article_snippet: These are the most sought-after U.S. coins in existence, as the crude production techniques of the period meant that the coins were fragile, making surviving high-quality examples are extremely rare.
article_snippet: Each steel die used to strike coins in the early 1800s was painstakingly produced by hand, creating variations that are prized by collectors.
article_snippet: his said: 'I feel now is the time to pass the torch to a new generation of custodians, who can appreciate the legacy of these great American coins. '
article_snippet: these great American coins conjure up many fond memories, and I hope the new owners will enjoy these great American coins as much as I have.'
article_snippet: Coin sales are driven by the economy, but Brian Kendrella, the president of Stack's Bowers Galleries, said investors and collectors are also lured by the rarity, uniqueness, condition and historical significance of coins. '
article_snippet: investors and collectors are artefacts that speak to what was going on in the United States at the time these great American coins were made,' his said. '
article_snippet: There are a lot of people getting involved in coins.'
article_snippet: Barry Stuppler, secretary of the Professional Numismatists Guild, has seen plenty of changes in he 52 years in the coin business.
article_snippet: Demand for rare, investment-quality coins, graded and certified by the guild and the Florida-based Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, is high and supply is low. '
article_snippet: The rarities do the best, particularly gold and silver coins,' said Stuppler. '
highlights_snippet: Each steel die used to strike coins in the early 1800s was painstakingly produced by hand, creating variations that are prized by collectors .
  