Believe it or not, coin collecting is actually becoming a very popular hobby. It's definitely not as popular as sports like basketball and football, but coin collecting has actually managed to create a subculture of sorts among the American population and around the world. In fact, collectors prefer some coins to others, sometimes because of price, sometimes because of ease. The most popular US coins to collect tend to be the ones we see most often and last the longest.

By far, US dollars are the most popular among collectors. The rarest US dollars also double as the world's most valuable coins. Morgan dollars, dated 1878 to 1921, are some of the most sought after coins that are still at a reasonable price range. The oldest US dollars collectors look for are called Early Dollars, and they are dated 1794 to 1804. Needless to say, these coins are some of the most expensive. They can cost over $100 without any problem. Some reach around $1000 with competition in the bidding process, and a select few rise up to over $50000. The most common US dollars we will see are Sacagawea dollars, which were first issued starting at the turn of the 21st century.

US quarters happen to be a popular place to start among the younger coin collectors. It's easy to collect these quarters, because these collections start with the 50 states and then move into other quarters. US quarter collections also have a considerable amount of depth because they don't stop at just the 50 states. They can then move into categorizing by year and then by different errors and marks like regular coins. The US Mint released commemorative quarters for five states every year from 1999 to 2008. US territories received commemorative quarters in 2009.

Surprisingly, nickels are also quite popular. Jefferson nickels, which were issued by the US Mint starting in 1938, are the most popular nickels to collect. Jefferson nickels last a very long time, unlike other coins, so they are also great ways to start for younger coin collectors. Currently, every single year's Jefferson nickel from 1938 to present day, with the exception of 1943 to 1945 (war nickels were issued during this time), can be found in regular circulation. You can begin collecting Jefferson nickels simply by checking circulated nickels that you come across every day. Collectors value uncirculated Jefferson nickels (usually found supplied from banks) rarely above or below face value.

As you can see, collecting US coins is a great way to start before moving into international currency and other sorts of coins. The interesting history of the US Mint makes it captivating to learn about the various coins of the United States and its history during those times.

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Keeping coins safe and in good condition is just as important as finding and/or buying them in the first place. Most of the time, coins aren't just a straight piece of a metal. They are nearly always a combination of multiple metals (the amount of metals like gold and silver can affect the overall value of the coin) and are composed a way that might be hard to maintain. For example, pennies aren't straight pieces of copper, nor are they straight pieces of a combination. Pennies starting from 1982 are actually a zinc core with a covering of copper. Meaning, if mix an acid that only corrodes zinc, you will be left with a shell of copper. This change was made because of the varying prices of zinc and copper.

One of the most important things to remember is to not wash coins too many times. Really the only time a wash is appropriate is when you give a light wash when first examining the coin, as circulated coins have passed through many hands and come in contact with a large variety of different objects and places. Not surprisingly, many diseases can be transferred by coins if care is not taken. Washing coins excessively will slowly wear away at the outside, subsequently rubbing away at the design as well. Most of the time, rusts, tarnishes, and other changes to the metal itself will not be able to be washed off, and any attempts to do so will be detrimental to the coin itself. If anything seems to be washable, it is probably removable without the use of water.

To store your coins, you can either make your own display, which at best will allow contact with mere tape and cardboard, or you can purchase coin folders. Coin sleeves are also designed to keep coins safe and sound. These guys are made of vinyl and also make great coin displays. When handling coins, be careful, as excessive contact will damage the coin. It is suggested that you wear cotton gloves while handling coins and keep any contact to the coin limited to softer surfaces. Rougher surfaces will obviously scratch the coin (don't want this).

In general, keep your coins exactly the way that they looked when you first received them. Chances are that any sort of change will not be a good one (it doesn't seem possible that you can improve the state of a coin). Make sure any surface that comes in contact with the coin is softer. If you're not sure, you can try to scratch a coin that has little or no extra value beyond face value; the metallic composition should have no drastic deviation from the coin at stake.

You can find US coins for sale like the Draped Bust dime at our website.

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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...This video was recorded on May 3, 2008. This is a video of my modern USA note collection. It includes all denominations up to and including the 00 Federal Reserve Note. Also shown are a large sized note, a silver certificate, and a United States Note. There are current production notes with the older styles. ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.

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...Already a popular and exquisite coin, this 1908 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin is made even more desirable by the fact that it comes in MS62 condition and does not bear the "In God We Trust" motto. 1908 "No Motto" Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin Features: One of America's most beautiful coins - designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the obverse features a full-length portrait of Liberty with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The reverse depicts a breathtaking eagle in flight ... ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.

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...TimeSearchers is a video series dedicated to the research, recovery and preservation of historical artifacts. Each episode chronicles the search for evidence of our past history. In the past Diggin' In Virginia has brought us excitement of all the artifacts and dedicated to the research, recovery and preservation of historical artifacts. That Too Is a Time Searchers & a Saving History Series Motto that we all try bring to you all. But In recent past there has not been more excitement of the ... ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.

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...1904, and again in 1921, the Liberty Head (Morgan) Dollar is the most collected US coin. More than half a billion were minted, but over 270 million of those were melted by the US Govt. after 1918. The 1878-P Proof is considered the King of the Morgans, because of the 880 proof coins minted that year, only about 80 have been accounted for. The coin derives its nickname from the man who designed it George T. Morgan. ... "Morgan Dollar" "silver dollar" silver "rare coins" ebay "Liberty Head ... ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.

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...This is me covering US dollar coins. Sorry I don't spend as much time covering the coins as I have in past coin video's. ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.

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...Guide to collecing United States Gold Coins, Presented to the Greater Houston Coin Club ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.

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...I discuss the prevention of loss of money in buying pre-1933 US Gold Coins in the raw form. I explain why it's recommended throughout the Numismatic Community why you should only buy pre-1933 Gold Coins that were struck for circulation and have been graded by reputable 3rd party grading companys. ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.

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...An agiftable video just for you. Check out www.everythingisterrible.com for more memories to last generations. ...Check back tomorrow for more us rare coin info and the latest old US coin listings in our coin shop.