Coins

Acquiring Coins

Circulation finds. Pulling coins out of circulation is a time-proven method of getting started. There is a wide variety of coinage in circulation, and the quickest way to become acquainted with it is to go through your change coin by coin.

When you plunk a pocketful of coins on a table, you often see a wide variety of conditions. Cents range from the deep chocolate color of older pieces to a bright coppery red of newly struck coins. Various shades of color can also be detected as the modern nickel, dime and quarter wear.

Studying these coins may not make you rich, but this time is well spent and might someday prevent you from a making a mistake that could make you poorer. Becoming comfortable with the aging process of coins, comparing them side by side, and just plain fingering them for feel and texture helps the collector develop an eye for detecting wear and knowing what it is supposed to look like.

When checking the current coins in circulation, don’t stop at just your change. In the past, searching bank-wrapped rolls almost became an art form with its own rules of etiquette. Conditions vary from place to place, and small towns have generally

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Coins

Coins1 min read
Coins
www.numismaticnews.net VP/GENERAL MANAGER, COLLECTIBLES Corinne ZielkeEDITOR Sophia MattimiroSENIOR MARKET ANALYST Richard GiedroycDESIGNER Julie Green ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE April Krueger akrueger@aimmedia.com 715-318-0996 ADVERTISING
Coins2 min read
Dealers Report Brisk Bullion Sales
Momentum is the key word describing the health of the market for coins. Coin shows, auctions and clubs are all well attended. Several major conventions held during the early part of 2023 have all reported strong sales for virtually anything, be it bu
Coins9 min read
Sampling of Mint Products for Sale
Do you purchase coins or medals from the U.S. Mint? Looking back, I realize that my purchases from the Mint began early in my coin collecting life. My father and I ordered a couple of proof sets in 1955. The sets we received consisted of five coins e

Related Books & Audiobooks