The Vault Blog

As complex and broad as the paper money currency field remains, it is also fascinating to learn about specific notes that made such an impact on the American economy whether financially or numismatically. One of those notes happens to be described as a “favorite for a long time” by the authors of Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest American Currency Notes. With a unique nickname and a top ten ranking, this next note remains scarce regardless of its higher original issue.

#4 - A Numismatic Favorite $2 “Lazy Deuce” National Bank Note

The “Lazy Deuce” was issued by over a thousand different banks with a total....read more

As the public grew more and more displeased with the Seated Liberty design that was featured not only on the dime, but also the half dime, quarter dollar, half dollar, and silver dollar. While new designs for the coins would be submitted throughout the years, none of them were used. However, with the distaste growing, the United States Mint would discuss a public competition for the new designs to grace the face of the dime as well as the quarter dollar and half dollar.

Barber Dime (1892-1916)

Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber reported to Mint Director James Kimball at...read more

The last product as part of the American Eagle program from the United States Mint is set for release today. Available at noon EST will be the 2021 American Eagle One-Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin from West Point.

Featuring the newly designed reverse, the 2021-dated coin will be struck in 22-karat gold and have the anti-counterfeit reeded edge variation unveiled in the new American Eagle designs that came out starting in July. The $50 denomination gold coin will come in a black presentation case accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited to just 9,100 mintage-wise, the household limit will be...read more

We are now officially in the month of October and yikes, where did the time go? With Fall now in full swing and the last few months of 2021 ahead of us, we are eager to round out the year with some of the best buying opportunities when it comes to silver bullion. Our Christmas-themed collection has been live since July and our Halloween-themed bars and rounds are in the homestretch of the spooky season. However, let us not forget about the Silver of the Month options we have as well. With that said, there is never a time that is not the right time to celebrate our Armed Forces that serve this country. This month’s Silver of the Month bullion piece does just that...read more

“I am the shadow on the moon at night, filling your dreams to the brim with fright!” - Oogie Boogie - The Nightmare Before Christmas

Just a month away is, as some would say, the best time of the year. Halloween night will greet us, or scare us, with costumes, candy, decorations, and trick-or-treating. However, adding to the list in this time of celebration and superstition is silver bullion! With a collection of designs, Halloween-themed silver bullion is always a hit amongst our collectors. Making it even better this year specifically, the pieces are now featured with the year on the back...read more

Today the United States Mint will continue on schedule for the release of the 2021 Uncirculated (Mint) Coin Set. Beginning at 12pm EST, the annual set will be made available to all collectors.

Containing seven total coins from both Philadelphia and Denver, the 2021 edition features the final quarter of the America the Beautiful Quarters series and the George Washington Crossing the Delaware quarter. Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama, the final quarter of the series depicts a pilot suited up to join the fight during World War II with the Moton Field control tower in the background. The Crossing the Delaware quarter features the first President of the United States, George...read more

In United States coinage, there is a rich history of denominations that have graced the pockets of Americans. While some were deemed successful, others were not. While those at the time were not seen as valuable, in today’s numismatic landscape are seen as the opposite. Rarity, variety, and significance are all factors that play into those denominations and their value. That is why our next entry in this 100 Greatest United States Coins series is so relevant. With help from author Jeff Garrett, we will explore the no longer in production denomination that may be one of the rarest of major varieties in all of U.S. coinage.

The Act of April 22, 1864, included a provision for a bronze two-cent piece in addition to the change in weight and composition of the already in production cent...read more

It is not all the time that we get to introduce a new silver bullion option. While it’s something that we would often like to do, time and production specifics take a toll on our already busy schedule producing our current (and very large) selection. However, now is one of those times we get to offer a brand new silver option!

The sunflower, or biologically known as and classified as Helianthus, are primarily seen in North and South America. There are nearly 70 species of plants in the Asteraceae family for which the sunflower is found. Some of the species are grown for their large size and flower heads while others are cultivated for their seeds. The most common sunflower species is an annual herb that features brown, yellow, or purple petals. Seen in a....read more

It says a lot about a person, especially at the time, to be an exception to a rule. While not a set in stone tradition, a departure from the norm back in the late 1890s was more than likely considered a big deal. This probably rings even more true in the world of coins and currency. How influential must one be for this to be the case?

Featured in the next entry of our breakdown of Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest American Currency Notes blog series, we will take a look at a circumstance that called for the above action. With help from authors Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman, we will further look into a series note that was heavily influenced by the nation’s loss of one man....read more