The Internet has really opened up many opportunities for coin collectors looking for ways to enjoy their hobby more.

The thing about searching for a coin site online is knowing where to spend your time.

With the vast number of coin sites available, it is important to narrow your focus to the sites which offer you the information and advice you really need.

Here are 5 coin sites that I enjoy visiting...

Where do you go if you want to mingle with others and talk about one of your favorite things: coins?

Well, short of going to the bank to talk with the tellers about currency, you can always join a coin club.

In coin collecting, there are certain rare coins that even the general public knows are expensive and elusive.

• The 1943 bronze cent is one of those coins.
   
• The 1804 silver dollar is another.

But perhaps the one coin that really seems to keep getting attention (and deservedly so) is the 1909 S VDB penny.

Here's the story behind this rare but popular coin. See why it's so rare, and what it's worth today...

Okay, so we know that there are all kinds of coin collectors in the world and that they all collect different types of coins.

But beyond that, do you know what type of coin collector you are?

That is, how do you define your coin collecting habits?

Believe it or not, there are several types of labels that coin collectors often apply to their specific types of collecting traits.

While a lot of people don't like to box themselves in with labels, it does help to know what type of coin collector you are.

Why? Because you will have a better idea as to what coin collecting clubs to join, what kinds of coin dealers to seek out. And you will have more insight as to what types of coins you should be looking for in coin catalogs and coin magazines.

These are among the most popular questions we receive here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins...
 

Question #1:
How Do I Clean My Coins?

Don't! Cleaning your coins will actually reduce their value. Why? Because coin collectors and coin investors prefer coins with their original, natural toning and color.

Cleaning your coins will wash away their natural toning and even strip away some of its metal. As a result, most coin cleanings actually result in damage.

Coins with loose dirt and debris can be safely removed with gently running, clean water. Afterward, you can softly pat the coins dry with a soft towel.

Any coins which have heavy amounts of grime, grease, or residue should be cleaned only by a professional. Refer to a coin dealer for information on where to have your coin cleaned by a local professional or recommended mail-order service.

The United States Mint is always turning out new and exciting numismatic products.

Summer 2009 promises to offer even more wonderful coins and coins sets for coin collectors!

The summer 2009 U.S. Mint coins will include several old standbys, a few new kids on the block, and some silver and gold pieces that will really brighten up your collection.

Native Americans have long been honored on United States coins.

In fact, some of our nation's most popular coins have featured Native Americans or Native American culture in one form or another.

The United States Mint has begun minting Native American dollar coins. This has inspired interest in Native American coins.

There are, in fact, several United States coins in circulation which feature Native Americans.