Coin Collector Guide

During the past 120 years, the United States has released hundreds of commemorative coins. Commemorative coins are always minted for a specific reason such as to honor a person, institution, place or some historic event that has shaped America. The U.S. first began to mint commemorative coins in the late 1800′s and stopped producing them for awhile back in 1954. It wasn’t until 1982 that the United States began minting commemorative coins again and any coins minted after this date are referred to as Modern Commemorative Coins. Legislation instated in 1996 limited the number of commemorative coins that Congress could require the mint to produce to only two different coins annually. It also put a limit on the number of commemorative coins that could be minted during a year. 1848 Gold...

Gold coins have been one of the most popular forms of legal tender since ancient times. The Egyptians first introduced gold coins around 2,700 BC, although these coins were primarily used as gifts. While the first United States gold coins aren’t quite that old, they’ve became one of the most sought after, highly treasured coins for rare coin collectors. In fact, gold coins make up the largest percentage of the rare coin market. And, for good reason, gold coins offer everything that a serious coin collector looks for! Gold coins offer eye appeal, historical significance, rarity and are great investments! United States gold coins were minted for commerce in the U.S. and overseas up until 1933. Minting numbers varied from just a few hundred of one coin to millions of other coins being...

1916 – 1947 In 1916 The Walking Liberty half dollar, also referred to as the Walker, replaced the Barber half dollar and marked a change in the way US coins were designed. Since 1793, when the US mint first opened, the half dollar, quarter dollar and the dime had all carried the same design. President Theodore Roosevelt wanted the US mint to change the way the coins were designed so that each denomination would have a different look. The striking of the new Winged Liberty, or “Mercury” dime, the Standing Liberty quarter and the Walking Liberty half ended the long practice of using a uniform design on US coins. The obverse of the Walking Liberty half features Lady Liberty walking toward the sunrise. Her right hand is extended and in her left hand she holds laurel and oak branches....

1864 – 1873 The US Two Cent coin was the first coin to include the motto “In God We Trust”. Two cent coins were very short lived being minted only from 1864 until 1873. However, even though the series was only struck for ten years, acquiring a complete collection would be quite a challenge. During the first year of production slightly less than 20 million Two Cent coins were minted. During the following years the mintage was reduced every year until finally, in 1872, only 65,000 examples were produced. In 1873 there were no Two Cent peices struck for general circulation, but there was a Proof of which only around 1,100 were made. US Two Cent Coin The two-cent coin was produced in the United States from 1864–1873 with decreasing mintages throughout that time. The two-cent...

The first American Gold Eagle was struck by the U.S. Mint in 1986. The Gold Eagle is minted in 1/10th, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce denominations. The face value of the coins are $5, $25, $50 and $100 respectively. Although the American Gold Eagle is a legal tender coin of the United States it is not circulated nor is it available at face value. At the time of this writing the prices for new coins are around; 1/10th $110, 1/4 $225, 1/2 $450 and 1 ounce $900, but as the gold price rises so do these coins. Just like it is with other coins the American Gold Eagle also appreciates in value because of its collectability. Older dated Gold Eagles often sell at much higher rates. American Gold Eagle When you are considering an investment one of the most important considerations is its liquidity. Liquidity...

Copper has been an extremely important mineral for thousands of years. It has been used for conducting heat and electricity. It has also been used to create art, building materials and coins. Copper coins first appeared in the United States in the late 1700s. The US penny was named after the British penny, or pence. Though it seems like small change, in its day the half-cent could actually purchase items of value: it was the equivalent of today’s dime. Compared to today’s coins, early coins were heavy and the designs were much simpler. The half-cent was about the size of today’s quarter coin. Each one featured the face of Lady Liberty. 1793 Chain Cent Obverse The first copper coin design was known as the “Chain” cent. It featured a relief of the head of the Lady...

Of all the coins that were minted in the United States during the 1800s, the Morgan Silver Dollar is by far the most sought after. Anyone who has received one of these as a hand me down from an older relative stands to cash in on a significant pay day. Some people go so far as to refer to the Morgan Silver Dollar as the king of all United States issued silver coins. After this many years, the pure beauty of this silver coin remains breathtaking. If one were to attempt to buy a certain date/mint Morgan Silver Dollar that is found to be in mint condition, they could expect to pay no less than $2,000. Morgan Silver Dollar   Another silver coin that was minted during the 1800′s is the Liberty Seated Dime. Although this coin isn’t nearly as common as Morgan Silver Dollars, it is...

1921-1928  &  1934-1935 The Silver Peace Dollar was originally proposed to be a commemorative coin issued to memorialize with the ending of World War I; however the final decision was made to issue the Silver Peace Dollar as a circulating coin. The coin, which got its name from having the word “peace” imprinted at the bottom of the coin’s reverse, was designed by Anthony de Francisi. The replacement to the Morgan Silver Dollar, the Silver Peace Dollar was struck from 1921 until 1928, then after a pause of six years it was minted again in 1934 and 1935. The Silver Peace Dollar was briefly minted again in 1965 (bearing the date 1964) but no examples were ever released and eventually melted down.  Containing 0.77344 troy ounces of silver, the Silver Peace Dollar was the last...