Coins & Coins & Coins

In 1926, the United States Mint issued a special silver commemorative coin for the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and to raise funds for the Sesquicentennial International Exposition in Philadelphia. Designed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the 1926 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar made history as the first U.S. coin to depict a living president, featuring Calvin Coolidge alongside George Washington, with the iconic Liberty Bell on the reverse.However, between a rainy opening day at the World's Fair and a shallow, low-relief strike that left the coin looking dull, public demand plummeted. Variety magazine dubbed the fair "America's Greatest Flop", and the U.S. Mint ended up melting down 859,408 of the 1,000,000 coins struck.Only 141,120 coins survived — and that catastrophic failure created an unprecedented numismatic rarity. Today, top-tier Mint State specimens (such as an MS66 grade) have sold at auction for as high as $43,125! Join us as we explore the greed, graft, coin design controversies, and ultimate redemption of America’s most famous silver flop.

The Buffalo nickel is one of the most recognizable coins in American history—but behind its iconic design is a story filled with art, controversy, rare coins, famous minting mistakes, and a few mysteries that collectors are still debating today.In this episode of Coins Coins Coins, we explore the history of the Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, produced by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. Discover how sculptor James Earle Fraser created the design, the mystery surrounding the Native American portrait, and the story of the American bison that inspired the reverse.We also dig into some of the most collectible Buffalo nickels, including the legendary 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo, the rare 1918/7-D overdate, the 1926-S Buffalo nickel, and other key dates and varieties.You’ll learn why so many Buffalo nickels are missing their dates, why the beautiful design caused headaches for the U.S. Mint, how collectors evaluate Buffalo nickels today, and why the design eventually disappeared from circulation—only to return decades later.Whether you’re an experienced coin collector or just discovering numismatics, this is the remarkable story behind one of America’s greatest coins.Coins Coins Coins — People. Places. Stories. Coins.The Buffalo nickel is one of the most recognizable coins in American history—but behind its iconic design is a story filled with art, controversy, rare coins, famous minting mistakes, and a few mysteries that collectors are still debating today.In this episode of Coins Coins Coins, we explore the history of the Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, produced by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. Discover how sculptor James Earle Fraser created the design, the mystery surrounding the Native American portrait, and the story of the American bison that inspired the reverse.We also dig into some of the most collectible Buffalo nickels, including the legendary 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo, the rare 1918/7-D overdate, the 1926-S Buffalo nickel, and other key dates and varieties.You’ll learn why so many Buffalo nickels are missing their dates, why the beautiful design caused headaches for the U.S. Mint, how collectors evaluate Buffalo nickels today, and why the design eventually disappeared from circulation—only to return decades later.Whether you’re an experienced coin collector or just discovering numismatics, this is the remarkable story behind one of America’s greatest coins.Coins Coins Coins — People. Places. Stories. Coins.

In this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we dig into a coin that commemorates one of the most important turning points in American history—the 1925 Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial Half Dollar. Struck to honor the 150th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War, this coin was more than a piece of silver—it was a patriotic souvenir sold to fund local celebrations in Massachusetts.We’ll explore the design choices behind this historic coin, from the iconic "Minute Man" statue on the obverse to the Old Belfry on the reverse. Though packed with symbolism, the coin's artistic merits sparked debate, and not everyone was impressed with its final look.With over 160,000 coins minted and sold for just $1 at the time, it’s now one of the more affordable classic commemorative coins for collectors today. Whether you're new to coin collecting or just a fan of American history, this episode offers a look into how one coin connects art, patriotism, and memory of “the shot heard 'round the world.”

Step into the complex history of the 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar—one of the most controversial coins in U.S. commemorative history. This silver half dollar, minted in Philadelphia, features Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, and was created to fund the Stone Mountain Confederate monument in Georgia. Designed by Gutzon Borglum—who later sculpted Mount Rushmore and was associated with the Ku Klux Klan—the coin reflects deep ties to white supremacy and institutional racism of the era.Backed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the fundraising campaign—dubbed the “Harvest Campaign”—distributed coins based on white population and bank deposits. Despite over 2 million coins minted, nearly half were melted due to poor sales and growing national controversy.On this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we unpack the coin’s design, symbolism, historical context, and modern collectibility. From Civil War memory to the politics of public monuments, this episode explores how a seemingly simple coin became a lightning rod for cultural conflict—then and now.If you’re a coin collector, history buff, or curious listener, this is one story you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we explore the fascinating and controversial story behind the 1924 Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary Half Dollar. Issued to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Netherland (present-day New York), this U.S. commemorative coin honors the arrival of Protestant Huguenot and Walloon settlers aboard the Nieuw Nederlandt in 1624. Designed by George T. Morgan—famed for the Morgan Dollar—the coin features busts of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny and William the Silent, spiritual leaders who never actually set foot in the New World.Backed by the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America, the coin sparked debate over the separation of church and state and was criticized for promoting religious propaganda. It also drew fire for featuring historical figures who had no direct link to the 1624 voyage. With over 55,000 unsold coins eventually released into circulation, the Huguenot-Walloon Half Dollar became both a collector’s item and a case study in the politics of U.S. commemorative coinage.Join us as we unpack the symbolism, controversy, and collectibility of one of the most debated coins in American numismatic history. A must-listen for coin collectors and history lovers alike!

🎙️ Discover the Story Behind the 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar on Coins & Coins & Coins! This episode explores a fascinating intersection of history, Hollywood, and U.S. coinage. Struck to honor the 100th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, this commemorative half dollar featured Presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams and was tied to a grand—but ultimately failed—Los Angeles exposition.Designed by Chester Beach and minted in San Francisco, the 1923 coin was part of a public relations effort by the troubled Hollywood film industry. The exposition promised pageantry, historical reenactments, and even plans to produce educational films, but financial failure led to many coins entering circulation at face value.We’ll dive into the coin’s controversial design, its limited success, and the congressional debate that questioned the dignity of U.S. commemorative coinage. Learn how this silver half dollar became a symbol of overambition, market saturation, and artistic controversy.Perfect for numismatists, history buffs, and collectors alike, this episode uncovers the little-known legacy of the Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar. 💰🇺🇸

Discover the fascinating story behind the 1922 Grant Memorial Half Dollar, one of the most unique and sought-after coins in U.S. commemorative coin history. In this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we dive deep into the historical significance, rare varieties, and collectible value of this classic silver half dollar issued to honor the 100th birthday of President Ulysses S. Grant.Minted in Philadelphia and designed by acclaimed sculptor Laura Gardin Fraser, this coin features a striking portrait of Grant and his Ohio log cabin home. But what truly sets it apart is the mysterious "star" variety—an unplanned minting quirk that created one of the rarest U.S. commemorative coins ever released.Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a new coin collector, you'll learn about the coin’s origin, the reason behind its two varieties ("with star" vs. "no star"), and how these differences impact market value. We also touch on how some coins ended up in circulation during the Great Depression, adding even more intrigue to their history.If you’re interested in rare coins, U.S. silver half dollars, or simply love exploring American history through money, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

The 1921 Alabama Centennial Half Dollar — History, Design, and ValueIn this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we explore the rich history and legacy of the 1921 Alabama Centennial Half Dollar, one of the most intriguing classic U.S. commemorative coins. Minted to honor Alabama's 100th anniversary of statehood (1819–1919), this coin wasn't struck until 1921 due to legislative delays. Authorized by Congress and driven by Alabama's Centennial Commission, this half dollar was part of a fundraising effort for historic preservation.Designed by Laura Gardin Fraser, the first woman to design a U.S. coin, it features jugate portraits of William W. Bibb and sitting Governor Thomas Kilby—making it the first U.S. coin to depict a living person. We also uncover the story behind the rare “2X2” variety, symbolizing Alabama’s position as the 22nd state and tied to the state's iconic X-shaped flag.Collectors will appreciate insights into mintage figures, striking challenges, market values, grading tips, and why high-grade examples are rare and highly prized. Whether you're a numismatist or new to coin collecting, this episode delivers expert analysis on one of the most historically rich and collectible silver half dollars ever issued.

 Boone, Stars, and Silver: The 1921 Missouri Centennial Half DollarIn this episode of Coins & Coins & Coins, we dive into the wild frontier of U.S. coin history with the 1921 Missouri Centennial Half Dollar—a rare and fascinating collectible struck to celebrate Missouri’s 100th year of statehood. Designed by famed sculptor Robert Aitken, this coin features Daniel Boone, 24 stars, and even a mysterious “2★4” marking.Why does it say “SEDALIA”? Why are some coins missing famous phrases like “In God We Trust”? And what makes this coin so rare today?Join us as we explore how this commemorative silver half dollar was minted, marketed, melted—and ultimately, became a prized piece for collectors. Learn how to spot the real thing, avoid counterfeits, and hear the untold story behind a coin that’s as much about American westward expansion as it is about numismatic rarity.

1920 Maine Centennial Half Dollar – History, Design & ValueThe 1920 Maine Centennial Half Dollar is a classic U.S. commemorative coin issued to mark the 100th anniversary of Maine’s statehood. Struck in 90% silver by the Philadelphia Mint, this half dollar was not released into general circulation but sold at a premium — $1 per coin — as part of a fundraising effort for centennial celebrations.The coin’s design draws directly from Maine’s state identity. The obverse features the state seal with a pine tree, moose, and two figures — a farmer and a sailor — along with the Latin motto “Dirigo,” meaning “I lead.” The reverse is framed by pine needles and cones and includes the bold inscription “Maine Centennial 1820–1920.”Artist Harry Cochrane created the original concept, while sculptor Anthony de Francisci — later famed for designing the Peace Dollar — turned it into a finished design. Despite its symbolism, the coin received mixed reviews for its artistic quality.Only 50,028 coins were minted, and they arrived too late for Portland’s official celebration. Most examples were eventually sold, many through the Maine state treasurer’s office. Today, this coin appeals to collectors for its historical significance, low mintage, and connection to early 20th-century American commemoratives. High-grade uncirculated examples are rare and can command a premium in the coin market.