Collecting 101
2024-P Dr. Mary Edwards Walker Doubled Die 25c Found at Walmart
A major Doubled Die Reverse discovery on the 2024-P Dr. Mary Edwards Walker quarter is turning heads. Found in circulation and already making waves online, this stunning variety showcases significant doubling on the Medal of Honor and Walker's hair—don’t miss your chance to check your change!
A Nation’s Milestone in Metal: The U.S. Mint Plans 250th Anniversary Coins
In 2026, the U.S. Mint will celebrate America’s 250th Independence anniversary with special one-year designs for circulating coins. From the Declaration of Independence to civil rights, these coins are set to spark a collecting frenzy, capturing the spirit of the nation’s journey
Poll Question: How do you spot counterfeits or ensure the authenticity of coins?
The respondents' answers to the January 17, 2025, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll vary with some relying on dealers and others purchasing authenticated coins.
Poll Question: How do you like to organize your collection? Era, country, or another method?
The respondents' answers to the January 10, 2025, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll vary, but everyone has a method.
Poll Question: What historical era or event do you find most fascinating as reflected in coins? Why?
The respondents' answers to the January 3, 2025, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll agree that the Civil War era is fascinating, but it wasn't the top choice for everyone.
Humphrey Bogart’s “Short Snorter” Bank Note Signatures
Hotz features the two notes he has found over the years, which were autographed by the legendary and well-known actor Humphrey Bogart!
Facts About Fakes: Spotting California Fractional Gold Fakes
Identifying counterfeit California fractional gold coins ensures you can spot fakes and protect your collection from fraud.
Poll Question: If you could time travel, what coin would you bring back to the past to show its value today? Why?
The respondent's answers to December 12, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll vary widely because everyone has their favorite unicorn.
Bringing Coins to Your Holiday Traditions
The charming Victorian-era tradition of Stir-up Sunday brings the traditional holiday dessert together with a hidden sixpence that promises good fortune for the year ahead
Poll: If you had to start your collection over, what would you do differently?
The December 13, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll results were varied but centered on the theme that "Hindsight is 20/20."
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Poll: What's one feature you would add to modern coins to make them more collectible?
From the December 6, 2024 Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, every respondent had a different idea.
Poll: What's the most meaningful coin in your collection and why?
From the November 29, 2024 Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, many of our readers' favorites are not the most expensive coins in their collections but those with sentimental value.
Spare Change for Your Brain: Must-Read Books for the Numismatist's Library
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the coin enthusiast in your life? Discover Bill's top book picks to inspire, educate, and delight numismatists this Christmas season.
Poll: Are you a member of a local coin club? Why or why not?
From the November 22, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, while many readers belong to clubs, clubs are often too far away or unavailable.
The 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
Discover the perfect gifts for the coin collectors in your life, from holiday-themed coins and hobby essentials to stylish apparel and subscriptions that keep the joy of numismatics alive all year.
Making a List and Checking it Twice...for Coins
We’ve collected a selection of holiday-themed coins and other numismatic items that will make perfect stocking stuffers. Scroll through (and to the end of the article) for this year's selection of coins and other gifts for the numismatist in your life.
Poll Question: Have you ever cleaned a coin? Why and how?
The respondents' answers to the November 15, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll tend toward yes and feature a number of cleaning methods.
Advantages Of Being A Young Numismatist
Many young collectors start off sorting through the change in their own or their parents’ pockets, purses, and wallets.
Some Great Holiday Gifts for Friends, Family, and Even Yourself
When it comes to gifts, here’s hoping we can relieve some of the stress that someone might be feeling. Here are some great ideas from the Numismatic News 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.
The Ten Most Beautifully Designed U.S. Coins
Numismatists and design enthusiasts alike will appreciate this curated list of the ten most exquisite U.S. coins, each with its own story and timeless appeal.
Have Fun Sharing Your Numismatic Knowledge
Numismatics has such a wide scope that no collector could conceive of trying to collect every coin and piece of paper money issued around the world throughout history
Poll Question: Have you learned how to grade your own coins? Why or why not?
The respondents' answers to the November 8, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll are split right down the middle.
Historical Study Illuminates Regional Counterstamps
Numismatic History of the State of Los Altos in the Central American Federation is Jovel’s seventh book on various aspects of Central American numismatic history.
Poll Question: What is the best coin-collecting advice you've ever received?
This week's answers to the November 1, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll feature some great coin advice.
Why Are Most Coins Round?
The answer goes back to the earliest crude production, where planchets were inserted between dies affixed to the tips of tongs.
Campaigns and Commemoratives: Coins with a Cause
Political coins and medals offer a unique window into the social and political priorities of different eras
Poll Question: Which innovation in numismatics do you feel has most impacted the field?
The respondents' answers to the October 25, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll varied, but third-party grading led the pack.
Poll Question: Have there been any coins considered "common" that you still struggled to find? What was it, and how did you eventually find it?
The respondents' answers to the October 18, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll vary widely.
Quizzing Numismatic Knowledge
Past Times with Coins looks at the June 1965 issue of Coins magazine. The column COINS IQ tested their readers' coin knowledge.
My Favorite Coins: Indian Head Eagle
Saint-Gaudens’ Indian Head is just the head of Liberty crowned with an Indian war bonnet a la James B. Longacre’s Indian Head cent.
Poll: Have you ever knowingly sold a coin to someone well under the market value? Why?
From the October 11, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, most of these readers have sold coins for less than market value.
Assembling a 13 Colony Set of Notes
Collecting colonial notes can be a fantastic tutorial experience, providing a great deal of information about our country's formation.
Collecting Native American Dollars
Native American Dollar coins, with their unique designs rooted in history, provide a fascinating journey through the culture of America's Native people.
Poll: Do you collect medals? Why or why not?
From the October 4, 2024 Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, most of these readers have at least a few.
Do Mint Policies Hinder Numismatic Interest?
Heller asks, "Are the U.S. Mint policies discouraging collectors and impacting the future of numismatics?"
For those who pursued a career in numismatics, why did you decide to make your hobby your job? And for those who didn't, why not?
From the September 27, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, numismatics is both a vocation and a lifestyle.
Would you pay a premium for a First Strike coin? Why or why not?
From the September 20, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, the consensus from readers is no.
Krause Shared Thoughts on Collecting Common Coins
In the latest Past Times with Coins, Chester L. Krause asks, "Why do We Collect Common Coins?"
Will 3-D printing ever take the place of the traditional minting process? Why or why not?
From the September 13, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, most polled think not.
When "Stick Figures" and "Women on Bulls" Ruin the Joy of Collecting
Fueled by sensationalist reports, the coin trade across Europe has been inundated with questions about supposed minting errors and rarities.
Notes from Washington: First $5 1950B Federal Reserve Notes
The notes have one thing in common: the serials end with some zeros and a one.
How could United States coin designs be improved?
From the September 6, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, opinions are as varied as the number of coin designs throughout history.
Coins of 1955: Why Were the Mintages So Low?
Knowledge of the production and history of coins is not enough to fully understand the complex forces that cause rarity and low mintages.
Describe the coin that you’ve overpaid the most for and why.
From the August 30, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, most people have overpaid at some point, but feel like they learned their lesson.
My Favorite Coins: Oregon Trail Commem
“To commemorate the heroism of those who traversed the Oregon Trail to the Far West and to rescue the various points along the Trail from oblivion.”
Is toning on a coin desirable, or should it be removed? Why?
From the August 23, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, the general consensus is that natural toning is beautiful and should be left alone.
German-Titled National Banks of Wisconsin
With the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, large numbers of immigrants. many of whom were German, were able to travel inland to new areas of the United States to obtain land and settle.
Are modern commemorative coins worth collecting? Why or why not?
From the August 16, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, the general consensus is, if you like a commemorative coin, you should buy it!
Past Times with Coins: A Search for Coins in Western Ghost Towns
“Windswept and lonely, the ghost towns of the west make no promises but offer exciting hunting for the romance-minded collector.”