Have you ever wondered more about the company that created that beautiful piece of jewelry you bought for that special someone, or wished you could buy for yourself? The history of some of the largest jewelry companies is quite interesting, with many facts most people simply don’t know. Learn more in this Infographic: A Modern…

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…

  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…

Unfortunately, not everything in life is perfect; the same is true for striking coins. Throughout history, there have been mishaps with the machinery, test runs that did not go anywhere near as planned and even intentional hiccups orchestrated by Mint employees. How and why have certain, imperfect pieces throughout history been deemed worthy of being…

Back in June of 2015, Eric Schmitt and his family made an unthinkable discovery of over $1.5 million in coins and various artifacts later determined to be those of a sunken Spanish fleet. Heading to Spain from Havana, Cuba, the fleet compiled of 11 ships were caught and eventually succumbed to a hurricane. Each ship…

  Silverware, estate jewelry and fine china and vases are some of the most common items to be passed down through generations. Though beautiful pieces, their seedy history is not always known at first. Some owners are quick to find out, but only when it is too late. In the spirit of Halloween and all…

  Countless are the times that we go out seeking a new piece to add to our collection of jewelry. While some may be more than comfortable navigating their way through the process of searching for and purchasing that fabulous new item, others would say that “intimidating” is an understatement. In an effort to help…

Home of Victoria Falls, rhinos, hippos and exotic birds, the landlocked, war torn, former Rhodesia, has undergone numerous changes throughout the years. Notably in the last 3 decades we have seen their currency go through not only basic inflation, but also a full collapse with hyperinflation. Resulting in the abandonment of the official currency and…

Concealed in darkness for a fraction of the year, quite possibly the most dangerous terrain and bearer of the most vicious elements, Antarctica has long been the viewed as a land unknown. Explorers have been seeking understanding and knowledge well before Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen either died trying to stake claim or succeeding…

On Saturday, May 23rd, the newest group of cadets graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. The school is the only one in the country that is also home to a U.S. Mint. But the West Point Mint’s proximity to a prestigious military academy isn’t the only thing that makes it special…

April 13th marks 272 years since the birth of Thomas Jefferson. Since then Jefferson has become an almost mythical figure. His contributions to U.S. history keep his memory alive today. Specifically, Jefferson lives on in the coins and currency that honor him. Here are three enduring pieces of U.S. currency honoring the third U.S. President….

In early February, six divers decided to go for a casual dive near an ancient harbor known as Caesarea. But what they thought would be an ordinary day underwater turned out to be a life-changing experience. During the dive, the divers spotted something that looked like play money lying on the seabed. Playing it safe,…

George Washington’s birthday is on Sunday, and, while most people recognize our first president on the dollar bill, many don’t know how the first U.S. dollar bill came to be. Before the note we know today, the bill went through many incarnations—two of which included the only portrait of a woman ever found on U.S….

About 40 years ago, a gentleman inherited a bunch of old coins. He stored them safe and sound in a closet. And there they stayed. That is, until he started thinking about buying some gold as an investment and took his coins to Bellevue Rare Coins to get a free evaluation. Both the gentleman and…

February 12th marks 206 years since Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky. It’s hard to fathom how the world has changed since then. To this day, Lincoln remains the most popular president on currency, with both the Lincoln Cent and the $5 bill bearing his likeness. But aside from the Lincoln…