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Coins: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Wheat Penny Values - Coin Values Table for Wheat Cents - How Much are Wheat Pennies Worth? - Wheatback Pennies
Wheat pennies are worth at least twice their face value, as shown in my coin values table, and many wheatback cents are worth a lot more. Learn what the prices are for wheat back pennies, and find out how much your pennies are worth with this simple to use penny value guide.
Buffalo Nickel Values - Coin Values Guide for Buffalo (aka Indian Head) Nickels
Coin values for Buffalo Nickels are given in this easy to use price guide to Buffalo (aka Indian Head) Nickels. The coin values in this table are real prices that coin dealers will pay, not inflated Red Book values.
Indian Head Penny Values - Coin Values Table for Indian Head Pennies - Indian Head Cents
Indian Head Penny values can be found in this table of coin values. Indian Cents were made from 1859 to 1909. The Indian Head penny values given here are realistic prices that a dealer will pay you for your penny, not some inflated retail values. Find out how much your pennies are really worth if you had to sell them today with this simple to use Indian Head cent value guide.
Mercury Dime Values and Prices - How Much are Mercury Dimes Worth?
Mercury Dime Values Coin Values for Mercury Dimes are Listed Below All Mercury Dimes are worth at least
The 1943 Penny Value
Coin FAQ - How much is my silver 1943 penny worth? Is my 1943 penny rare? The answer is on this page about the u.s. wartime steel penny.
Rare Coins in Pocket Change!
Most people don't realize that there are a number of fairly valuable U.S. error coins and die varieties in circulation today. The reason these coins are overlooked by people is that they have small distinguishing characteristics, such as a modest doubling of the coin image, or minute differences in the size or spacing of the letters in the legends. Learn which of your pocket change coins is worth a large premium over face value, and why.
Coin Identification Table - Identify Your U.S. Coins Using These Coin Photo Images
Photos to ID your U.S. coins. Use this coin identification table to identify your U.S. coins, with the help of these coin photo images
Wheat Penny Key Dates
Wheat penny key dates are given in this mini-guide to Wheat Cent values. Find out what the most valuable dates are for the Wheat pennies issued from 1909 to 1958.
Morgan Dollar Values - Coin Values or Prices for Morgan Dollars - How Much are Morgan Dollars Worth
Morgan Dollars are one of the most popular U.S. coins, but prices for Morgan Dollars can be a little tricky because most of them never really circulated. This Morgan Dollar value guide has prices that coin dealers will actually pay you for your Morgans, not inflated retail prices like virtually all other Morgan Dollar price guides have.
What's My Penny Worth?
Learn what your penny is worth by identifying what type it is, and if it is rare. Find how much your pennies are worth in this easy-to-use penny prices guide for U.S. Cents.
Lincoln Penny Values - Coin Values for Lincoln Memorial Cents - How Much are Lincoln Memorial Pennies Worth? - Lincoln Pennies
Lincoln Memorial Penny values can be found in this table of coin values. Lincoln Memorial Cents have been made since 1959, replacing the Wheat Ears design. In general, Lincoln cents must be in Extremely Fine condition or higher to be worth much, but there are a few exceptions. Learn which Lincoln Cents are worth higher prices, and find out how much your pennies are worth with this simple to use coin value guide.
Jefferson Nickel Values - Coin Values Guide for Jefferson Nickels
Jefferson Nickel coin values are given in this easy to use price guide to Jefferson Nickels. The coin values in this table are real prices that coin dealers will pay, not inflated Red Book values.
Help With Old Coins
Old coins can be hard to value or price if you don't know what the old coin is. This FAQ page will help you identify your old coins so you can learn where they're from and how much they're worth. This article also has tips for searching for information about old coins online.
1943 Copper Penny Error
The 1943 Copper Penny is a much sought-after error coin, because the pennies in 1943 should have been made of steel. However, novelty copper-plated 1943 pennies abound, plus there are so some other fake 1943 copper pennies. Learn to tell the genuine 1943 copper penny from the fake 1943 copper penny.
U.S. Coins Red Book Review
Book review of the U.S. coins Red Book, "A Guide Book of United States Coins". The Red Book has long been the "Bible" of U.S. coin values. Since you can find out what your coin is worth online for free, does it make sense to buy the Red Book? Our review provides the answer.
V-Nickel Values - Coin Values Guide for Liberty Head V-Nickels
Coin values for Liberty Head V-Nickels are given in this easy to use price guide to Liberty Head Nickels. The coin values in this table are real prices that coin dealers will pay, not inflated Red Book values.
State Quarter Values - Coin Values Table for Statehood Quarters - How Much are State Quarters Worth?
State Quarters generally must be in Mint State (MS) grades to be worth anything over face value. Serious State Quarter collectors collect them by the original bank-wrapped (OBW) rolls of 40 coins. Values for Statehood Quarter OBWs are given in a separate State Quarter Rolls value guide. Learn what the prices are for these beautiful U.S. Quarters, and find out how much your State Quarters are worth with this simple to use Statehood Quarter price guide.
Is Your Penny Copper or Zinc?
U.S. pennies were made of mostly copper until the price of copper got so high that it cost more to mint the cents than they were actually worth. Find out when the U.S. switched to the copper-clad zinc penny, and how to tell if your penny is made of copper or zinc.
Coin Grading Made Simple
Coin grading can be a difficult subject for the beginning collector. This article provides a very simple, basic method for judging the grade of almost any coin using clear, easy-to-follow steps.
Mercury Dime Key Dates
Mercury dime key dates are given on this page, along with a link to full pricing information with the real prices dealers will pay you for Mercury Dimes (not inflated retail coin values.)
Key Date Coin is Defined
What is a key date? Your Guide has the definition to this and other coin related terms in the glossary of numismatic terminology. Key date coin is defined on this page.
How Many Coins in a Roll?
Find out how many coins there are in a standard woll of U.S. coins. Whether it's a roll of quarters, dimes, nickels, half dollars, or pennies, a standard shotgun roll his a certain number of coins. Also how many coins are in double rolls and a half rolls of coins.
New Penny Design - Third Coin
The new penny design for 2009, third design.
New Penny Design - Second Coin
The new penny design for 2009, second design.
Find Honest Rare Coin Dealers
It is fairly easy to find a coin dealer. But how do you find a reputable, honest coin dealer? We invest a lot of money in our coins, so we want to get the best prices we can. However, price isn't everything. What if your coin turns out to be fake? Will the rare coin dealer be around in five years to issue a refund? Learn how to find honest and ethical rare and gold coin dealers.
Top 5 Worst Coin Investments
This article contains my personal list of "do not buy" coin types. I am reluctant to tell anybody else what they should invest in, since nobody can predict where the market will go, but I am willing to share my own personal 30 years' worth of experience in what I personally do not collect...and why.
Meaning of E Pluribus Unum
E Pluribus Unum is seen on U.S. coins and currency, but it is surprising how many people don't know what this term means and what the history behind it is. Learn about the U.S. Motto E Pluribus Unum.
New Penny Design - Fourth Coin
The new penny design for 2009, fourth design.
New Penny Design - First Coin
The new penny design for 2009, first design.
Nickels Value Guide
Nickel values guide; Find out how much your U.S. nickels are worth in this easy to use, realistic nickel values guide. Types include Liberty Head V-Nickels, Indian Head Buffalo Nickels, and Jefferson Nickels. My coin values are actual, honest, dealer buying prices, not inflated retail, or Red Book prices.
World's Most Valuable Coin
The 1933 Gold Double Eagle coin, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, sold for $7.5 million in 2002, the highest price in the world ever paid for a coin. Find out why the 1933 double eagle is worth so much, and learn the bizarre story of how a lady who found 10 of these coins in her deceased father's belongings ended up having them all seized by the U.S. Mint!
How to Safely Clean Coins
To clean coins is generally not recommended, but if you really feel you have to, this article tells you how to clean coins safely and with minimal damage.
In God We ...Rust - Error Coin
The "Rust Quarter" State Quarter Error was created when coin press lubricating grease escaped into the coin die, plugging up the first letter "T" in TRUST. See photos of this mint error and learn more about how grease strike through filled die errors occur.
Presidential Dollar Coins
The Presidential Dollar coins were issued for circulation by the U.S. Mint starting in February, 2007. Learn all about this series of President's Dollar coins, find out why the word LIBERTY has been removed, and why you won't see IN GOD WE TRUST or E PLURIBUS UNUM on the face of the coins. Also, get the details about the "Godless" dollars and how the edge lettering is supposed to appear.
State Quarter Rolls Value - Coin Values Table for Statehood Quarter Rolls - How Much are State Quarters Rolls Worth?
State Quarter rolls generally must be in Mint State (MS) grades to be worth anything over face value. Serious State Quarter collectors collect them by the original bank-wrapped (OBW) rolls of 40 coins. Values for Statehood Quarter OBWs are given in this State Quarter Rolls value guide. Learn what the prices are for these beautiful U.S. Quarters, and find out how much your State Quarter rolls are worth with this simple to use Statehood Quarter price guide.
The Rust Quarter - an Interesting Struck Through Grease Filled Die Error
This is an image of the Rust Quarter - an interesting struck through grease filled die error.
The U.S. Capitol During Lincoln's Inauguration
The U.S. Capitol building during Abraham Lincoln's inauguration, shown in its unfinished state.
Morgan Dollar Investments
Morgan Dollars are a popular investment vehicle for coin collectors these days. Before you invest in Morgan Dollars, however, take a moment to consider a few thoughts about rare coin investing, because although there are some excellent investment options out there in Morgan Silver Dollars, there are also some pitfalls to avoid.
Lincoln Memorial Varieties
The commonly recognized die variety types for the Lincoln Memorial Cent series, including those noted in the Red Book, are listed on this page.
Extra Tree Error Quarters
The Minnesota State Quarter Extra Tree error coins have been getting a lot of attention recently. Learn how to check your state quarters to see if you have one of these valuable Minnesota Extra Tree error coins.
State Quarters Quiz - The State Quarters Challenge
The State Quarters Challenge is a State Quarters quiz that will test your memory of the Statehood Quarter coins you carry around in your every day. Can you name the state each quarter is from without the state names that appear on the coins? This quiz is tougher than it looks, and only extremely observant people will do well on it. See how you stack up by taking the State Quarters Challenge quiz.
History of the Lincoln Cent
The Lincoln Cent series is by far the longest running coin series in U.S. history, and one of the longest running coin series in the world, nearing its 100th year anniversary in 2009. Learn all about the Lincoln Penny's history and how this beloved coin type endures to this day.
Two Views of Lincoln's Face
A detail image showing Lincoln's face as depicted by the coin designers.
1895 Morgan Dollar
The 1895 Proof Morgan Silver Dollar is nicknamed the "King of Morgan Dollars." Although the 1895 Morgan Dollar had a mintage of 12,000 regular specimens according to Mint records, they seem to have mysteriously vanished! Learn the story behind the King of Morgans: the remarkable 1895 Morgan Dollar.
Find Error Coins in Change
Learn how to find rare error coins and varieties in your pocket change. This tutorial will teach you a few simple steps that will allow you to quickly sort your change, so you never put a quarter worth 100 bucks into a vending machine again!
Coin Obverse Defined
What is the obverse of a coin? Your Guide has the definition to this and other coin related terms in the glossary of coin terminology. The obverse side is defined on this page.
7 Ways to Ruin Your Coins
The 7 best ways to ruin your coins are described, with details on cleaning coins, storing coins, handling coins, and caring for a coin collection. We explain the 7 mistakes that beginning collectors make, and how to avoid them. Keep your U.S. and rare coins in great shape by avoiding these common coin care catastrophes.
Wrapped Coin Secrets
Most coin collectors find that getting rolls of coins from their local banks isn't easy. An expert in the hobby of searching bank wrapped rolls of coins reveals the secrets to finding plenty of rolls of coins to search.
Avoid Fake Silver Eagles
Coin fraud is an unfortunate reality of coin collecting, but it's easy to educate yourself about fake coins and coin fraud subjects. This article teaches out how to spot fake silver coins, especially fake silver eagles from China.
Blue Book Defined
What is the U.S. Coins Blue Book? Your Guide has the definition to this and other coin related terms in the glossary of coin terminology. The U. S. Coins Blue Book is defined on this page.
Sunken Treasure Coin Secrets
Before you buy sunken treasure coins, take a moment to think about what you are buying. Is there a lot of marketing hype making the coin seem more valuable than it is? Has the coin been certified, and by whom? Is the coin from a recovered sunken treasure that is getting a lot of publicity now, but might be forgotten tomorrow? Here are some things to consider when buying rare coins.
Top 10 Coin Picks for 2009
This is my personal top 10 coins investment shopping list for 2009. These are the coins and coin sets that I feel have the best potential for long term enjoyment and growth, although I want to stop short of actually making investment recommendations to others since my budget and collecting interests probably differ from yours. However, I offer my top coin picks for the coming year and explain why I selected them so that you can make a more informed decision about your own coin buying.
No-Date Buffalo Nickel Value
Buffalo Nickels with no dates on them present an interesting challenge. How do you learn how much the coin is worth if the date has worn off?
1943-S Copper Penny Found
In 1944, 14-year old Kenny Wing found a copper (rather than steel) 1943-S penny in circulation. The coin remained hidden for more than 50 years, until Wing's heirs took it to Rare Coin Wholesalers for an appraisal. This is the story of an amazing coin, unknown to the collecting community until 2008.
1917 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916-1917 Standing Liberty Quarter features a depiction of Miss Liberty with her right breast exposed. The story of how this bare-breasted Liberty coin was made, and the fallout after its release, make an interesting story. Learn all about the topless, or naked Liberty Quarter in this Famous Coin Profile.
The Buffalo Nickel Key Dates
The key date coins in the Buffalo Nickel series are given here.
Insider's Coin Buying Secrets
Insider's tips for dealing with coin dealers. Learn how to get the best deal when buying coins, and how to get the most money when selling coins. Find out where dealers get their wholesale coin prices so you know how much they pay each other, and never overpay for, or undersell coins again. Understand how the wholesale coin market operates.
Get Rich With Pocket Change
"Strike it Rich With Pocket Change" is the book by Ken Potter and Brian Allen that shows us how to tell which coins in our pocket change are the rare and valuable mint error coins and die varieties that sell for thousands of dollars on eBay. Does the book live up to its promise, or should your save your spare pocket change for something else? Read this book review of the latest offering among the "get rich quick from your spare change" genre now!
Coin Price & Value Differences
There is a big difference between the value of a coin, and the price of a coin. Your Guide explains what the difference is, and how you need to take this concept into consideration when you buy and sell your own U.S., Ancient, World, or other coins.
The 1904 Liberty Head Gold Double Eagle (Twenty Dollar Gold Piece)
This is an image of the 1904 Liberty Head Double Eagle U.S. Gold Coin ($20 Gold Piece)
Mint Mark Defined
What is a mint mark? Your Guide has the definition to this and other coin related terms in the glossary of coin terminology. Mint marks are defined on this page.
Lincoln Memorial Key Dates
Learn what the key dates are for the Lincoln Memorial Penny series. Lincoln Memorial key date coins are given on this page.
Gold Coin Investing FAQ
A reader asks several questions about whether it is a better investment to buy regular gold bullion coins, or the ones sold by the U.S. Mint. Also, is the U.S. Mint better than the Franklin Mint? Should I be a collector or an investor?
Chinese Counterfeiter Strikes a Fake Silver Coin
A worker in a Chinese fake coin minting operation feeds a planchet into the coin press to strike a fake silver dollar.
Sheldon Scale of Coin Grading
The Sheldon Scale 70-point system has become the standard coin grading system for modern coins. Learn what the Sheldon Scale is, and how to use it to grade your own coins.
Collecting for Your Children
Many parents and grandparents would like to start a coin collection for their children, but they don't know what to collect. Learn how to start an investment collection, and what coins you should buy.
The 1909D Indian Head Half Eagle U.S. Gold Coin (Five Dollar Gold Piece)
This is an image of the 1909D Indian Head Half Eagle U.S. Gold Coin ($5.00 Gold Piece)
What is Mechanical Doubling?
Mechanical doubling, sometimes called machine doubling or strike doubling, is defined on this coin terms glossary page.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most valuable coins in the world, selling for $3 million at its last appearance in 2001. There are 5 specimens known to exist of the 1913 Liberty Nickel. Learn why they are worth so much money, and discover the fascinating story behind this humble 5-cent piece of cupro-nickel.
Coin Grading History
Coin grading has become very standardized in the past couple of decades, thanks to the advent of the third party grading service. Most coin collectors recognize the Sheldon 70-point grading scale as the standard for modern coins, but you will still see coins on the market graded by other standards, particularly coins from older collectons. Learn about the history of grading coins, and what the various grading systems are and how they relate to each other.
Coin Collection on Four Bucks
This tutorial will show you how to start a coin collection on $4. We talk about where to get the coins to start your collection (at face value), how to clean and sort them, how to mount them for display, and how to store them. Starting a coin collection from circulating coinage is very easy, if you know what to look for!
What Does "Coin Price" Mean?
Coin price catalogs and coin value guides, such as the Red Book, Trends, coin price magazines, etc., all have one common flaw - the prices in them are not of any value at all to a coin collector trying to appraise his own collection for sale. This article explains why.
The Penny Debate
The U.S. one cent coin, the penny, costs more to manufacture than it is worth. Its buying power is almost nil, and many people think the penny should be eliminated. On the other hand, the penny is a sentimental coin, and many people fear rounding to the nickel will raise prices. Should the U.S. get rid of the penny or not? Get the arguments for and against keeping the penny in this penny debate article.
James Monroe's Presidential Dollar
Photo of the James Monroe Presidential Dollar coin
Fake Morgan Dollars Made in China
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. Freshly struck fake Morgan Dollars are shown.
The Finest Known Wheat Cent
The finest known Wheat Penny is the PCGS MS-69 RD 1919 Lincoln Wheat Cent in the legendary Red Copper Collection, an award-winning, top-ranked PCGS Registry Set formed by collector Stewart Blay. The Wheat Penny shown here is what Lincoln pennies were originally meant to look like.
What Are U.S. Small Cents?
The U.S. Small Cents were first issued in 1856, to replace the Large Cents. But which cents, exactly, are the Small Cents? This article answers that question, and tells you how to determine how much your Small Cents are worth.
The Anatomy of a Coin
This is an image-based tutorial teaching you how to explain your coins to another collector using the proper terminology. The U.S. cent coin, the proof Statehood quarter obverse, and the reeded edges of circulated quarters are used as examples.
Sacagawea Golden Dollar
The Sacagawea Golden Dollar is unique among U.S. coins. Sacagawea was just 10 years old when she was kidnapped from her native Shoshone tribe. Sold into slavery by her early teens, she was purchased by a French fur trader to become his "wife." Sacagawea is best known for her role in the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Learn all about Sacagawea and the coin that honors her.
Can Your Coins Do Cartwheels?
When coins come out of the mint, they have a beautiful luster and they look nice and shiny and pretty. But as coins get used in circulation, this shininess wears away and the coin gets dull. How can I turn my dull, worn, circulated coin back into a nice shiny prize again? In other words, how do I clean my coins to look mint new?
The 1908 Saint-Gaudens Walking Liberty Double Eagle (Twenty Dollar Gold Piece)
This is an image of the 1908 Saint-Gaudens (No Motto) Walking Liberty Double Eagle U.S. Gold Coin ($20 Gold Piece)
Coin Value Fraud at Auctions
If you are buying coins from online auction sites such as ebay, you should be very wary about claims of coin values based on slabbed, or grading services' grades. This is an increasing problem on ebay, especially, so before you buy encapsulated coins, learn how this coin fraud is prepetrated, and a very simple method to avoid becoming a victim.
Thousands of Fake Coins From China
Thousands of Fake Coins Struck by a Chinese Counterfeiting Ring
Edge View of Fake Morgan Dollars
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. The edges of fake Morgan Dollars are shown.
Wholesale Coin Secrets
How can I find out about the wholesale coin market and learn what dealers pay for coins? This FAQ tells you about the insider's guide to coin prices and how to get a sample copy for yourself.
Fake Standing Liberty Quarters
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. Standing Liberty Quarters and U.S. Indian Head Cents are shown, all of which are fake!
Mint Errors - Intentional?
People often ask if the U.S. Mint is making errors on the coins on purpose, in order to entice people into removing them from circulation and collecting them. Find out the answer to this question about mint error coins.
John Quincy Adams' Presidential Dollar
Photo of the John Quincy Adams Presidential Dollar coin
Chinese-Made Fake Silver and Copper Coins
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques.
Close-Up of Fake Silver Coin Dies
This closeup photo of the dies used by a Chinese coin counterfeiting ring shows the reverse of a British silver crown dated 1899 and the obverse of a Greek 5 Drachmai dated between 1833 and 1845.
An Assortment of Fake Coin Dies in China
A selection of dies for striking fake coins in an illegal Chinese coin minting operation.
Don's World Coin Gallery
Don's World Coin Gallery is a legendary Web site devoted to coins from virtually every issuing authority in the world. Don has tens of thousands of coins listed on his site, including photos, prices, a coin identification guide, and lots more for the world coin collector. The most amazing thing of all? Every single coin on the site came from Don's own collection! Learn more about Don's World Coin Gallery on this page.
U.S. Braille Dollar Coin
The first-ever readable Braille coin was issued by the U.S. in 2009 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the reading system for the blind. Learn about this important coin and why it was issued in the profile of the Braille Dollar.
Fake Morgan Dollars Being Struck
Fake Morgan Dollars Struck by a Chinese Coin Counterfeting Ring
Another Coin Press Used by the Chinese Counterfeiters
Coin Press Used in Chinese Coin Counterfeiting Ring
Chinese Worker Applies Edge Lettering to Fake Coins
Chinese Worker Applies Edge Lettering to Fake Coins
Arizona Collectors Forum
This is a transcript, in Q&A format, of the public Coin Collectors Forum held by U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy at the Carnegie Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Moy talks about the upcoming Ultra-High Relief Saint-Gaudens coin, why the U.S. Mint is 16 times more efficient than the Tokyo Mint, and numerous other questions from the forum's attendees.
The 1877 Indian Cent
This Mint State 1877 Indian Head Cent is in the legendary Red Copper Collection, an award-winning, top-ranked PCGS Registry Set formed by collector Stewart Blay. The Indian Head Penny shown here is what the Indian Cents were originally meant to look like.
The Dolley Madison Gold Coin in the Presidential First Spouse Series
Photo of Dolley Madison gold coin Obverse in the First Spouse series
Fake Indian Head & Large Cents
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. A box of fake U.S. Indian Head pennies and Large Cents is shown.
Andrew Jackson's Presidential Dollar
Photo of Andrew Jackson Presidential Dollar coin
Mint Error News Magazine
Mint Error News Magazine is published quarterly by Mike Byers. The magaxine, which is free on the Web, features major error coins. Mint Error News includes generous photos, an error coin price guide, articles and information related to mint errors, and plenty more.
One of the Showrooms in the Chinese Counterfeiting Factory
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques.
The 1847 Coronet Type Liberty Eagle U.S. Gold Coin (Ten Dollar Gold Piece)
This is an image of the 1847 Coronet Type Liberty Eagle U.S. Gold Coin ($10 Gold Piece)
What are Doubled Die Coins?
Doubled Die Coins are defined on this coin terms glodssary page. (Sometimes misspelled "double die.")
Coins - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Coins guide site.
The 1910 Indian Head Type Quarter Eagle U.S. Gold Coin
This is an image of the 1910 Indian Head Type Quarter Eagle U.S. Gold Coin.
The 1910-S Indian Head (Saint-Gaudens) U.S. Gold Eagle (Ten Dollar Gold Piece)
1910-S Indian Head Type (Saint-Gaudens) U.S. Gold Eagle ($10 Gold Piece)
Chinese Workers Making Counterfeit Rare Coins
Chinese Workers Striking Fake U.S. Coins
What is a BU Coin?
BU coin is a term that you hear occasionally when people talk about coin collecting. Learn what it means on this coin terms page.
The 1881 Coronet Type (With Motto) Liberty Gold Eagle (Ten Dollar Gold Piece)
This is an image of the 1881 Coronet Type (With Motto) Liberty Gold Eagle ($10 Gold Piece)
Another Storage Area or Showroom For Chinese Fakes
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques.
Fake Ancient Chinese Coins
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. Various ancient bronze Chinese coin types are shown, all of which are fake!
Find a Local Coin Dealer
When you want to find a coin dealer, you probably shouldn't go to the Yellow Pages first, because there are many people listed there who are really just pawn brokers, junk bullion buyers, and other non-experts. This Quick Tip page will show you exactly how to find a local, Certified coin dealer near your location.
Fake Chinese Dynastic Coins
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques.
Are Two-Headed Coins Real?
If you have found a two-headed coin and want to find out how much your two-headed coin is worth, or if your coin has two tails, this article will explain what these coins are worth, and how coins with two heads are made.
Presidential Dollar Errors
The Presidential Dollar coins are turning up with some interesting new errors, many related to the edge lettering on the coins. However, not everything being sold on eBay as an edge lettering error is one! Learn how to evaluate the edge lettering for yourself, and how to authenticate a genuine edge letter error.
The Lincoln Silver Dollar
The Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Dollar is a silver dollar coin being issued by the U.S. Mint in 2009. Learn why this Lincoln coin was issued, who the profits from the sales benefit, what the Lincoln Commemorative coin is all about, and whether this coin is a good buy or not.
One of the Many Storerooms in the Chinese Counterfeiting Factory
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. This is one of many storage rooms.
What is This Blank Coin?
Sometimes people come across blank coins in circulation, and they wonder what they've got and if it's worth anything. This FAQ page answers these questions about blank coins.
Fake Chinese Antiquities
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques.
Fake Chinese Ingots and Bars
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. Shown are some fake Chinese ingots and bars.
1943 Chrome-Plated Penny
The 1943 penny is a source of confusion to people the first time they see one. Is it made of silver? Chrome? What is this 1943 penny and is it worth anything? This FAQ page answers these questions.
Error Coin Collectors Club
The coin collectors club which specializes in error coins and die varieties is called CONECA. The acronym stands for Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America. Learn the history of CONECA, how to find its web site, and how to join the club on this web page about CONECA.
Fake Chinese Currency and Goods
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. Fake Chinese currency sits next to tourist goods.
What is the Red Book?
What is the U.S. Coins Red Book? The Red Book is defined on this coin terms glossary page.
Processed Fake Coins Awaiting Dispersal
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques. A tray of assorted fake coins awaits dispersal into our marketplace.
Dime Defined
What is a dime? Your Guide has the definition to this and other coin related terms in the glossary of numismatic terminology. Dime is defined on this page.
Fake Chinese Slabs
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques.
James Madison's Presidential Dollar as Struck for Circulation
The image of the coin that appears in the artist rendering is often quite different than what the struck coin actually looks like!
Fake Chinese Iron and Bronze Artifacts
Photos from a Chinese counterfeiting ring that specializes in fake coins, antiquities and counterfeit Chinese antiques.
Proof Coin Defined
What is a proof coin? Your Guide has the definition to this and other coin related terms in the glossary of coin terminology. Proof coin is defined on this page.
Beware the Ides of March!
EID MAR is the inscription on the coin issued by Brutus, who assassinated Julius Caesar on the Ides of March in ancient Rome. This ancient coin features two daggers and a liberty cap on the reverse, and a portrait of Brutus on the obverse. This article profiles the EID MAR commemorative coin and explains the events surrounding it.
The 1878 Coronet Type Liberty Head Quarter Eagle U.S. Gold Coin
This is an image of the 1878 Coronet Type Liberty Head Quarter Eagle U.S. Gold Coin ($2.50 Gold Piece)
First Strike Coins Revealed
The First Strike designation is being used by grading services to imply that the coin within the holder is more valuable than others like it because it was struck first, but the U.S. Mint itself doesn't know which coins were struck when! Learn all about First Strike and what it really means.
What is an Error Coin?
What is an error coin? This coin terms page defines a mint error and explains why it differs from a die variety.
Detect Fake Godless Dollars
Godless Dollars are so-called because they are missing the edge lettering inscriptions that all Presidential Dollars are supposed to have, which include, among others, IN GOD WE TRUST. However, what's to stop someone with a dremel tool or lathe from simply erasing the edge inscriptions to make fake Godless dollars? Learn how to tell a real plain edge dollar from a fake smooth edge dollar.
The 1849 Coronet Liberty Head Half Eagle Gold Coin (Five Dollar Gold Piece)
This is an image of the 1849 Coronet Liberty Head Type Half Eagle U.S. Gold Coin ($5.00 Gold Piece)
Top 10 Coins Web Sites
This is a list of my top 10 favorite coin Web sites (besides my own, of course, heh.) You'll find a nice mix of types of sites, as I tried to pick the best from several categories (such as coin discussion forum, coin price guide, general coin information, etc.) I also explain why I love these sites, and why it's worth your time to check them out.
Clad Coins Defined
What are clad coins? Your Guide has the definition to this and other coin related terms in the glossary of numismatic terminology. Clad coins are defined on this page.
Adams Presidential Dollar
The John Adams Presidential Dollar is the second coin in the Presidential Dollar series. Learn more about the U.S. President this coin honors, and other facts about John Adams.
The Abigail Adams Gold Coin in the Presidential First Spouse Series
Photo of artist rendering of Abigail Adams gold coin Obverse in the First Spouse series
What is a Die Variety?
The die variety of a coin is defined on this coin collecting terms page.
Two Headed Coin Authentication
Learn how to tell if your two headed coin is genuine or fake. This page explains how two-headed coins are made, and how to tell if your 2 headed coin is real or not.
Colorized Obama Coins Rip-Off
Obama coins are being made by several private mints and marketers, but do any of these Obama coins have the potential to be valuable collectibles someday? The About.com Guide to coins provides an analysis of the Obama coins market now and future, and reveals which coin is the only genuine and official Democratic Party Obama coin issue.
Why Only Dead People on Coins?
The United States has a long tradition of placing only the portraits of dead people on its money. Learn why living people are never depicted on U.S. coins, and why the U.S. always uses portraits of dead Presidents rather than living ones.
The 1916-1917 Standing Liberty Quarters - Lady Liberty Exposed - The Bare-Breasted Liberty Coin - Standing Liberty Naked Coin
The 1916 and early 1917 Standing Liberty Quarters feature a beautiful image of Lady Liberty standing, shield in hand, ready to defend America against all foes, should the enemy fail to take the olive branch she proffers in her other hand. Unfortunately, some folks were too caught up in the sight of her bare breast to notice much else. Learn the story of this interesting type.
George Washington Presidential Dollar Coin Artist Rendering
Presidential Dollar Coin, George Washington Design, Artists Rendering
Counterfeit Coin Detection Kit
Anybody can detect counterfeit coins using five simple, inexpensive tools. In this article, I explain what these tools are and how to use them to protect yourself against fake coins and counterfeits.
Washington State Quarter
The Washington State Quarter Dollar is the 42nd in the U.S. Statehood Quarters series. Formally issued on April 11, 2007, the Quarter features a king salmon jumping out the water, with Mount Rainier in the background. See what this quarter looks like, and learn about what the designs on it mean.
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