Community
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Do you do the majority of your coin buying and selling in-person (shows, brick-and-mortar shops) or online? Why?
From the August 9, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, while coin shows are a great place to buy, online coin purchasing has become increasingly popular due to its convenience, extensive selection, and access to various marketplaces.
Have you ever been exposed to a coin scam? Describe.
From the August 2, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll: Readers are vulnerable to scams.
Regarding numismatic purchases, how likely are you to engage with a cold sales call? Why?
From the July 26, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll, most readers are unlikely to purchase anything through cold-call selling methods, primarily because of trust issues.
Will you be collecting the U.S. Mint’s new comic book art coins and medals? Why or why not?
From the July 19, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. The general consensus is no--for varying reasons.
We are well into the summer season. Has your collecting slowed down, sped up or stayed the same? Why?
From the July 12, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Our readers' opinions are split.
Which modern U.S. coin or coin series best represents the U.S. and why?
From the July 5, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. This week's poll response wasn't overwhelming, but folks have their favorites.
Is a completely cashless society a possibility for the U.S.? Why or why not?
From the June 28, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Most readers believe that while there is a chance, it's not likely that the U.S. will be entirely cash-free.
What person, event, or idea should be commemorated on a coin? Why?
From the June 21, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Readers' answers varied greatly.
What Might Space Inhabitants Use for Money?
On Earth, physical gold and silver have served for thousands of years as a stable form of money. However, it would be challenging to transfer physical metals between parties on Earth and those off-planet.
What is the biggest collecting mistake you’ve made?
From the June 14, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Buyer's regret is at the top of most readers' responses.
How do you ensure that you’re buying or selling coins with a reputable dealer?
From the June 7, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Readers agree that buyers must do their homework. Membership in a professional numismatic group is a plus.
What sort of collector are you, private or social? Would you continue the hobby if you had no connection to other collectors?
From the May 24, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Readers agree that while connection is good in some ways, it may be best to keep your actual collection private.
What service/feature would you like to see at coin shows that isn’t already being offered? Why?
From the May 17, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. This week's poll response is small but mighty.
What is your least favorite coin in your current collection? Why?
From the May 10, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Most readers agree that if a coin doesn't bring you joy, leave it on the table.
What type of error coin is most interesting/collectible to you? Why?
From the May 3, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Errors don't equal mistakes.
Do you display your coins and currency? If so, how?
From the April 26, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Readers are split about drawing attention to their collections.
Should the U.S. Mint stop making the cent and nickel coins, which are currently produced at a financial loss? Why or why not?
From the April 19, 2024 Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Most readers think that, at the very least, the penny should be discontinued.
What is your favorite coin story? It can be about the coin itself or how you obtained it.
From the April 12, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Our readers share some fantastic coin stories.
They Called Themselves Romans. We Call Them Byzantines
At the beginning of Emperor Anastasius's reign, 491 A.D., there was a major coinage reform, which many numismatists and historians feel began the Byzantine era.
What do you predict the spot price of gold will be at the end of 2024?
From the April 5, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll. Readers predict that prices will remain above $2,200.
Do you feel comfortable sending and receiving coins in the mail? Why or why not?
From the March 29, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll - Readers are split on the practice of sending coins through the mail, primarily because of missing items and fraudulent dealer practices.
Which coin series or types do you find to be unexpectedly budget-friendly and why?
From the March 22, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll - There are apparently several options in the world of coins that can keep you at or under your numismatic budget.
What do you think of retailer Costco selling gold bars and silver coins?
From the March 15, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll - Some folks think it's fine, some are cautiously optimistic, and some are just cautious.
Why are coin shows important?
From the March 8, 2024, Numismatic News E-Newsletter Readers' Poll: Readers appreciate the opportunities for in-person viewing, dealer knowledge, and the camaraderie of like-minded folks.