To me, one of the most amazing things about coin collecting as a hobby is that you don't need a lot of special tools or equipment to get started. Sure, these things help, but anybody can begin collecting coins right out of their pocket change! 140 million Americans are collecting State Quarters, and trying to put together a complete set of one of each State Quarter type out of pocket change is tougher than you might think!

For people who want to collect older coins right from circulation, the Jefferson Nickels simply can't be beat! I often find nickels from the 1940's and '50's when I search through rolls of nickels from the bank. I wrote an article awhile back about how to begin a collection of these great nickels right out of circulation, called How to Start a Coin Collection on $4. But easily the most valuable coins circulating through our pocket change these days Read more...

Today was the big day for the Andrew Jackson Presidential Dollar! It was officially released at a ceremony at Andrew Jackson's famous plantation mansion, the Hermitage. Rather than have historical reenactors this time, the U.S. Mint opted to go for a ceremonial coin pour. U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andrew Brunhart, Andrew Jackson the Sixth, and Hermitage official Richard Cowart all convened in front of a table covered in black velvet and proceeded to pour out a canvas bag full of Jackson Presidential Dollars. Although most of the coins behaved and gathered into a nice golden pile, a few went rolling off in various directions for the kids to scurry after. Following the pour (and the obligatory speeches,) the 300-odd kids who were present each got a free Jackson Presidential Dollar coin.

The Jackson Presidential Dollar is certainly one of the more well-executed designs in the series. The portrait of Jackson, designed by AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz, sparkles with the light and charisma Jackson certainly possessed in life (although I would have preferred to see Read more...