How to Collect Coins

Originally, U.S. coins were collected by type. In the mid 1800s, someone might have put together a collection of dollars by design type and date, but not by date and mint, as we do today. Then, in 1859, Dr. Montroville W. Dickeson published An American Numismatic Manual. This 256-page book was the first comprehensive encyclopedia of U.S. coinage. Later, Augustus G. Heaton published A Treatise on the Coinage of the United States Branch Mints, which raised interest in the mint mark varieties. Collectors then began assembling all the different dates and mint marks of a particular series - such as Lincoln cents or Washington quarters.

An Official Souvenir from Every Year
Today, the coin hobby is still enjoyed in many ways, but collecting by date and mint mark is certainly America's favorite. Since 1793, when the U.S. Mint first began striking coins, most have carried their date (year of production) on the obverse (front or "heads" side). Coins produced at branch U.S. Mints also carry a small letter or mint mark that indicates where it was struck. As you enjoy finding and purchasing those special dates and mint marks you need for your series collection, you'll notice that there are some issues that are more difficult to find than others.

Those Special "Key Dates"
In every U.S. coin series, there are certain issues or varieties that because of rarity and prominence are the "keys" to completing the series. Collectors prize them because there are so few to go around! Mint marks can be a major factor in the value of a coin. In 1950 for instance, the popular Jefferson nickel was produced at two different mints, Philadelphia (no mint mark)and Denver ("D" mint mark beside Monticello on the reverse of the coins). While the 1950 nickel is not as difficult to find (mintage of 9,847,386), the 1950-D was produced only in very small quantities (mintage of only 2,630,030) and is scarce today. The 1950-D is the key date of the Jefferson nickel series.

How to Choose a Series that's Right for You
Over the years, the U.S. Mint has produced a wide variety of coins, and Littleton has archival-quality albums for most. To choose a series, consider how much you like the design and composition of the coin, and the popularity of the series.

Littleton Coin Company offers a wider selection of U.S. coins than any other company, and can help you complete a variety of different collections. You can choose a single coinage series, or you may wish to work on several at once. Whichever way you choose, once you complete your collection, you'll have a family heirloom that will be treasured for generations to come.

5. How many different denominations have there been?

Today, the U.S. Mint produces coins for circulation in these denominations: cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar. Plus, commemoratives in both gold and silver are issued in various denominations. In the past, the mints have produced many different types of coins, such as half cents, 2¢ pieces, 3¢ pieces, half dimes, and 20¢ pieces.

Gold coins have been produced for circulation in these denominations:
$1, $2.50, $3, $5, $10 and $20 pieces, as well as a few hundred patterns for
a $4 gold piece that was never mass-produced.

Some future questions ...

What makes a coin valuable?

When were coins first used?

How old is coin collecting?