Considered to be one of the world’s most expensive metals, rhodium is rarer than gold and silver combined. Discovered after being isolated from platinum, rhodium was found to be a glittering, crisp reflective metal, silvery-white in color, which is also resistant to corrosion. These metal characteristics make rhodium the perfect metal for jewelry and investment…

Digital coinage has been an up and coming means of currency for a number of years now but most recently within the last two years, two companies have launched their own cryptocurrency backed by one of the world’s most steadfast commodities, diamonds.   Both PinkCoin and SparkleCOIN have developed cryptocurrency platforms backed solely by diamonds,…

The forty-sixth element of the periodic table, palladium, was discovered in 1803 and named after an asteroid. More rare than gold or silver, the silvery element is found in only one location in the United States, the Stillwater Mine in Montana, and a handful of others throughout the world. This substance is what gives white…

Coins are one of the most exceptional items in the world of collecting. With various ways to collect coins, the possibilities seem endless. Though some coins are more valuable than others, graded coins tend to fetch the most when it comes time for resale. But what is a graded coin? Who does the grading and…

The United States Mint has issued an abundance of one cent coins throughout the course of its relatively short history. From wheat pennies to Indian heads, below Bellevue Rare Coins presents the Top 5 Most Valuable Pennies to ever make it into circulation.   1944 Steel Wheat Penny Lacking a mint marking, as it was…

Most adults have had some form of dental work throughout their lifespan, which involved a fair amount of metal to be implanted, attached, or otherwise adhered to their pearly whites. One metal dentists love to work with is gold due to the mouths inability to break down or corrode material. But just how many karats…

The 1898 “Single 9” Pond is considered to be South Africa’s rarest form of coin. While greatly desired throughout South Africa, this rare gold coin is hardly known outside of the country.   Single 9 Ponds were first created during the Anglo-Boer War, a period during the latter 19th Century when the British and Afrikaans…

  On Saturday, August 26th, 2017, Floyd Mayweather became the recipient of boxing’s most prestigious title and victory décor- the Money Belt.   A turquoise alligator leather belt, containing more gold, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds was bestowed upon Mayweather after defeating his competitor (and months of trash talking), Connor McGregor. Albeit fairly gaudy, the belt…

Historically, coins have been created from metals reflecting their value. Just as gold coins reflect a higher face value, pennies, or one cent coins, reflect their metal value. However, in 1982, the United States Treasury anticipated an increase in the price of copper, which opened the door for a new coin composition.   The once…

Though no longer used as a legal form of tender in today’s circulation, gold certificates were once a popular currency and used for everyday transactions. Why are we no longer using them? And why do collectors still find them appealing for their collections?   Historically, gold certificates first appear in London and Amsterdam, by goldsmiths…

Technological advances occur every single day in our rapidly changing world. New methods of exchanging currency happen to be one of them which hit the virtual world in January 2009 and is once again making headlines by splitting off into two worlds- bitcoins and bitcoin cash. With this recent offering hitting the market on Tuesday,…

Coin collecting is a cherished hobby amongst collectors and often sparks many fond memories. Endless nights searching through sacks of coins and coin rolls in hopes of coming across a Wheat Penny, a Buffalo Nickel, or a Seated Liberty come to mind for some. Overall, it’s the hard work and the fulfillment of the chase…

Le Tour de France, the cycling world’s equivalent to the World’s Series, Stanley Cup, and World Cup. Like the previously mentioned major sporting events, the race has a declared winner of various jersey colors who then become the recipients of the most coveted trophies known to bicycle enthusiasts and professionals. While the Tour de France…

World War II was a time when most had very little, and rationing became a large part of everyday life. With metal being in short supply and copper in such high demand by the government for bullet casings, the United States Mint also felt the pressure to accommodate the needs of the time. This supply…

Independence Day is a time to honor the birth of our nation and what better way to celebrate in the Greater Seattle Area than watching the fireworks at Lake Union.   This 4th of July, Seattle is expecting some gorgeous weather, complete with clear skies and mid-70’s temperatures, which will allow for full visibility to…