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U.S. Mint Medal Census Problem

U.S. Mint Superintendent Medal Earlier this year I submitted a 1895 Herman Kretz U.S. Mint Superintendent 76mm Copper medal to NGC ( NGC ID: 2655617-001). NGC slabbed it with a grade of MS63, which was worthy of its beautiful mahogany patina. However, it is not listed in the Medal & Token Census. I have sent NGC e-mails about this and never receive a reply. I suppose it should go under Medals listed by Julian, and would like to see it listed for the sake of population information, and am w
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"One Dollar" versus "$1" on coinage

Using "$1" on our coinage leaves much to be desired. While the most recent presidential dollar coins are doing alright, I still have a problem with the reverse, namely seeing the denomination given as "$1" instead of being properly spelled out as "One Dollar." I believe this hurts the overall design and cheapens the coin to collectors and non-collectors alike. It makes the coin look like "play money' sold at Woolworth's and is one of the reasons I have avoided the series. As much as I hate to
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Sample Slabs and the History of Slabs.

An interesting history of slabbed coins & sample slabs. In the new (May 2015) issue of The Numismatist, author David Schwager has written an interesting mini-history of slabs, particularly "Sample Slabs," which are becoming a collectible in their own. Schwager's article is very informative, not to mention interesting, and well worth reading. He also provides two interesting websites, sampleslabs.com, and samplecoinslabs.com, which provide a wealth of information. One website (sampleslabs.c
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U. S. Mint Superintendent Medals: Relics of the Past

Herman Kretz Mint Superintendent Medal Not many non-medal collectors are aware that at one time the U.S. Mint struck medals for the superintendent of the Philadelphia Mint. Only five superintendents were featured, and all are considered scarce. I rarely find them at auctions and eBay, and when I do I am always searching for a better specimen. The older strikes (pre 1900) have a wonderful chocolate/burgundy patina that you just have to see in person. I recently had this one slabbed and am happy
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Questionable eBay Listing

Double reverse Large Cent Error for $199! Last week I happened upon a eBay listing for a "Double Reverse" Large Cent offered at $199 or Best Offer. The photographs showed a Large Cent supposedly struck with matching reverses, but no obverse. However, both sides were well worn, making me question how such an oddity (even for its day) could have stayed in circulation for so long. Other critical photographs showed the coins edge with fingers and a thumb in the way. How on earth could something li
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"Knowledge is Power" or "Nobody knows Everything"

How I purchased a 1971 Assay Commission medal for $17. To everyone who enjoys searching through eBay for a few hours, I can truly say there are bargains out there waiting. Last year I came upon a 1971 Assay Commission medal mistakenly listed as a Mint Director medal. After quickly confirming it was the real thing I was able to "Buy It Now" at the seller's price of $17 with free shipping. Oddly enough, the seller was a eBay coin dealer who had been around for a while, but he just didn't know hi
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