While some US coins are rare there are those coins that are among the rarest of all collectible coins. Some may wonder how there can even be rare US coins considering the sheer volume produced over the years. The reason is some coins were not produced in high volume and many coins were recalled and destroyed. Such circumstances eventually created what is today the modern US coin collecting market. Of course, some coins are far scarcer than others with some rare US coins being on the very of extinction. What are some of the rarest of coins? Here is a look at 6 of them:

1849 Coronet Double Eagle. This $20 gold piece remains one the all-time rarest of rare US coins. There is only one left in the entire world. Needless to say, anyone that discovers the second known coin of this minting would also be gaining an acquisition worth millions.

1804 Silver Dollar. There are only 15 known coins remaining out of the many 1804 silver dollars produced. Are here more out there lost somewhere? If so, time will tell and whoever discovers it will certainly be a very lucky collector since the value of these coins is in the millions of dollars.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel. This coin has such a unique tale that it has become somewhat legendary in collector's circles. This coin was ordered discontinued in 1912 but 5 more were made by accident in 1913. One individual collector was able to acquire all 5 of these coins. This became a very treasured acquisition since the person that procured these 5 coins amassed a huge equity over the years. The immense rarity of these coins is what makes them an elusive prize that even those who could afford the millions they are worth still cannot purchase them a treasured prize. Adding to their value is the unique origin that spawned them.

1943 Copper Penny. It is not the copper that makes this particular penny a rarity; it is the inclusion of a bronze alloy. During WWII, bronze was rationed and these pennies were not supposed to include bronze. Of course, accidents do happen and some of these pennies were produced with a bronze alloy. This has allowed them to become a curious and prized collectible item in various collecting circles.

1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Due to the enormous financial disaster that was known as The Great Depression, President Roosevelt was moved to take the US off the gold standard. That necessitated the recall of numerous gold coins so they could be melted down. This coin was one recalled and melted down. However, a small number of these coins remained in circulation. In 1992, one of these coins was sold in an auction for $7 million.

1970 Lincoln Penny Doubled Die Obverse. Not all pennies are worth one cent. This rare 1970 penny is worth $3,000. The minting process that created the "double die obverse" error also created a valuable penny that remains one of the most sought after collectible pennies in history.

Tom runs Coin Collecting Values where you can learn more about rare US coins.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/a-look-at-6-rare-us-coins-1322013.html

In creating a memento of someone famous, or an event or place is a common occurrence. Some of these mementos will be more popular than others. While there are many methods of commemorating these people and events, one of the most popular and impressive is to be commemorated on a coin. This is due to the fact that a large amount of affection, artistry and attention to detail is required to make a commemorative coin. This not only makes the subject appropriately honored, but makes these coins highly sought after by collectors.

In the United States, commemorative coins are still relatively new. It is true that a few of these special coins were issued before the 1960s, it wasn't until later that commemorative coins were produced in large numbers. The very first commemorative coin that the United States minted was a two and a half dollar coin in 1948 to remember the California Gold Rush. Over the next half century, many other commemorative coins were produced, with the number greatly increasing from the 1960s onward. This is because these coins created a very positive response from the public and their creation attracts more collectors. Coin collecting is something that anyone can easily begin, and many get their start with commemorative coins.

Before the 1960s, all commemorative coins were also legal tender. After the 1960s, many commemorative coins were not legal tender, but items that were produced by the private sector specifically for the collectors' market. Let's face it, collectors probably would not spend these coins anyway. Some of these have become very valuable as the years have gone by, and the rarest can now cost many times what they originally sold for. It is important to remember that not all commemorative coins are "antiques." Even so, with all the new and original commemorative coins produced each year, all of them have the same potential to someday become a valuable collectors item.

If you have ever searched for commemorative coins on eBay, you were probably amazed at the sheer volume of these coins from all over the world and from all time periods that were available. These coins were once very difficult to track down, and now they are so much easier to acquire thanks to the opportunities afforded online.

Find out more about coin collecting at CoinCollecting-Values.com and see commemorative coins.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/commemorative-coins-remember-people-and-events-1309438.html

Coin collecting is a very popular hobby among many, and involves collecting legally minted currency from all over the globe. The most sought out coins are those that were only in circulation for a short period of time, and are usually minted with especially beautiful or historical pictures. A US silver coin is a great addition to any coin collection, and is one of the most treasured varieties of coins in the world.

The US silver coin is most widely known for the underlying message issued on many of them, ranging from stern warnings to messages of hope and everlasting peace. The face of our beloved "liberty" is also commonly seen on the us silver coin, usually with an olive branch and a protective shield. The American eagle is also popular among silver pieces, usually holding the olive branch for peace and a set of arrows representing war.

Many coin collectors were amazed by the time and effort put into each US silver coin, which actually lead to them no longer being in circulation and a very hard item to come by. Because the silver coins were only in circulation for a short period of time, the supply has decreased at a very alarming rate and made the US silver coin one of the rarest coins to have in a coin collection.

The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought out coins in the US silver coin collection, and is considered one of the most beautiful of all United States coins. They were minted back in the late 1800s, and even after 100 years are still considered the King of all United States coins that have ever been in circulation. It is a coin that shows the detailed excellence put into each piece of money, and also shows long term profit potential in the hot coin collecting market.

The silver market offers collectors and investors a wide variety to choose from, since silver was used for several pieces that were put into circulation. Dimes, quarters, and half dollars dated prior to 1965 were minted out of 90% fine silver, and many pieces in circulation condition are readily available. They are typically sold in bags with a face value of $1000, with 2,000 half dollars, 4,000 quarters, or 10,000 dimes in each bag.

Bags containing coins in uncirculated condition, meaning in almost perfect condition, carry a higher value per bag than those in circulation condition. Bags that contain coins with the same date are also valued higher than those with different dates, with the 1964 Kennedy half dollar being the most popular and expensive uncirculated US silver coin.

The most widely collected coins in the world are the US silver dollars, especially those minted between 1878 and 1904 or 1921 to 1935. They are nicknamed cartwheels, and come in two different designs. Like other silver coins of the same time, the silver dollars were minted of 90% pure silver and 10% copper. Each coin has a silver net content of 0.77344 ounce, with a bag weighing at least 50 ounces more than a bag of silver quarters, dimes, or half dollars.

Even those who are not devoted coin collectors like to invest in silver coins, because they are some of the most beautiful pieces of silver ever created. Both circulated and uncirculated pieces contain some of the most intricate and detailed designs, most of which are nothing compared to coin designs currently in circulation. A US silver coin is an amazing piece to add to any coin collection, or even a nice item to cherish by even those who are not into coin collecting.

Find out more about coin collecting at CoinCollecting-Values.com and see US Silver Coins.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/us-silver-coins-amazing-pieces-for-any-collection-1309473.html

Silver coins, one of the oldest forms of currency, are still some of today’s most sought-after collector’s items. Coin enthusiasts all over the world are in search of these precious items for various reasons. Some simply find collecting rare date coins in silver a hobby or passion. Some consider it an activity that offers a rare prize. For more enterprising individuals, the collection of silver bullion coins is their protection against currency inflation, or their option for asset diversification.

Today, spurred by the popularity of the tradition of coin collecting, numismatists can find an explosion of resources to satisfy their enthusiasm in collecting coins of silver in any form. But nothing is ever going to change the fact that, for the truly coin-obsessed, rare date coins still remain the centerpiece of coin collecting.

Silver as a currency dates back to the time of ancient Greece, with silver drachmas as the most popular trade coins in the early days. Coins cast in silver were heavily used in trading by the Persians, travelling to different parts of the world. Even the British used pennies made out of silver before 1797.

Rare silver date coins are still among the most coveted among coin collectors. Popular favorites, and some of the most sought after for the most discriminating collector of silver coins include the Denarius, a Roman currency that was first minted in 211 BC, and the Miliarense, a rare mint that dates back to the late Roman and Byzantine Empire.

Even as generations progress, the insatiable appetite for coin collecting will always have silver coins as one of the highlights of searching for the latest and rarest finds.

Resource Box:

Gainesville Coins is a leading provider of rare, collectible gold and silver coins from the US and other countries. The company prides itself on offering some of the best rare and modern coins at prices never before possible. To learn more, visit http://www.gainesvillecoins.com or call 352-653-3009.

Jeff Paul is a writer and copy editor who likes to share information on many different topics.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/the-timeless-art-of-collecting-silver-coins-1302428.html

If you are new to the coin colleting business – we’d like to welcome you onboard. You’ll soon discover that coin collecting is unlike any other hobby. Coins will tell you stories, take you to special places and ancient times and if you want your coin collection to last generations to come, there are a few things you should know, because coins can be delicate and keeping your collection in good shape is not as easy as it looks.

1. Although coins are basically made to be used and exchanged, proof coins don’t really like to be out in the open, exposed to different elements and conditions that hasten their deterioration. Coins don’t like damp places, liquids, acids, and even bare human skin. Yep, coins generally don’t like you. Or anybody.
2. First of all you should get a protective, acid-free, album or book where you can safely store your coin collection. These albums are great when you want to display your collection and they also keep the coins protected. But don’t use any album and don’t be tempted to put your coins in that old baseball cards album. Buy the protective case from a coin dealer because a chemical element found in PVC and some types of plastic can damage your coins overtime. You should also store your coins in a dry and dark place, where the temperature is comfortable and mild.
3. Now this one is a little tough. We know that you got a collection running and like any collector you want to see and feel your precious exhibit. But you shouldn’t really touch coins with your hands. Our body and finger oil is harmful to proof coins and can cause scratches and discoloration. Even when you use gloves, try to hold the coin by its edges. And don’t sneeze!
4. No matter what happens, you should never clean your coin collection! No kidding! Cleaning will only damage the coin and its value. If, for some reason, you must clean a coin, do us a favor and let a professional asses its value first. If it turns out that your silver dollar worth less than a nickel - go ahead and clean like there’s no tomorrow. But know that once a coin is cleaned, there is no turning back. It will loose the coating and toning and be more vulnerable. As a rule, you should never clean proof coins or uncirculated coins. If you really must, clean only circulated coins and let a professional do the job for you.
5. Remember to check your coins regularly. See if anything changed, any discoloration or aging signs. Sometimes you can find a coat of green substance on your coins which probably means that there is a reaction with the protective cover or with the storing conditions and you should consider other storage possibilities.

If you are looking for more information about coins and coin collections, head on to www.ContinentalMint.com were we help Coin Collectors start and expand their collection with a wide selection of coin sets and collectors’ supplies, at the best prices available. At www.ContinentalMint.com we are dedicated to bring you a memorable piece of U.S. history, a professional, knowledgeable Customer Service and discounted prices and shipping rates.

Continental Mint helps Coin Collectors to expand their collection with a wide selection of coin sets and collectors’ supplies, at the best prices available.

Mark Etinger is a business strategist at Ajax Union Marketing Ajax Union specializes in Business Development and Internet Marketing

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/how-to-maintain-coin-collection-and-keep-coins-for-generations-to-come-6-essential-coin-collection-tips-1274246.html