Now that you have the basics of the modern minting process down, or at least you do if you read our last article, its time to learn about the people behind the coins. Coin artists and coin engravers are integral to the creation of beautiful numismatic works of art. Coin Designers and Engravers Many collectors around … Continued
In a world full of coins, there is not much difference in their overall shape. Despite various sizes and metal content, the shape of the coin is nearly always round and thin. There are, however, a few very unique coins struck by various Mints around the world that break these conformities. From domed coins to … Continued
Many coin collections were started after a unique coin was found in someone’s pocket change. You may have seen your grandfather or father weeding through their change, or maybe you even do it yourself! Although this is a method of collecting that is rarely seen anymore, the opportunity is still there. What valuable coins could you … Continued
Even as the world has increasingly turned to paper and plastic, it is coins that represent real wealth. That is why they often play pivotal roles in movies. Here are just a few examples of cases in which coins played an important part in major films ranging from classic black and white films to recent … Continued
For more than 30 years the leading third-party grading services, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), have continued to add value to coins encapsulated in their holders that are backed by the companies’ guarantee that the coins have been determined to be genuine and in the stated grade. The holders themselves have continued to be … Continued
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
