Letters to the Editor: July 16,2019

1986 ASE Coin Clinic Question

I noticed that Mercanti mentions the Denver Mint as a contributor in the production of the 1986 Bullion Strike ASE in his books on the subject. Does anyone know if the Denver Mint saved one? It would seem strange if they didn’t. There are no availabe records of how many were minted at Denver, either. My FOIA request was denied twice. Cody White doesn’t have a clue on the subject, either.

Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.

Another Case of the Missing Penny

Well! My 2019 proof set with reverse proof penny showed up WITHOUT THE PENNY. There is no tape on the box, it is just that hard to open the folded-over cardboard flap. I received a non-receipt form and mailed it to the mint. The Mint said I can expect a response in four to six weeks. SO EXCITED!

Earl Bell
Address withheld

The Rising Cost of Bullion

I always enjoy reading your articles! I have a question that I am sure has been discussed many times, but perhaps you or the readers may provide me with some guidance.

As we are currently seeing the price of bullion rise, how does this effect numismatic pieces? To give you an example, if a common but nice condition quarter eagle is selling at a price of double melt (let’s say at $1200/oz), does the price/ratio generally continue to stay constant when prices go up/down significantly? Does that price of double melt continue at $1400/oz, or does that price stay constant at the $1200/oz level?

I would think that in general, numismatic prices are slower to correct, as most dealers are unable to adjust pricing on the whim of of the market. Thanks for your help!

Jeremy Schneider
Address withheld

Advice on Coin Collection

I would like some information regarding US coins. I have collected coins since I was a young student in New York City. These coins were not certified in Argentina, because there are no companies (i.e. PCGS, NGC, etc). I have a nice collection of coins and in September I will be in Orlando. I wanted your advice on knowing their value or what you recommend. I am looking forward to your response.

Sandra Gonzalez
Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Ancestral Intrigue of Coin Collecting

There is an element of ancestral intrigue associated with coin collecting. My father left quite a diverse US denominational series assortment to us which includes: Indian Head cents, rare Lincoln wheat ear pennies, Barber dimes, quarter dollars, half dollars, and other silver varieties.

What remains a mystery to me is where and when some of these coins were acquired. Perhaps I forgot to ask. Albeit, it is fascinating to speculate whtether my paternal grandfathers may have carried around uncirculated coins in pocket change. The 1892-S Barber half dollar I own in “Fine” condition comes to mind. Great-grandfather Walik and Grandfather Paul were Slavic anthracite coal miners in northeastern Pennsylvania. Being in possession of currecncy or a half dollar during the later 19th and early 20th century would have been hard to come by when making their purchases at the company store.

Coin collecting remains an avid pasttime for me, as does genealogical research for the hereditary detective work it uncovers. Recently I found a 1914 Lincoln cent outside a coffee bistro drive-thru in southeast Michigan. Its circulation value at VG certainly fills a hole. But it also gets me thinking about a tribute to a heritage that earned it.

Happy colleting!

Mark A. Sleboda
Redford Twp., Mich