April 22, 2024
German silver is a misleading name for an inexpensive copper alloy that contains no actual silver. While similar alloys were being produced in China as early as the 12th century from an ore called paktong, the origins of what became known as German silver trace back to 19th century Germany.
…April 12, 2024
In the early days of British colonial settlement in North America, there was an acute shortage of official British currency circulating in the colonies. This lack of a reliable medium of exchange significantly hampered economic growth and trade. To remedy this situation, the Massachusetts Bay Colony took an unprecedented step…
October 21, 2023
Why did Romans bury coins? This is a question that many historians and archaeologists have tried to answer, but there is no definitive answer. One possible reason is that Romans buried coins as a form of ritual offering to the gods, hoping for their protection and favor. Another possible reason…
October 20, 2023
If you are interested in ancient coins, you may have heard of the Persian daric and siglos. These were the gold and silver coins issued by the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over a vast territory from 550 to 330 BC. The daric and siglos were the first bimetallic monetary standard…
October 18, 2023
In the realm of ancient coinage, few coins are as iconic and historically significant as the Athenian Owl coins. These remarkable silver tetradrachms not only served as a means of exchange in ancient Athens but also stand as a symbol of wisdom, artistry, and the enduring legacy of an ancient…
October 15, 2023
The Byzantine Empire, the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, is renowned for its rich history, intricate art, and enduring influence on Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Among the treasures of Byzantium, the solidus, a gold coin of remarkable stability and elegance,…
October 13, 2023
Punch-marked coins, also known as Aahat coins, are one of the most fascinating types of coins in the world. They were minted in India between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC, and were used for trade and commerce. These coins are remarkable for their artistic and cultural diversity, as they…
October 12, 2023
The Lydian Lion coins, widely considered to be the world's first standardized coinage, hold a unique place in the history of numismatics. With their captivating archaic style, the Lydian Lion coins were aesthetically pleasing, featuring simple geometric shapes and a balanced yet dynamic composition. In this blog post, we will…
October 11, 2023
Silver coins have played a significant role in human history for centuries. They have been used as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a symbol of power and prestige. Some of the most historically significant silver coins include the Spanish Pieces of Eight.
The Spanish Pieces of…
October 10, 2023
If you are a coin collector or a silver enthusiast, you might be interested in knowing when did half dollars stop being 90% silver. The answer is not as simple as you might think, because there were different types of half dollars with different silver content over the years.
The…
October 9, 2023
Ancient history and numismatics are fascinating fields of study that can reveal a lot about the past. One of the questions that you may have asked yourself is what was the name and design of the first…
October 7, 2023
If you are a coin collector, you may have heard of the Barber Half Dollar, a silver coin that was minted from 1892 to 1915. This coin features the head of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, both designed by Charles E. Barber, the…
October 4, 2023
Roman coins are fascinating artifacts that reveal the history, culture and politics of one of the greatest empires in the world. Roman coins were first minted in the late 4th century BCE and continued for almost eight centuries until the collapse of the western empire in the 5th century CE.…
October 2, 2023
A recent article on MSN reports that a 1957 Lincoln penny with a wheat reverse was sold for $21,947.62. The article explains that this particular coin can sell for tens of thousands of dollars due to its rarity and condition. The Lincoln penny was first minted…
July 15, 2023
In recent times, rumors have been swirling around the financial markets regarding the possibility of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) implementing a new, gold-backed currency for their trading activities. Such a move would mark a significant departure from the traditional reliance on fiat currencies. In…
June 26, 2023
Silver coins have long captivated the hearts of collectors and investors alike. Beyond their aesthetic appeal and historical significance, these coins possess an inherent value derived from the precious metal they contain. In the world of coin valuation, understanding the concept of silver melt value is crucial. In this blog…
June 12, 2023
Coins have played a significant role in human civilization for thousands of years, serving as a medium of exchange and a symbol of wealth. While their primary purpose is to facilitate transactions, coins often showcase unique designs that go beyond their monetary value. In this blog post, we explore the…
June 2, 2023
In a world where technology and finance are rapidly evolving, central banks are exploring new avenues to enhance their monetary systems. The Reserve Bank of Kenya (CBK) has taken a bold step forward by venturing into the realm of digital currencies. However, what sets Kenya apart is its unique approach…
May 25, 2023
Coin collecting, or numismatics, has long been a popular hobby among history enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The allure of holding a piece of history in one's hands and the joy of uncovering rare and valuable coins have driven individuals to dive into this fascinating pursuit. However, with the rise of…
May 22, 2023
Are you searching for the perfect gift for a coin enthusiast in your life? Look no further than silver coins. Combining the beauty of precious metal with the rich history and artistry of coinage, silver coins make for thoughtful and meaningful presents that will delight any coin lover. In this…
May 9, 2023
Silver coins have been prized for their beauty and value for centuries. Whether you're a collector or an investor, silver coins offer an attractive option that can provide both enjoyment and potential financial benefits. In this article, we'll explore the allure of silver coins and why they continue to be…
April 26, 2023
From ancient times, precious metals such as gold and silver have been used as a medium of exchange. They were chosen for their intrinsic value, scarcity, durability, and beauty. Over time, they became the primary materials used to make coins. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why…
April 23, 2023
Minting coins in ancient times was a complex process that required skilled artisans to produce high-quality coins. The process involved several steps, from gathering and preparing the raw materials to inspecting the finished product.
The raw materials commonly used for ancient coins were copper, silver, and gold. These metals were…
April 17, 2023
Silver coins have been used as a form of currency for thousands of years, with evidence of silver coins dating back to ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, and Persia. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of silver coins in antiquity and their role in the development of…