LOOSE CHANGE: FEBRUARY 8, 2026

Since at least 1995, the United States Mint has operated a program that sells retired and defaced coinage dies to the public. Each die is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). These certificates document key technical and operational details from the die's service life.

The certificates typically list the die's date range of use, the number of strikes produced, the denomination, the press type, and the stated reason for retirement. Additional information sometimes appears as well. Together, these records offer an unusually detailed view into modern Mint production practices.

This article summarizes findings from a growing body of certificates and explains why this information matters to collectors and researchers.

The data referenced here comes from two primary sources. The first includes publicly posted images of Certificates of Authenticity and their corresponding dies on online selling venues. The second consists of certificate copies provided directly by private individuals.

At present, the dataset contains just over 150 recorded dies. While this sample size limits statistical certainty, it still provides meaningful insight into press configurations, die orientations, and common causes of die retirement.

To read the complete article, see:
Certificates of Authenticity for Retired U.S. Mint Dies: What the Records Reveal (https://coinweek.com/certificates-of-authenticity-for-retired-u-s-mint-dies-what-the-records-reveal/)

A 30-gallon stoneware crock sat in the corner of Lois Jurgens's back porch for nearly three decades, collecting dust through Nebraska summers and snow through the winters. Her late husband used it as a makeshift table to rest grilling tongs and platters. They almost never thought of it.

On Jan. 10, that same crock sold at auction for $32,000.

"I just couldn't believe it," said Jurgens, who turned 91 on the day the crock was sold. "It's the biggest thing I've ever gotten on my birthday."

The crock was manufactured by Red Wing Stoneware, probably between 1877 and 1900. The nearly knee-high crock features molded side handles and a cobalt blue butterfly, along with the company name stamped twice. Unlike later models finished with a smoother zinc glaze, the crock is salt glazed, giving it a coarser texture. Despite its many years outdoors, it is still in good condition.

To read the complete article, see:
She planned to sell her old pot for $20. It just fetched $32K at auction. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2026/01/29/crock-auction-sale-nebraska-32k/)

A Dealer's Life on the Road
Gerry Tebben writes:

Doug Roberts from McLean, VA., near Washington D.C., has been a traveling dealer for years but went full-time after retiring from his job in January. He sells at around 40 shows a year.

"It's a hectic schedule because I travel all over the place. One weekend, I'll be in Ohio, the next weekend in Pittsburgh, and Virginia Beach the next weekend," Roberts said. "Sometimes I'm by myself and sometimes I work with a partner."

When he's not traveling to or from a show, he's spending time during the week organizing the inventory to get ready for the next stop.

"It's always a quick turnaround. I get in late at night to unload and set up the show and after the show, I pack up and get right back on the road," Roberts said during a stop in the Pittsburgh area. "During the week, I have to look through everything I may have bought at the show before, and process what I want to take to the next show because every show is different."

To read the complete article, see:
Life on the Road is a Fun Ride for Traveling Card Show Dealers (https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/sports-card-show-dealers-traveling-life/)

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