Centuries of minting currency have sparked numerous coin myths throughout history. Though coins themselves may be small, the misconceptions created around them can loom surprisingly large, misleading even the most seasoned numismatists. Don’t let misunderstandings lead to collecting pitfalls. Discover the seven most common myths and the true coin facts behind them in our list … Continued
While many numismatists may get into the hobby for passion or to embrace a challenge, coins also carry monetary value that sometimes greatly exceeds their face value. Age, rarity, condition, completeness, and historical significance all factor into the market value of coin collections. While some avid collectors may amass coins worth a few thousand dollars, … Continued
Handling money wisely extends beyond daily saving and spending. Understanding the legal ins and outs of cash handling can be the difference between financial success and costly pitfalls. Who can participate in melting coins? Is it illegal to burn money? Learn the answers to these commonly asked questions and more in our comprehensive guide to … Continued
While coins have long played an essential role in currency and commerce, they also serve as an insightful glimpse into the past. Each coin design, from ancient Greece all the way to the modern era should be viewed as a miniature artifact highlighting the culture’s key beliefs and values. Whether chosen for the obverse or … Continued
Coin collecting is all about paying attention to details, and one of the most important details is the mint mark. But what is a mint mark, and why is it so vital for collectors? A mint mark is a small symbol on a coin that indicates where it was minted. Knowing what a mint mark … Continued
Coin collecting is a hobby steeped in history, tradition, and the thrill of the hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just beginning to explore the world of rare coins, this guide will walk you through the most coveted US rare coins. From different mints to specific years and types, this thorough list of rare … Continued
While some may begin coin collecting as a casual hobby, it is hard to resist the allure of the hunt. Whether you’re a beginning novice ready to take collecting more seriously or an avid numismatist looking to deepen your existing expertise, the right tools can improve collecting skills from any starting point. From reading the … Continued
Understanding Counterfeit Coins and How to Spot Them Knowing how to distinguish genuine coins from counterfeits is essential for collectors and investors. Counterfeit coins vary from obvious replicas to sophisticated fakes. The market is full of fake coins, including fake gold coins and fake silver coins, which can deceive even experienced buyers. We’ll provide you … Continued
Whether brand new to the world of coin collecting or a seasoned numismatist, silver proof sets are an excellent choice to collect, containing stunning proof examples of the coins issued for circulation each year, struck from either 90% or 99.9% fine silver by the historic San Francisco Mint. Discover where silver proof sets came from … Continued
If you collect coins, you should consider becoming a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) – the largest non-profit organization in the world dedicated to “educating and encouraging people to study coins and related material,” according to the ANA mission statement. It currently has about 25,000 members, and membership is open to anyone who wishes … Continued
