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Popular Coin Sets for Beginning Collectors

coin collectors sets

Coin collecting is a hobby that has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years, with tens of thousands joining the ranks of coin collectors each year. By some estimates more than 100 million Americans collect coins, and these millions of collectors all started their journeys in the hobby somewhere. For many people, their first foray in coin collecting originates with a collection they inherit from a family member, a strange coin found in pocket change, or perhaps even the start … [Read more...]

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Historical Values of Jefferson Nickels

historical values Jefferson nickel

First struck in 1938, the Jefferson nickel continues to endure after more than 70 years in circulation. Replacing the Buffalo nickel which ceased production that same year, the Jefferson nickel was proposed by the United States Mint, which held a contest to find a suitable design. Felix Schlag submitted the winning design, which we see on our 5-cent coin to this day.   … [Read more...]

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Historic Values of Buffalo Nickels

historic values Buffalo nickels

Chances are, you’ve seen a Buffalo nickel in your life, even if not in person. From magazine advertisements to old-time movies, and even in some sayings, like “he holds a nickel so tight, the Indian rides the buffalo,” the Buffalo nickel has gained and maintained fame in a multitude of ways. The Buffalo nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, was minted during 1913 and 1938 and due to its span of when it was minted is highly synonymous with World War I, the Roaring ‘20s, and the … [Read more...]

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7 Coin Sets You Can Complete For Under $10

Coin collecting on a budget probably hasn't been more important in years than it has been in recent times.With the economy still on the rocks, many people don't want to give up their hobbies but still must find a way to cut back.Thankfully, enjoying the hobby of coin collecting doesn't have to be expensive.In fact, here are 7 ideas for coin sets you can complete for under $10.  … [Read more...]

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The No Cents ‘V’ Nickel: An 1883 Coin With A Story… Or Two!

When it comes to popular coins with interesting stories, there are few pieces that match the intrigue of this 1883 coin: the no-cents Liberty nickel.Designed by Charles E. Barber -- the same man who designed the Liberty Head 'Barber' dimes, quarters, and half-dollars -- the Liberty Head nickel was first released in 1883. However, during the first months of production, the 1883 Liberty Head nickel, a design which has a big Roman numeral 'V' on the reverse to symbolize five cents, lacked the words … [Read more...]

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What To Look For In Damaged Coins – Example: Is This A Nickel Error Coin?

We received these pictures from a loyal reader who subscribes to our Coin Newsletter.        He wrote: Could you please check out this Nickle [sic] which I found amongst my other nickels and let me know if it's an error coins? please view attachment with scan of both sides of the coin. Your help would be highly appriciated [sic]. -- Edwin Curious about this nickel? Read on to get the answer...   … [Read more...]

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Are You Really A Coin Collector? Knowing The Differences Between Coin Collecting & Coin Hoarding

Coin collectors come in all stripes -- they aren't all the same. It's safe to assume most coin collectors have some little pile of coins that were brought together without much intention of sets being built out of them... ...What about all those wheat cents, pre-1960 Jefferson nickels, or silver coins we find? They're packed away in jars and boxes, right? But when it comes down to actually defining a coin collector versus a coin hoarder, it's always important to remember that: Typical … [Read more...]

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5 Budgeting Tips For Coin Collecting

Everybody's having to watch their wallets and purses lately. While tough economic times are pushing people to cut back on entertainment and luxuries, you don't have to give up coin collecting to make ends meet. Try some of these budgeting tips: Go back to using pocket change for collecting coins... all they cost is face value Stretch coin collecting goals (like completing sets or albums) over a longer period of time Save a small percentage of your discretionary income for coin … [Read more...]

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Top 5 Types Of Valuable Coins You Should Be Looking For

OK, here's the short list of the top 5 categories of valuable coins you should be looking for in pocket change, old jars of coins, inherited coin collections, and other places where you'll have the chance of easily finding old and valuable coins: All wheat-back Lincoln cents (Before 1959) All nickels before 1960 Any dimes and quarters before 1965 (these are silver) All half dollars before 1971 (these are silver) Any coins that appear to have mistakes -- such as doubled … [Read more...]

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What’s PMD? A Term All Coin Collectors Need To Know

If you're a coin collector, numismatist, or somebody who has worked a bit with coins, you may have heard the acronym PMD. What's PMD? It stands for Post Mint Damage, and refers to any damage a coin has suffered after leaving the mint. Common examples of damaged coins (those with PMD) are those which have: Scratches Dings Holes not made at the mint Bumps Nicks Gouges … [Read more...]

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