The Olympic games are an event rich in history, one that can be traced back almost as long as time. Dating back to 776 BC, the original Olympics did not award a gold medal as the winning prize; instead, the top competitors received crowns made from olive leaves. The olive wreaths would continue to…

  Going for the gold may not mean as much gold as it once did. For those who have not been privy this information, the Olympic gold medal has not been constructed of solid gold since 1912.   The Rio 2016 Summer Olympic gold medals have been through an extensive process complete with the utmost…

  Derived from the Arabic word “faridat” meaning “gem,” peridot has a long history with Royals, cathedrals, and the rest of the world, as it has become the well-known birthstone representing the month of August.   Mined on a small remote island off the coast of Egypt, peridot was in abundance in Ancient Egypt. During…

  As summer temperatures increase during the month of July, so does the desire for the beloved Ruby. July birthstone is a coveted gem whose beauty rarely goes unnoticed.   The history of the ruby can be traced back as far as The Bible, making an appearance in within the scripture as many as four…

In celebration of the 240th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Bellevue Rare Coins is celebrating the Top 5 Most Patriotic Coins. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: Produces from 1907-1933, the Saint-Gaudens double eagle is one of the United States most recognized coins. Featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle in flight…

      This year, Seattle’s Pride Parade will be a grander event than in recent years as two women who shared their first kiss in high school 30 years ago will be united in matrimony at the festivities.   Angel Designs at Bellevue Rare Coins held a contest during the month of May, asking…

This year on May 25th, International Missing Children’s Day was granted a well-deserved spotlight with the release of 1 million 2-euro commemorative coins into circulation. Coins whose intent is to keep hope alive and shine a spotlight on the global crisis of missing children.   In efforts to raise awareness, a European organization, Child Focus,…

  The process by which coins are made is a bit more involved than one may believe. Through a 7-step process, the US Mint has been able to produce and release up to 28 billion coins per year for circulation. Join Bellevue Rare Coins as we explore the steps by which coins are made.  …

  Wedding season is upon us and in celebration of those loving couples who are about to tie the knot, Bellevue Rare Coins has decided to explore why diamonds are used for the purpose of engagement and wedding rings.   The diamond’s moniker is derived from the Greek word adamas, a word meaning “unconquerable”; befitting…

  For years, precious metals have been prized items to hold in an investor’s portfolio. With the vast array of uses for gold, silver and platinum it is no wonder that these hot commodities have withstood the test of time. Though market value may fluctuate, it is never for too long that precious metals value,…

  In recent past, there have been an alarming number of “jewelers” and jewelry sales associates who have unfortunately swapped out a customer’s diamonds for cubic zirconia’s (CZ), a stone, which to the untrained eye, looks identical to a diamond. Bellevue Rare Coins wants to help our customers and readers avoid such a scandal by…

  It has been long believed that the basis of which diamonds form is coal. However, geologists have been disputing just how much of a role coal plays in the formation of these complex gemstones. So far it has been determined there is a small role but not as significant as one may believe. As…

Diamonds have long been a treasure to hold and the ultimate gift to receive. Throughout the centuries, diamonds have made an impact in one way or another. In a small effort to better understand why and how these cherished gems have carved their way into our hearts, we must briefly explore their beginnings.   Though…

  Throughout the course of history, currency has assumed many forms. From carefully carved and polished shells to the paper and coin we know today. Colonial America began creating their own currency much to the dismay of the Brits but their system and currency were flawed. Most colonies had developed their own coins and some…

In 1974, The U.S. Mint created an aluminum Lincoln cent and distributed a few sample coins to government officials for consideration of the alternative material. While in the hands of an unnamed congressman for review, one of the elusive Lincolns fell from his possession and has yet to be recovered. Since then, another of the…