Coin Collecting FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some coin collecting FAQ (frequently asked questions) that should be helpful to you.

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First, though, here is a list of questions that are asked by most beginner coin collectors. Click the links to find the answer.

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The answers to the questions below will open in a new window so that you do not lose your place. To return here, just close that window after you have finished reading.

• What is Numismatics? and What is a Numismatist?
  
• Where can I find collectible coins?
  
• What is the history of coin collecting?
  
• What are Mint Marks?
  
• Where are Mint Marks located on a coin?
  
• What are Mint Sets?
  
• How should I clean a coin?
  
• What is the best way to store valuable coins?
  
• How should I handle my collectable coins?
  
• What does grading mean?
  
• What are coin grading services?
  
• What is the best way of getting started in coin collecting?
  
• How can I get my child started in coin collecting?
  
• What are my coins worth?
  
• What affects the value of coins?
  
• What tools and supplies will I need as a coin collector?
  
• What are proof coins?
  
• What are coin slabs?
  
• How and why are coins removed from slabs?
  
• How are coins made?
  
• I don't understand a lot of the terms I see.
  Where can I find out what they mean?
  
• What are the different parts of a coin called?

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Your Questions, Answers and Comments

Click on the links below to read the answers to Coin Collecting Questions that were asked by visitors to this page.

You will be able to answer the question or leave other comments on the next page.

1834 Classic Head Half Eagle Value 
Question: Can you give me an approximate value of a $5.00 gold 1834 Classic Head 1/2 Eagle?

My Answer: Thank you for contacting me with your question,...

Price to purchase a Liberty Five-cent Piece 
I would like to buy a Liberty five-cent piece.

1776 TWENTY DOLLAR COIN? 
Question: I Have a 1776 TWENTY DOLLAR COIN. Why doesn't it say UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the other side and is it worth anything?

My Answer: The ...

1891 Indian Head Cent made of tin? 
Question: I was given an 1891 Indian Head cent, but it looks like it was made of only tin. It has the color of a dime. Is this an error coin or a fake ...

No mint mark on morgan dollars. Where do I look next? 
Question: I have several morgan dollars ranging from 1900 to 1922. I have looked for the mint mark, under the eagle and above the "D" , but cannot ...

2x2 paper/mylar holders 
Question: When putting coins in 2x2 paper/mylar coin holders, why are staples used as opposed to using clear plastic tape around the edges ?

My Answer:...

What are coins made of? 
Question: What material(s) are US coins (penny, nickels, dimes, etc.) made from? I think I once heard coins from the 60's,(different time periods) had ...

1976 Nickel 
Question: I have a 1976 nickel that is blank on the reverse side. The value or does it have value? It looks like it is half the width it is supposed ...

Obtaining Bulk Coins 
Question: How can I obtain boxes(50 rolls) of pennies? I tried going to banks but they claim they don't have the 2009 Lincoln pennies.

My Answer:...

How i need to start as kid? 
Hi, i am Wout, an 11 years old kid from belgium.

I want to start collecting coins.

My grandma give me some franks (now we got euro but before the ...

What is a large date or small date on a coin?  
Question: I see different descriptions about a coin and there is a description saying the coin has a large or small date. What does that mean and how ...

Nickel Error?
Extra Window on Monticello 
Question: I happened across a 1970 nickel. On the back, upon further review I noticed that the Monticello had an extra window. When looking at the ...

Are nickels with errors important?
There does not seem to be any websites with error nickels . 
I have an error nickel that is doubling around the collar, chin, nose and forehead. Some of the letters are pressed flat.

Thank you for your time.
Linda
...

What is a Counterfeit? 
Question: How can I determine if a coin is a counterfeit coin or not?

My Answer: In short, you probably can't determine if a coin is a counterfeit ...

Is a Proof Coin Worth More Than an Uncirculated Coin? 
Question: Is a proof coin worth more than an uncirculated coin?

My Answer: Not necessarily. I would say that probably a majority of the time the ...

What about eBay? 
Question: I was wondering what you thought about buying coins from an auction site like eBay? Is is a good idea?

My Answer: I have purchased ...

What coins do people collect? 
Question: What coins do people collect? How will I know if I am doing it right?

My Answer: Different people collect coins in different ways....

Why collect coins? 
Question: What are some reasons people collect coins?

My answer: A collection of coins is like a miniature art collection. Many people collect ...

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