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.