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U.S. Coin Value Guide

1895_Morgan_Dollar

Before you decide to sell your coins, it is a good idea to arm yourself with the knowledge of their approximate value. The following guides will give you an idea of approximately how much a dealer will pay you for your coins.

U.S. Coin Values
Coins Spotlight10

eBay Bans Coin Replicas and Copies

Monday January 23, 2012


Last week eBay published a press release announcing that all coin replicas and copies will no longer be able to be sold on eBay after February 20, 2012. eBay is currently working with The PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild), a nonprofit organization comprised of the country's top rare coin dealers, to further refine its standards to ensure that all coin collectors have confidence in their eBay experience. According to the press release:

Effective Feb. 20, the current eBay Coins policy will be updated to remove replica coin listings and relistings from eBay.com. eBay defines replica coins as a copy or reproduction of an actual coin, including U.S., foreign and other historic coins. This update better reflects standards across the coin industry, and helps ensure compliance with applicable laws that require replica coins to be permanently marked with the word, "copy."

Grading Buffalo Nickels Made Easy

Thursday January 19, 2012


Grading Buffalo nickels (a.k.a. Indian Head nickels) is not as difficult as you may think. Yes, it takes a lot of practice. But with persistence over time, you can acquire the knowledge and skill that some of the most experienced dealers and coin collectors possess. This article covers grades ranging from About Good (AG-3) to the ultra-rare Mint State 67 (MS-67). The Buffalo Nickel is the second series of U.S. coins that I have developed a series of descriptions and pictures to teach you how to grade this popular series of U.S. coins.

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Updated Coin Values for 2012

Monday January 16, 2012


With the price of gold and silver going up and down daily, these price changes can have a ripple effect even on coins that are not made out of gold or silver. Therefore, I have started to update all the value listings on the coins.about.com website to reflect current market conditions. Two of the most popular coin series that coin collectors assemble are the Lincoln wheat pennies and the Buffalo nickels. Additionally, I have expanded the listings to include the values for an "average" circulated and uncirculated example for each date and mint mark. I will continue to analyze the coin market and post updates for additional coin series.

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Learn How to Grade Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Friday January 13, 2012


One of the factors that determine the value of your coins is the grade or condition of the coin. Lincoln wheat pennies are fairly easy to grade but remember that a coin's grade is only an opinion and not a scientific measurement. However, numismatists, coin dealers and coin collectors have agreed upon certain characteristics that define each grade.

I have simplified the grading process by using a series of pictures and descriptions that will teach you how to assign a grade to your Lincoln wheat cents for the most common grades. You can click on each of the photos and a new window will open with a larger and more detailed photo for you to study. Enjoy this interactive guide and become a better educated coin collector starting today.

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