References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2013 January 7.

2010

January 4

• The US Mint releases the 2010 Sacagawea, Native American dollar to circulation. [203.4] [256.19]

January 6

• At 2010 Florida United Numismatists convention, Heritage Auctions conducts the Platinum Night auction. Some highlights:
  • 1913 5-cent Liberty Head, Proof 64 NGS: US$3,737,500;
  • 1927-D $20, 13 known, MS-66 PCGS: $1.495 million;
  • 1921 $20, MS-64 PCGS: $322,000;
  • 1874 Dana Bickford $10 gold pattern, Proof 65 PCGS, one of two known: $1.265 million.
  [108.87] [124.78] [257.1] [258.39]

January 12

• The US Mint releases the 2010 Lincoln Cent to circulation in Puerto Rico. [265.36] [288.10]

January 19

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 American Eagle 1-ounce 0.9167 fine gold and 0.999 fine silver bullion coins. [256.4] [258.5] [288.5] [319.58]

January 25

• The US Mint officially launches the 2010 Native American dollar coin in Manhattan, New York. Theme of the reverse is "Government - the Great Tree of Peace". [256.1] [289.5]

January 26

• (to January 27) Stack's conducts the Americans coin auction at the Florida United Numismatists convention. Some highlights:
  • 1907 Saint-Gaudens, High Relief, Roman Numerals gold $20, Proof-68 NGC: $230,000.
  [288.46]

January 28

• The US Mint releases the 2010 Millard Fillmore Presidential dollar to circulation. [202.5] [288.4] [289.5]

January 31

• (to February 2) Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers conducts a coin auction. Some highlights:
  • 1921 $20 gold, MS-65 PCGS: $862,500.
  [288.46]

February 5

• In Long Beach, California, Heritage Auction Galleries conducts the official auction of the Long Beach Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Expo. Some highlights:
  • 1849 $1 gold, open wreath, MS-66 PCGS: $218,500;
  • 1943-S Lincoln cent, copper alloy planchet, VF-35 PCGS, one of seven known: $207,000.
  [289.54]

February 11

• The US Mint launches the 2011 Lincoln cent with redesigned reverse depicting a Union shield. [256.1] [259.4] [265.36] [288.10] [289.1]
• Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania introduces bill S.3009 "1863 Gettysburg Campaign Act" calling for the production of gold $5 coins, silver $1 coins, and copper-nickel 50-cent coins, each commemorating the 1863 invasion of Pennsylvania, the Battle of Gettysburg, and President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. The coins would be dated 2013, and would include surcharges to be paid to the Gettysburg Foundation and the Army Heritage Center Foundation. [23.11]
• The US Mint begins sales of 2010 Presidential $1 Coin Proof set of four coins featuring Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, and Abraham Lincoln. Issue price is $15.95. [288.4]

February

• The Denver Mint recalls 700,000 unreleased 2010-D Native American dollar coins from the Direct Ship program following the discovery of a 2009 Zachary Taylor Presidential dollar erroneously edge-dated 2010. [289.1]

February 18

• The US Mint launches the 2010 Millard Fillmore Presidential dollar in Moravia, New York. [289.5] [291.5] [296.64]

February 25

• The US Mint begins sales of Proof and Uncirculated 2010-W American Veterans Disabled for Life silver dollars. Issue price is $33.95 (Uncirculated) and $39.95 (Proof). Mintage limit 350,000. [288.62] [296.4]

March 1

• The Denver Mint begins production of the 2010 Franklin Pearse Presidential dollar coin for circulation. [2.5]
  
  

March 4

• The Philadelphia Mint and Denver Mint begin production of the 2010 Hot Springs National Park quarter dollar coins. [30.42]
• At the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Baltimore Expo, Bowers and Merena Auctions sells a 1901-S Barber quarter dollar, MS-68 PCGS, finest known for $327,750. [294.66]

March 8

• The Philadelphia Mint begins production of the 2010 Franklin Pearse Presidential dollar coin for circulation. [2.5]

March 11

• The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rules against a challenge (filed in 2007) to the motto "In God We Trust" appearing on US coins. [2.54]

March 18

• The U.S. Mint begins accepting orders for the 2010 Abigail Fillmore First Spouse half-ounce 0.9999 fine gold $10 coins. Initial price is US$716 in Uncirculated and US$729 in Proof, with mintage limit set at 15,000 coins total. [1.4] [23.73]
• The Commission of Fine Arts endorses a design of a torch of the Statue of Liberty for the reverse of the 2010 American Eagle platinum coins. [2.4]

March 23

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof (US$39.95) and Uncirculated (US$33.95) 2010-P Boy Scouts of America Centennial silver dollar coins. [1.4] [4.4] [34.4] [45.4] [294.4]
• The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee endorses a design of Justice for the reverse of the 2010 American Eagle platinum coins. [2.4]
• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial silver dollar coin. Initial issue prices are $39.95 (Proof) and $33.95 (Uncirculated). [27.4]

March 24

• At the Newseum in Washington, D.C., the US Mint unveils designs for the first five issues of the "America the Beautiful" quarter dollar coin program. [2.1]

March 26

• The U.S. Mint begins selling the 2010 Millard Fillmore Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal set. [1.4]

March 27

• The US Mint launches 2010 Boy Scout Centennial silver dollar coin at the American Numismatic Association National Money Show in Fort Worth, Texas. [4.4]

April 13

• The U.S. Mint begins selling the 2010 Presidential $1 Coin Uncirculated set, with Philadelphia Mint and Denver Mint strikes of Presidential dollar coins depicting Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pearce, James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln. [1.4]

April 18

• (to April 24) National Coin Week, sponsored by the American Numismatic Association. This year's theme is "Beautiful Places: Landmarks and Mintmarks". [4.14]

April 19

• The US Mint releases the first coin in the new 26-coin America the Beautiful quarter dollar coin program to circulation. The 2010-dated coin honors Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. [2.1] [4.14] [34.5] (April 20 [30.12])

April 20

• The US Mint launches the first America the Beautiful quarter dollar coin, honoring the Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. [4.14]

April 26

• The Philadelphia Mint begins production of 2010 Yosemite National Park quarters for circulation. [89.50]

April 29

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 American Buffalo 1-ounce 0.9999 fine gold $50 bullion coins. [34.4]

May 5

• The House of Representatives passes H.R. 2421, the "Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act". [45.4]

May 14

• Rare Coin Wholesalers of California sells a USA 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar coin graded SP-66 PCGS to Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation of California for US$7.85 million. The price is a new world record for a single US coin. [50.4] [135.79] [229.38] (May 13 [55.46])

May 19

• The Learning Channel airs the program Accidental Fortune, about the rediscovery of the long-missing George Walton specimen of the 1913 Liberty Head 5-cent coin. [27.4] [34]

May 20

• The House of Representatives passes a bill seeking commemorative coins honoring US five-star generals. [59.62]
• The US Mint launches the 2010 Franklin Pierce Presidential dollar in Concord, New Hampshire, and releases the coin to circulation. [2.5] [34.10] [55.79] [202.5]

May 31

• Ira and Larry GoldBerg Auctioneers sell a unique 1959-D Lincoln Wheat cent mule, graded MS-60+ brown for US$31,050. [59.58]

June 1

• The US Mint releases the 2010 Yellowstone National Park quarter dollar coin to circulation. [34.5] [37.4] [55.4] [61.4]

June 3

• The US Mint officially launches the 2010 Yellowstone National Park quarter at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. [37.4] [45.4] [55.4] [59.1] [61.94]
• Heritage Numismatic Auctions sells a 1944-D Lincoln cent struck on zinc-plated steel planchet graded AU-55 by NGC for US$60,375. [61.82]

June 7

• The US Mint introduces the America the Beautiful Quarters Bulk Purchase Program, allowing anyone to purchase a bag of 200,000 coins for $50,000 (face value) plus $1500 processing fee. [61.5]

June 24

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 Franklin Pierce Presidential dollar coin and First Spouse medal set. [74.5]

July 1

• Representative John Boozman of Arkansas introduces H.R. 5680 "United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, seeking commemorative coins dated 2014-15. [86.10]

July 15

• The US Mint begins sales of the 28-coin 2010 Uncirculated Mint set, including coins struck at both Philadelphia and Denver mints; issue price is $31.95. [74.5] [75.4]

July 22

• The US Mint begins sales of the 14-coin 2010-S Standard Proof set; issue price is $31.95. [74.5] [75.4]

July 26

• The US Mint releases the 2010 Yosemite National Park quarter dollar coin to circulation. [34.5] [55.5] [61.4] [79.4] [89.5]

July 29

• The US Mint launches the 2010 Yosemite National Park quarter dollar at the Valley Visitor Center in Yosemite, California. [55.5] [61.4] [79.4] [89.5]
• Ryan Givens and sister Cheryl Myers (nephew and niece of George Walton), bring the presumed altered-date 1913 Liberty Head nickel to the ANA summer convention in the Boston Convention Center, for examination and display with the four real coins. Three coin experts say they are "98 percent sure" the coin is genuine. After comparing with the four genuine coins, seven coin experts declare the fifth coin to be genuine, the coin missing since 1962. [135.18]

August 2

• The Denver Mint begins striking Abraham Lincoln Presidential dollars for circulation. [152.78]
• The US Senate approves H.R. 2097, the Star-Spangled Banner Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act, by unanimous vote. [102.1] [109.4]

August 3

• The Philadelphia Mint begins striking Abraham Lincoln Presidential dollars for circulation. [152.78]

August 7

• Bowers and Merena Auctions conducts the Boston Rarities Sale at the ANA World's Fair of Money in Boston. Some highlights:
  • 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, MS-64 NGC: US$1,207,500;
  • 1870-S Seated Liberty dollar, one of nine known, EF-40 PCGS: US$632,500;
  • 1854-O Coronet gold double eagle, one of 20 known, AU-55 PCGS: US$488,750.
  [108.76] [109.48] [229.38]

August 8

• Stack's auctions a unique Specimen 1853-O Coronet gold eagle SP-61 NGC for US$316,250 in Boston, Massachusetts. [109.48]

August 11

• (to August 13) Heritage Auction Galleries conducts an auction at the ANA World's Fair of Money in Boston, Massachusetts. Some highlights:
  • 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 pioneer gold ingot, 880 THOUS, MS-63 PCGS: US$546,250;
  • 1907 Indian Head, Wire Rim, gold eagle pattern, one of two known, PR-62 NGC: US$359,375;
  • 1652 New England shilling, AU-50 PCGS: US$416,875;
  • 1931 Saint-Gaudens gold double eagle, MS-67 PCGS: US$322,000;
  • 1871 $1 gold, PR-64 Brown NGC: US$460,000;
  • 1796 Draped Bust quarter dollar, MS-65 PCGS: US$322,000.
  [108.43] [109.48]

August 12

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof 2010-W American Eagle 1-ounce platinum coin, with a reverse design of blindfolded Justice, the second in the "Preamble Series". Mintage limit is 10,000. [74.5] [102.5] [108.1]

August 16

• US President Barack Obama signs into law the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act as Public Law 111-232, authorizing the US Mint to strike up to 500,000 silver dollar coins and up to 100,000 gold $5 coins in 2012. [109.4] [367.4]

August 19

• The US Mint officially launches the 2010 James Buchanan Presidential dollar in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and releases it to circulation. [2.5] [67.5] [102.18] [109.5] [202.5]

August 26

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 Silver Proof set. [74.5]

September 2

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 Buchanan's Liberty First Spouse half-ounce gold $10 coin. [74.5]

September

• Legend Numismatics of New Jersey sells the only known example of a 1943-D Lincoln cent struck in bronze, graded MS-64 brown by PCGS, for $1.7 million to an American businessman, the highest price paid for any cent. [125.1] [150.34]

September 16

• Representative Anthony Weiner of New York introduces H.R. 6149 "Coin and Precious Metal Disclosure Act" in the House of Representatives, seeking to require coin and precious metal dealers to disclose to consumers the melt value, resale value, and fees associated with coin and bullion purchases. [125.5]

September 20

• The US Mint releases the 2010 Grand Canyon National Park quarter dollar coin to circulation. [34.5] [61.4] [110.5] [125.10]
• (to September 21) Ira & Larry Goldberg, Auctioneers sells at auction a 1795 Liberty Cap, Reeded Edge cent, one of eight known, net grade "Good 4+" for US$322,000. [125.89]

September 21

• The US Mint officially launches the 2010 Grand Canyon National Park quarter dollar in Williams, Arizona. [61.4] [110.4] [125.10]
• The Philadelphia Mint begins striking 2010 America the Beautiful 3-inch, 5-ounce 0.999 fine silver quarter-dollar bullion coins. [126.92] [128.1] [135.114]

September 22

• Representative Melvin Watt of North Carolina introduces H.R. 6162 "Coin Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010" in the House of Representatives, which would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to research alternative metals for circulating coins, give authority to produce Proof versions of American Eagle gold and silver bullion coins, and allows diameter of America the Beautiful silver 5-ounce bullion coins to be reduced in diameter from 3 inches to 2.5 inches.. [125.1] [148.62]
• Representative Denny Rehberg of Montana introduces H.R. 6166 "American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010" in the House of Representatives, calling for production of 1-ounce $25 coins struck of 0.9995 fine palladium. [125.4] [148.1]

September 23

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 James Buchanan Presidential dollar coin and First Spouse medal set. [74.5]

September 24

• Heritage Auction Galleries conducts the Long Beach Signature Auction in California. Some highlights:
  • 1856-O Coronet gold double eagle, EF-45+ NGC, one of 20-30 known: US$345,000.
  [126.18,64]

September 28

• The US Senate passes H.R. 1177, the "5-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act". [126.4]

September 29

• The House of Representatives passes H.R. 6162, the "Coin Modernization, Oversight and Continuity Act of 2010". [126.4] [148.62]
• The House of Representatives passes H.R. 6166, the "American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010". [126.4] [148.1]

October 4

• The Denver Mint begins production of the 2010 Mount Hood National Forest quarter dollar for circulation. [135.5]

October 5

• The Philadelphia Mint begins production of the 2010 Mount Hood National Forest quarter dollar for circulation. [135.5]

October 7

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof 2010-W American Eagle gold coins: 1-ounce ($50 face), 1/2-ounce ($25 face), 1/4-ounce ($10 face), 1/10-ounce ($5 face), and four-coun set. [125.4] [129.4]

October 8

• US President Barack Obama signs the 5-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act into law as Public Law 111-262. [129.5]

October 21

• The Philadelphia Mint begins production of the 2010 America the Beautiful 3-inch 5-ounce silver bullion quarter dollars. [130.5]

November 15

• The US Mint releases the 2010 Mount Hood National Park quarter dollar coin to circulation. [34.5] [61.4] [110.4] [135.5]

November 17

• The US Mint officially launches the 2010 Mount Hood National Forest quarter dollar in Portland, Oregon. [67.5] [110.4] [135.4]

November 18

• The US Mint releases the Abraham Lincoln Presidential dollar coin to circulation. [2.5] [118.4] [129.1] [134.52] [202.5]

November 19

• The US Mint begins sales of the Proof 2010-W American Eagle silver dollar, at $45.95 each. [127.1] [135.111] [144.4] [149.66]
• The US Mint launches the 2010 Abraham Lincoln Presidential dollar coin in Washington, DC. [129.1] [144.1]

November 30

• The US Senate passes H.R. 6162, the Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010. [148.62]
• The US Senate passes H.R. 6166, the American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010. [148.1]
• The US Senate passes the Coin Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010. [148.1]

December 2

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 Mary Todd Lincoln First Spouse half-ounce gold $10 coin. [74.5]

December 6

• The US Mint places 33,000 sets of 2010 America the Beautiful 5-ounce 0.999 fine silver bullion coins on sale to authorized purchasers, but the suspends sales after a few hours due to complaints from consumers of price gouging. [148.1] [149.14]

December 10

• The US Mint relaunches sales of 2010 America the Beautiful 5-ounce 0.999 fine silver bullion coins, but with a set of restrictions on how the coins can be sold. [149.14]

December 14

• President Barack Obama signs into law H.R. 6162 the Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010, allowing the US Mint to test new metals for coinage. [150.144] [326.58]
• President Barack Obama signs into law H.R. 6166 the American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010, providing for production of a 1-ounce 0.9995 fine $25 palladium coin. [150.144] [327.60]

December 17

• US Mint Director Edmund Moy submits his resignation, effective January 9, to accept a job in the private sector. [151.1]

December 23

• The US Mint begins sales of the 2010 Abraham Lincoln Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal set. Issue price is $11.95. [74.5] [150.5]

December 30

• John M. Mercanti retires as US Mint chief engraver. During his 36 years with the Mint, he designed 26 commemorative coins, five State quarter dollar coins, and four American Eagle bullion coins. [153.5]

Other web pages of interest:

This Day in History

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Last updated: 2013 January 7.
Copyright © 2010-2012 Ken Polsson (email: coins@coinhistory.info).
URL: http://coinhistory.info/usa/
Link to Ken P's home page.