In 2000, the United States Mint released the 9th quarter in the popular 50 State Quarters program.

The 2000 New Hampshire state quarter was loved by millions when it was first released because of its beautiful depiction of a famous set of natural rock ledges dubbed "The Old Man of the Mountain."

Sadly, 3 years later, the New Hampshire quarter unofficially earned the status of memorializing the famed natural edifice, for time caught up with the "Old Man." In 2003, the beloved rock face collapsed.

The young coin collector just entering the hobby needs a way to store their coin collection -- just like the adults who enjoy coin collecting so much.

The difference is, sometimes young collectors need supplies that are particularly suitable for their little hands, desire for fun, and tendency for mishandling.

What do you buy for the young person's coin collection? Here are some ideas.

We've all heard about why we should collect coins.

But what are some of the reasons one should not collect coins?

Following is my take on this.

Some reasons coin collecting isn't for everybody.

As pennies, nickels, and dimes seem to be playing a lesser, direct role in commerce (because prices keep going up, up, up!), it appears that the U.S. quarter remains perhaps the most important and most used coin in our everyday transactions.

Quarters are used in everything from toll booth payments to vending machines. And with only 4 needed to obtain a dollar, they remain among the most convenient of coins to use.

Quarters are equally important to coin collectors. Many numismatists love quarters. After all, not only do they represent a vital part of our economy and commerce, there are also many types (designs) of quarters that our nation has minted, keeping collectors busy and intrigued.

If you're collecting U.S. coins, you might feel a little limited in terms of what you can collect. After all, it seems to some collectors that there is just not a lot of variety in U.S. coinage.

However, there really is a lot of diversity in U.S. coins. In the United States' more than 200 years of coin production, our nation has seen many types of interesting coins.

If you find yourself a little bored with "typical" modern U.S. coins, then consider these 5 unique types of coins worth collecting.

The Buffalo nickel -- the design of the United States' 5-cent coin from 1913 to 193 -- remains one of the most popular and well-loved coins.

This, despite the fact that it has been nearly a century since Buffalo nickels first appeared in the pockets and purses of Americans.

Here's everything you want to know about Buffalo nickels and what they're worth today.

I have been a coin collector for many years and have learned a lot through my day-to-day experiences in the hobby. But I sure would not be as knowledgeable in my field if not for reading some terrific books about the pastime I love.

A trip to the bookstore, library, coin dealer, or Amazon.com will give you a choice of dozens of prominent coin books, all of them great in their own right.

Here are 5 books I believe every coin collector should consider buying...