1,000-Year-Old Coins on Remote Australian Beach

How did copper coins, some dating back a thousand years, arrive on a remote island beach off Australia? An expedition has been formed to learn more, if possible. There is a related legend of gold doubloons and ancient weapons (via Esylum newsletter). Story Here.

On the Trail of Yet Another Fake

As is often noted here and elsewhere, China, probably among others, is source of scads of fake coins, some of a sort that don't even seem worth faking, others that go for big bucks. I happen to like the 1910 Mexican Silver "Caballito," partly because I'm partial to horse images, also because it is very well done coin. I notice most go for at least $100, an offer starting below $50 on eBay is unusual. I just noticed one starting at .99-cents! Could be the real deal, of course, but...? Looking for further info, I find the Caballito is often faked. The entry on this site is a sad story but worth reading through, maybe it will save you a similar experience.

"Not Worth a Penny" Describes Many Coins

Most of us are aware of moves afoot to eliminate the U.S. penny which is worth more as metal than as buying power. But the penny is hardly the least valuable of coins. Among many listed in this article (tip of the hat to Esylum newsletter) is one requiring two thousand to equal a U.S. penny in "value."