The modern coin grading system started in 1949 with the Sheldon Scale, a 70-point system that was created to classify the condition of US large cents. Over the past few decades, the system’s use was expanded dramatically to include other modern coins. Accordingly, most collectors are at least vaguely familiar with numeric grades, especially Mint State 70 … Continued
Coins from Ancient Empires managed to survive war, famine, and time itself, before making their way to modern collectors. This article will outline not only how such coins are found, but also how they are preserved for future generations. How are ancient coins graded? In the past, ancient coins were never “slabbed and graded.” Since the coins … Continued
Coin certification is a relatively recent addition to the coin collector’s arsenal. It can provide plenty of advantages over housing your coins in their original mint packaging. ModernCoinMart offers plenty of professionally graded coins, but what exactly are the advantages of buying graded coins? Many collectors prefer to buy coins that have been officially certified, … Continued
Ancient coins intrigue collectors and scholars alike across the world. The oldest coin we know of and have available today was discovered in Ephesus (Efesos), an ancient Hellenic city and trading center off the coast of Asia Minor. Ancient coins were primarily made from gold, silver, electrum (a naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold), … Continued
In 1971, the United States Mint resumed striking $1 coins for the first time since 1935, when the last Peace dollars were made. The new coin, the Eisenhower Dollar, or Ike Dollar, was a tribute to the famous World War II general and former President General Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose bust appears on the obverse, as well as the … Continued
In September of 2019, the United States Mint announced the selection of final designs for several upcoming coin programs. In addition, it also provided information about some possible circulating and commemorative coin programs for the years 2021-2030 for which the Mint was pursuing authorizing legislation in 2019. 2019 American Innovation Dollar Coin Designs At the end of 2018, an … Continued
Australia has a unique allure for countless travelers and aspiring travelers throughout the world. Part of that allure is the knowledge that deadly creatures are always close – often closer than people realize. In 2020, the Royal Australian Mint launched Australia’s Most Dangerous Coin Series to highlight some of these terrifying animals on .999 fine silver rounds. The … Continued
Due to their very nature, Precious Metals are prone to not only damage, like nicks and scratches, but also toning and tarnishing. Acquiring the Precious Metals you desire for your collection, be they bullion or pristine collector pieces, is just the first step to building a collection of your own. The next is to take … Continued
Learn about the different conditions that exist on business strike coins in this week’s Beginner’s Corner column. What is a Business Strike? The business strike, sometimes called the circulation strike, refers to coins produced with the intent that they will circulate in everyday commerce (as opposed to a proof coin specially made for collectors). Business … Continued
1. Maple Leaf Coins are the second best-selling silver bullion coin in the world and one of the best-selling gold bullion coins The Royal Canadian Mint’s silver and gold Maple Leaf coins are among the most popular and widely-recognized bullion coins in the world. They also have an established track record of sales performance. The coins are especially popular within U.S., Canadian, … Continued
