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…

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…

Spring flowers, chocolate bunnies and pastels all around can only mean one thing, Easter is upon us and while we have long heeded the warnings from our parents to “rest our heads or the Easter bunny will not deliver our baskets!”, there are greater significance and meaning to the holiday than a bunny delivering treats….

  When it comes to the heart, there is nothing that sends the ticker a flurry quicker than “I love you”, “Will you marry me?” and “I do”. Many of us wait years to hear such words depart the lips of our significant others and when we do finally hear them, it’s as though we…

Eighty-eight years ago, the United States was introduced to what is now one of the most recognized figures in the world; a symbol that would end up meaning more to those in the acting realm than the Hinesman to an American college football player, the Academy Award, Oscar.   For the better part of nine…

The U.S. Mint, founded in 1792, has been producing and regulating United States currency since its creation and through the centuries, has employed some remarkable designers and engravers. These engravers, or artists, have made a name for themselves in the numismatic world by sculpting unique, one of a kind works of art to be struck…

Super Bowl 50 was quite an extravaganza. Super Bowl City in San Francisco was more than a gracious host for the week leading up to the NFL’s season finale. Levi’s Stadium, the new home of the San Francisco 49’ers, south of the city in Santa Clara, was afforded beautiful weather over the weekend, attributing to…

An academy rich in history, culture and tradition, West Point is the crème de la crème of the United States Military. This Army academy began in 1801 by order of then President Thomas Jefferson. Named for the surrounding area, West Point sits 50 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River and has…

  The Great Depression was an extremely difficult time for any American to have endured. Work was, in essence, impossible to find and landlords were less than forgiving to tenants who could not make rent. Many were left starving on the streets of every major city and town. This unfortunate phenomenon extended on into the…

January brings with it a time for many anew. This year not only are we seeing a few exceptional, one of a kind items being released for the Year of the Monkey, but we are also privileged to see in our lifetime two coins to honor a man who did as much for the literary…

The Cold War era was an interesting time for the Greater Seattle Area. The technology and space race with our Soviet competitors was in full swing and with Seattle being Boeing’s hometown, it was only right for the Emerald City to host the World’s Fair in 1962. During April 21-October 21, 1962, Seattle would respectively…

Much like gold certificates, silver certificates were created in the latter 19th century to ease the transfer of silver bullion ownership and to represent the physical amount of silver being held by a financial institution. During a time when mining was booming throughout the country, it became imperative to carry the certificates, whose appearance mimicked…

  When Europeans began traveling in masses to the New World during the 17th century, many arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs. Having spent virtually every last bit of available worth for the trip across the pond, the new settlers began searching for the means to trade, barter and purchase necessities…