Starting in American Coin Collecting

When you decide that you would like to begin collecting American coins, there are several areas to choose from as to how you might like to begin and set up your collection.  Once you have chosen to make American coin collecting your new hobby, you may wonder what specialization areas available to choose from after already specializing in American coins.  You may be surprised to know there are over two hundred years of history to American coins for collecting, and several denominations, so there really are a lot of collecting options.

Choosing a Period of American Coins To Collect

There are many periods of American coins to collect. The different periods have different meanings to the different denominations, which may help in making your decision. It’s very important to do your research to discover your interests.  For instance, the American penny wasn’t always copper, and quarters used to be solid silver.  By understanding the difference in the times when coins were minted can make a huge difference in their value.

You may already have a period in mind.  Many people have a specific era, rather than collecting American coins for themselves, collectors see the coins as a symbol of a certain period.  In World War II, certain metals were more scarce than usual, and had to be substituted in the coins produced during this period.  This makes them a symbol of the war effort from the scrap metal drives to the rationing.  Many collectors consider these coins to memorialize this effort and period of history.

Selecting a time period for your collection is based basically on your personal preferences which period your interest lies. Research any particular noteworthy historic event that might catch your interest, whether it is the turn of the century, the World Wars, or even the modern ages.

Choosing a Special Denomination of American Coins To Collect

Denominations can be just as special as the various periods.  Each denomination has gone through a series of design changes to the very metal that it is made from.  To illustrate, look at the quarter, just a quick glance at the quarter shows an interesting history.  To begin, quarters made before 1964 were solid silver; this gives them a special value as a precious metal as well as a coin.  Then in the 1970’s when the United States landed on the moon, special coins with a commemorative obverse were minted.  In 1976, the bicentennial was commemorated in the same way.  The changes have continued to the present day with the celebrated state quarters.  These coins were designed to mark each state in the order it joined the union.

With this quick overview hopefully you can select a time period to begin collecting, but remember, there are many more areas to be explored in American coin collecting. It is totally up to you to find the area that best fits your interests.

	American Weigh Signature Series Black Digital Pocket Scale, 1000 by 0.1 grams List Price: $17.95
	The AMW Series is a great durable and compact pocket scale for those who are seeking the on the go high-tech portable scale. The backlit LCD display helps make the numbers viewable and easy to read. The intuitive protective cover provides protection for the scale...

	Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G List Price: $11.95
	Introducing the M-500 from Fast Weigh Scales! This hip little scale is one of the hottest and most economical scales on the market today! The removable cover keeps the scale protected when not in use and also doubles as an expansion tray...

	2012 Guide Book of United States Coins: Red Book List Price: $14.95
	The Official Red Book A Guide Book of United States Coins is 65 years young and going strong. Collectors around the country love the convenience of the spiralbound edition. It opens up and lies flat on the table while you study your coin collection...

	State Series Quarters Collector Map List Price: $9.99
	This is the State Series Quarters Collector Map by Whitman®. / / FEATURES: A beautiful, 4-color, oversized 3-fold folder with snap latch. / Color-coded map of the United States will showcase one of each / state quarter design...

	2012 Handbook of U.s. Coins: Blue Book (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper)) List Price: $9.95
	The Official Blue Book of United States Coins 2012, Paperback. This guide features grading and collecting tips, mintage records, historical information, and data compiled by more than 50 coin-elite contributors...

	American Weigh Signature Series Black Digital Pocket Scale, 1000 by 0.1 grams List Price: $17.95
	The AMW Series is a great durable and compact pocket scale for those who are seeking the on the go high-tech portable scale. The backlit LCD display helps make the numbers viewable and easy to read. The intuitive protective cover provides protection for the scale...

	Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G List Price: $11.95
	Introducing the M-500 from Fast Weigh Scales! This hip little scale is one of the hottest and most economical scales on the market today! The removable cover keeps the scale protected when not in use and also doubles as an expansion tray...