The Vault Blog

With the inception of the dime denomination came several years before the coins would actually be produced for circulation. While we have covered the Draped Bust dime with both reverses, it still took a while for the denomination to really have an impact among United States coinage. With counterfeiting issues mixed with weak striking details in production, the demise of the Draped Bust design would ultimately lead to a new design introduced in 1809.

Capped Bust (1809-1837)

Design-wise, the Capped bust ten-cent piece featured just 24 details making the prior issues of the design before it null. Striking lower details (the Draped Bust was said to have between 34-37) made labor and production easier and more efficient. This also made...read more

As of recently, the United States Mint has officially put the 2021 Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars back on the production schedule with a date in mind. With the remainder of the coins slated for two early June release dates, the “D” and “S” minted Morgans are now set for August 3rd and the Philadelphia release of both the Morgan and Peace dollar are set for August 10th.

The highly anticipated series of coins had its first presale on May 24th with the 2021 Morgan Silver Dollars featuring the “CC” and “O” Privy marks. With usual website delays and customers having trouble from the get-go, it did not take long for the Mint to decide to delay the remainder of the releases. According to them, “the extraordinary...read more

Obviously the requirements for Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest United States Coins list includes rarity. How could it not? Among popularity and condition, those that voted this list into existence most likely weighed rarity the most important. That makes a lot of sense for a lot of the coins to make this fourth edition publication and in the next coin’s case, all the sense. With help from author Jeff Garrett, we take a journey all the way back to the United States’ first production years and the introduction of not just a new coin, but a new denomination!

#76 - 1796 Draped Bust Quarter Dollar

First year of issue, first year of the denomination, one year coin, and low...read more

In mid-April of this year, the United States Mint announced a new quarter program for 2022 featuring American women. The program, introduced as the American Women Quarters Program, will begin its four-year venture starting in January of 2022 and is aimed at honoring highly regarded women from American history while honoring their achievements and contributions on the reverse side of the quarter dollars. Along with the program’s initial announcement came the unveiling of the first two women to be honored: writer Maya Angelou and astronaut Dr. Sally Ride.

The Mint has now released the names of the three remaining women to be honored in the first year. The first is Wilma Mankiller, the first female Principal Chief of the...read more

It never fails that this time of year sneaks up on us yet we remain surprised at how it does so. While half of 2021 has come and gone, the tail end of the year will be here in a blink of an eye. We know that’s a tough pill to swallow, but what makes it easier is that the happiest time of year is approaching and hey, who doesn’t love Christmas?!?!?

For anyone that does not know, Christmas is a year-round thing for us. Between new designs, choosing recycled ones to bring back, approvals, die creations, production, and eventual retail offerings, there is only a few months out of the year that our in-house design team IS NOT thinking about the holiday season. So, for all of those loyal SilverTowne customers that find this time of year...read more

It feels as if, more so this year than any, that the United States Mint has more eyes on it than ever. Of course there are a number of new releases coming out that are more than noteworthy, especially when you consider the changes to the American Eagle Silver and Gold Program. However, maybe not such a great mention in this all eyes narrative is the fact that they are somehow undecided even when they have decided release dates and times. Let us just say that all current products on the schedule are subject to change at ANY moment. Why is this worth noting? They have just recently changed more product release dates, either delaying them even more or just simply noting them “TBD.” One of those has been the 2021 American Eagle Gold Proof Four-Coin Set in addition to their....read more

Let us just get into it: The First Government-Issue American Paper Currency. Estimated Number Known: 1. You will have to excuse the forwardness this time around when referring to the next entry in the 100 Greatest American Currency Notes blog series, but those first words speak for themselves. While not deemed #1 in the list compiled by authors Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman, it’s top five impact certainly speaks for itself. As we continue to tackle some of the biggest notes as mentioned in the Whitman Publishing publication, we specifically want to delve deeper into this entry and the significance it has in the literal world of firsts.

#3 - “Come Over & Help Us” Massachusetts...read more

This time of year lends itself to those who like to play a game that encourages focus, drive, and patience. That game? Golf, of course. Whether outside or on a simulator, the game has been loved and appreciated for years. While the sun is out and the temperatures rise, golf players flock to the course and remain there until the weather permits (for those of us who live in seasonal areas). This month of July, we have decided to celebrate the game by making it the silver of the month. Details continue below if you are not sure what that means.

Do you like free shipping? Of course, you do. Do you like the opportunity to get silver without having to buy more than what you want? Who doesn’t? Welcome to our unofficial official silver of the month club where you do not have to sign up or enter any more...read more

The United States Mint is gearing up for the brand new release of the 2021 One-Ounce Silver Proof American Eagle featuring the new reverse design and the updated obverse! Originally slated for July 1st, they have recently delayed the date to July 20th. Struck at the West Point Mint, the coins will also feature an enhanced security detail on the reeded edge to reinforce new anti-counterfeiting measures.

Celebrating the program’s 35th Anniversary since its beginnings starting in 1986, the coin will feature a brand new reverse design. An image of an eagle as it approaches landing while carrying an oak branch is depicted with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR” around the...read more