Have you seen the 2016 Liberty centennial commemorative gold coins? They showcase 3 beloved coin designs that the United States Mint first struck in 1916. The new gold coins feature the same designs seen on the Mercury dime, Standing Liberty quarter, and Walking Liberty half dollar. … [Read more...]
Coin Myths, Trivia & Facts
The Joys & Challenges Of Collecting American Silver Eagles: 3 Pros And 3 Cons
American Silver Eagles are widely regarded as bullion investment coins for those who wish to make money buying and selling the popular 1-ounce silver coins. Even though I'm a dyed-in-the-wool numismatist, I dig collecting silver bullion eagles. Some penny-pinching silver stackers probably can't fathom the idea of collecting each and every silver eagle made since 1986 -- because many cost much more to buy than their silver spot price. But it's pretty hard to resist putting together a … [Read more...]
35+ Awesome Facts About Pennies – By The Numbers!
Pennies. You've probably got some in your pocket or tucked in a drawer. There may even be some pennies floating around in your car. Many people who read the posts here at The Fun Times Guide typically ask me questions about pennies. … [Read more...]
America The Beautiful Quarters: A List Of All The Coins In This Popular Series
I was just thinking the other day -- we're already around halfway through the America the Beautiful Quarters program! It's the sequel to the 50 States Quarters program, which was popular during its 1999 through 2008 run. The America the Beautiful Quarters series, also widely called the National Parks and Monuments Quarters, is a program consisting of 56 new quarters that honor one national park or historic monument in each of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the various U.S. … [Read more...]
Is It Time To Buy Silver? Pros & Cons Of Buying Silver Bullion Coins
It seems like everyone's saying to buy silver. Whether silver prices are up, or whether they are down. Of course, a lot of the chants you'll hear about buying silver has to do with marketing. Bullion, after all, is a 24/7 industry with billions of dollars in silver up for grabs at any given time. I keep an eye on the silver prices anyway since I'm a coin collector, and what's been happening with the silver market over the past few years is interesting to say the least. … [Read more...]
Have You Noticed What’s REALLY On The 50 State Quarters? Some Surprising Findings
The United States Mint's 50 State quarters program, which ran from 1999 through 2008, was perhaps the most popular commemorative coin series the nation has ever fielded. As I look back at the 50 different reverse designs that grace the U.S. 50 state quarters -- which honored each state in the order that they entered the Union -- I think of all the different artistic topic matter the coins cover. That's just one reason why I think a 50 state quarter set is so beautiful. … [Read more...]
7 Penny Facts – Things You Probably Don’t Know About The One-Cent Coin
Betcha these penny facts will turn you on your head – um, obverse? Yes, the good old penny. It’s a coin you probably don’t use much these days, though I’ll bet you have a small stash of pennies somewhere in your home tucked away in an old clothes drawer or perhaps in a jar. Pennies have inspired me as a coin collector. Finding a 1941 wheat cent in my allowance hooked me on the hobby when I was a child. As a penny collector, I spent 2 years and hundreds of dollars completing an entire set … [Read more...]
Secrets On Dollar Bills: Fun Secrets To Look For On Your Dollar Bills
Have you ever taken any time to study your money? Pull out a dollar bill from your wallet, purse, or pocket change… Notice all the little symbols on that piece of currency? Some people say there are secrets on the dollar bill – symbols, if you will, that convey secret messages. What are these symbols on the dollar bill and what do they mean? This is something that I wanted to learn more about. When I first started collecting coins, I naturally also had a little interest in paper currency. … [Read more...]
Why Collect Coins? Reasons For Collecting Coins In The Past & Present
Have you ever asked yourself why you collect coins? I mean, really – what keeps you motivated to stay in the hobby? What do you like about coin collecting? And, when is it that you first realized you were a coin collector? For me, my foray into coin collecting began when I found a 1941 Lincoln wheat cent in some allowance money I was given when I was 11 years old in 1992. I was intrigued by that old coin, and wanted to learn more about it and find other wheat cents. Within a couple months, … [Read more...]
How NOT To Clean Coins: Tips On Cleaning Coins
OK, as I always start every post I write about how to clean coins, I’m going to put this blanket statement out right now: I strongly urge anybody who wants to clean their coins to reconsider. Why? Because an improper cleaning can ruin a coin’s value, damage its surface, and deny future generations the chance to enjoy your coin in its wholly original form. That being said, some people will still engage in cleaning coins anyway in an often ill-fated attempt to make it look brand new … [Read more...]
