Start Coin Collecting At Any Age

Old coins that is.  Try looking under that old dresser, or up the attic where grandma or grandpa’s things may be stashed away patiently waiting for you to discover them.  Who knows, you might find a coin there, an old coin that – at today’s rate – may be worth a few dollars; probably three or four or five, even ten times what the coin was worth back then. 

A penny a day, is worth okay

Fortunately or unfortunately, there was a shortage of copper during the year 1943 and all pennies made at that time were minted using steel. There were however, some Lincoln pennies that were incorrectly minted on bronze that turned out to be blanks.  A few years – or decades later -these bronze pennies became a rarity and are valuable.  The steel ones though, because of their commonality, are worth only between one to three dollars each. 

Be aware and be wary as there are schemes where gullible coin collectors are sold coins that are copper plated in an attempt to make these pennies appear to be bronze.  Also, keep your guard up anytime someone offers you a circa 1943 penny made out of a metallic white alloy.

Old coins are good coins

Coins, specifically the silver dollars made and circulated between the years 1878 and 1935, are worth between twelve dollars and twenty five dollars for the circulated coins.  The coins that were not in circulation are worth considerably more.

Meantime, those quarters, dimes, or half  dollar coins made and circulated prior to 1965, are usually made out of ninety percent silver and therefore worth as much as today’s silver (with an additional premium, albeit small, put on the coin’s face value).

Wrong pennies are right

There is a Lincoln penny issued in 1972 on which the date and the letters on it appear to have been doubled.  This rare coin is currently worth about sixty dollars, assuming the pennies are in standard condition. The Philadelphia Mint during that time period accidentally misaligned the die used in minting the coins causing the portrait of Lincoln to look like it was doubled.  Fortunately or unfortunately, eighty thousand of these were circulated before the error was discovered.

In summary, coin collecting is similar to collecting bits of history and trivia from the past.  In addition to the face value its worth as a treasure – pennies, dimes and coins – often are worth more in the long run.

The Sacagawea Coin

Currently, the United States has two dollar coins, the Sacagawea and the Presidential Dollar series. This dollar coin was minted in the year 2000. The American Indian woman in the coin is Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman that accompanied Lewis and Clark in their expedition between 1804 and 1806 in the Western United States. The baby she is carrying is her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. There are no images as to what this woman looked liked, so the artist of the coin, Glenna Goodacre, used a model named Randy’L He-dow Teton. The model was a 22 year old Shoshone woman, although Sacagawea must have been 15 years old at the time. The designer of the reverse side of the coin is Thomas D. Rogers (from 2000-2008).

The original design called for lady Liberty to be of Native American likeness, and was a favorite of committee members, however, this design soon became less popular as during the design competition the most appropriate design focused on the story of the Shoshone woman, Sacagawea.

Not much is known about the woman, but her assistance during the expedition, as a translator and guide. Although her husband – Toussaint Charbonneau, a fur trader – was part of the expedition, he is not mentioned as much as her. Her image is a blend of myth and history. The little that we know is due to Lewis and Clark journals. But she seems to have been a key person on this expedition.

The coin is made of copper and has a manganese/brass clad on the outside. This gives it a golden patina, which tarnishes in circulation, because of the brass metal. Some like this patina because it gives the coin an older look which helps in accenting the image of Sacagawea and her son. Others totally dislike the blackening of the coin. It is a matter of preference. This dollar coin offers a beautiful design as well as a very interesting story of the woman depicted in it.

Beginning a Collection of Gold Coins

Coin collecting is an absorbing hobby, but gold coins also make an extremely attractive investment. A mature collection can be worth vast amounts of money, while even the smaller ones can make excellent profits when sold. If you are looking for an investment that will protect your funds in the long term while also providing something that you can appreciate for its own sake, then gold coins are an excellent choice.

Gold has been used to make coins for more than two and a half thousand years. It has played an important role in the history of human development, particularly in its value as currency. Gold coins have always been the most prized in any culture. However this precious metal is too rare and too valuable to be in use in the common currency today.

Specially designed coins are often produced in order to commemorate major events. These might be the coronation of a new monarch, an important anniversary or even a sporting event.

Gold has always been valued highly, and this makes it a very secure investment. The price of gold holds stable even when there are fluctuations in all other markets. It is also recognized for its value around the world, and most countries invest their own money in gold in order to ensure a stable national reserve. Gold is also held by many of the major banks. Since they are no longer circulated (although they can still be legal tender) gold coins are considered highly desirable as reserves.

There are a multitude of dealers both online and with specialist stores, and there are plenty of opportunities to speak with both professionals in the coin trade and other collectors. The advice you receive can be invaluable, and there are many highly respected businesses selling coins online and at shows. You should always be cautious before handing over your money however, particularly over the internet. It is a good idea to check out someone’s reputation among other collectors before you make a purchase- and to be careful when making sales too, as there are people who will try to pay far less than the true value if they sense you are unsure about it.

There are a large number of collectors and dealers who are interested in the market for gold coins. The internet is a key way in which buyers and sellers communicate with each other. The prices at which coins are exchanged are usually dependent on the value of the gold from which they are made. The South African Krugerrand and gold sovereigns are considered to be some of the most reliable form of gold bullion.

Beginning a collection of gold coins allows you to form a new interest at the same time as you protect your money. Coins are also extremely durable and so they can easily be found in the best condition, and it takes very little effort to keep them looking this good.

Coin collecting raises intense passions in many enthusiasts, which means that there are always potential buyers out there who are looking to expand their own collections. This, together with the stable value of gold, means that you can put your money into gold coins without having to worry about what will happen in the future when you need to turn it back into the sort of coins you can spend.

Having your investment spread around a collection of coins also means that if you want to make some money you can sell off just some of the coins, whereas if you invest your money in other ways you may have to sell the whole investment in order to release even a small portion of your funds.

The one thing you can never do too much of is research into the different types of coins and their current values. This way you’ll never end up paying too much for a coin, or find yourself selling your collection at less than the true value. No amount of reading can replace the judgment of an experienced expert, however, so it is always a good idea to have your coins appraised by a professional.

How to Begin Your Coin Collection

There is a wealth of detail in the markings on a coin, but few people take the time to understand their meaning, or to find out the real value of a coin- the price collectors are willing to pay for a rare specimen, rather than what you can buy in a shop with today’s common currency. Some of the information you can get from a coin is the year it was made, the language that was spoken by its makers, and what metals and symbols were prized by culture that used it.

The history of gold coins is long and intriguing. They were first used in Lydia around the year 640 BC. Gold has been used as currency for almost three thousand years. Each coin was designed to reflect the values of the culture that produced it. The Kangaroo appears on Australian gold coins, and the Panda is celebrated on a different Chinese coin design every year. The American equivalent, known as the Gold Eagle, displays a nest complete with young bald eagles, as a testament to the importance of the family and of unity. Perhaps the great majority of coins show the image of the ruler who held power when they were minted. The practice of putting famous and influential faces onto the currency continues to this day.

There are many coin collectors around today, but their hobby has existed almost as long as coins themselves. The first collectors who took an interest in the different coins of the world were doing so well over two thousand years ago. Petrarch, one of the great Renaissance men, is credited with originating the collection of coins as an aesthetic pursuit. Before his time it was more for the value of the precious metals from which they were made that people sought out coins.

Anyone can begin collecting coins. It is a very easy and inexpensive hobby to take up, and numismatics, as it is technically termed, is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Many developed their enthusiasm as children, collecting coins of small value for their designs. This can be an interesting hobby for an older person, such as a parent, to begin with their child.

A good place to start your collection is with the coins specially designed to commemorate various occasions. An interest in coins can be stimulated by an interest in the event they commemorate. Coins that bear an important date, such as the recipient’s birth date can also make an interesting gift on a special occasion. Collecting local coins or ones relating to a particular period of history that you find interesting can be highly rewarding too. Coins that originate in your area will be much easier to find, so they make a great beginning to your collection. Most coin experts are intrigued by where and when their coins were made, and spend hours finding out about their history. Choosing a particular type or age of coin means you will soon develop a good knowledge of what coins you are looking for, and their values.

Many collectors target coins with particular errors on them, since these are usually particularly rare and difficult to locate. These include mistakes in the stamp causing faulty designs to appear on the coin, and coins that were erroneously made with the wrong combination of metals.

Coins can be bought at shows or from dealers, but you may also find interesting coins mixed up in the circulating currency. If you are particularly interested in older coins, then it could be worth your while to get a metal detector, which will be able to locate silver or magnetic metals. Even without such equipment, many exciting finds have been made just by picking up what somebody else has dropped. The luckiest chance can bring a coin to the attention of a collector, since the vast majority of people do not recognize what they have, and rare coins can be passed through the normal routes alongside common currency for years.

Valuable coins should be stored and treated correctly to keep them in the best condition. Choosing a coin collection means that preserving the value of your items is much easier than with many other hobbies. Many people choose to show off their finds by having them framed and hung on the wall, or presented in glass cases. Many museums house large coin collections that are displayed in this way. The beginner can however be safe in the knowledge that an old cardboard box or empty glass jar will keep their collection just as well protected.

Once the collection has grown, in size and in value, it can be worth getting hold of a coin folder, specially designed to keep coins safe. There are many different types and sizes of folder. The best choice will depend on the size of the collection to be housed and whether the collector expects to add many new coins in the future. Some folders have sheets of plastic pockets to hold various coins together, while others provide separate pockets for each coin. As well as keeping your collection safe and organized, putting your coins into a folder will mean that you have them ready to take with you should you want to bring them to a show or to have them valued. If you are interested in trading coins with other collectors then having them to hand will be a big advantage. A range of folders is available in most coin stores, or online.

To ensure that coins stay in top condition, it is important to make sure they are clean before they are put away with the rest of the collection. A simple soak in vinegar or lemon juice will usually do the trick. Ammonia and alcohol are also effective for this purpose. There is no need to polish the coins. In fact, this can damage them by wearing away their markings or making scratches. Simply pat them gently with a cloth, or leave them to slowly dry off in the air. Many coin shops offer a professional cleaning service, but this will not be necessary unless you are a serious collector, perhaps with too many coins to take care of yourself.

Finding out how much your new-found coin is worth can be just as interesting as discovering its history. Most old coins that you come across are unlikely to be worth very much, and the price you can expect to get if you do decide to sell will depend a great deal on the condition of the coin. There is usually plenty of information on rare coins to be found at local libraries, and the internet also holds a vast range of information. If you believe you have found something that is very valuable, it is a good idea to consult an expert. They will be aware of recent fluctuations in price and will be able to identify anything you are having difficulty with.

Particular coins, such as ones that were only created in limited numbers, can be valuable. Some coins are rarely found in good condition, making perfect examples worth a lot of money. Coins that are bought as investments should always be carefully stored and looked after, in a coin folder or similar packaging designed for the purpose. It is the gold coins such as the Kangaroo and the Eagle that many collectors see as the best investment. These coins tend to be of greater value as collector’s items than as currency. They can be bought from specialist collector’s stores or dealers in precious metals, over the internet or at shows.

Coin collecting can be a very profitable hobby, if it is done right. The value of particular coins can increase over time, and there are often collectors willing to pay large amounts of money for the rarer coins that will fit into their collections. If you are interested in the coins for their own sake, and prefer to spend your time learning about their history rather than seeking out buyers, you will probably find this to be a more rewarding experience. You will also gain much more knowledge about coins that will probably help you to build up a more valuable collection in the end.

Show Your Support for US Troops With A Patriotic Iraqi Coin Shadowbox

Products for Good is a US based company from Charlotte, NC, which is offering a special way in which Americans can honor and support their troops. They have designed a tribute in the form of a shadowbox containing coins from Iraq, called fils, and adorned with images of US soldiers and the American flag. The display is completed by a message expressing what freedom really means.

Saddam Hussein, displeased by the production of Iraqi coins that did not display his image, decommissioned fils. When a collection of these coins were captured by British troops in Iraq during the Spring of 2003 they were put to use in raising funds for the children of Basra Orphanage. The coins were delivered to an English metal dealer, and it was here that the founders of Products for Good became aware of this project and were inspired to find a way to make these coins work for the benefit of American service men and women, and their families.

This is a unique and patriotic gift which gives twice: once to the recipient of this spectacular set, and then again in funds raised to help support the returning American troops and their families. The ultimate goal is to raise over $20 million, and with more than $86,000 already generated, this effort has already provided a great deal of invaluable aid. American troops, returning from their overseas service, have benefited from contributions towards bills for medical care and alterations to homes made necessary by their need to create wheelchair accessibility. The families of those heroes who will not return, families who have lost a loved one and are struggling to cope with their grief, have also been provided with support during their times of need.

The singer, Lee Greenwood, whose work expresses the same patriotism as this coin set, has voiced his support for the Products for Good initiative. He believes that the aid provided to service men and women, and to their families, can make a real and substantial contribution towards bettering their lives.

This support can be a lifeline in times of great need, and the display of support allows Americans to show their heart-felt thanks to their troops, a sentiment which has not gone unnoticed. Hundreds of letters of appreciation have already been sent to Products for Good, expressing the thanks of veterans, many of whom were not ashamed to say that the help they had received, and the appreciation they had felt from their fellow Americans had brought tears to their eyes.

Coin Collections for Everyone

Coin collecting is attracting people of all ages. Even children are joining in the hobby and collecting every coin available to them. People collect coins for many reasons such as:

* An exciting hobby

* Investment into the future

* To hold a piece of history in your hands

* Treasures for future generations

* Personal history

* Sheer value (some are made of gold or silver)

* Uniqueness

Just like people all coins have their own story to tell. Every scratch, dent, and detail mean something in the life of the coin. This history adds value to each of the coins for the coin collector.

Coin collecting is very personal with each collector deciding what he or she will collect and it can cost as much or as little as they wish to invest in it.

While children are often interested in this hobby it is often difficult for them and usually requires a helpful nudge from adults. Children don’t have the money needed to purchase new coins to add to their collection nor do they have the attention span needed to patiently search for each addition. Teenagers may become interested, but the money and equipment needed to enjoy this hobby often deter them.

Here are some tips for each age group to help get them started.

Children- No money or little money required

You need a place to put your coins, a watchful eye, some information on coins, and a lot of interest. To start go through your change and see if anything catches your eye. You can also ask your parents and look through their change, pick up change from the ground, trade with other collectors, look at flea markets, and ask around coin shops. Children can gain funds for coin collecting by saving their allowance, portions of their lunch money, and any other money that comes into their hands.

Teen – with a minimal budget

You will need a quality album to keep and protect your coin collection. If your collection was started years ago you already have this by now. If you don’t have one already consider a custom made one if your budget will allow for it. As time goes on you will begin to look for rarer coins to add to your collection. You may also want to get a book to help you properly identify potential coins and evaluate your current coins. Lastly look at online auctions, and other sales websites for coins being sold.

Adult – With small to large budgets

Your budget will depend on the type of coins you choose to collect. Adults primarily collect coins for interest or investment. At this point the life long collector will often begin to upgrade their collection. You can search estate auctions and sales, as well as other avenues for new additions to your collection.

Coin Collecting: A Great Hobby for Children

If you are under the impression that collections are only for adults, you are mistaken. Coin collecting is a great hobby for children.

Collections are fun and easy. Coins may be found in many places, but always ask before taking a coin that may belong to someone else. If you already have some coins find a safe place to keep them. Sometimes you can ask Mom or Dad to give you the coins that they have received as change throughout the day. Many times, interested grandparents, uncles or aunts will learn of your interests and save special coins just for you.

Most parents are very happy to assist a child with their interest in a hobby. If you have not shared that you are interested in coin collecting, now would be a great time to tell them. Coin collecting is a safe hobby that most parents will encourage and help children involved in coin collection.

What better time than right now to begin your collection. What coins do you have right now? Check all your pockets and the places you hide your special treasures. If you have not already planned to use these coins you for something else, start your collection. Any time you receive a coin, take a good look at it. Is it a coin you do not already have in your collection? Is this a coin that commemorates a special occasion? Is this coin from another nation? If the answer to any of these questions is ?Yes!? then you will want to add it to your collection.

When planning how to spend your allowance, plan to save some money for your coin collection. Once you save several dollars, you may want to ask your parents to take you to the bank at their convenience in order to exchange those dollars for coins to add to your collection. Many online resources help you to know the value of the coins in your collection.

While your collection is small, storage is an easy matter. A jar with the matching lid will keep your coins together so none get lost or damaged. As time passes you may find that one jar is not enough.

Adding only one coin per week means that in one year you have added fifty-two coins to your collection. As time passes you may enjoy showing your family and friends your growing collection. In no time you may have a very great collection of coins, that began with what you have in your pocket today.

As soon as you begin collecting coins, you should make a list of each coin you have in your collection. While a paper record is fine, you may wish to use your computer and make a spreadsheet to list the coins in your collection. Remember to always list the year the coin was minted.

Once you have this list, it is a simple matter to check each coin that you receive to make sure it is not a duplicate. Duplicate coins can be traded for coins that you do not have. You can also use to list to sort coins that have similar characteristics. Perhaps you will want to sort out all the coins that were made in 1995. You can start to put like coins in separate jars to make it easier to locate them.

Coins tell us many stories. On their face, you will find many famous people that you can learn more about. Some coins come from far away countries. Try to learn about those countries. Coins may commemorate a historic event too.

With parental support, children can begin collecting coins at a very early age. As that collection grows, it can become something that is cherished. Who knows, those few old pennies and nickels may have great value in the future. Take good care of them.