Medal and Commemorative Coins in the Philippines: History, Value, and Cultural Significance Introduction The Philippines has a rich and colorful history reflected not only in its traditions, landmarks, and heroes but also in its currency—particularly in its commemorative coins and medals. These special coins are more than just money; they are historical artifacts, artistic expressions, and symbols of national pride. Issued primarily by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), commemorative coins are designed to celebrate significant events, honor national heroes, and highlight cultural heritage. Unlike regular circulation coins, these pieces are often produced in limited quantities, making them highly desirable among collectors. In this article, we will explore the history, types, design, value, and future of commemorative coins in the Philippines, and why they are becoming increasingly popular among Filipino collectors. What Are Commemorative Coins? Commemorative coins ar...
The $20 Double Eagle: history, design, value, and the $34,000 Pawn Stars purchase #goldcoin #collectables
The U.S. gold $20 "Double Eagle" is one of the most iconic American coins — minted from 1849 through 1933 in various designs and with many rare variations. Prices today range from bullion-equivalent levels for common, heavily worn examples to multi-million-dollar sums for the rarest, highest-grade specimens (e.g., the famed 1933 Double Eagle and certain Paquet/1861 variants). Recent dealer price guides and auction records show a wide price spectrum, driven by date/mint, variety, grade, provenance, rarity, and market conditions. A widely seen Pawn Stars clip shows the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop (familiar to fans of the show) buying an 1861/1861-era Double Eagle for about $34,000 — a realistic outcome when an uncommon date and high grade meet demand. (Sources used: Pawn Stars clip and market/auction databases, PCGS, Heritage, APMEX, AP News.) AP News +4 YouTube +4 pcgs.com +4 1 — Introduction: why the Double Eagle matters The $20 Double Eagle occupies a special place in U...