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

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

A Brief History Of Coins

http://www.treasurycoincollecting.com/coin-collecting-history.html

Initially collection of the coins seemed to be very difficult, it is said that after the first coins were minted around 650 B.C. the hobby was gradually picked up. Precious metals like gold or silver were cautiously weighed and exchanged for goods. Because of the fraudulent dealers trying to lift things by passing a lower quality of metals coins made of standardized weights of precious gold was replaced by the barter system that was used earlier. Coins rapidly became the latest form of payment for goods.

To design the faces and figures on their coins Greeks were the ones in the fifth century who started commission too the artists. They normally used depictions of gods, goddesses and mythical heroes. As an alternative of idealistic representations on the coins, Alexander the Great started the fashionable trend of using pragmatic designs.

To bring awareness in coin collecting Francesco patriarch, was the fourteenth century Italian scholar and the poet nicknamed the father of Renaissance, was the first coin enthusiast and probably was the most renowned coin collector. During the renaissance period he soon became admired by the popes as the hobby adored recognized for its art and value into a passion. The face value of the coins that were not in exchange was used to get paid highly even after the facts points out to Roman emperors. "The Hobby of Kings", an overlay was given by the passionate renaissance nobility and the overlay was quickly referred to coin collecting. France was also immense coin collectors and to name a few Kings like Louis XIV of France, Ferdinand I and Henry IV. The Berlin coin cabinet was started by Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg.

In 1962 in Detroit, Michigan the first international convention for coin collectors was held on August 15th through the 18th. It was sponsored by the American Numismatic Association and the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association. It was calculated that 40,000 people were in attendance.

Until the start of 1792, with the passing of Coinage Act, the United Nations did not formally start minting coins. As the authorized unit of monetary exchange throughout the states, the act legalized the United States dollar. At the time it coined the US Silver Dollar, the Philadelphia Mint were the first to manufacture US coins. It was later joined by the Denver Mint in 1906. Essentially produced proof sets and gold coins were by the San Francisco Mint and West Point mint. Depending on the mint where it was fashioned, each coin in United States is marked with P, S, D or W.

As of today there are millions of people awestruck by coin collecting and various different museums that display valuable and odd coin collections. These museums comprise the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. as well as the American Numismatic society in New York City which was established in 1891 to persuade education concerning coin collecting. Numismatics enjoys the adventure of potentially finding of something exceptional and precious but also acknowledges the coins themselves for their artistic and historical value.

http://www.treasurycoincollecting.com/coin-collecting-history.html

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/a-brief-history-of-coins-784014.html

One of the most popular hobbies today is coin collecting. Anyone can start collecting coins anytime and any day. You may begin by collecting the coins you have in your piggy bank, or in your pocket. Coin collecting starts to get more interesting, and sometimes more costly, when a collector is willing to cough up a considerable amount of cash for a particular coin, like a vintage or turn-of-the-century variant. Many veteran coin collectors buy expensive coins to shore up the value of their repository.

Today, millions of people all over the world are fascinated about the art of coin collecting. Most of the famous museums on the planet showcase collections of rare and valuable coins. In the United States, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D. C. and the American Numismatic Society in New York City feature an impressive collection of ancient and vintage coins. Valuable information and education regarding the art of collecting coins is also offered by these institutions.

Although it may be quite hard to pinpoint the early beginnings of coin collecting, it is believed that the hobby began after the first coins were minted in 650 B.C. The Greeks were among the early advocates of minting coins from precious metals, wherein they designed coins which had depictions of gods, goddesses, and mythical heroes. Coins were created during this period to facilitate a more formal exchange of goods and services. Precious metals such as gold or silver were minted into coins, which served as the primary mode of payment, and slowly eradicated the primitive barter trade system.

The art of coin collecting refers to the trading and collection of coins or other forms of legally minted currency, and usually the most valuable ones are those that had been minted with errors, featured unique and historically-interesting designs or figures, or had been circulated for only a short period. Numismatics refers to the study of currency, and is closely related to the art of coin collecting.

Coin Collecting turned into a passion for a lot of famous persons during the Renaissance, and among noted coin collectors were the popes of the Roman Catholic Church, and even kings and other royalty figures. This hobby was soon alluded to as the "The Hobby of Kings", and famous figures such as Kings Louis XIV of France, Ferdinand I, and Henry IV of France were noted to be among the most well-known of coin collectors. A renowned Italian scholar named Francesco Petrarca, who was also called the father of the Renaissance, became the first coin enthusiast to revitalize the hobby of coin collecting. Petrarca was also considered to be among most famous of coin collectors during this period.

HERMAN KLEIN is a coin collecting expert. For a great coin collecting guide be sure to visit http://www.coincollectingstartshere.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/a-brief-history-of-coins-838563.html

Whether you are a novice or an expert at coin collecting, you can truly benefit from purchasing some kind of software.  There are numerous benefits to having software to work with including organization, inventories, and coin related links.  Here are five things to look for with legitimate coin collecting software.

1. Managing data
Perhaps the number one reason why you will want to purchase coin collecting software is to help you manage your data.  It can become overwhelming trying to keep up with the numerous statistics and features that come with your collection.  Having software that can organize all of this data in one system can be extremely helpful.

2. Built in coin inventory
Many of the commercially available software will have built in coin inventories for you to take advantage of.  This will allow you to keep an eye on modern, ancient and medieval coins.  In addition, many of these programs are capable of organizing existing web resources and coin links so that you can keep up to date on recent coin values that are updated frequently.

3. Coin glossary and dictionary
If you are a coin collecting expert, having a glossary and dictionary specifically for coins is probably not all that important.  However, it certainly cannot hurt.  But if you are a novice, it is important you understand all of the terminology and wording that is used within the coin industry.

4. Reports and summaries
In addition to managing your data, you will also want to be able to write reports and summaries regarding your coins and coins that you may want to purchase.  It is important your coin collecting software has some type of feature or program that will allow you to write reports and keep summaries of numerous things.

5. Readymade templates
The last feature that you will want to look for with coin collecting software is readymade templates.  Although this is not at the top of the list for things to look for, it can certainly make life easier on you as you attempt to keep track of your collection efficiently.

The market is filled with different coin collection software you can purchase.  It can be difficult deciphering one from the next making it all the more important you take the tips listed in this article into consideration.  Look for software that will allow you to write reports and summaries, manage your date, and has a built in coin inventory.

Tom Lindstrom is a coin collecting expert. For more great information on coin collecting software be sure to visit http://www.coincollectingpennies.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/5-things-to-look-for-with-legitimate-coin-collecting-software-845443.html

If you're looking for a book chock-full of quick and clear answers to basic coin questions such as how coins are made, which coins are best to collect and why, and the best way to organize a collection, it's all delivered in this innovative and simply savvy guide. Written in a friendly, supportive tone using 300 color photos to clearly illustrate and instruct, this book also offers a primer on properly handling coins and a historical overview of recommended series of coins for beginning collectors.

This useful book contains all the crucial info needed to start your coin collection right now, including:

• An overview of how coins are actually made
• Definitions for the different parts of a coin
• Oft-used coin terminology
• Strategies for organizing your collection
• Tips for the proper handling of coins
• Which coins are the best to collect and why

Check it out here: The Instant Coin Collector

Buy the book before you buy the coin is frequently offered and sage advice.

If you make the effort to study the hobby and the market you will be rewarded. Someone who does not make that effort is more likely to waste money on overgraded, problem or counterfeit coins. Before spending a lot of money on coins, you should invest in your knowledge of the hobby. For your own protection you should have at least one reference book covering your area(s) of interest. Reading a few issues of periodicals is another good idea.

A great place to start collecting coins is from circulation. The risk is negligible (you can always spend the coins), examining your coins carefully and see what your reference book says about them, will teach you a lot.

Join a club!

Local coin clubs are usually great for learning more about the hobby, getting material for your collection, and you just might make some good friends, too.

Often new collectors aren't sure where to begin, and they may have many questions. Do I start with one type of coin, or should I collect a variety? Should I stick to easy-to-find coins, or should I try to collect rarer ones? How much money do I want to spend? Coin collecting doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. In fact, it is probably one of the easiest objects to collect. You also don't have to be very knowledgeable to start a coin collection.

If you are considering beginning a coin collection, you have probably asked yourself one or more of these questions. The answers really depend on your own personal preferences, and you may not discover what those preferences are until you begin. The most important step you can take when beginning, however, is to invest in a good coin collecting book. Once you've bought the book, take some time to read at least excerpts from it concerning different coins. You may discover that certain coins interest you more than others.

Sort your coin collection!

The next step you might take is to buy a few coin folders. You can buy coin folders that have dates under each slot, or you can buy folders that are blank. The coin folders that have dates will help you determine what coins you need to complete your collection. Often these folders will cover a specific number of years and will be designed for specific coins.

Keep in mind, however, it is not easy to completely fill up a folder. If the folder covers older coins, many of those coins are considered quite valuable. You will have to be willing to invest a significant amount of money to complete a folder for older coins. If you are not trying to complete a set, but you do want to keep up with the dates that you find, you might enjoy using a blank coin folder. This way you don't have to leave any of the slots empty.

Internet provides many opportunities!

The Internet provides many opportunities for coin collectors to enlarge their collections, once they have decided what type of coin or coins they want to collect. Of course, you may be able to get some of your coins simply by checking your spare change. If you are going to build your collection, however, you will need to expand your search. There are online auction sites that give collectors just like you an opportunity to buy and sell. Most neophyte coin collectors begin collecting coins that are already in circulation, and usually these coins that are in circulation are more likely to get damaged, and only would be worth whenever you hold onto them for a long period of time. Once you go up the coin-collecting ladder, you move on by collecting coins from other sources, such as antique coin shops, coin shows, internet auctions, flea markets, and from other collectors as well. The art of coin collecting can also be seen as an investment, as the prices of the coins you store and preserve may rise should they become rare, or drop when these coins are in surplus supply.

You will need to consult your coin collecting book to understand the different values and grades of coins. Once you have become more familiar with the specific terms, you will probably want to start off buying inexpensive coins. As you become more experienced in judging the value of coins yourself, you can start to purchase more expensive coins.

Save money, buy sets!

As you continue to buy coins, you may find that you get more for your money if you buy sets of coins. This doesn't mean the sets will be complete. You would likely spend an exorbitant amount of money for a complete set. Instead, the sets you buy will probably be close to complete, but they won't have the most expensive and rarer coins. As you buy sets, you can keep the coins you need, and then you can put duplicates back up for auction. This is an excellent way to build your collections.

Coin collectors have different themes and goals in mind, with some trying to obtain generally rare coins, whilst others seek samples of coins that were issued from every country or 'world coins.' Some collectors also opt to collect coins that were only issued from one country, most likely their own. There are other coin collectors who also store coins that were issued during historically-important periods, such as the Roman, Greek, and Byzantine or the Middle Ages as well as of the Indian, Celtic and Persian empires, and the 18th or 19th centuries. The purpose of collecting coins from different periods may vary, depending on whether the collector wants these coins to serve as a mirror or reflection of the events that happened during the era in which they were produced, or for some other purpose as well.

How much you money and time you spend on your coin collections is completely up to you. The beauty of collecting coins, however, is that you are also investing your money. Coin collecting is a great hobby for any age, and the art of coin collecting will never die.

Herman Klein is a coin collecting expert. For more great information on collecting coins be sure to visit http://www.coincollectingstartshere.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/coin-collecting-introduction-whats-the-best-way-to-get-started-834150.html

If coin collecting is a hobby of yours, it is vital you look into the many different coin collection books that are on the market.  Whether you are looking for price guides, reference books, or basic information on how to become an expert collector, there are books out there for you.  So what are some of the top books for you to look into?

The first book you will want to look at is the 2009 version of The Official Red Book, A Guide Book of United States Coins.  This is a book that is revised annually so that you can stay up to date with all of your coins.  This is a terrific book as it is positioned for the beginner as well as the advanced collector. 

It includes full illustrated color pictures of each type of U.S. coin that has ever been made.  In addition, it has the average retail price guide for every U.S. coin that spans from 1616 to the present.  If you are a collect, this book has been considered the Bible of this industry.

Next on the list of coin collection books to purchase is The Official Blue Book, Handbook of United States Coins.  This to is revised annually so that you know what is going on with your coins.  The 2009 version is the 65th edition and it is filled with information you need to know.  Some things you will pick up with this book is information on grading and collecting tips, complete mintage records, important historical information, and all of the latest average dealer buying prices for coins since 1616.

For a more general book you may want to look at CherryPickers’ Guide.  Within this book you will also find important information pertaining the value of coins, rarity, interest factors, and cross reference listing numbers.  You will also receive information on important chapters on the Minting Process and the Classification of Doubled dies.

The last book to look at is ANA Grading Standards.  This is a comprehensive book that is extremely easy to follow and use.  You can quickly learn how to grade coins accurately and efficiently.  This is used by numerous collectors, dealers and investors all around the world.

Whether you are a die-hard collector or someone that has an interest in coin collecting, you may want to look into purchasing some coin collection books.  Many of the books listed in this article are revised annually so that you can keep up with everything going on in the industry. 

Tom Lindstrom is a coin collecting expert. For more great information on coin collection books be sure to visit http://www.coincollectingpennies.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/various-coin-collection-books-you-may-want-to-purchase-845515.html

There are many basic supplies necessary for coin collectors. Manufacturers have managed to tap into the business of producing products useful to enhance the activity of coin collecting for the collector. Many of these products are necessary as without them it would be impossible to maintain the condition of the coin.

If the condition is not duly maintained then it would result in a loss in the value of the coin. Coin supplies can range from items used to clean the products, magnify the products, check for counterfeits, books and softwares but mostly the essential supplies are used to store the coins properly so that they do not get damaged.

There are many different ways to keep the coins. Products used to store the coins include 2x2s, tubes, air-tites, slabs, quarter maps, boxes, vinyl pages, coin boxes, coin holders, frosted cases, zipper bags, snap lock cases, coin envelopes, velour bags, albums and coin cases. Among these categories there are wide variations as well for example some 2x2s are made up of plastic while the others are made up of cardboard. Air-tite coin holders are popularly used because they provide excellent protection. Additionally, they are easy to use and come in various sizes. They can be ordered in direct fit or ring type air-tite.

Coins should be kept away from humid or moist conditions to ensure their condition is not deteriorated. Silica gel is used to remove the humidity from the coins. You should also be aware that if coins come into contact with hard surfaces they can be damaged. Coins are not supposed to be cleaned or wiped as their surface could be damaged.

Gloves have become an essential supply as well as they are used by coin collectors to handle the coins. Finger Cots and tongs are used to handle coins as well. Coin solvents like Koinsolv, MS-70 Coin Cleaner, Nic-A-Lene and e*Z*est Coin Cleaner are used to clean coins after their image has been tarnish or their condition has been deteriorated.

Special coin albums are produced which are organized chronologically or by country. Coin collectors fill these albums with their collections to know what is lacking in their own collection. A certain set is said to be completed when these coin albums are completed. Often these albums are beautifully manufactures - some are even embossed with gold to give them a royal look. The beauty of these products attracts as much attention as its usefulness.

Specially designed coin cases are manufactured for coin collectors. These coin cases have the image of the coins on top so that the coin itself can be well protected while the owner can store and categorize them easily as well. The attraction of coin collectors to aesthetic beauty has also resulted in the vast availability of coin displays, whose purpose is to display the coins in the most beautiful manner possible. For beginners specially designed coin collecting kits are available, which contain all the products necessary for a person to begin collecting coins. Products contained in these kits might include a guide, albums, magnifiers, schedules, folders and inventory guides.

In conclusion, these supplies are essential in maintaining coin collecting supplies – so all collectors should be familiar with them.

Jamie Singer has been collecting coins for a little over 20 years now. He has built up a large collection containing some of the most rare coins to be found. During this time he has built up a wealth of knowledge which he is now sharing on his website www.coincollectingrevealed.com.

For more information on coin collecting supplies and coin care visit his website now.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/coin-collecting-supplies-are-essential-for-coin-care-807348.html

Stay updated with all the latest US rare coins news and listings by subscribing to our RSS feed and bookmarking us. Now, on to the video...Coin collection pt. 3 ...Check back tomorrow for more old us coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.