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Coin Collecting: The Hobby of Kings

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I Collect Coins -- Good Idea or Bad Idea?

Did you say "Coin collecting?" Isn't that a hobby that only interests old guys who pull up their pants way too high, who always wear white socks, and who spend most of their days remembering the Herbert Hoover administration? Doesn't it involve dealing with boring subjects and wasting hours and hours squinting through a Sherlock Holmes magnifying glass? Doesn't it mean either collecting pennies out of pocket change or spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on obscure metal disks which had been worn smooth by the time my Grandfather was born? Why would I ever want to get involved with something like that?

Let's see -- You get to be around money and all sorts of precious metals all the time -- I like that.

It involves the study of interesting times, places, people and events in history -- I like that.

I get to look at some of the best art available to common folk like me -- some of the nicest engraving on the planet -- I like that too!

Collecting coins gives me the chance to impress people by telling them interesting tidbits about something that they handle every single day and never give a second thought to! They find that interesting and see me as smart, I find it fun.

And I just might find something that is worth a whole lot of money just by looking at something that's just jingling around in my pocket! And that's just because of the knowledge that I get from doing something I like!

So What's Not to Like? I'm Hooked! I Think That I'll Become a Numismatist!

Contents at a Glance

The Starter Collection -- Lincoln Pennie...
Why Collect Coins?
Liberty Cap Large Cents
Large Cents
Flying Eagle Cents
Indian Head Cent

How I came to my Cents-es

Christmas Day, 1963. My Grandparents gave me the worst Christmas present ever.

I got two dark blue cardboard books that said something about Lincoln Cents on the cover. I opened them up and found that the books had slots which, I presumed, were to be filled with Lincoln Cents from different years. I was more than a little bit upset. There were more empty slots in the folder than were filled. And some of the coins that were in the slots weren't even pretty. In fact, some of them were so bad I wasn't quite sure whose picture was on the coin! Boy, was this a STUPID gift!!!

Of course, I didn't tell my Grandparents that. My Grandfather was a retired New York City Policeman, and my Dad was a Cop as well. I wasn't stupid, I knew better than to even insinuate that I wasn't completely thrilled with my gift. I just understood that my Grandparents were old, out of touch, and wanted to get away with a cheap gift. Pennies! My Grandparents always gave us "useful" gifts. Maybe I could pry the 35 or so coins out of the folders and buy myself some gum.

And then my Grandfather decided to torture me even more by taking me aside and talking to me!

We sat down at the dining room table, and he explained to me that these coins were part of the history of our country. He explained that collecting coins was really a wonderful hobby. He went over to the buffet, opened a drawer, and pulled out a magnifying glass. Then coin by coin we began to look at the pennies.

Some of the coins were pretty and shiny. Some were worn and dull. Some had little letters under the dates, and some did not. Some of the pennies were the wrong color altogether. Who ever heard of a silver penny?

He explained to me how during World War II the government needed copper, so they minted coins from steel for one year. I didn't know that.

Then my Grandfather popped two coins out of their slots. One was the very last coin in the collection. It looked brand new. The other was an old, worn coin from the first folder. He turned them over, and for the first time in my life I noticed that the backs of the pennies were different. He explained how the design had changed. I had never thought about coins changing. I'm not sure what I thought was on a penny prior to the birth of Abraham Lincoln, but I had just assumed that a penny, was a penny, was a penny. This hobby was starting to get my interest.

And then my grandfather did the shrewdest thing I can ever remember him doing. He reached into his pocket, pulled out his change, and put it on the table. He told me that the fun in collecting coins was not in the having...it was in the finding! We went through his change and ... one of the missing coins from the second book was there!!! He let me pop it into the right place in the folder.

That's all it took. I was hooked. The Penny collection had gone from stupid to marvelous in ten minutes. He said that I could keep the magnifying glass, and that I should start looking on my own.

I later found out that the same scene occurred with my three male cousins that same year. We all got folders with coins. My Grandfather just happened to have three more magnifying glasses identical to the one he gave me. And miraculously, when he sat my cousins down at the table he had THREE coins that were missing from the folders, each of my cousins discovering one of them!

Coin Collecting -- A Cents-ible Hobby

This is a Wonderful Design for Anyone who collects coins...or even is just interested in them. A Cents-ible gift for any Coin Collector You Know.
If you are a numismatist or a coin dealer, this shirt is a great way to promote your hobby or your business! If nothing else, it's a great, fun way to start a conversation.

Why Collect Coins?

Coins are Fun
At least to me, there is nothing better than a good hunt during which you find what you were looking for. With coin collecting you get information on the coin you are looking for, track it down in shops, online, or maybe even coin shows, then pounce when the time is right! Your reward is the fun of the hunt and the discovery of something you'd been seeking or which you'd never considered interesting but do now. If you need a physical reward, it's getting a coin you can be proud of at a good price.

Coins Make History Come Alive
It is amazing how much you can tell about the politics and beliefs of the times when you look at coins. Did you know that immediately before the Civil War the design on the reverse of the coin had the olive branches removed and replaced with arrows? Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt was the driving force behind the redesign of US coinage at the start of the Twentieth Century and that Abraham Lincoln was the first real person depicted on a US coin? What about the rumor that Josef Stalin's initials appear on the Roosevelt Dime? Politics or Poppycock? You'll have to decide. But as you research these things it is amazing what you can learn.

Coins are Art
Have you ever closely examined the engraving on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Do that and I won't have to say anything more about coins being high art! Seriously, though, looking at the subjects, the detail and beauty of the engraving, and thinking about the skill involved, I've seen works that I was less impressed with in major art museums. Are all coins art? Obviously not, but there are some beautiful coins out there!

Coins Take You Places You've Never Been
Just look at US coinage. Even before the State Quarter series you had numerous landmarks in Washington, D.C. and Virginia! And if you start collecting foreign coins, the places you can visit vicariously are almost endless!

Coins are Heirlooms -- From The Past to You -- and From You to the Future
Collected by your fathers...passed on to your kids. See and pass on the things you think are valuable, whether it simply be the value of the metal or the ideals depicted on the coins.

Let's Take a Look at Some Coins from the Past

And a Few From the Future

Coins are far too diverse a subject for a single page, but here are some coins that I find interesting. I hope you do, too.

Liberty Cap Large Cents

One of My Dream Coins.

large cent, liberty cap
The "Liberty Cap" is a symbol that was a commonly used symbol in early coinage. The cap is said to have been worn by freed Roman slaves to signify their release from bondage. Here Liberty's cap signifies the break from Britain and the independence of the new nation.

Large Cents

Large Cents were produced up to 1856. The obverse (heads) side of the coin portrayed the goddess Liberty. Some were attractive, and very well received. Others seem less attractive to the modern eye. They typical cent was 27.5 millimeters across and weighed about 10.9 grams. The Flying Eagle Cent would change that!

My 1843 Large Cent

I found my 1843 Large Cent at a Coin Show in Grapevine TX. I'd been looking for a nice specimen for a while, and had spent half an hour talking with a coin dealer friend who didn't have quite what I was looking for at a price I wanted to pay. We shook hands, I left his table and walked two tables down the aisle when the coin just seemed to jump out of the case at me. I asked to see it and the dealer was glad to show it to me. I asked the price, and he told me what he was asking...too much. I thanked him, complimented the coin, and started to walk away, when the dealer cut the price...twice. I wasn't really even bargaining with him, but the coin fell right into my price range. I was happy to get what I perceived as a bargain and the dealer was evidently happy to make the deal. I put the coin into my portfolio. My coin dealer friend called me over and asked what I'd bought. I showed him. He asked what I'd paid, and I was glad to tell him. He congratulated me, examined the coin, and told me that it was an excellent buy. Sometimes deals just seem to fall into your lap, sometimes you have to work for them.

Flying Eagle Cents

The very first of the Small Cents, the Flying Eagle Cent was only minted for three years -- 1856, 1857, and 1858 before it was replaced by the Indian Head Cent.

A Recent Acquisition

A Flying Eagle Cent Bought from eBay!

Not long ago I was in the market for a Flying Eagle Cent. I wasn't looking for a specimen piece, just a "type coin" I could display to show folks what Flying Eagles were. I came across this 1857 Flying Eagle while browsing eBay to see what was available. I researched the going price for coins in this general condition. I researched the seller and his reputation. I decided to place a bid and was lucky enough to win the auction for a couple dollars less than my maximum bid. It was a good quality coin for the price I paid, and I'm quite happy with it!

Flying Eagle Cents were the government's response to complaints that the one cent coins in circulation were too large and too heavy. The smaller size (about 19 millimeters diameter and 4.7 grams) was attractive to the people, but the Flying Eagle Cent itself was not. The composition of the coin changed, with the coins no longer being 100% copper. The lighter color caused people to start referring to the coin as a "White Cent," and the fact that Liberty no longer was portrayed caused people to refer to the coin as the "Buzzard Cent." The coin was only produced for two years, 1857-58. (Although specimens of the coins which were produced for promotional purposes and to perfect the hubs and dies which would be used in actual production do exist, carrying a date of 1856. Watch for fakes!)

The Indian Head Cent is one of the more popular coins for beginning coin collectors. Think you've got a really nice Indian Head Cent? Give it the "Four Diamond" test (click here) to see if it makes the grade. The second of the Small Cents (the first was the Flying Eagle, which was only minted from 1856-1858) the Indian Head was minted up to and including 1909, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Cent.

Indian Head Cent

I wear this shirt to coin shows all the time. It never fails to draw comments! If you want to promote the hobby and get into some great conversations with others who have similar interests, this is a great shirt for you!

Coin T-Shirts Make Sure You Have a Little Change Everywhere You Go!

Well, they won't help you buy anything, but they're cool.

If you know an avid coin collector, you know somebody who likes to talk about coins. And these shirts will ensure that somebody is going to bring up the hobby! Excellent gift for any numismatist or coin lover you know!

You can never have too many c Light T-Shirt

From: My Hobby T-shirt

Price: $20.99

Coin Collecting Tote Bag

From: CoinResource - Coin Shirts, Gifts, and More

Price: $15.99

Coin Collector's ~ Baseball Jersey

From: The Perfect Gift For Your Coin Collector!!!

Price: $18.99

From:

Price: $

Lincoln Cents

Lincoln Cents were first minted in 1909, following the Indian Head Cent. Designed by Victor D Brenner, the Lincoln Cent was the first US coin to actuallly bear the image of a real person! Several minor design changes occurred, and the material was changed for a single year during World War II, until the major change in 1957 when the reverse of the coin was redesigned. The Heraldic Wheat design was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial. And in 2009 four new designs were adopted to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent's introduction!

Browse Pennies on eBay

I like to go to eBay and look through merchandise for sale. I am usually not interested in buying anything, but use the opportunity to study coins and their grades. Since I started collecting with pennies, I almost always start there. Here are some one cent coins that may be of interest to you! Look through them, especially those with high quality photographs of the coins for sale. You'll be amazed at how much you can learn.

My Favorite Lincoln Cent Reference

Don't Even Ask To Borrow This One

The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents

by: David W. Lange

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 05/27/2012)

In my opinion, this is the best Lincoln Cent reference book on the market. Filled with information about the coins, their designs, and a year by year analysis for the years it covers, this book is indispensible for the serious Lincoln Cent collector. Just as Rick Snow's A Guide Book of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents is the book to have when studying Indian Heads, David W. Lange's book is the book that you must have at your side when you are working with Lincolns.

Lincoln Cent Shirt

A Penny For Your Thoughts?

This shirt really is a great conversation starter. Whether you are seeking to promote coin collecting, or just trying to elicit comments about something, this shirt will do the job. And if anyone tells you that you don't have any "sense," you can tell them that you have at least one!

A Close Second to that Book I Mentioned Earlier

A Guide Book of Lincoln Cents (Official Red Books)

by: Q. David Bowers

Amazon Price: $12.49 (as of 05/27/2012)

This is really an amazing book as well. And it truth be told it may be that I like it even better than the Lange. A great deal of background about the coin in a handier size. This is a wonderful gift for the coin collector. If I were doing for a young person what my grandparents did for me...starting him out on a new hobby...this book would definitely be a part of the gift!

Have You Ever Been To A Coin Show?

Here's a Great Resource to Help You Find One!

Coin Shows: Whether you've never been to a coin show, or you attend coin shows as often as possible, this website is a good resource to see whether there is one in your area. Here's a Hint. If you're going on vacation, check the area out on this website. Sometimes pricing and availability varies quite a bit by location!

The New Lincoln Cents

Bicentennial of Lincoln's Birth and the Coin's 100th Anniversary

Four new designs for the reverse of the Lincoln Cent for 2009! The designs follow Lincoln from his birth, through his developmental years in Indiana, to his professional life in Illinois, and finally to his Presidency in Washington, D.C. The year 2010 brings a complete new permanent design for the reverse of the Lincoln Cent.

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Penny Shirt

Celebrate Abe's 200th Birthday and the Lincoln Penny's 100th in Style!

The year 2009 features 4 new designs for the Lincoln Penny, and you can show them all off on one Cool T-Shirt. Fun. Super Conversation Starter. And a Great Gift for the Coin Collector in Your Life! Click the Shirt to Have a Look!

"Unsearched" Pennies on eBay

My Grandfather told me that the fun part of Coin Collecting is in the Finding, not in the Having. I agree with that! But sometimes it can get very frustrating looking for coins you want or need in general circulation. But there is a way to almost certainly find interesting coins on eBay and enjoy the hunt as well. Some folks sell unsearched bags of coins and leave it up to you to pick out what you want. Are they truly "unsearched?" I can't vouch for that. But lots of folks make some pretty good finds in them from what I've been told. Take a look at what's available right now.

The New "Permanent" Cent Design

After the excitement in the Lincoln Cent community with the multiple designs, 2010 marked the introduction of the new permanent design. The obverse side of the coin remained the same, but the reverse featured a new shield-based design!

Have You Ever Seen a Two Cent Piece?

They Didn't Make Them for Long, So This May Be New to You

Click the Picture to Learn More About Two Cent Pieces.I don't know why the Two Cent Piece holds a pre-eminent place in my heart. It is from an extremely interesting time in United States History. It is almost unique in that it is one of the few U.S. coins that does not feature the bust of liberty or a real person. It is also the first U.S. coin to feature something. Can you guess what it might be? I trust that you'll be able to figure it out. Or was that too big a hint?

Nickels

Nickel Lovers are a devoted lot, and there have been several very nice designs in US Coinage history. Among the designs are the Shield Nickel, the Liberty Nickel, the Buffalo Nickel and the Jefferson Nickel (with its Westward Journey and Facing Forward varieties).

Buffalo Nickel

My favorite of the U.S. Nickels, the Buffalo Nickel, is one of the most widely collected of U.S. Coins. Minted from 1913-1938, the coin features an American Bison (NOT A BUFFALO) on the reverse, and a composite of three Native American chiefs on the obverse.

Going Out in the Buff

The Buffalo Nickel, That Is. A Marvelous Coin, A Great Shirt

The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most popular coins of all time. Click Here to See More Information about Buffalo Nickels

Nickels: A Study in Change

From time to time the images on our coins change, even if the subject of those images remains the same. The Jefferson Nickel is a prime example of this. Since 1938 the U.S. Nickel has carried an image of Thomas Jefferson on its obverse side, but the image has undergone a dramatic change. Take A Look!

Poll: Tom's Three Faces

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Black Mountain Coins

Stay Current With Your Hobby

It Can Be Both Interesting and Profitable

A well-informed hobbyist is not only happiest, he is the one who spots the deals, who has the collections that make other people say, "Wow!" He is the collector who has the most interesting stories to tell about coinage, whether it be to the local coin club, his friends and family, or the neighborhood kids who know he's into coins and bring over that 2003 Lincoln Cent to find out how much this "really old" coin is worth.

The Numismatist

One of the Best Coin Magazines on the Market

The Numismatist is a publication of the American Numismatic Association. It is one of my favorite publications, and it is included with the membership to the organization. (Along with a plethora of other benefits.) If you are involved in coin collecting as a hobby, as an investment vehicle, or as a business, joining in the ANA, and a monthly reading of The Numismatist are among the things you really should give serious thought to!
You can find the American Numismatic Association at www.money.org .

Dimes

I Like Dimes...But I'm Crazy About Mercs!

"Mercury" Dimes -- But Why is "Mercury" in Quotes?

And Why is Mercury Wearing Wings on His Head? Mercury Wore Winged Sandals!

This is a wonderful coin from the first half of the Twentieth Century. The 1916-D is key date to the collection. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the coin features not Mercury, as is commonly believed, but Liberty. Weinman also designed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. You can take a closer look at Winged Liberty (aka "Mercury") Dimes by Clicking Here!

Coin Grading--

Your Coin's Value is Determined by the Coin's Condition!

Many people do not understand that a coin's age is not the major determining factor in how much a coin is worth. It is possible to go to eBay and buy ancient coins well encrusted in sediment by the pound (And that's weight not the British monetary unit>)

The problem with that was that what is a great coin in my eyes may be a terribly flawed coin in yours. The coin community developed a vocabulary to communicate a coin's condition, but it wasn't very helpful. The first named condition was "about good." That meant that all coins were at least "about good" unless they had been bent double or had holes drilled in them for buttons. The system went through good, to fine, to uncirculated, to brilliant uncirculated. But there were still no real standards set...and no examples of what a Fine coin really looked like.

Finally a group of standards were arrived at as to what a coin had to exhibit to be in each named condition. In fact, a scale from 1 at the lowest end to 70 at the highest was developed. And publications came into being which actually contained photographs which showed what a coin should look like to be in a "Mint State 55." These books and guides have been a tremendous help in standardizing the hobby and in helping place values on coins in the marketplace. They are a great place for beginning hobbyists to look in order to learn about the hobby and develop their eye.

Magnifying Glasses . . . The Tools of the Trade

Collecting Coins is All About Seeing the Details

To determine the grade of a coin you need to be able to see the details. For the most part the numismatic community believes that a magnifying glass with a power of 3x to 5x is the standard by which to judge the condition of most coins. For the more desirable coins, where larger prices are being asked in the marketplace, loupes of either 10x or 20x will be used. Third party grading services also have microscopes available to help in determining whether the patina and surface luster of a coin is real, if the surface has been chemically cleaned, or if a really good engraver has altered a coin to make that $10 coin look like a $1,000 coin.

If you are going to be involved in the hobby, do yourself a favor and get a good magnifier!

Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards

My Favorite General Book on Coin Grading

This book is excellent whether you are just looking at coins as a hobby or are considering buying coins as an investment. "Every Coin, Every Grade, Circulated to Mint State" is what the cover says.
The adage in coin collecting is "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin." This book is a very good investment.

The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins

Amazon Price: $11.04 (as of 05/27/2012)

This is a very good book for beginners and experts alike. I found it especially helpful when I was first learning about grading coins, and still refer to it regularly. Many pictures and good explanations of what to look for.

Quiz: It's A Date!

How Well Do You Know Your Coins?

Ten pictures here, plus a bonus picture. The picture centers around the date on the coin, but which coins are they? That's for you to figure out! The dates on the coins will give you some help because you can figure out what was being minted at that time.

I'll identify the coins for you a little bit further down the lens.

Coin Books -- Read the Book Before You Buy the Coin

In Coin Collecting, as with other Collectibles, Knowledge is Power

Reading ahead of time lets you know what to look for, what the trends are, sometimes even good prices to pay. If you're truly devoted to the hobby it's a joy to read the books. Even if you're just a little interested, you'll pick up some interesting information in a good coin book!

You'll find more information on coin books at the Squidoo Coin Books Lens! www.squidoo.com/coinbooks

Quarters

Barber Quarter

This Page Won't Be Complete Without a Charles E Barber Design

Charles E. Barber was Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, and was the designer of three coins with strikingly similar images. The Barber Dime, Quarter, and Half Dollar all bore an image of the goddess Liberty in the classic style.

Barber Quarter Shirt

Standing Liberty Quarter

Quick Change in the Change

Hermon Atkins MacNeil was the designer of the Standing Liberty Quarter. The coin entered circulation in 1917, and the design was altered the following year. Although the popular story is that the image with Liberty and her bare breast was too risque for the times and the designer was forced to cover her chest with chain mail, there were other alterations in the design as well, notably the addition of three stars on the reverse of the coin. Compare the images above and below for the changes.

My Favorite Quarter

Although I am a tremendous fan of United States Coinage, the designs of the Quarter Dollar have never quite caught my eye with one exception. In 1976, the United States celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The US Mint produced several commemorative designs for coinage that year, and the reverse of the Washington Quarter received a makeover. The image of the Minute Man, designed by Jack L. Ahr, which graced the coin has always been one of my favorite images on a U.S. coin.

The US Coin Blog

Half Dollars

Walkers -- Walking Liberty Half Dollars

Another Masterpiece of a Coin Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman

Many people, myself included, consider the Walking Liberty Half Dollar the Gem of United States Coinage.

What is the Difference Between a Coin, a Token, and a Medal?
You'll Find the Answer a Little Further Down the Page!

The Franklin Half Dollar

The Franklin Half Dollar is the only U.S. coin whose obverse features a historical adult male who was not the President of the United States. The Franklin Half is an immensely popular coin. The reverse of the coin features a gorgeous image of the Liberty Bell.

Trivia Question: One U.S. Coin had a male child on the obverse. Which coin was it? Click HERE for the answer! (Opens in a New Window)

Kennedy Half Dollar

Perhaps the most popular coin of the late Twentieth Century, the Kennedy Half Dollar was hurried into production following President John F. Kennedy's assassination. It was immensely popular both in the United States and in Europe. The Kennedy Half was a coin that had two different percentages of silver content during the first two years of production. Get more information at http://www.squidoo.com/kennedyhalfdollar .

What is YOUR Favorite US Coin to Collect?

Vote For One of These or Add Your Own Favorite!

Where These Coins are on the List is Determined by YOU! Vote for Your Favorite US Coin!

Coin Collecting: The Hobby of Kings

I Collect Coins -- Good Idea or Bad Idea?

Contents at a Glance

Contents at a Glance

The Starter Collection -- Lincoln Pennies

How I came to my Cents-es

Coin Collecting -- A Cents-ible Hobby

Why Collect Coins?

Let's Take a Look at Some Coins from the Past

And a Few From the Future

Liberty Cap Large Cents

One of My Dream Coins.

Large Cents

My 1843 Large Cent

Flying Eagle Cents

A Recent Acquisition

A Flying Eagle Cent Bought from eBay!

Indian Head Cent

Coin T-Shirts Make Sure You Have a Little Change Everywhere You Go!

Well, they won't help you buy anything, but they're cool.

Lincoln Cents

Browse Pennies on eBay

My Favorite Lincoln Cent Reference

Don't Even Ask To Borrow This One

Lincoln Cent Shirt

A Penny For Your Thoughts?

A Close Second to that Book I Mentioned Earlier

Have You Ever Been To A Coin Show?

Here's a Great Resource to Help You Find One!

The New Lincoln Cents

Bicentennial of Lincoln's Birth and the Coin's 100th Anniversary

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Penny Shirt

Celebrate Abe's 200th Birthday and the Lincoln Penny's 100th in Style!

"Unsearched" Pennies on eBay

The New "Permanent" Cent Design

Have You Ever Seen a Two Cent Piece?

They Didn't Make Them for Long, So This May Be New to You

Nickels

Buffalo Nickel

Going Out in the Buff

The Buffalo Nickel, That Is. A Marvelous Coin, A Great Shirt

Nickels: A Study in Change

Poll: Tom's Three Faces

Thanks for voting! Now invite your friends to vote.

Black Mountain Coins

Stay Current With Your Hobby

It Can Be Both Interesting and Profitable

The Numismatist

One of the Best Coin Magazines on the Market

Dimes

I Like Dimes...But I'm Crazy About Mercs!

"Mercury" Dimes -- But Why is "Mercury" in Quotes?

And Why is Mercury Wearing Wings on His Head? Mercury Wore Winged Sandals!

Coin Grading--

Your Coin's Value is Determined by the Coin's Condition!

Magnifying Glasses . . . The Tools of the Trade

Collecting Coins is All About Seeing the Details

Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards

My Favorite General Book on Coin Grading

Quiz: It's A Date!

How Well Do You Know Your Coins?

Coin Books -- Read the Book Before You Buy the Coin

In Coin Collecting, as with other Collectibles, Knowledge is Power

Quarters

Barber Quarter

This Page Won't Be Complete Without a Charles E Barber Design

Barber Quarter Shirt

Standing Liberty Quarter

Quick Change in the Change

My Favorite Quarter

The US Coin Blog

Half Dollars

Walkers -- Walking Liberty Half Dollars

Another Masterpiece of a Coin Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman

The Franklin Half Dollar

Kennedy Half Dollar

What is YOUR Favorite US Coin to Collect?

Vote For One of These or Add Your Own Favorite!

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Lincoln Pennies