2021 (P) American Silver Eagle T1 Emergency Issue PCGS MS70 First Day of Issue

 

2021 (P) American Silver Eagle T1 Emergency Issue PCGS MS70 First Day of Issue
 
Collectors place great value on the first and last coins issued in a series. We offer this low mintage, the final year of issue Type 1 Silver Eagle in perfect MS70 condition. This coin is one of just 495,000 Emergency Issue coins released by the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia.
 

Because of the unprecedented high demand for the final Type 1 coins, and production interruptions because of the Coronavirus, the U.S. Mint opened both the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints to produce extra coins. These coins are dubbed “Emergency Issue ” dollars and are highly sought-after. Only  495,000 Emergency Issue were made at Philadelphia and 1,000,000 coins at the San Francisco Mint. These low designated mintages, make Emergency Issue coins some of the rarest coins in the Type 1 series. This coin is the final Type 1 coin released with the iconic Heraldic Eagle design, There will never be any additional Type 1 coins struck, guaranteeing the special collectible status of this coin!
 
Condition

Coins are graded on a 70-point scale with 70 being absolute perfection! This coin has been certified in perfect MS70 condition by PCGS. In addition to the perfect MS70 grade, this coin is a coveted First Day of Issue coin. Because bullion strike Silver Eagles have no mintmark showing where they were struck, PCGS shows the P for Philadelphia in parenthesis (P). PCGS has identified these coins as Emergency Issues because they were submitted to PCGS in original U.S. Mint strapped and sealed boxes of 500 coins with supporting paperwork from the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia.   
 
Collector Highlights
 
Final Year of issue for Type 1 coins
Final Emergency Issue coins
Very low designated mintage 495,000 coins
Perfect MS70 condition
Coveted First Day if Issue status
 
Specifications

Date: 2021
Metal: Silver
Weight: 1 troy oz.
Purity: .999
Diameter: 40.6 mm
Condition: MS70

1880 CC Morgan Dollar NGC MS63 Mint Error Obverse Struck Thru

1880 CC Morgan Dollar NGC MS63 Mint Error Obverse Struck Thru

 
Morgan Silver Dollars minted with the Iconic CC for Carson City Mintmark were only minted from 1878-1893. Only about 2% of all the Morgan Dollars produced were struck at Carson City, which makes them harder to find than coins struck at the Denver, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints. We recently discovered this 1880 CC Morgan with a struck through obverse. In 1880, 591,000 Morgan dollars were struck at the Carson City Mint however, almost 100,000 of those coins did not meet the standards for silver fineness and were melted the following year, leaving a final mintage of only 495,000 coins. Struck through mint errors occur when a piece of foreign material comes between the die and a planchet during striking, leaving a small impression on the coin’s surface.
 
Date: 1880
Mint: CC
Metal: Silver
Weight: 0.7734 troy oz.
Purity.900
Diameter: 38.1
Condition: MS63
Obverse Struck Through Erro

Silver Bullion Rounds Buffalo Design

Silver Bullion Rounds Buffalo Design
 

Silver bullion rounds are an ideal way to buy silver. They are easily bought, sold, stacked, stored, and counted. These lustrous rounds measure 39mm in diameter and contain one ounce of .999 fine silver. They are hallmark stamped with their exact weight and purity.

 
Nationally recognized by silver bullion and coin dealers, Silver bullion rounds are privately minted, non-monetary items. Rounds are bullion items whose current and future value is based solely on their silver weight and purity. Generally, rounds and silver bullion bars sell for lower premiums than Government issued legal tender coins of the same weight and purity.

This bullion item is not affiliated with the United States government in any way. The design on the most popular silver bullion rounds often resembles popular coin designs. The term COPY is embedded into the design to differentiate it from a Buffalo coin.  

Specifications

Metal: Silver
Weight: 1 troy-oz.
Purity.999
Diameter: 39.04mm
Thickness:2.9mm

 

 

2022 China 30-gm Silver Panda PCGS MS70 First Day of Issue Cheng Chao Signature

 2022 China 30-gm Silver Panda PCGS MS70 First Day of Issue Cheng Chao Signature 

 

 
 
Description
 
A delightful image of a pair of playful Panda cubs sliding down a snowy hill costar on the 2022 Silver Panda coin. A unique and enduring feature of these beautifully struck and crafted coins is the reverse design changes each year.
 
The Panda series began in 1982, making this the 40th anniversary of the series. To highlight this, a privy mark has been added to the design between the two pandas. We offer this key date collectible coin certified in flawless MS70 condition by PCGS. In addition to the notation 40th anniversary on the holder, two important attributions are also recorded that set this coin apart from other coins and make it a special collectible. The coins are designated as First Day of Issue and are individually hand-signed by Cheng Chao, who has designed more panda coins than anyone else and is the foremost signature on coins from the China Mint.
 
Collector Highlights  
 
Key Date 40th-anniversary edition
Special privy mark
First day of Issue attribution
Singed by Cheng Chao
Low PCGS certified population
 
Specifications
 
Date: 2022
Metal: Silver
Weight: 0.9645 troy oz.
Purity: .999
Diameter: 40 mm

Signature Series Coins

 

Signature Series Coins

Signature Series coins are certified coins whose labels have been hand-signed by someone with an interesting personal connection to a particular coin. Signature Series coins allow collectors to customize their sets, enhance the quality of presentation, and add a level of exclusivity and collectability.