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Coin Collecting 101

Pros & Cons Of Buying Old, Used Coin Collecting Supplies

I enjoy buying old, used coin supplies. Not only are used coin collecting supplies less expensive than new ones, but many old coin supply products are vintage collector items themselves -- sometimes they're as scarce (or even scarcer) than the very coins they were designed to hold! What are some of the most common types of coin products? … [Read more...]

What Are First Strike Coins?

What are First Strike coins, and why do some coin collectors want them? First Strike coins are marketed by many promoters as among the earliest strikes of a certain coin during a certain year or for a particular design. A First Strike coin can only be bought in a 3rd-party coin grading slab, which carries a label with the designation "First Strike." If such a coin is broken out of this holder, there's really no way of knowing if it's a First Strike coin or not. … [Read more...]

Have Error Coins? Here’s How To Tell A Normal Or Altered Coin From A Real Error Coin

Error coins are something that a lot of readers here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins ask about in the comments section. I've seen many people post photos of real error coins that they've found in their pocket change, and it's always exciting for me to tell them that they've found a rare, valuable, or unique error coin. Many times, though, I have the unfortunate duty to tell some readers that their "error" coins are really just damaged, altered, or simply normal. I'm going to share with … [Read more...]

Buying eBay Coins? Here Are 3 Descriptions To Look For When Buying Coins On eBay

If you're shopping for coins on eBay, you've probably noticed some interesting descriptions on many of the coin listings. Of course, there are words and phrases like: "Very Good" and "Uncirculated" referring to coin grades "Proof" or "Bullion" referring to the coin's method of manufacture "Cleaned" referring to whether the coin has been doctored in any way to alter the finish There are many other descriptions, too. But there are 3 descriptive words I'm always very cautious … [Read more...]

What Are Impaired Proof Coins? When Bad Things Happen To Good Proof Coins

I like collecting proof coins because they're usually exquisite, collector-quality examples of the coins that I find in my pocket change. But what about proof coins that are less than perfect? These are called impaired proof coins. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service, an impaired proof is "a proof coin that grades less than PR-60; a circulated proof." Unfortunately, not every proof coin is kept in the best condition. Many are mishandled. Sometimes they’re even spent … [Read more...]

Coin Grading & Registry Sets: What You Need To Know About These High-Grade Coin Collections

If you own any coins that have been certified by major coin grading firms, then you could create an elite type of coin collection called a registry set. What is a coin registry set and why are more coin collectors building them? For many coin collectors years ago, it used to be good enough to simply have an uncirculated or mint state specimen of a coin -- that is, a coin that has never been in pocket change or used in any transactions. … [Read more...]

Cleaned Coins: How To Tell If A Coin Has Been Cleaned & Why It Matters

I talk a lot about cleaned coins versus uncleaned coins here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins. You may be wondering what the big fuss is about cleaning coins and perhaps ask yourself why most collectors don’t want cleaned coins. Or, you may be trying to figure out what a cleaned coin looks like versus a regular, uncleaned coin. If you fall into either of those two camps, this post is for you.   … [Read more...]