Why do some coins have mint marks, and some do not? Here’s what you need to know about Philadelphia mint marks and coins with no mintmarks at all.
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.
Proof Sets And Mint Sets: What’s The Difference?
Following is a summary of the differences between mint coin sets and proof coin sets, including how to determine the value of a proof set or a mint set of coins.
Coin Microscope: Worth The Cost If You Need To See All The Details
When should you buy a high-priced coin microscope? And when is it best to simply stick with the trusty 5X magnifying glass you almost certainly already have? Here’s the scoop.
Error Coins 101: The U.S. Mint’s Mistakes Make Coin Collectors Happy
Error coins grab the attention of the collector and non-collector alike. Why? Because they are so unusual. Some look downright weird!
What Are Slabbed Coins? Hint: They’re Highly Sought After, Often Expensive, And Frequently Rare Coins
Slabbed coins are often expensive, high-grade, and frequently rare. They represent a ‘safe buy’.
Coin Collecting On A Budget – 5 Ways Not To Spend A Fortune On Coins
It is not difficult at all to enjoy coin collecting on a tight budget. Here are some tips for saving money while finding new coins to add to your coin collection.
5 Coin Gift Ideas For New Coin Collectors
Gift ideas that just about any budding coin collector would enjoy. And you don’t even need to leave your home to buy them because online shopping sites and coin dealers have all of these!
What To Look For When Collecting Coins In Circulation (…A Free And Fun Way To Build A Coin Collection!)
Collecting coins can be fun — especially when all the coins you need for your collection can be found right in circulation. Let’s look at some of the exciting coins you can find right in your pocket, purse, or at your local bank.
Are Franklin Mint Coins Worth Collecting?
Wondering about the differences between Franklin Mint coins and U.S. Mint coins? Many people enjoy collecting novelty coins and medals sold through the Franklin Mint. But true coin collectors generally only purchase coins that originated from the U.S. Mint. Here’s why…
Best Coin Supplies For Young Collectors
The young coin collector needs a way to store their coin collection. But 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.
4 Reasons Coin Collecting May Not Be The Best Hobby For You
We’ve all heard about why we should collect coins, but what are some of the reasons one should not collect coins? Here’s my take on this… some reasons coin collecting isn’t for everybody.
Shop At Home Coins: Buying Coins From HSN vs. Buying Coins From Coin Dealers
This is a comparison of coins found on the Home Shopping Network with the same coins obtained through a coin dealer. The point is to show beginner coin collectors that the Home Shopping Network may not be the best place to buy coins — at least if you’re trying to save money!
The Benefits Of Using Air-Tite Coin Holders
There are many different kinds of coin holders available, but one of the best is the Air-Tite coin holder. Air-Tite coin holders are plastic, circular coin holders that are a few millimeters or so larger in diameter than the coin itself. Here’s why I use Air-Tite coin holders.
Before You Sell A Coin…
Selling coins is something that must be done with careful consideration beforehand.
After all, you wouldn’t want to sell your coins for the wrong price, and you don’t want to wind up hanging onto them too long either. Here are some coin selling tips, plus advice before you sell coins on eBay.
5 Unusual Types Of Coins Worth Collecting
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. However, if you’re a coin collector and you find yourself a little bored with ‘typical’ modern U.S. coins, then consider these 5 unique types of coins worth collecting.
5 Great Coin Books You Must Have
Here are 5 books I believe every coin collector should consider owning…
Coin Mintage Numbers – What Are They And Why Do They Matter?
The mintage number of a coin simply refers to how many coins were struck by the mint. It does not, however, necessarily refer to how many coins still exist.
Rare Coin Values – How To Tell If Your Coin Is Valuable
What’s my coin worth? While it may seem like a fairly easy question, it takes a really good evaluation of the coin by a professional coin dealer to determine your coin’s value accurately. You see, when determining the value of a coin, the appraiser must consider not only the date and denomination of the coin, but also what condition it is in, what the value of the metal is, the relative scarcity of the coin, and other issues.
Coin Shows 101: What To Expect At Your First Coin Show
Here are 5 tips to guide you through your very first coin show. Plus, a wealth of coin show advice from myself and others who’ve been to lots of different coin shows.
Proof Coins And Proof Sets: What You Need To Know
Proof coins represent the finest, the very best, that any U.S. Mint has to offer. You see, proof doesn’t refer to a particular grade. Rather, proof refers to the result when a coin is manufactured in a special way. Proof coins vary greatly from their business strike — regular, circulation-quality — counterparts and they take a different path in the Mint.
What Are Mint Coin Sets? Here’s The History Of U.S. Mint Coin Sets & Special Mint Sets
You’re probably wondering… what is a mint set? Is it anything like a proof set? Here’s what you need to know about mint coin sets.
Before You Buy Coins On Ebay – Advice From A Longtime Coin Collector
I have bought coins on eBay before and have yet to experience any trouble. However, I do exercise several precautions that can help me to avoid running into any online auction hassles. Here is some advice from a longtime coin collector… before you buy coins on eBay.
Buying Coins From Coin Dealers Is A Lot Like Buying Cars From Car Dealers – What You Need To Know
Here are 6 tips for buying coins from coin dealers, including insider tips for how to act when you’re in a coin dealer’s store, plus what to expect in terms of coin prices and values.
Basic Coin Collecting Information: Why I Collect Coins
Here’s my story… why I decided to start collecting coins, what I get out of it, and my tips for those looking for coin collecting information.
Tips For Building A 20th Century Type Coin Set Filled With U.S. Coins From The 1900s
A twentieth century type coin set is a collection of coins which includes one of each design from each denomination the United States produced between 1900 and 1999. It’s a fun — and relatively simple — way to collect U.S. coins.
Tips For Defining Your Coin Collecting Goals
Here are some tips for setting fun goals for your coin collection — no matter how large or small it might be — even if you never really thought of yourself as a ‘coin collector’.
Collecting Pocket Change: A Fun Way Collect Coins Without Much Effort
It’s surprising what ends up in your pocket as change received from a simple purchase. I’ve managed to complete a very informal coin collection strictly from pocket change. Every morning when I stop to pick up a newspaper, I check to see if the 2 quarters in change are the next coins for my collection. Other unique coins made their way from pocket change to my coin collection as well.
Coin Identifier: Here’s How To Identify Your Coin Via Diagrams, Photos & Definitions
What follows are some coin diagrams and photos that will help you describe your coin to others — say, if you want to sell it online. Plus, a coin glossary that will be helpful as you learn more about the coins in your possession.
4 Things You Need To Know About Coin Auctions
If you’ve got a rare or unusual coin, then you’ve probably considered selling it at a coin auction. But, before you do, please heed the advice of the following coin experts before selling coins at auctions…
Cardboard Coin Holders — Everything You Need To Know About 2x2s And Coin Mounts
Coin holders are one of the best ways to keep your coins safe. And they’re inexpensive too! Here’s everything you need to know about coin holders for storing the coins in your collection.
Reasons To Use Blue Whitman Folders When Collecting Coins
You’ve probably seen Whitman coin folders and wondered if that’s something you need to protect your coins or not. You know, those blue folders with the picture of the coin on the front and cardboard with lots of little round holes inside.
Which Coin Price Guide Should I Use?… The Red Book? Or The Black Book?
There are several coin price guides made by different companies, but I mostly use the Red Book and the Black Book. Here are some tips for choosing the right price guide for you coin collection.
Tips For Cleaning Coins: How To Clean The Old, Dirty Coins In Your Collection
Wondering how to clean coins? Have some old coins that are in serious need of a cleaning?… Only low-grade extremely dirty coins will benefit from a good cleaning. Medium- and high-grade coins will actually go down in value if you attempt to clean them, so use your best judgment. Here are the best ways to clean coins, while doing the least damage to the coin itself.
How To Protect & Store Coins: Examples Of The 9 Best Ways To Store Your Coins
What’s the best way to store coins and keep them safe? Should you use coin holders?… Mylar protectors?… Coin albums?… Coin tubes?… Coin binders?… Air-tight holders?… Coin slabs?… or even Zip-type baggies? Here are some tips for storing the coins in your collection…
Coin Dealers: What To Expect The First Time You Meet With A Coin Dealer To Buy Or Sell Coins
Here are some tips and pointers that might come in handy when you’re meeting with a coin dealer for the first time — whether you’re buying or selling coins.
Coin Grading: How To Determine The Grade Of The Coins In Your Collection
Most coin collectors want to be able to look at their coins in order to determine at least an approximate grade — which will then yield important information about the coin’s worth.
I might as well tell you now that you’re not going to be able to do this if you’re just beginning to collect coins. Being able to grade a coin accurately comes from a lot of experience.
Here’s an overview of how coins are graded…
Coin Collecting For Kids: How To Help A Child Start Their First Coin Collection
If you’re interested in getting your children started early in coin collecting I have a few tips and pointers for you. Some ideas as far as which coins might be the best for kids to collect…
Mint Marks: Those Small Letters On U.S. Coins Explained
What are mint marks? Mintmarks are small letters stamped on U.S. coins that designate where the coin was made. In a lot of cases, where the coin was minted makes the difference between a coin being worth a few dollars and being worth a few hundred dollars!
Professional Coin Grading: How To Find Someone To Grade Your Coins
Coin grade is only ONE of a number of factors that must be determined in order to find the true value of your coin. Here’s how the professionals grade coins… and how to find the grade of your coin. Then, you’ll have a better idea of your coin’s value.
Beginner Coin Collecting Tips: Basic Items Every Coin Collector Needs
What tools and supplies do you need to start collecting? Here’s a basic guide to the top 5 things you’ll want to have, if you plan to start a coin collection.
