1. Have pattern coins ever circulated?

2. Various countries struck coins for World Food Day. In what year was this?

3. Where does the star appear on a modern silver certificate?

4. By the ANA’s definition, how large must a medallion be?

5. The first unquestionable Proof coins were struck by the U.S. Mint in what year?

Answers

The numbers just don’t add up, as coinflation so adeptly illustrates. The mint pays more to make cents and nickels than their face value. Efforts have begun to remedy the situation. The first pass at a bill is to create steel cents with a copper coating and to use steel in the nickel as well.

Mint Director Edmund Moy is not pleased with the demands the bill places on his organization so it’s not likely to happen just yet. However it’s encouraging to see progress being made in this direction.

Creators of the bill estimate savings of over $1 billion in 10 years.

Read more.

One of the negatives of buying coins on eBay is the delay between bidding and when you win (or lose) the auction. Unlike a live auction you may have to wait several days before you get to admire your newly acquired coins.

A site by the name of fididel.com (pronounced fih-diddle) is trying to put the fun back into buying items (including coins) by letting buyers and sellers negotiate in real time. If they come to an agreement on the price, the sale is made. If not, the buyer moves on and the seller keeps their item for another day.

It’s a new site so the selection is limited. Last I checked there were only 20 coins, but that will likely grow in time.

It’s great to see new sites like Fididel coming up with new ways to make purchases online. Bartering has been used in street markets around the world for hundreds of years. It’s about time we got to do it online too.

1. Who appears on the obverse of the Cleveland Great Lakes Exposition commemorative half dollar?

2. Why are so many coins of Ceylon in shapes other than round?

3. When did the motto “In God We Trust” first appear on U.S. paper money?

4. A medalet has a diameter no greater than what?

5. Where were all the U.S. half cents struck?

Answers

Here is some information I received from a former call center employee taking calls for the World Reserve Monetary Exchange. They asked not to be identified.

Update: 7 May 2008 This post has been removed after receiving a cease and desist from Monica Wallace, Corporate Counsel for the World Reserve Monetary Exchange. Questions for WRME can be directed to [email protected].