- (month unknown)
- A 1873-CC Seated Liberty, No Arrows quarter dollar sells for US$190,000 in a private sale. [87.81]
- July 1
- The GSA begins receiving mail bids for final 54,820 Carson City mint silver dollars; dates are 1880, 1881, and 1885; minimum bid is $180. [174.90] [230.32]
- July 24
- (to July 26) New England Rare Coin Galleries conducts the Boston Jubilee Sale auction of coins. A US $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin, Ultre High Relief, sells for US$175,000. [177.33] [230.11] [232.61]
- August 4
- The US Mint resumes sales of 1876-1976 Bicentennial 3-coin sets, Proof $20, Uncirculated $15. [177.48]
- August 14
- (to August 15) In Cincinatti, Ohio, Auction '80 is held. Rarcoa sells an 1894-S dime for US$145,000. [176.99] [208.46] [222.12] [226.3] [230.6]
- August 19
- Leroy C. Van Allen and Pete R. Bishal find a certificate in the Rutherford B. Hayes Library and Museum, documenting the authenticity of the first 1878 Morgan silver dollar, struck March 11 and presented to the President. [206.18]
- September
- Superior Stamp and Coin sells an 1856-O $20 gold coin, choice uncirculated, proof-like, finest of 20-30 known, for $312,500. [206.18] [232.1]
- Gary Young sells an 1894-S dime to Ronald Gillio of California for $160,000. [208.49]
- October 1
- (to October 2) In New York City, Bowers and Ruddy Galleries conduct Part III auction of the Garrett collection. Total sales $4.1 million. Some highlights:
- 1795 $10 gold, BU: $130,000;
- 1798/7 $10, AU: $120,000;
- 1776 Continental silver dollar, unique, VG: $95,000;
- 1652 New England 6 pence, VF: $75,000;
- 1783 Chalmers shilling, rings reverse, VF-EF: $75,000;
- 1737 Higley copper, unique: $75,000.
- October 7
- President Jimmy Carter signs Public Law 96-389, directing the Treasury Secretary to study various aspects of the role of gold in the domestic and international monetary systems, and report to Congress by October 7, 1981 (later extended to March 31, 1982). [86.202] [253.22]
- November 17
- The former New Orleans Mint building re-opens as the Louisiana State Museum. [130.24]
1981
- January 8
- Stack's sells a 1787 Brasher doubloon from Yale University for $650,000 in a private sale to a Florida collector. [150.58] (January 9 [179.32])
- January 16
- Frank Gasparro retires as Chief Engraver of the US Mint. [96.40] [151.80] [209.18]
- January 19
- The Copper and Brass Fabricators Council files suit in US District Court in Washington D.C. to prevent the US Treasury and Mint from implementing copper-plated zinc cents. [210.14]
- February 23
- US Mint Director Stella Hackel Sims submits resignation, effective April 1. [210.18]
- March 16
- Representative Barnard introduces H.R. 2524 Washington half dollar commemorative coin bill in the House of Representatives. [86.15]
- March 25
- (to March 26) Bowers and Ruddy Galleries auctions part four of the Garrett coin collection in Beverly Hills, California. Total sales over the four auctions: $25 million. Some highlights:
- 1804 Draped Bust dollar, Class III: $400,000;
- 1792 Birch cent, choice uncirculated: $200,000;
- 1787 Brasher gold doubloon pattern, "EB" punch on shield, unique: $625,000.
[43.125] [179.32] [211.14] [235.68]
- April 1
- US Mint Director Stella Hackel Sims resigns. [210.14]
- May 7
- US Treasurer Angela Buchanan announces in a congressional hearing a reversal in Treasury policy, removing the government's objections to the production of U.S. commemorative coins. [86.14]
- May 19
- The House of Representatives approves H.R. 3484 Washington half dollar commemorative coin program. [86.20]
- May 20
- Senator Alan Cranston of California introduces S. 1230 bill in the US Senate seeking 29 different US commemorative coins for the 1984 Olympics. The proposal is for 1.6 million gold $100 coins, 2.4 million gold $50 coins, 22.4 million silver $10 coins, 30 million copper-nickel clad dollars, each in series of 4-5 coins. [86.18] [133.100]
- June 11
- Representative Frank Annunzio of Illinois introduces a bill in the House of Representatives for a single 1984 Los Angeles Olympics commemorative silver dollar, with profits to be split equally between the US Olympic Committee and the US Treasury. [86.54]
- June 17
- A bill is introduced in the House of Representatives seeking 29 different US commemorative coins for the 1984 Olympics. [86.18]
- July 14
- US Senate confirms Donna Pope as US Mint director. [86.15] [116.22] ([213.20])
- July 20
- The missing Willis DuPont 1804 Draped Bust dollar re-appears at ANACS for certification. [41.58] [244.1]
- (month unknown)
- At the ANA convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bowers and Ruddy Galleries conducts the coin auction. a 1907 $20 Indian Head pattern piece sells for $475,000, a record for a US Mint coin. [181.26]
- September 1
- The US Mint begins sales of 1981 Uncirculated 13-coin sets, for $11. [236.1]
- September 10
- Donna Pope is sworn in a Director of the Mint. [214.20]
- September 11
- US District Judge John H. Pratt rules the Copper and Brass Fabricators Council does not have standing to bring suit against the US Mint switching cent to copper-plated zinc. [214.20]
- September 29
- US Senate confirms Elizabeth Jones as chief engraver of the US Mint. [118.40] [138.22]
- October 27
- Elizabeth Jones is sworn in as 11th Chief Engraver at the US Mint. [91.4] [96.40] (September 10 [133.36])
- December 9
- The US Senate approves H.R. 3484 Washington half dollar commemorative coin program. [86.20]
- December
- The US Senate approves a bill for 25 1984 Olympic commemorative coins. [86.54]
- December 17
- The West Point Bullion Depository strikes first 97.5 percent zinc Lincoln cents for circulation. [86.98] [180.42]
- December 23
- US President Ronald Reagan signs into law the George Washington half dollar commemorative coin bill, as Public Law 97-104. [86.20] [215.14]
1982
- January 6
- The West Point Bullion Depository begins issuing new Lincoln copper-plated zinc cents. [82.32]
- January
- The US Mint releases first batch of copper-plated zinc Lincoln cents in Chicago, Illinois. [86.98]
- January 18
- The San Francisco Assay Office begins striking bronze-plated zinc cents for circulation. [243.1]
- February 12
- At a meeting of the U.S. Gold Commission, members vote 12-3 to recommend Treasury issue gold bullion coins. [86.203]
- March
- A bill is introduced proposing a 17-coin Olympic coin program. [86.54]
- March 16
- The Linderman specimen 1804 silver dollar, stolen in 1967, is returned to the du Pont family, in Denver, Colorado. [244.1]
- March 31
- The U.S. Gold Commission issues its 227-page report to Congress. It recommends that Treasury issue gold bullion coins, tentatively called American Eagles. [86.202]
- April 1
- Representative Ron Paul of Texas introduces the American Eagle Gold Coin Act of 1982 in the House of Representatives, seeking authorization for four sizes of gold coins, denominated by weight with no face values. [86.203] [242.54]
- April 5
- Representative Frank Annunzio introduces a bill proposing a one-coin Olympic commemorative coin program. [86.54]
- April
- Another bill is introduced proposing a 17-coin Olympic coin program. [86.54]
- April 26
- Representative Frank Annunzio of Illinois introduces H.R. 6158 "Olympic Commemorative Coin Act" in the House of Representatives, proposing a 3-coin Olympic coin program, with specific surcharges per coin to designated recipients. The proposed coins are 1983 and 1984 silver dollars and 1984 gold $10 coins, in Proof and Uncirculated quality. [86.54] [216.20]
- May 20
- The House of Representatives votes 302-84 to defeat a 17-coin 1984 Olympic coin program. [86.54] (May 28 [133.100])
- May 27
- Senator James McClure of Idaho introduces a bill in the Senate proposing that if stockpiled silver was to be sold, that it be sold in the form of silver bullion coins. [86.215] [292.14]
- The House of Representatives approves by vote of 304-86 a 3-coin 1984 Olympic coin program for two silver dollars (1983 and 1984) and one gold $10 coin (1984), with surcharges per coin to be split between the US Olympic Committee and the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. [86.54] [260.28] (May 20 [245.1])
- July 1
- The US Senate approves the 3-coin 1984 Olympic coin program. [86.54]
- July 22
- US President Ronald Reagan signs into law the 3-coin 1984 Olympic coin program. [86.54] [247.3]
- October 27
- (to October 29) In New York City, Bowers and Ruddy Galleries conducts The United States Gold Coin Sale, known as the Eliasberg Sale. Total auction sales: $12.4 million, a record for a single coin auction session. Some highlights:
- 1870-S $3, believed unique: $687,500, highest amount paid for a single regular-issue US Mint coin;
- 1875 $3, Proof: $110,000;
- 1880 $4, coiled hair: $99,000;
- 1879 $4, coiled hair: $101,750;
- 1822 $5, VF-30, one of three known: $687,500;
- 1825/4 $5, PR-60: $220,000;
- 1854-S $5, one of three known, AU-50: $187,000;
- 1839 $10, PR-65, head of 1838, large letters, one of three known: $121,000;
- 1875 $10, PR-65: $104,500;
- 1933 $10, MS-65: $93,500;
- 1907 $20, ultra-high relief, roman numerals: $242,000;
- 1841 $2.50, Proof 63: $82,500;
- 1798 $5, small eagle: $77,000;
- 1829 $5, large planchet: $82,500;
- 1927-D $20, MS-65: $176,000.
[94.84] [181.24] [186.48] [248.1] [286.44]
1983
- January 27
- Senator James McClure of Idaho introduces a bill in the Senate proposing that if stockpiled silver was to be sold, that it be sold in the form of silver bullion coins. [86.215] [292.14]
- February 10
- The San Francisco Assay Office begins striking 1983 Olympic commemorative silver dollar coins. [63.81] [133.101]
- April 17
- First National Coin Week begins. [6]
- April 26
- The House of Representatives approves a bill for Mint funding including a requirement to produce annual uncirculated and Proof sets. [63.81]
- September 13
- US mint strikes first gold coin in 50 years (Olympic Eagle). [6]
- November 14
- President Ronald Reagan signs Public Law 98-151, including a mandate for the Treasury Secretary to annually produce Uncirculated and Proof Mint sets. [86.101]
- November 18
- The US Mint begins selling Proof sets for first time in 20 years. [146.54]
1984
- January
- Stack's auctions the Adams-Carter specimen of the Class III 1804 Draped Bust dollar for US$198,000 to John Nelson Rowe III. [99.18]
- (month unknown)
- Krause Publications announces winners of the Coin of the Year 1982 contest. Coin of the Year is the US Washington half dollar. [304.30]
- February 6
- US Mint Director Donna Pope announces that Proof versions of the Olympic coins struck at the West Point facility would be offered singly to US customers. [86.58]
- June 1
- Heritage Capital launches the Numismatic Certification Institute coin grading service. [86.108]
- June
- Stack's auctions a 1793 Flowing Hair, Wreath, Strawberry Leaf cent graded G-4 for US$51,700. A second example graded Fair-2 sells for $50,600. [85.60]
- June 25
- The first US Olympic gold bullion coins are minted. [38.60]
- (month unknown)
- Stack's of New York conducts an auction of the Amon Carter collection. An 1875 $3 gold Proof sells for $121,000. [182.25]
- July 2
- The book The U.S. Branch Mint at Dahlonega, Georgia is published, written by Clair Mallery Birdsall. [39.56]
- September
- The US Mint resumes sales of mint sets, which had been dropped after 1981. [86.101]
- (month unknown)
- The Learning Channel debuts a weekly 30-minute TV show Rare Coin Magazine, hosted by David Lisot. [303.20]
- October
- US coin dealer Alan Hager launches the Accugrade coin grading service, introducing a clear, hard plastic, tamperproof holder containing the coin and a photograph of the coin. [86.107]
1985
- January 4
- US Mint Director Donna Pope directs that remaining silver Olympic commemorative coins be melted. [80.79]
- January
- Total sales results are announced for the 1984 Olympic Coin Program: 4.7 million coins sold, US$307 million in revenue, US$69.8 million in surcharges for fund-raising. [86.58]
- Reed Hawn buys at auction the Olsen specimen of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel for $350,000. [146.22] [257.18]
- Aubrey and Adeline Bebee acquire the Idler specimen of the Class III 1804 Draped Bust dollar for US$280,000 at Superior Galleries' auction of the Dr. Jerry Buss Collection of United States Coins. [66.73]
- (month unknown)
- Krause Publications announces winners of the Coin of the Year 1983 contest. Coin of the Year is the US Olympic silver dollar. [304.30]
- June 21
- The US Senate approves the Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coin Act, including an ammendment for an American Eagle silver dollar. [86.215]
- July 9
- US President Ronald Reagan signs the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coin Act as Public Law 99-61, including directive to secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a silver bullion coin. [66.46] [86.215] [292.4]
- September 9
- US President Ronald Reagan issues Executive Order 12532, effective October 11, establishing trade and other sanctions agsinst South Africa, including an import ban on Kruggerand gold coins. The order also directs Treasury Department to conduct feasibility study on issuing gold bullion coins, and seek legislative authority to proceed. [86.204] [253.24]
- September 12
- Senator J. James Exon of Nebraska introduces S. 1639 proposing gold bullion coins with denominations and legal tender status. [86.204] [253.28]
- November 14
- The US Senate approves a bill proposing issuance of gold bullion coins. [86.204]
- December 2
- The House of Representatives approves the bill proposing issuance of gold bullion coins. [86.204]
- December 17
- US President Ronald Reagan signs the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-185) directing Treasury to issue 0.9167 fine gold bullion coins: $50 (one ounce), $25 (half ounce), $10 (quarter ounce), $5 (tenth ounce). The gold is to be acquired from natural deposits in the US or territory or possession when possible, and when not, from the US reserves. Profits from sales would be used to pay down the national debt. [86.205] [103.5] [253.20] [292.4]
1986
- February 3
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is founded in the USA. [86.108] [187.80]
- February 7
- Secret Service reply to a collector who submitted a 1959-D Lincoln/Wheat cent for authentication, saying they consider it genuine. [250.14]
- April 1
- The US Mint begins sales of Proof and Uncirculated Immigrant copper-nickel half-dollar coins. [64.3]
- (month unknown)
- A unique 1870-S half dime sells at auction for $253,000. [186.48]
- September 8
- The West Point Bullion Depository begins striking the first American Eagle gold bullion coins. [52.28] [133.36] [253.18]
- October 20
- The US Mint launches the American Eagle 0.9167 fine gold bullion coin program, commencing sales of 1-ounce and fractional gold bullion coins to authorized purchasers. (The inventory stock of 845,000 pieces sells out in 30 hours.) [52.72] [141.30] [238.8] [253.18]
- October 29
- Congress authorizes US Constitution commemorative silver dollar and gold $5 coin. [65.52] [127.68] [142.72]
- At the US Assay Office in San Francisco, Secretary of the Treasury James Baker strikes the first American Eagle silver bullion coin. [292.14,21]
- November 24
- The US Mint begins sales of American Eagle silver bullion coins. [292.20]
1987
- February 25
- Teletrade introduces sight-unseen third-party graded auctions. [91.56]
- (month unknown)
- Bowers and Merena conduct an auction of the Norweb Collection. Some highlights:
- 1894-S dime, Proof 65: $77,000;
- 1797 half dollar, MS-63-65: $227,000;
- 1821 $5 gold: $198,000;
- 1829 $5 gold, small planchet, one of three known: $352,000.
- August 10
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America launches its coin grading service. [86.109] [250.56]
- September 21
- A bill is introduced in the House of Representatives calling for the modernizing of circulating coinage designs. [86.90]
- September 25
- A bill, S. 1776, is introduced in the US Senate calling for the modernizing of circulating coinage designs. [86.90]
1988
-
- Krause Publications announces winners of the Coin of the Year 1987 contest. Coin of the Year is the US $5 Statue of Liberty gold coin. [304.30]
- March 4
- The West Point Bullion Depository is redesignated as the West Point Mint. [92.62] [289.70]
- March 31
- An act of Congress restores the mint status of the San Francisco Assay Office facility. [78.22] [228.15]
- May 2
- At the Denver Mint, Secretary of the Treasurer James Baker strikes the first two 1988 Olympic silver dollars. At the West Point Mint, 1984 Olympic gold-medal swimmer Theresa Andrews begins the striking of 1988 $5 olympic gold coins. [29.36]
- June 6
- The book Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins is published. [45.42]
- November
- At St. Moritz-on-the-Park Hotel in New York City, Bowers and Merena conduction the Norweb Collection Part III auction. Some highlights:
- 1861 $20, Paquet Reverse, one of two known, MS-67: US$660,000;
- 1893-S $1 silver, MS-65: $357,500, record price for any Morgan dollar.
[156.46] [186.50] [217.10] [303.59] [304.24]
1989
- January
- Stack's auctions the Adams-Carter specimen of the Class III 1804 Draped Bust dollar for US$242,000 to Rarities Group. [99.18]
- Superior Galleries auctions a 1879 goloid $20 pattern for $155,000. [303.67]
- February 2
- The ANA debuts its ANACS Cache, graded coins encased in a hard plastic capsule. [86.109]
- March 2
- Aubrey and Adeline Bebee donate their 1913 Liberty Head nickel to the American Numismatic Association. The coin is appraised at $1 million. [66.72]
- March
- Bowers and Merena auctions a 1825/4 Capped Head, Evenly Spaced Date gold half eagle, for US$148,500. [94.85]
- (month unknown)
- The Dexter pedigree 1804 US dollar coin sells for US$990,000, a world record price for a rare coin. [10.24] [124.78] [186.49]
- September 25
- The US Mint unveils Dwight Eisenhower commemorative silver dollar designs. [137.56]
- (month unknown)
- NHL hockey team Los Angeles Kings' owner Bruce McNall gives Wayne Gretzky 1851 1/2-ounce gold American Eagle bullion coins, for breaking Gordie Howe's NHL career scoring record of 1850 points. McNall also gives Howe 1850 silver American Eagles in pre-game ceremonies. [303.20]
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