The Gold n Pawn

Commemorative Coin

I’m often asked, “What are the differences between numismatic counterfeits and legal coin reproductions?” Forgeries of genuine ancient and modern coins fabricated to trick and defraud collectors and investors are illegal. Section 2101 of the Hobby Protection Act of 1973 describes requirements for coin reproduction of numismatic items:

“The manufacture in the United States, or the importation into the United States, for introduction into or distribution in commerce any imitation numismatic item which is not plainly and permanently marked “copy”, is unlawful and is an unfair or deceptive act or practice in commerce under the Federal Trade Commissioner Act [15 U.S.C.41 et al.]“

Are there legitimate uses for legal coin replicas? Yes, I have found four uses. First, serious numismatic collectors use coin reproductions as substitutes for missing rare and expensive pieces. Often private collectors have valuable ancient coin collections. Due to security and insurance restrictions, they buy legal coin reproductions to keep and enjoy at home. Often smaller collectors of ancient coins cannot afford rare original pieces. Many early and modern coin collectors are unable to ‘fill holes’ in collections due to price and scarcity. Legal casts or die struck coin reproductions of ancient and modern coins fill collectors needs.

Second, the academic community, scholars, and teachers use specific historical coins to make the physical connection to the history their students study. For example, the Roman ‘eid mar’ denarius of Brutus celebrates Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 B.C. The story of the “Widows Mite” is more real to the a Biblical student when he holds the a replica of the small ancient Jewish bronze lepton that Mark called a ‘widows mite.’ Historical replica coin collections of covering historical themes or periods are popular with amateur historians.

Third, theatrical productions use legal replica coins as props in the production of movies; television programs such as the History Channel and Myth Busters; religious Passion plays; and historical reenactments Legal historical coin reproductions have been used as gifts for cast members of Broadway plays.

Fourth, legal coin replicas have commercial uses for businesses, associations, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Casts of legal replicas are used in direct marketing, customer gifts and fund raising. Some commercial projects require the production of large quantities of legal reproductions. It is more economical for a private mint to manufacture these pieces in volume. Legal replicas are add-ons to other products. A good example is the inclusion of legal die struck English six pence replicas packaged with Christmas English plum puddings. Die struck coin replicas are used as advertising tokens with a coin obverse (front) showing the legal copy of a historical coin and the reverse (back) presenting a business message. Legal coin replicas are often integrated into the designs of commemorative tokens and coins for businesses and governmental agencies. For example, legal replica Viking tokens were manufactured for use at the settlement Lief Ericsson established in Newfoundland.

Warren D. Smith has been a coin collector for over 30 years. He is a consultant, retailer, and manufacturer of legal coins and tokens for collectors, museum stores, theatrical productions, and businesses.
http://stores.ebay.com/warrens-coins
http://www.dunstonmint.com

Letterman – The David Letterman Commemorative Coin

WINTER OLYMPIC MEDALS GOLD COINS 1924-1980 PROOF SET AN OFFICIAL COMMEMORATIVE $13,000.00

ROC Commemorative Gold Coins Commemorate Badge 1921 Xu ShiChang FREE ship #089 $10,511.66

1987 Portugal Golden Era of Portuguese Discovery Gold Commemorative 4-coin Set $6,149.00

Rare Nazi WW2 Commemorative Porcelain Coin collection Germany 20 coins Excellent $6,000.00

1904 Lewis and Clark Gold $1, PCGS Genuine, Spots Removed, Commemorative Coin $5,995.00

1994 D WORLD CUP MS 70 PL( VERY RARE POP 5) COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN LOT706 $5,000.00

1991 gold panda bi-metallic 2 coin HK commemorative set $4,500.00

Lot of 9 $5 Gold Commemorative Coins NGC PF69 Ultra Cameo 1987-2007, Olympics $4,365.25

The Commemorative Silver Coin of Chinese Panda 2005 – 1 Kilo – Only 4,000 Minted $4,200.00

General Lafayette 1987 Commemorative Proof Coin Set PlatinumGoldPalladiumSilver $4,150.00

National Commemorative Society Series 1 and 2 sets of 100 Sterling Silver Coins $4,000.00

1926 Sesquicentennial Gold $2.50, PCGS MS-65, Gem Commemorative Coin $3,895.00

2000-W $10 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS PCGS MS 70 GOLD & PLATINUM COMMEMORATIVE COIN $3,799.00

1995-96 US Olympic Atlanta Commemorative Gold/Silver 32 Coin Boxed Set #2 $3,650.00

1936-S BAY BRIDGE COMMEMORATIVE HALF – COIN NUMBER 75 $3,500.00

FIVE (5) 2011 Army $5 Gold Uncirculated Commemorative Coin SEALED “Low Mintage” $3,459.99

1922 Grant Gold $1, PCGS MS-65 w/ Star, Commemorative Coin $3,250.00

2001-W Capitol $5 Gold, NGC MS-69, Gem Commemorative Coin $2,995.00

1926 SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE GOLD $2.50, PCGS MS65 COIN $2,825.00

Rare Finger Sarira of Sakyamuni (Buddha) Commemorative Gold Coin (2003) $2,800.00

COLLECTION of commemorative silver coins XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES TORINO 2006 $2,600.00

2000 RUSSIA RUSSIAN 100 ROUBLE GOLD COIN LEOPARD COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE Unc $2,499.00

27 US MINT COMMEMORATIVE HALF DOLLAR 50 CENT COIN LOT VF to UNC $2,379.99

1984 Helen Hayes 1 Oz Gold Medal, American Arts Commemorative, *Key Coin* $2,275.00

Old Silver Commemorative Half Dollar Collection Lot of 213 Coins $2,155.00

(20) 2010 P $1 PCGS MS70 Boy Scouts of America 100th Commemorative Silver Coins $2,000.00

1922 Grant Gold $1, PCGS Genuine No Star, Commemorative Coin $1,995.00

1991-2012 (11 COIN MILITARY SET) MS 70 COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER DOLLAR 1017 $1,985.00

ISRAEL 2010 JONAH IN THE WHALE GOLD PROOF BIBLICAL ART COMMEMORATIVE COIN $1,889.00

ISRAEL COIN 2011 BIBLICAL ART ELIJAH IN THE WHIRLWIND 22K GOLD COMMEMORATIVE $1,889.00

5000 — COMMEMORATIVE FAO COINS 10 LEI -1995 UNC !!! KM#117.1 $1,800.00

1921 2X2 Alabama Commemorative Silver Half Dollar, NGC MS-64, Toned *GEM* Coin $1,750.00

1935, SPANISH TRAIL COMMEMORATIVE COIN – PCGS GRADED MS65 – VERY NICE RARE COIN $1,695.00

1997 JACKIE ROBINSON SET MS 70 PR 70 (2 COINS) COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN 390 $1,695.00

1903 McKinley Gold $1, PCGS MS-64, LA Purchase, Commemorative Coin $1,650.00

David Ben Gurion Gold Silver Commemorative Coin Set 1974 500 Lirot 3 Coins $1,630.00

David Ben Gurion Gold Silver Commemorative Coin Set $1,630.00

EXPO 2012 YEOSU KOREA 5 COMMEMORATIVE COIN SET $1,599.99

APOLLO 11 COMMEMORATIVE 22KT GOLD COIN $1,575.00

Lot of 10 $20 Dollars Canadian Silver Coins 2010 2011 Crystal Commemorative RCM $1,511.94

500 Lirot 1974 ISRAEL GOLD PROOF Ben Gurion rare world commemorative coin $1,529.00

1958-1973 ISRAEL PROOF COINS COPPER-NICKEL AND SILVER COMMEMORATIVE SET ID#S216 $1,500.00

2008 Bald Eagle Commemorative GOLD Coin $1,500.00

Constantine I the Great People of Rome Commemorative Ancient Roman Coin 330AD $1,500.00

1905 Lewis and Clark GEM UNCIRCULATED Gold $1 Commemorative MS Coin $1,499.99

1935 Spanish Trail Commemorative Half PCGS MS64 – Great Coin & Rattler!! $1,499.00

1997 W Jackie Robinson $5 Gold Commemorative Coin NGC PR70 PF70 Ultra Cameo $1,499.00

1997-W Franklin Roosevelt $5 Uncirulated Commemorative Gold Coin $1,495.00

1967 Canada Commemorative Centennial Silver Proof Set With $20 Gold Coin B5926L $1,447.00

RARE NGC MS67 1936 Rhode Island Commemorative Silver Half Dollar US Coin $1,439.99

1938-D Boone Commemorative Half Dollar PCGS MS67 – Impressive Coin $1,419.00

1900 US $1 ONE LAFAYETTE COMMEMORATIVE SILVER COIN NGC $1,399.99

1915-S PANAMA PACIFIC COMMEMORATIVE GOLD DOLLAR $1, NGC MS65, PAN-PAC COIN $1,360.00

1997 FDR FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT COMMEMORATIVE $5 GOLD 2COIN SET PROOF & UNC BOX &COA $1,350.00

World Cup USA 1994 commemorative 6-coins set Gold,Silver,Clad $1,350.00

1986 US COMMEMORATIVE 6 COIN GOLD & SILVER LIBERTY SET $1,349.99

2010 Shanghai China World Expo 3 coin Gold & Silver Proof Commemorative Set +COA $1,329.00

1903 $1 McKINLEY COLD COMMEMORATIVE COIN PCGS MS64 $1,320.00

2007 Proof Gold £2 Commemorative Coin – Act of Union $1,304.08

RARE NGC MS67 1946 Booker T Washington Commemorative Silver Half Dollar US Coin $1,299.99

FULL 19-COIN SET 2000s SILVER COMMEMORATIVE DOLLAR SET $1,299.00

1980 CHINA SUMMER & WINTER OLYMPIC COMMEMORATIVE SETS (8) COINS NGC CERTIFIED $1,295.00

1996 (4) Coin Set Smithsonian 150TH Anniversary Commemorative Coins $1,295.00

2003 W FIRST FLIGHT $10 GOLD US COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COIN PR 69 LOT 848 $1,285.00

2007 Proof Gold £2 Commemorative Coin – Act of Union $1,275.00

1989 Congressional 6 Coin Commemorative Set Gold Silver $1,269.35

Commemorative 1975 ISRAEL 500 LIROT PROOF orig. mint box 18 grams .900 gold coin $1,269.00

2007 J-10 flighter commemorative coins-1/3oz Au,1oz Ag $1,250.00

41 FOR FREEDOM COMMEMORATIVE SUBMARINE NAVY 1.75″ MINT CHALLENGE COIN SET $1,234.99

1995 Olympic Commemorative 4 Coin Uncirculated Set $1,199.00

1900 Lafayette Commemorative Dollar CHOICE SCARCE KEY DATE beautiful coin obo + $1,195.00

1983-1984 Olympic 3 Coin Commemorative Proof Set, w/ Gold & Silver $1,195.00

1995 D P OLYMPIC CYCLING (2 COINS) PR/MS 70 COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER LOT 797 $1,195.00

1984 P OLYMPIC DOLLAR MS 70 (LOW POP 32)COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN LT 832 $1,195.00

1988 D OLYMPICS DOLLAR MS 70 COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN LT 942 $1,178.00

1988 D OLYMPICS DOLLAR MS 70 COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN LT 836 $1,175.00

1988 D OLYMPICS DOLLAR MS 70 COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN (LOW POP 23) LT 837 $1,175.00

1916 McKinley Commemorative Dollar–NGC-MS-64–Choice Coin! $1,159.00

1984-W Olympic $10 PROOF Commemorative Gold Coin $1,153.85

1984-P Olympic $10 PROOF Commemorative Gold Coin $1,153.85

1984-D Olympic $10 PROOF Commemorative Gold Coin, Only Denver Proof Coin $1,153.85

1984-W Olympic $10 UNC Commemorative Gold Coin $1,153.85

1903 Mckinley Commemorative $1.00 Gold Coin $1,150.00

1984-S Olympic $10 PROOF Commemorative Gold Coin $1,125.00

16 ALL SILVER ISRAELI COMMEMORATIVE COINS – COLLECTIBLE – MINT PROOFS $1,099.00

A touch piece; obverse Photo Mugs Commemorative medalet. A touch piece. Obverse Ship in full sail (left). Reverse St Michael and the Dragon. One of the small medals given to a person whom the king touched for scrofula…..

Commemorative coin; obverse Photo Mugs Obverse Half-length figure of King James I crowned and robed (right), a sceptre in right hand, a sword in left. Reverse Arms of Great Britain and Ireland crowned. On either side of Royal Arms I R …..

Commemorative counter bearing the legend HIC MERCES HIC LABOR; obverse Photo Mugs Commemorative counter bearing the legend HIC MERCES HIC LABOR. Obverse Starboard-quarter view of the Argo in the clouds, stars about her, the Golden Fleece above, the sea below. Reverse Stern view of the Argo under sail, the Golden Fleece hanging from a tree (left), the dragon guarding it below…..

Fantasia (Deluxe Collector’s Edition) $22.50 …

U S Silver Commemorative Coins $29.95 …

Eagle Scout Coin Knife $35.00 Eagle Scout Coin Knife Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouting. To earn this designation, a Boy Scout must demonstrate excellence in leadership, service, and outdoor skills, and must have earned a minimum of 21 merit badges. In addition, candidates for Eagle Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project that benefits any school, community organization, or religio…

9/11 Never Forget Commemorative Coin $12.00 This collector’s coin is perfect for any proud American. Carry this coin as a constant reminder. This solid metal coin features full color artwork with an American flag and New York City skyline and phrase, ” Never Forget” on one side, while the reverse side features individual, full color 3D reliefs of the crest of each branch of the U.S. military. 1 5/8″ diameter….

Frost Cutlery & Knives SETPRES08 Commemorative Coin Series – Presidential Gold Dollar Set $38.27 Frost Cutlery & Knives – Commemorative Coin Series – Presidential Gold Dollar Set. Model: FSETPRES08. Honors four presidents: James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. Set includes 4 1/8″ closed trapper with 440 stainless clip and spey blades. Blades feature commemorative etching. Blue smooth bone handles with fluted nickel silver bolsters and commemorative inlay shield…

Gettysburg / Gods and Generals (Limited Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray] $48.98 Four-disc set includes “Gettysburg” (Director’s Cut) and “Gods and Generals” (Extended Director’s Cut), plus a 24″ x 36″ Civil War map reproduction from National Geographic, a 40-page photo book, a commemorative coin, and a 32-page extract from Time magazine’s “The Civil War” book….

Pearl Harbor (60th Anniversary Commemorative Gift Set) $34.99 PEARL HARBOR GIFT SET (60TH ANNIV. (INCL…

Koss PortaPro 25th Anniversary Edition Headphones $79.99 As we passed Orwell’s apocalyptic vision of 1984 virtually unscathed, a headphone revolution dawned. In 1981, with the miniaturization of electronics on the horizon, Koss introduced the world’s first collapsible Stereophone: The Koss Sound Partner. The unique design of the Koss KSP introduced the concept of a temporal pad to relieve ear pressure by transferring lateral headband pressure to the tem…

Eli Manning 24KT Commemorative Coin $34.95 …

2000 24K Gold Plated Hologram State Quarters $17.50 The new State Quarters are America’s most popular coins – but few people will ever have the chance to own the fabulous set of coins that are gold plated and enhanced with genuine holograms….

2004 24K Gold Plated Hologram State Quarters $17.50 The new State Quarters are America’s most popular coins – but few people will ever have the chance to own the fabulous set of coins that are gold plated and enhanced with genuine holograms….

State Series Quarters Collector Map $6.30 This is the State Series Quarters Collector Map by Whitman®. / / FEATURES: A beautiful, 4-color, oversized 3-fold folder with snap latch. / Color-coded map of the United States will showcase one of each / state quarter design. / Each coin opening located on the map has the state’s logo. / Educational details of each state including their statehood / date, capital, state bird, flower, etc. / INCL…

National Park Quarters Album, 2010-2021 P&D (Cornerstone Coin Albums) $12.64 The Cornerstone George Washington National Park Quarters album is the perfect way to store, collect and learn about the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters series. Inside you will find informative facts about the national sites and parks protected by the federal government and historical data highlighting the significance of the national park quarter designs. Beginners will benefit f…

State Quarter 1999-2009 Collector’s Folder: District of Columbia and Territories (The State Quarter Series) $2.49 The State Quarter program has made coin collecting cool. What other activity requires treasure hunting skills and knowledge of history, and delivers a decade of excitement, the thrill of hunting for errors, and an interest in U.S. history, and state pride? Treat yourself and your favorite fan of State Quarters to this beautiful three-panel coin folder, with 60 slots and intriguing anecdotes about …

SUPER MARIO GALAXY COMMEMORATIVE LAUNCH COIN $5.49 RARE COIN YOU RECEIVED WITH THE RESERVATION OF SUPER MARIO GALAXY. COMES IN A CASE WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY….

BICENTENNIAL TREASURES COLLECTION $9.95 As part of the historic celebrations in 1976 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Mint struck three special one-time-only circulating commemorative coins…

U.S. Territory & D.C. Quarter Folder-2009 $1.64 U.S. Territory & D.C. Quarter Folder. Littleton folders are handsome and durable. They hold your coins securely and are 6-1/2″ x 8-3/8in to easily fit on your bookshelf. Green leather-look with gold embossing on exterior. Made in USA….