Blog
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Proof Set vs Mint Set: Which Is Worth More
Proof set or mint set value depends heavily on the year. Proof sets usually win in modern issues. Older mint sets outvalue proofs when survivors stay scarce. Read more
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How to Identify a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar: One of Only 16 Known
The 1964 SMS Kennedy half dollar is a rare satin-finish special striking. Fewer than two dozen genuine examples are known to collectors today. Read more
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How to Spot a Counterfeit Trade Dollar
The fastest way to spot a counterfeit Trade Dollar is to weigh it. A genuine coin hits 27.22 grams of .900 silver. Most fakes run several grams light. Read more
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Storage Unit Auctions vs Estate Sales: Where Coin Collections Hide
Estate sales uncover more coin collections than storage units. Storage auctions still hide larger untouched hoards. Verify every coin before you bid. Read more
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Coin Identifier App vs PCGS Photograde on iPhone: When to Use Each
A coin identifier app names an unknown coin from one photo. PCGS Photograde helps you grade a coin you already know. Each tool solves a different problem. Read more
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18 Rare Kennedy Half Dollars Worth Real Money
The top Kennedy half dollars are the 1964 SMS and Accented Hair proof. Both can bring thousands at auction. Errors and silver content drive the rest. Read more
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15 Misprint Lincoln Cents Worth Money: LIBERVY, Off-Stamp and Doubled Letters
The rarest misprint Lincoln cent is the 1958 doubled die, worth over one million dollars. Most doubled-letter errors sell for twenty to five hundred dollars. Read more
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How to Tell if Your Bicentennial Quarter is Valuable
Most Bicentennial quarters are worth only face value today. The valuable ones are 1976-S silver strikes and rare doubled die errors. Read more
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15 Most Valuable Ancient Greek Coins Ever Found
The most valuable ancient Greek coin is the Pantikapaion gold stater, sold for $6 million in 2023. Artistry and extreme rarity drive these prices. Read more
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What is a Clipped Planchet Coin and Is It Valuable
A clipped planchet is a coin struck on an incomplete blank, missing a curved slice. Genuine clips show a weak rim opposite the missing area. Read more
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Numista vs PCGS Coin Catalog: Which Is Better for Collectors
Numista is a community world coin catalog; PCGS is the US grading and price authority. Collectors need both to identify and value coins accurately. Read more
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Why You Should Never Clean Coins: Cleaning Damage vs Natural Patina
Cleaning coins destroys value by stripping natural patina and adding hairline scratches. Grading services penalize cleaned coins heavily. Read more
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ANA Membership: Is It Worth It for Collectors
ANA membership is worth it for active collectors who use its grading and education perks. Casual hobbyists rarely recoup the annual dues. Read more
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How to Spot a Counterfeit Canadian Silver Dollar (1935-1967)
A genuine 1935 to 1967 Canadian silver dollar weighs 23.33 grams. Cast counterfeits miss that weight and show seam lines. The rare 1948 needs a magnifier check. Read more
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Is My 1953 Wheat Penny Worth 2500 Dollars? Honest Value Guide
A worn 1953 wheat penny is worth five to fifteen cents in circulated grades. Only flawless gem examples approach four figures. The $2,500 claim is mostly myth. Read more
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How to Spot a Counterfeit 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar
Spotting a counterfeit 1921 Morgan silver dollar starts with weight and edge reeding. A genuine coin weighs 26.73 grams. Read more
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18 Canadian Silver Quarters Worth Money: Pre-1968 Identification
The most valuable pre-1968 Canadian silver quarter is the 1875-H, worth over $2,000 in VF-20. The 1889 and 1936 Dot follow close behind. Read more
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What is Coin Toning and How Does It Affect Value
Coin toning is natural surface color from slow oxidation over decades. Attractive original toning can multiply value, while artificial toning destroys it. Read more
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How to Buy Rare Coins at Goodwill, Thrift Stores and Estate Sales
Yes, rare coins hide at Goodwill, thrift stores and estate sales. Check coin jars and jewelry trays first. Patience and a loupe pay off. Read more
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How to identify repunched mint mark errors
A repunched mint mark is an error where the mint mark was punched into the die twice. The doubling appears as a faint secondary outline. Read more