Coin Collecting 101

Thinking of starting a coin collection? Or maybe you've inherited someone else's collection and you're not sure what to do with it. Here our coin experts are sharing helpful resources to point you in the right direction when you don't know much about U.S. coins and their values. See what to watch out for when buying or selling coins, the best coin collecting supplies to start with, and lots of unique tips for collecting coins that you won't find anywhere else.

Coin Collecting Magnifiers: How To Choose The Best Magnifying Glass For Coins!

As an avid coin collector since 1992, I’ve been through my share of coin loupe magnifiers, and I want to share with you what the best magnifying glass for coins is — and why you really need one.

What Are Full Steps Nickels & How Much Are They Worth? (Everything You Need To Know About Full Steps Details On Jefferson Nickels!)

Jefferson nickels with Full Steps details are relatively scarce — and they’re quite valuable! See exactly what Full Steps nickels are, how much they’re worth, whether they’re rare or not, how to find Full Steps Jefferson nickels for cheap, and tips for collecting them.

What Are Counterstamped Coins? Do People Collect Them? How Much Are They Worth?

Found a coin with an odd marking on it? It might be a counterstamp! This article will tell you what counterstamped coins are, why they exist, and how much they’re worth.

Scarce Coins vs. Rare Coins: What’s The Difference?

The terms “scarce” and “rare” can be confusing when understanding coin rarity. This article clears up the confusion between scarce U.S. coins vs. rare U.S. coins — with examples and coin rarity charts. Rare vs. scarce coins are explained in detail. You will see the major differences between rare U.S. coins and scarce U.S. coins – with examples and coin rarity charts.

What Is A Privy Mark On A Coin? What Do Privy Marks On U.S. Coins Mean?

Maybe you saw the V75 mark on a W quarter… or some other unusual mark on a different coin. Do you know what it means? Here’s what a privy mark on U.S. coins means. Plus, how much coins with privy marks are worth!

Large Date vs. Small Date Penny Facts: What Are The Differences? Why Does It Matter? How Does It Affect The Value?

Here’s how to tell a large vs. small date penny (similarities and differences). Plus, see the value of a 1982 small date penny, 1970 small date penny, 1960 small date penny — and large date pennies for those same years, too!

What Is Machine Doubling On Coins? Examples Of Machine Doubling vs. Doubled Dies

Machine Doubling vs. Double Die Coins – I can help you determine whether your coin has machine doubling or is a doubled die. See the differences between these types of error coins, examples of machine doubling vs. doubled dies, and how much these error coins are worth.

Variety Coins vs. Error Coins: How Are They Different & What Are They Worth?

U.S. coin errors and varieties can be confusing to tell apart. How are variety coins and error coins different? Why does it matter? What are these unusual coins worth? Here’s everything you need to know about errors and varieties in coin collecting.

Find A Blank Coin? Here’s Everything You Want To Know About Blank Planchet Error Coins… Including How Much They’re Worth!

Have a blank coin with no heads and no tails? Here’s what blank planchet error coins are worth, how they’re made, and why these coins are so valuable.

What Is A Cull Coin? See How Much Cull Coins Are Worth + 5 Reasons You Should Buy Them

Do you have any damaged coins or coins with an excessive amount of wear? These are generally called cull coins. Not only are they relatively easy to find — they’re also cheap coins to buy! Here’s more about these types of coins, what they’re worth, and why they may be a good fit for your collection.

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

Your weird looking coins might be error coins! Here’s how to tell what’s a legit error coin from the U.S. Mint (like the rare 1990 penny, valuable doubled die coins, and bubbled coins) and what’s an altered coins or novelty coin (like two-headed coins, colorized coins, gold-plated coins, really small coins, really large coins, coins with odd rims and edges, dimes & quarters without edge grooves). Plus a list of some of the most common U.S. coin errors that you could actually find in your pocket change!

Coin Albums vs Coin Folders: Reasons To Use Albums For Some Coins And Folders For Others

Coin folders and coin albums each have their following, and each have their own sets of pros and cons. Be sure you take into account which type of needs you have as a coin collector before you go out and buy either coin folders or coin albums. Here’s why I like to use coin albums for my most expensive coin collections and coin folders for all the rest.

Post Mint Damage & Post Strike Damage: What You Need To Know About PMD & PSD vs. Error Coins + Damaged Coins Value

Post Mint Damage (or Post Strike Damage) refers to any damage a coin has suffered after leaving the U.S. Mint — including scratches, dings, holes, bumps, nicks, and gouges. See how to tell damaged coins apart from error coins, plus the value of damaged coins.

Where To Sell Coins Online Or In Person – Here’s How To Find Coin Auctions, Coin Classifieds & Coin Dealers

Looking for coin classifieds? Want to sell coins online? Here are some professional coin auction sites, coin dealers, coin consignment sites, and other places where you can list your coins for sale. Or, you can post your coins for sale on this site… for free.

What’s The Difference Between Being A Numismatist & A Coin Collector?

Wondering about the difference between being a numismatist and a coin collector? A coin collector is somebody who gathers coins with the intention of completing sets of coins. A numismatist is a person who studies coins and money from a historic, social, or artistic sense. See other differences and why many people are both!

Tips For Assembling A Complete Set Of 50 State Quarters + A List Of All The Coins In This Popular Series And Their Dates

The U.S. Mint’s state quarter program began in 1999 and continued through 2008. In all, 50 statehood quarters were made — one for each state in the United States. They were released into circulation in the order that the statehoods came into existence. Here’s the official list of all 50 state quarters and their release dates. Plus, everything you need to know about collecting the 50 state quarters, and fun ways to save state quarters that you probably haven’t thought of!

How To Buy Silver Coins On A Shoestring Budget + Tips For Collecting Silver Coins

You don’t need to be wealthy to buy silver coins. Here are 4 ways to buy cheap silver coins when you’re on a budget. Plus, tips for collecting silver coins when you’re on a budget. Before you buy silver coins, read this!

Copper vs. Zinc Pennies: Here’s How To Tell If You Have A Copper Penny Or A Zinc Penny

Do you know how to tell a copper penny from a zinc penny? Here are 4 ways to tell if you have a copper penny vs. a zinc penny. When you finish reading these 4 tips, you’ll know how to quickly tell zinc pennies from copper pennies!

Wondering How To Find Local Coin Dealers? Here’s How To Find A Coin Dealer Who Is Reputable & Reliable Near You

A coin dealer is one of the greatest resources that we coin collectors have. Coin dealers are coin experts that can help you: buy coins, sell coins, get a coin appraisal, locate hard-to-find coins, and learn more about your coins. Here are 5 tips to help you find a coin dealer near you who’s reputable and reliable.

Before You Buy Silver Dollars… Here Are The 4 Best Places To Find Cheap Silver Dollars

Looking to buy silver dollars at rock bottom prices? I’ve got 4 proven tips that will help you find even cheap Morgan dollars & cheap Peace dollars at super low prices.

How Many Coins Come In A Roll? Here’s Everything You Want To Know About Coin Rolls + My Best Tips For Coin Roll Hunting

Coin rolls are used mostly by banks and retailers, but they’re treasure troves for coin collectors! Here’s how many coins come in a roll (by denomination). Plus some tips for rolling coins yourself and searching for valuable coins in rolls.

Why Are 1943 Coins Special & What Are They Worth?

Some 1943 coins are worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars? Find out why and see if you have valuable, rare coins from the World War II era.

Buy Coins On eBay? Here Are My 4 Best Tips For Buying eBay Coins & Scoring The Best Deal

I’ve bought & sold coins on eBay for years. Here are 4 things you should know, what to look for in eBay coin sellers, how to buy coins on eBay & how to win!

Collecting Pennies? Here Are 9 Cool Ways To Collect Pennies (…And See What Your Pennies Are Worth!)

Collecting pennies is fun! Here are 9 interesting ways to build penny collections that you probably haven’t thought of. Plus the latest penny values.

Pros & Cons Of Buying Old, Used Coin Collecting Supplies

Thinking of buying old coin collecting supplies such as books, folders, albums, or display cases? A coin expert’s opinion before you buy used coin supplies.

Coin Collecting Mistakes: 4 Things You Should Never Do With Your Coins

We all make mistakes with our coins. Here are 4 common errors that many coin collectors have made. If you’re new to coin collecting, don’t do these things!

What Are First Strike Coins?

Curious about the value of First Strike coins? Are they even worth buying? Here’s an expert analysis on whether First Strike coins are a good investment.

How To Buy Coins At Discounted Prices When You’re On A Budget – Insider Tips From A Longtime Coin Collector

Want to buy coins at discounted prices? Here’s where to find cheap coins, what to ask when you visit a coin dealer, and how to get the most for your money.

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

If you’re buying eBay coins and want to know exactly what you’re buying, here are 3 descriptive listing words you should know more about before placing bids

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

What are impaired proof coins? What makes them different from regular proof coins? Is it a good idea to collect impaired proof coins? Here’s the scoop!

Coin Registry Sets 101: A Coin Expert’s Tips For Compiling A Unique Collection Of Coins That Have Been Certified By The PCGS Registry And/Or The NGC Registry

Coin grading companies give collectors the opportunity to create coin registry sets. Learn about these high-grade coin sets and how to build a registry set.

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

Want to be able to tell if a coin has been cleaned or not? Here’s how professionals identify cleaned coins and you can too. Plus 3 SAFE ways to clean coins

5 Cheap Coin Supplies You Need & Where To Find Them

Collecting coins on a shoestring budget? Need a way to display, store, or organize your coins? Here are 5 cheap coin supplies you simply can’t be without.

How To Collect Short Sets: 5 Easy Coin Collections For Collectors On A Budget

Budget short sets are ideal for coin collectors that want to collect coins from their favorite series without breaking the bank. Here are 5 short set ideas.

How Selling Old Coins Can Help You Afford To Buy New Coins For Your Coin Collection

Want to buy new coins for your collection but short on money? Selling old coins may help you afford new coins, but be sure to read these expert tips first.

Tips For Collecting Kennedy Half Dollars: These Are The Scarce And Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars To Look For & Where You’ll Find Them

Here are my best tips for collecting Kennedy half dollars — which ones are rare, what they are worth, and where you can find them. Plus, a list of the 5 types of copper-nickel clad & silver Kennedy half dollars that people often like to collect.

5 Coin Collecting Supplies Every Beginning Coin Collector Must Have

There are 5 coin collecting supplies that every numismatist needs. A coin price guide is a given. See what the other 4 are.

Collecting Fake Coins – A New Facet Of Coin Collecting That’s Gaining Attention

Ever thought of fake coins as worthy of your time? Many counterfeit coins are gaining a spot in some numismatists’ coin collections. Find out why here.

How Are Business Strike Coins (Coins Intended For Circulation) Different From Non Business Strike Coins?

If you want to know what a business strike coin is, the answer is as close as the change in your pocket. Coins intended for circulation are business strike coins, and they are the usual, run-of-the-mill coins you see on a day-to-day basis. Coins that were not intended for this most basic purpose are special issue coins. See more of the differences between business strike coins and special issue coins here.

Coin Collecting 101

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