The Fun Times Guide to Coins

Edge Lettering On U.S. Coins Is Making A Comeback

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:24:50 -0600

Many of the coins we come across every day have smooth edges, or reeded edges. But it is not every day we find coins which have letters and words imprinted on the edge.

Until the past couple years, coins with lettered edges were not being made for circulation in the United States.

The Presidential dollar coins and Native American dollar coins that are now being struck do contain letters on the edges.

That's right, coin edge lettering is making a comeback!

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5 Best Coin Sites To Explore Coin Collecting Online

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:38:50 -0600

The Internet has really opened up many opportunities for coin collectors looking for ways to enjoy their hobby more.

The thing about searching for a coin site online is knowing where to spend your time.

With the vast number of coin sites available, it is important to narrow your focus to the sites which offer you the information and advice you really need.

Here are 5 coin sites that I enjoy visiting...

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Coin Clubs - Reasons To Join A Coin Collecting Club

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:18:20 -0600

Where do you go if you want to mingle with others and talk about one of your favorite things: coins?

Well, short of going to the bank to talk with the tellers about currency, you can always join a coin club.

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1909 S VDB Penny - How Rare And How Valuable?

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:18:46 -0600

In coin collecting, there are certain rare coins that even the general public knows are expensive and elusive.

The 1943 bronze cent is one of those coins.

The 1804 silver dollar is another.

But perhaps the one coin that really seems to keep getting attention (and deservedly so) is the 1909 S VDB penny.

Here's the story behind this rare but popular coin. See why it's so rare, and what it's worth today...

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What Type Of Coin Collector Are You?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:16:18 -0600

Okay, so we know that there are all kinds of coin collectors in the world and that they all collect different types of coins.

But beyond that, do you know what type of coin collector you are?

That is, how do you define your coin collecting habits?

Believe it or not, there are several types of labels that coin collectors often apply to their specific types of collecting traits.

While a lot of people don't like to box themselves in with labels, it does help to know what type of coin collector you are.

Why? Because you will have a better idea as to what coin collecting clubs to join, what kinds of coin dealers to seek out. And you will have more insight as to what types of coins you should be looking for in coin catalogs and coin magazines.

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Coin Q&A: Answers To 5 Common Coin Questions

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:14:04 -0600

These are among the most popular questions we receive here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins...

Question #1:
How Do I Clean My Coins?

Don't! Cleaning your coins will actually reduce their value. Why? Because coin collectors and coin investors prefer coins with their original, natural toning and color.

Cleaning your coins will wash away their natural toning and even strip away some of its metal. As a result, most coin cleanings actually result in damage.

Coins with loose dirt and debris can be safely removed with gently running, clean water. Afterward, you can softly pat the coins dry with a soft towel.

Any coins which have heavy amounts of grime, grease, or residue should be cleaned only by a professional. Refer to a coin dealer for information on where to have your coin cleaned by a local professional or recommended mail-order service.

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2009 U.S. Mint Coins: Old Favorites And Stunning New Designs

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:23:56 -0600

The United States Mint is always turning out new and exciting numismatic products.

Summer 2009 promises to offer even more wonderful coins and coins sets for coin collectors!

The summer 2009 U.S. Mint coins will include several old standbys, a few new kids on the block, and some silver and gold pieces that will really brighten up your collection.

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Native American Coins In Circulation

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:12:14 -0600

Native Americans have long been honored on United States coins.

In fact, some of our nation's most popular coins have featured Native Americans or Native American culture in one form or another.

The United States Mint has begun minting Native American dollar coins. This has inspired interest in Native American coins.

There are, in fact, several United States coins in circulation which feature Native Americans.

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5 Great Coin Gifts For The Advanced Coin Collector

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:23:44 -0600

Are you trying to find the perfect gift for a coin collector who has everything?

Or maybe you're simply not as well-versed in coin collecting to know what to get an advanced coin collector.

You're in luck! Chances are, the experienced coin collector will appreciate receiving any of the following items as a gift. Many of these can be found online, too.

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Coin Grading Basics - To Help You Find The Value Of Your Coin

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:41:30 -0600

You have probably seen a lot about coin grades here on this site.

Some of you may know what coin grading is, and some may not.

If you can understand coin grading, then you can begin to figure out coin values much more easily than you may be able to now.

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Got Old Coins? Use Them As Tips & Gifts For Others!

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:23:03 -0600

The economy is forcing a lot of people to cut back on what they spend.

Going out to a restaurant, getting your hair cut, and getting your lawn mowed means paying for the service, then tipping on top of that.

If you're short on cash but long on "extra" coins in your coin collection that you no longer need or want, you might want to give away those old coins as gifts or tips for the services you pay for!

It's fun! Plus, you never know when someone else might become intrigued enough to start their own coin collection...

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How To Find Coin Books, Coin Videos & Coin Magazines At Your Local Library

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:03:13 -0600

The Internet offers a wealth of information about coin collecting and other aspects of numismatics. However, sometimes you simply have to refer to a good book, video, or magazine to find out more about the topic you want to research.

Going to a bookstore is great, but sometimes even the biggest bookstore doesn't have the publication you want. Or, maybe you want to find the information for free!

Going to the library can be a great way to look for coin publications and videos geared toward your interests.

Here's what to look for...

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Should You Clean Coins Or Not? (Hint: NO!)

Sun, 31 May 2009 19:40:34 -0600

People entering the hobby of coin collecting (and those who've found a coin that might be valuable) usually want to know how they can clean their coins.

Questions like "Which way is the best way to clean my old penny?" or "How do I brighten up my tarnished silver dollar?" normally lead to one, impassioned answer: "Don't clean your coins!"

It seems logical to some people that a bright and shiny coin would be favored by coin collectors. While that may be true to a certain extent, what is also true is that coin collectors prefer coins that display normal, natural color.

If a coin is bright and shiny because it was well preserved or just came from the Mint, that is a good thing. However, if a coin is bright and shiny because it was just dipped in vinegar and baking soda or was scrubbed with an abrasive like toothpaste, then coin collectors will shy away.

Why? Again, most coin collectors prefer coins that possess natural color.

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Souvenir Sets Versus Mint Sets: What's the Difference?

Sat, 30 May 2009 00:44:52 -0600

You may have heard about mint sets and souvenir sets, but you might not be sure which is which.

At first glance, mint sets and souvenir sets look very similar to each other.

But, in fact, there are some very important differences between mint sets and souvenir sets.

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Using Metal Detectors To Find Old Coins - Metal Detector Reviews & Tips For Metal Detecting

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:23:33 -0600

Whenever people rummage around in their pockets or bags for things, they inevitably drop loose change onto the ground sometimes.

Usually, these coins are never missed by the people who dropped them. And soon the coins become trampled into the dirt or otherwise hidden just below the surface.

Imagine for a moment, what if you were lucky enough to find some old long-lost coins that are now extremely rare?

Here's how you can use a metal detector to find old coins...

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