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Coin Identification Guides

Master the art of coin identification with our expert guides. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or just starting your collection, our articles provide the knowledge and techniques you need to identify, authenticate, and value coins.

Third-Party Coin Grading Guide: PCGS, NGC, ANACS & CAC, Submission, Costs, Slabs, and Crossovers

Understand coin grading services and how to use them. Compares PCGS, NGC, ANACS, and the CAC sticker (and CACG), explains why third-party grading exists, how to read every line on a slab label, what "Details" grades mean, how to submit coins step by step, grading costs and pricing tiers, turnaround and guarantees, crossovers, regrades and reholders, registry sets and population reports, how to spot fake slabs, and the key question of when grading is actually worth it.

19 min read Grading
PCGS vs NGC Coin Slabs CAC How to Submit Grading Costs Crossover

Junk Silver Coins Identification Guide: 90% Silver US Coins, Values, and Stacking

Learn which US dimes, quarters, and half dollars are 90% silver and how to spot them at a glance. Covers the 1965 cutoff, the exact coin series that qualify, 40% silver Kennedy halves and wartime nickels, silver content by denomination, the rim test, how to calculate melt value from spot, the face-value multiplier and bag sizes, where to find junk silver, coin roll hunting, buying by premium, storage, common mistakes, and how junk silver compares to bullion coins.

21 min read Collecting
Junk Silver 90% Silver Constitutional Silver Silver Melt Value Pre-1965 Coins Silver Stacking

Doubled Die Coins Identification Guide: Hub Doubling vs Machine Doubling, DDO & DDR, the 1955, 1969-S, 1972 & 1995 Cents, Attribution & Values

Identify doubled die coins and tell true hub doubling from worthless machine doubling. Covers how doubled dies are made, DDO versus DDR, the classes of hub doubling, single-squeeze modern varieties, the decisive diagnostics (raised rounded doubling, notching, split serifs), the famous 1955, 1969-S, 1972, 1983 DDR, 1984 doubled ear, and 1995 cents, doubled dies beyond the cent, FS attribution and the Cherrypickers' Guide, grading, certification, current values, and how to find them in circulation.

23 min read Error Coins
Doubled Die DDO vs DDR Machine Doubling 1955 Doubled Die 1969-S Doubled Die 1995 Doubled Die

Key Date Coins Guide: What Makes a Date Rare and How to Find the Valuable Ones

Learn why a few dates in every series are worth a fortune while the rest are worth face value. Covers what a key date really is, the difference between keys, semi-keys, and common dates, how mintage and survival rate drive scarcity, why low mintage isn't everything, condition rarity and full-strike designations, the famous keys every collector should know (1909-S VDB, 1916-D, 1893-S, 1932-D/S), how to read any series for its keys, finding keys in old collections and rolls, spotting added mint marks and altered dates, and buying keys wisely.

21 min read Collecting
Key Dates Semi-Keys Mintage Condition Rarity Set Building Coin Value

Coin Toning Guide: Natural vs. Artificial Color and How It Affects Value

Learn how coin toning forms, why natural rainbow color is prized, and how to tell it from artificial toning. Covers the chemistry of toning, how silver, copper, gold, and nickel differ, the natural color sequence, named patterns (target, album, tab, and bag toning), how toning moves value in both directions, spotting artificially toned and doctored coins, how grading services flag "Questionable Color," why you should not strip toning, storage to control it, and buying toned coins safely.

23 min read Coin Care
Coin Toning Rainbow Toning Natural Toning Artificial Toning Patina Questionable Color

Coin Cleaning and Preservation Guide: What Helps and What Destroys Value

Learn why cleaning coins usually destroys their value and how to preserve them properly. Covers hairlines and lost luster, why collectors prize natural toning, how to spot a cleaned coin and the "Details" grade, the home methods you should never use, the narrow exceptions, the safe distilled-water and acetone approaches, professional conservation vs. cleaning, correct handling, archival storage and holders, the PVC "green slime" problem, and what to do with a dirty found coin.

22 min read Coin Care
Cleaning Coins Coin Preservation Coin Storage Toning Hairlines PVC Damage

Braided Hair Large Cent Identification Guide: 1839-1857 Date Run, 1857 Final Year, 1855 Knob on Ear, Newcomb Attribution, EAC Grading, and Values

Identify Braided Hair Large Cents from 1839 to 1857, the last of the big copper cents, designed by Christian Gobrecht. Covers the transitional 1839 Head of 1840, the Petite Head versus Mature Head portraits, the famous 1857 final-year key date, the 1855 Knob on Ear die break, the 1844/81 and 1851/81 inverted-date blunders, the 1843 portrait-and-reverse trio, Newcomb variety attribution, EAC grading, counterfeit detection, and current market values across every date.

22 min read US Coins
Braided Hair Large Cent 1857 Final Year 1855 Knob on Ear Christian Gobrecht Newcomb EAC

American Women Quarters Identification Guide: All 20 Honorees, Mint Marks, Silver Proofs, Errors, and Values

Identify the 2022-2025 American Women quarters, the four-year series honoring twenty trailblazing women from Maya Angelou to Althea Gibson. Covers all 20 designs, how to tell which honoree you have, the new right-facing Laura Gardin Fraser obverse, the P, D, and S mint marks, clad vs .999 silver proofs, the collectible errors (the Bessie Coleman doubled die, the Edith Kanakaʻole die clash, the Jovita Idar strike-through, and missing-clad-layer coins), grading, complete-set values, and current 2026 market prices.

24 min read US Coins
American Women Quarters All 20 Honorees Maya Angelou Silver Proofs Bessie Coleman Doubled Die Quarter Errors

Fugio Cent Identification Guide: The 1787 First U.S. Coin, Franklin's Design, Varieties, and Values

Identify the 1787 Fugio Cent, the first coin struck under the authority of the United States. Covers its origins in the 1787 Congress resolution, the failed James Jarvis contract and the New Haven mint, Benjamin Franklin's sundial design with "FUGIO" and "MIND YOUR BUSINESS," the linked-rings "WE ARE ONE" reverse, the major Pointed Rays, Club Rays, and STATES UNITED varieties, Newman die attribution, the 1859 New Haven restrikes, grading early copper, counterfeit and copy detection, and current 2026 values.

22 min read US Coins
Fugio Cent First US Coin Franklin Cent Mind Your Business Newman Varieties Colonial Coins

Counterfeit Coin Detection Guide: How to Spot Fake and Altered Coins

Protect yourself from fake coins with objective tests any collector can perform. Covers the weight and dimension check, the magnet test, the ping (sound) test, edge and seam inspection, and strike and font analysis, plus the most counterfeited coins (Morgan and Trade dollars, Silver and Gold Eagles), added mint marks and altered dates, deceptive counterfeit slabs, testing gold and silver bullion, buying red flags, and when to get a coin professionally certified.

24 min read Authentication
Counterfeit Coins Fake Coins Coin Authentication Magnet Test Ping Test Fake Slabs

America the Beautiful Quarters Identification Guide: Parks, Mint Marks, 2019-W Coins, Errors, and Values

Identify the 2010-2021 America the Beautiful quarters, the national-parks series that followed the 50 State Quarters. Covers all 56 designs, how to tell which park you have, the complete year-by-year release order, the P, D, S, and W mint marks, the rare 2019-W and 2020-W West Point coins (with the V75 privy mark), clad vs 90% and .999 silver proofs, the 5-ounce silver coins, errors, grading, complete-set values, and current 2026 market prices.

23 min read US Coins
America the Beautiful National Park Quarters 2019-W Quarter West Point Silver Proofs Quarter Errors

50 State Quarters Identification Guide: Release Order, Mint Marks, Errors, and Values

Identify the 1999-2008 50 State Quarters, the most successful coin series in U.S. history. Covers how to tell which state you have, the complete year-by-year release order, the P, D, and S mint marks, the 2009 DC and territories coins, clad vs 90% silver proofs, and the famous errors — the 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf, the 2005-P Kansas "In God We Rust," and the Minnesota extra trees — plus grading, complete-set values, fake-error detection, and current 2026 market prices.

22 min read US Coins
50 State Quarters Statehood Quarters Mint Marks Wisconsin Extra Leaf Silver Proofs Quarter Errors

Proof Coins Identification Guide: Mirror Fields, Frosted Cameo Devices, Proof Sets, Reverse Proofs, PR Grading, and Values

Learn what a proof coin really is (a minting method, not a grade) and how to tell one from an ordinary business strike. Covers the mirror fields, frosted cameo and deep-cameo devices, squared rims, the seven tell-tale signs, matte and reverse proofs, proof sets, the "S" mint mark, PR/PF grading, impaired and cleaned proofs, the famous No S proof errors like the 1975 dime, and current 2026 market values.

21 min read Reference
Proof Coins Mirror Finish Cameo & DCAM Proof Sets Reverse Proof PR Grading

Civil War Tokens Identification Guide: Patriotic Pieces, Merchant Store Cards, Fuld Numbers, Die Varieties, and Values

Identify Civil War Tokens (1861-1865), the copper and brass money Americans struck when the cent vanished during the war. Covers the patriotic pieces with their flags, eagles, cannons, and Union slogans, the merchant store cards that advertised Northern businesses, the regiment-named sutler tokens, the famous "Dix" token, the Fuld cataloging numbers and rarity ratings, the die-sinkers, grading copper tokens, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Tokens
Civil War Tokens Patriotic Tokens Store Cards Sutler Tokens Fuld Numbers Exonumia

Coin Mint Marks: What the Letters on Your Coin Mean

Decode the small letter near the date on any U.S. coin. Covers every mint mark (P, D, S, W, CC, O, C), the history of each mint, exactly where to look on pennies through dollars, why the location moved from reverse to obverse in 1968, the strange story of the Philadelphia "P," how mint marks drive value and rarity, and the famous no-mint-mark errors like the 1922 No D cent and 1982 No P dime.

20 min read Reference
Mint Marks Mint Mark Locations Carson City No Mint Mark Mint Mark Errors Philadelphia P

Hard Times Tokens Identification Guide: Political Satire Pieces, Merchant Store Cards, Low and HT Numbers, Copper Varieties, and Values

Identify Hard Times Tokens (1832-1844), America's protest money from the Jacksonian crisis. Covers the political satire pieces mocking Andrew Jackson and the national bank, the merchant store cards, the "NOT ONE CENT" legal loophole, the Feuchtwanger German-silver cent, the Low and HT cataloging numbers, the die-sinkers, grading copper tokens, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Tokens
Hard Times Tokens Political Tokens Store Cards Feuchtwanger Cent Exonumia HT Numbers

Colonial and Early American Coins Identification Guide: The Fugio Cent, Continental Dollar, State Coppers, Massachusetts Silver, and Values

Identify colonial and early American coins, the oldest and most storied field in US numismatics. Covers the 1652 Massachusetts pine tree silver, the Spanish milled dollar that was America's real money, the 1785-1788 Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont state coppers, the 1776 Continental dollar, the 1787 Fugio cent (the first US-authorized coin), the Washington pieces, grading crude coppers, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Colonial Coins
Colonial Coins Fugio Cent Continental Dollar State Coppers Massachusetts Silver Pieces of Eight

Classic Commemorative Coins Identification Guide: The 50 Types, 144 Varieties, Columbian and Hawaiian Keys, Gold Issues, and Values

Identify US classic commemorative coins (1892-1954), one of the most artistic and accessible fields in numismatics. Covers the 50 types and 144 varieties, the 1892 Columbian first issue, the 1928 Hawaiian key, the Isabella quarter and Lafayette dollar, the gold commemoratives and the Panama-Pacific $50 giants, types vs. PDS sets, the 1936 boom and 1939 halt, grading, cleaning detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Commemorative Coins
Classic Commemoratives 1892-1954 Columbian Half Dollar 1928 Hawaiian Panama-Pacific $50 Type Set

Modern Commemorative Coins Identification Guide: 1982-Present Silver Dollars, Clad Half Dollars, $5 and $10 Gold, Mintages, Grading, and Values

Identify US modern commemorative coins (1982-present), the Mint's ongoing series of collector coins sold by mail and online. Covers the clad half dollar, 90% and .999 silver dollar, and $5 and $10 gold denominations, proof vs. uncirculated finishes, P/D/S/W mint marks, surcharges and original packaging, the famous low-mintage keys like the 1995-W Olympic gold and 1996 Atlanta dollars, grading modern coins, avoiding overpayment, and current 2026 market values.

26 min read Commemorative Coins
Modern Commemoratives 1982-Present Commemorative Silver Dollar 1995-W Olympic Gold Proof vs Uncirculated Low Mintage Keys

Capped Bust Quarter Eagle Identification Guide: 1796 No Stars, 1804 13-Star, Capped Right and Capped Head Types, and Values

Identify Capped Bust Quarter Eagles ($2.50 gold, 1796-1834), the first US quarter eagle. Covers the famous 1796 No Stars, the Capped Bust Right (Draped Bust) and John Reich's Capped Head Left types, the one-year 1808, the 1804 13-Star reverse, the 1826/5 and 1834 With Motto keys, the 1829 reduced-diameter change, Bass-Dannreuther die marriages, grading early gold, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Gold Coins
Capped Bust Quarter Eagle $2.50 Gold 1796 No Stars 1808 One-Year Type Capped Head Left Early US Gold

Capped Bust Eagle Identification Guide: Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle Types, the 1804 Key Date, Star Arrangements and Values

Identify Capped Bust Eagles ($10 gold, 1795-1804), the first ten-dollar coin struck by the US Mint. Covers Robert Scot's Turban Head design, the Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle reverse types, the obverse star arrangements, the legendary 1804 Plain 4 vs Crosslet 4, the 1798/7 overdate and 1795 9 Leaves keys, the 1804 suspension, grading soft early gold, counterfeit and altered-date detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Gold Coins
Capped Bust Eagle $10 Gold Robert Scot Turban Head 1804 Key Date Small Eagle

Capped Bust Half Eagle Identification Guide: 1822, 1815 Keys, Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle Types, Mint Marks and Values

Identify Capped Bust Half Eagles ($5 gold, 1795-1834), the first gold coins struck by the US Mint. Covers the Scot and Reich designs, the Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle types, the legendary 1822 ($8.4 million) and 1815 keys, the 1829 reduced diameter change, overdates and die marriages, grading soft early gold, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

24 min read Gold Coins
Capped Bust Half Eagle $5 Gold Robert Scot John Reich 1822 Half Eagle 1815 Key Date

Classic Head Quarter Eagle Identification Guide: 1838-C, 1839 Branch Mint Keys, Mint Marks and Values

Identify Classic Head Quarter Eagles ($2.50 gold, 1834-1839), the first U.S. gold coins light enough to actually circulate. Covers William Kneass's No Motto design, the new Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans branch mints, the 1838-C first Charlotte gold, the 1839-D one-year Dahlonega key, the 1839-O, Classic Head vs Capped Head, grading weak branch-mint strikes, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

24 min read Gold Coins
Classic Head Quarter Eagle $2.50 Gold William Kneass 1838-C First Charlotte Gold 1839-D Dahlonega Key Branch Mint Gold

American Gold Buffalo Identification Guide: .9999 Fine Gold, the 2008-W Fractionals, Proofs, Key Dates, and Values

Identify American Gold Buffalos (2006-present), the first pure .9999 fine 24-karat gold coin in US history. Covers James Earle Fraser's Buffalo Nickel design, the one-year-only 2008 fractionals and scarce 2008-W burnished keys, the 2013 reverse proof, bullion vs proof finishes, Gold Buffalo vs Gold Eagle, grading, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

24 min read Bullion Coins
American Gold Buffalo .9999 Fine Gold 2008-W Fractionals 2013 Reverse Proof Buffalo Nickel Design Gold Bullion

Lincoln Shield Cent Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Lincoln Shield Cents (2009-present), the penny in circulation today. Covers the Union Shield reverse by Lyndall Bass and Joseph Menna, the four 2009 bicentennial designs and their scarce copper collector versions, the first-ever 2019-W West Point cents in three finishes, the one-year 2017-P mint mark, doubled dies, plating errors, grading, color designations, zinc rot, authentication, and current 2026 market values.

23 min read US Coins
Lincoln Shield Cent Union Shield 2019-W Cent 2017-P Cent 2009 Bicentennial Doubled Die

Coin Grading Guide: The Sheldon Scale, Mint State Grades, and Third-Party Grading

Master the Sheldon 1-to-70 grading scale and learn what every grade really means. Covers circulated grades from Good to About Uncirculated, mint state grades from MS-60 to MS-70, proof and cameo designations, strike, luster, eye appeal, toning, third-party grading by PCGS and NGC, and how to spot cleaned, damaged, and details coins before you buy.

20 min read Coin Grading
Coin Grading Sheldon Scale Mint State PCGS & NGC Eye Appeal Details Grades

Liberty Cap Large Cent Identification Guide: 1793 Chain Cent, Wreath Cent, Liberty Cap, AMERI. and LIHERTY Varieties, Sheldon Attribution, Grading, and Values

Identify the first United States large cents from 1793 to 1796. Covers the legendary 1793 Chain cent and its AMERI. variety, the 1793 Wreath cent and Strawberry Leaf, the 1793-1796 Liberty Cap design, the Head of 1793/1794/1795 portraits, the 1794 Starred Reverse, the 1795 Jefferson Head, the 1796 LIHERTY error, Vine and Bars versus lettered edges, Sheldon die-variety attribution, EAC grading, counterfeit detection, and current market values.

22 min read US Coins
Liberty Cap Large Cent 1793 Chain Cent Wreath Cent AMERI. Variety LIHERTY Error Sheldon Varieties

1793 Chain Cent Identification Guide: America's First Federal Coin, AMERI and AMERICA Reverses, Sheldon Varieties, Grading, Authentication, and Values

Identify the 1793 Chain Cent, the first coin struck by the US Mint. Covers the Flowing Hair obverse and chain reverse, the rare AMERI. versus AMERICA legend, the Periods obverse, the four Sheldon die marriages (S-1 to S-4) plus the legendary NC rarities, grading porous copper, counterfeit and replica detection, and current market values from low-grade fillers to seven-figure condition rarities.

18 min read US Coins
1793 Chain Cent First US Cent AMERI Reverse AMERICA Reverse Sheldon Varieties Early American Copper

1793 Wreath Cent Identification Guide: America's Second Cent, Vine and Bars vs Lettered Edge, Sprig Above Date, Strawberry Leaf, Sheldon Varieties, Grading, and Values

Identify the 1793 Wreath Cent, the second coin struck by the US Mint, which replaced the Chain Cent. Covers the Flowing Hair obverse and wreath reverse, the sprig above the date, the crucial Vine and Bars versus Lettered edge, the legendary Strawberry Leaf rarity, the Sheldon die marriages (S-5 to S-11c) plus NC varieties, grading porous copper, counterfeit detection, and current market values.

18 min read US Coins
1793 Wreath Cent Second US Cent Vine and Bars Edge Lettered Edge Strawberry Leaf Early American Copper

Classic Head Large Cent Identification Guide: John Reich Design, 1809 Key Date, 1810/09 and 1811/0 Overdates, Sheldon Varieties, Grading, and Values

Identify Classic Head Large Cents from 1808 to 1814 designed by John Reich. Covers the 1809 key date, the porous-planchet quality problem that defines the series, the 1810/09 and 1811/0 (S-286) overdates, the 1812 Small and Large Dates, the 1814 Plain 4 and Crosslet 4, Sheldon die-variety attribution, EAC grading, counterfeit and altered-date detection, and current market values across every date.

20 min read US Coins
Classic Head Large Cent John Reich 1809 Key Date 1811/0 Overdate Sheldon Varieties Porous Planchets

Error Coins & Mint Errors Identification Guide: Doubled Dies, Off-Center Strikes, Repunched Mint Marks, Clipped Planchets, Broadstrikes, Mules, Grading & Values

Learn to identify valuable mint errors and tell them from ordinary damage. Covers the three families of errors (planchet, die, and striking), doubled dies versus worthless machine doubling, off-center strikes, broadstrikes, repunched mint marks, clipped planchets, brockages, struck-throughs, wrong-planchet and mule errors, the famous 1955 and 1969-S doubled dies, the 1943 copper and 1944 steel cents, grading, authentication, and current values.

24 min read Error Coins
Error Coins Doubled Die Off-Center Strike Clipped Planchet 1955 Doubled Die Mules

Coronet Head Large Cent Identification Guide: Matron Head, Coronet Head, 1823 Key Date, 1839 Head Varieties, Newcomb Attribution, Grading & Values

Identify Coronet Head (Matron Head) Large Cents from 1816 to 1839. Covers the Matron Head versus modified Coronet Head portraits, the 1823 key date and 1823/2 overdate, the famous 1839 head varieties (Silly Head, Booby Head, Petite Head, Head of 1838) plus the rare 1839/6 overdate, the 1817 15 Stars, the Randall Hoard, Newcomb die-variety attribution, EAC grading standards, counterfeit detection, and current market values across every date.

21 min read US Coins
Coronet Head Large Cent Matron Head 1823 Key Date Silly Head Booby Head Newcomb Varieties

Draped Bust Half Dollar Identification Guide: 1796 Small Eagle, Heraldic Eagle, 15 vs 16 Stars, 1806/5 Overdate, and Values

Identify Draped Bust Half Dollars (1796-1807). Covers Robert Scot's draped Liberty, the legendary 1796 Small Eagle in 15 and 16 Stars, the 1801-1807 Heraldic Eagle issue, the seven-year production gap, the famous 1806/5 and 1805/4 overdates, the 1806 Knobbed 6 and Pointed 6, the rare Stem Not Through Claw, Overton variety attribution, grading, authentication, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read US Coins
Draped Bust Half Dollar 1796 Half Dollar 16 Stars Small Eagle Heraldic Eagle 1806/5 Overdate Overton Varieties

Draped Bust Large Cent Identification Guide: Sheldon Varieties, 1799 & 1804 Key Dates, Reverse Styles, EAC Grading & Values

Identify Draped Bust Large Cents from 1796 to 1807 designed by Robert Scot. Covers the great 1799 key date and its overdate, the famous 1804 broken-die rarity, the 1801 "3 Errors" reverse, stems versus stemless wreaths, Small versus Large Fraction reverses, the 1807/6 overdate and "Comet" variety, Sheldon and NC die variety attribution, EAC grading standards, counterfeit detection, and current market values across every date.

17 min read US Coins
Draped Bust Large Cent Robert Scot 1799 Key Date 1804 Stemless Sheldon Varieties

Liberty Cap Half Cent Identification Guide: 1793 Head Left, 1794-1797 Head Right, With Pole and No Pole, Key Date 1796, Cohen Varieties, Grading, and Values

Identify Liberty Cap Half Cents from 1793 to 1797, the first half cent ever struck. Covers the 1793 Head Left first-year issue, the 1794-1797 Head Right portraits, the With Pole versus No Pole varieties, the great 1796 key date and its LIHERTY error, lettered, plain, and gripped edges, Cohen die variety attribution, EAC grading standards, counterfeit detection, and current market values across every date.

24 min read US Coins
Liberty Cap Half Cent 1793 Head Left 1796 Key Date With Pole vs No Pole LIHERTY Error Lettered Edge Cohen Varieties

American Platinum Eagle Identification Guide: Sizes, Finishes, Changing Reverses, Key Dates, and Values

Identify American Platinum Eagles (1997-present), the only US coin struck in .9995 platinum and the only one with a $100 face value. Covers John Mercanti's Statue of Liberty obverse, the soaring-eagle bullion reverse, the annually changing proof reverse designs (Vistas of Liberty, Preamble to the Constitution), all four sizes from 1 oz to 1/10 oz, bullion vs proof vs burnished finishes, the rare 2008-W burnished keys, grading, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

26 min read Bullion Coins
American Platinum Eagle Four Sizes Changing Reverses 2008-W Keys Statue of Liberty .9995 Platinum Platinum Bullion

American Gold Eagle Identification Guide: Sizes, Mint Marks, Type 1 vs Type 2, Key Dates, and Values

Identify American Gold Eagles (1986-present), America's official gold bullion coin. Covers Saint-Gaudens' striding Liberty obverse, the family-of-eagles vs eagle-portrait reverse (Type 1 vs Type 2), all four sizes from 1 oz to 1/10 oz, bullion vs proof vs burnished finishes, the Roman numeral dates, the 1999-W Unfinished Proof Dies variety, key dates, grading, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Bullion Coins
American Gold Eagle Four Sizes Type 1 vs Type 2 1999-W Variety Saint-Gaudens Liberty 22 Karat Gold Gold Bullion

Draped Bust Dime Identification Guide: Small Eagle, Heraldic Eagle, the 1796 First Year, Star Counts, JR Varieties, and Values

Identify Draped Bust Dimes (1796-1807), the very first US ten-cent coins. Covers Robert Scot's Gilbert Stuart design, the delicate Small Eagle (1796-1797) vs the Heraldic Eagle (1798-1807), the legendary 1796 first-year issue, the 13/15/16-star varieties, the 1798/97 overdate, the rare 1804 13-star and 14-star reverses, the missing 1799 and 1806 years, JR die-variety attribution, grading, authentication, and current 2026 market values.

27 min read Dimes
Draped Bust Dime Small Eagle Heraldic Eagle 1796 First Year 1804 Key Date Robert Scot Star Counts

American Silver Eagle Identification Guide: Key Dates, Type 1 vs Type 2, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify American Silver Eagles (1986-present), the world's best-selling silver bullion coin. Covers Weinman's Walking Liberty obverse, the 2021 Type 1 vs Type 2 reverse switch, bullion vs proof vs burnished vs reverse proof finishes, the 1995-W proof king, the 1996 bullion key, the 2008-W Reverse of 2007 error, the 2011-S and 2021 emergency issues, grading, counterfeit detection, and current 2026 market values.

25 min read Bullion Coins
American Silver Eagle Type 1 vs Type 2 1995-W Proof 1996 Key Date 2008-W Reverse of 2007 Walking Liberty Silver Bullion

Draped Bust Quarter Identification Guide: Small Eagle vs Heraldic Eagle, the 1796 One-Year Type, 1806/5 Overdate, Key Dates and Values

Identify Draped Bust Quarters (1796, 1804-1807), the coins that began the US quarter dollar. Covers the legendary 1796 one-year Small Eagle type, the 1804-1807 Heraldic Eagle dates, the famous 1806/5 overdate and 1806 C-over-A blunder, the seven-year production gap, Browning variety attribution, grading early silver, authentication of a heavily counterfeited series, and current 2026 market values.

24 min read US Coins
Draped Bust Quarter 1796 Quarter Small Eagle Heraldic Eagle 1806/5 Overdate Robert Scot Early American Silver

Draped Bust Half Dime Identification Guide: Small Eagle, Heraldic Eagle, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Draped Bust Half Dimes (1796-1805), among the scarcest early-silver type coins. Covers Robert Scot's draped Liberty, the Small Eagle (1796-1797) vs Heraldic Eagle (1800-1805) reverses, the legendary 1802 key date, the famous 1796 LIKERTY and 1800 LIBEKTY blundered dies, the 1797 13/15/16 stars, the 1803 Large/Small 8, V- and LM-variety attribution, open-collar strike characteristics, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Draped Bust Half Dime Small Eagle Heraldic Eagle 1802 Key Date LIKERTY Robert Scot Early American Silver

Lincoln Memorial Cent Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Lincoln Memorial Cents (1959-2008). Covers Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse, the 1982 copper-to-zinc transition and seven varieties, the 1969-S and 1972 doubled dies, the 1970-S Small Date, the 1983 Doubled Die Reverse, the 1992 Close AM and 1999 Wide AM transitionals, the rare 1982-D Small Date copper, grading, color designations, error coins, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Lincoln Memorial Cent 1969-S Doubled Die 1972 Doubled Die 1982 Copper Zinc Close AM Frank Gasparro Memorial Penny

Flowing Hair Half Dime Identification Guide: 1794 First US Half Dime, 1795 LIKERTY Blunder, Logan-McCloskey Varieties, and Values

Identify Flowing Hair Half Dimes (1794-1795), America's first half dime. Covers Robert Scot's wild-haired Liberty, the small eagle reverse, the reeded edge, the low-mintage 1794 key date, the four 1794 die marriages, the famous 1795 LIKERTY (LM-8) blunder, Valentine and Logan-McCloskey attribution, the separate 1792 half disme, adjustment marks, strike weakness, counterfeit detection, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Flowing Hair Half Dime 1794 Half Dime First US Half Dime LIKERTY LM-8 Half Disme Logan-McCloskey

Flowing Hair Half Dollar Identification Guide: 1794 First US Half Dollar, 1795 Overton Varieties, Two vs Three Leaves, and Values

Identify Flowing Hair Half Dollars (1794-1795), America's first half dollar. Covers Robert Scot's wild-haired Liberty, the small eagle reverse, the low-mintage 1794 key date, the dominant Overton O-101 die pair, Two Leaves vs Three Leaves reverses, the bold 1795 Recut Date, the "A over E in STATES" blunder, adjustment marks, strike weakness, counterfeit detection, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Flowing Hair Half Dollar 1794 Half Dollar First US Half Dollar Two Leaves Three Leaves Recut Date Overton Varieties

Flowing Hair Dollar Identification Guide: 1794 First Silver Dollar, 1795 Varieties, Bowers-Borckardt Attribution, and Values

Identify Flowing Hair Dollars (1794-1795), America's first silver dollar. Covers Robert Scot's wild-haired Liberty, the unique 1794 BB-1 die marriage, the 1795 Head of 1794 vs Head of 1795 obverse hubs, Two Leaves vs Three Leaves reverses, the rare silver plug planchets, Bowers-Borckardt attribution, characteristic strike weakness, adjustment marks, the $10M+ Neil-Carter-Contursi specimen, counterfeit detection, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Flowing Hair Dollar 1794 Dollar First Silver Dollar Head of 1794 Two Leaves Silver Plug Robert Scot

Indian Head Half Eagle Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, Incuse Design, and Values

Identify Indian Head Half Eagles ($5 gold, 1908-1929). Covers Bela Lyon Pratt's revolutionary incuse (sunken-relief) design, the legendary 1909-O (last New Orleans gold), the 1911-D and 1929 keys, the 1909-D/D RPM, matte proofs, all four mints, grading challenges unique to incuse coins, counterfeit detection, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Indian Head Half Eagle Incuse Design Bela Lyon Pratt 1909-O 1911-D 1929 Half Eagle $5 Gold

Liberty Head Quarter Eagle Identification Guide: 1848 CAL Counterstamp, 1841 Little Princess, 1875 Key Dates, Mint Marks and Values

Identify Liberty Head Quarter Eagles ($2.50 gold, 1840-1907). Covers Christian Gobrecht's coronet design, the five mints (Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco), the famous 1848 CAL. counterstamp (America's first commemorative), the 1841 Little Princess proof-only key, the 1854-S, 1856-D, 1875 keys, Civil War rarities, branch mint history, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Liberty Head Quarter Eagle 1848 CAL Counterstamp 1841 Little Princess 1854-S 1856-D 1875 Key Date Christian Gobrecht

Seated Liberty Half Dime Identification Guide: Types, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Seated Liberty Half Dimes (1837-1873). Covers Gobrecht and Hughes's design, the five major sub-types (No Stars, Stars No Drapery, Stars With Drapery, Arrows, Legend Obverse), the unique 1870-S, the famous 1846, the 1838-O No Stars, the 1844-O, the 1853-O No Arrows, the Civil War keys, Valentine varieties, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Seated Liberty Half Dime 1870-S Unique 1846 1853-O No Arrows 1838-O No Stars Legend Obverse Valentine Varieties

Capped Bust Quarter Identification Guide: Large Size vs Small Size, Browning Varieties, 1823/2 Overdate, Key Dates and Values

Identify Capped Bust Quarters (1815-1838). Covers John Reich's design, the Large Size vs Small Size sub-series, the Browning variety system, the famous 1823/2 overdate, the 1822 25/50 C. blunder, 1825 overdates, 1827 Original vs Restrike, the 1829-1830 production gap, proof issues, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Capped Bust Quarter Large Size Small Size Browning Varieties 1823/2 Overdate 1827 Restrike John Reich

Indian Head Quarter Eagle Identification Guide: 1911-D Key Date, Bela Lyon Pratt's Incused Design, Mint Marks and Values

Identify Indian Head Quarter Eagles ($2.50 gold, 1908-1929). Covers Bela Lyon Pratt's incused (sunken-relief) design, the two mints (Philadelphia and Denver), the famous 1911-D Strong D vs Weak D varieties, the 1914 and 1914-D semi-keys, matte and sandblast proofs, grading the incused design, authentication, jewelry damage, and current market values.

23 min read US Coins
Indian Head Quarter Eagle $2.50 Gold 1911-D Key Date Strong D Weak D Bela Lyon Pratt Incused Design Gold Coin

Three Dollar Gold Identification Guide: 1854-D, 1870-S, 1875, 1876 Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Three Dollar Gold Pieces from 1854 to 1889. Covers James Longacre's Indian Princess design, the four mints (Philadelphia, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco), the famous 1854-D, 1854-O, 1865, 1881, 1885 keys, the proof-only 1875 and 1876, the 1873 Open 3 vs Closed 3, the unique 1870-S, grading, authentication, jewelry damage, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Three Dollar Gold 1854-D 1870-S Unique 1875 Proof-Only 1873 Open 3 James Longacre Gold Coin

Capped Bust Half Dime Identification Guide: LM Varieties, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Capped Bust Half Dimes from 1829 to 1837. Covers John Reich's design reduced by William Kneass, the Logan-McCloskey (LM) and Valentine die-variety systems, the 1837 Small 5C, the 1836 3-over-inverted-3, the 1835 date and denomination varieties, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Capped Bust Half Dime John Reich LM Varieties 1837 Small 5C 1836 3/Inverted 3 Early American Silver

Capped Bust Dime Identification Guide: Large Size, Small Size, JR Varieties, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Capped Bust Dimes from 1809 to 1837. Covers John Reich's design, the Large Size (open collar) vs Small Size (close collar) sub-types, the JR die variety system, the legendary 1822 series king, the 1809 first year, the 1811/9 overdate, the 1829 Curl Base 2, the 1828 transition, grading, authentication, and current market values.

26 min read US Coins
Capped Bust Dime John Reich JR Varieties 1822 Dime 1811/9 Early American Silver

Liberty Head Half Eagle Identification Guide: No Motto, With Motto, Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Liberty Head Half Eagles from 1839 to 1908 across both major types. Covers Christian Gobrecht's coronet design, the legendary 1854-S (three known), the 1861-D Confederate Dahlonega issue, the 1864-S Civil War rarity, the proof-only 1875 and 1887 keys, the 1842-C Small Date, Carson City rarities, all seven branch mints (P, C, D, O, S, CC, D-Denver), grading, authentication, and current market values.

26 min read US Coins
Liberty Head Half Eagle No Motto / With Motto 1854-S 1861-D 1864-S 1875 / 1887 Gold Coin

Susan B. Anthony Dollar Identification Guide: Wide Rim, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Susan B. Anthony Dollars from 1979-1981 and 1999. Covers Frank Gasparro's design, the famous 1979-P Wide Rim (Near Date) variety, the 1979-S and 1981-S Type 1 and Type 2 proof mint marks, the proof-only 1981 P/D/S Mint set business strikes, the 1999 revival year, the Apollo 11 eagle reverse, the 11-sided inner border, copper-nickel clad composition, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Susan B. Anthony 1979-P Wide Rim Type 2 Proof 1981 Mint Set 1999 Revival Frank Gasparro Apollo 11

Gold Dollar Identification Guide: Type 1, 2, 3 Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Gold Dollars from 1849 to 1889 across all three major types. Covers James Longacre's Liberty Head (Type 1), Indian Princess Small Head (Type 2), and Indian Princess Large Head (Type 3) designs, the famous 1849 Open Wreath and Closed Wreath varieties, the legendary 1849-C Open Wreath rarity, the 1855-D, 1856-D, 1861-D Confederate-struck Dahlonega keys, the 1875, mint marks across Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco, jewelry damage, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Gold Dollar Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 1849-C Open Wreath 1861-D Dahlonega

Indian Head Eagle Identification Guide: Key Dates, Types, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Indian Head Eagles ($10 gold) from 1907 to 1933. Covers Saint-Gaudens's design with Liberty in an Indian war bonnet, the 1907 Wire Rim and Rolled Rim Periods experimental types, the No Periods and With Motto production types, the legendary 1933 Eagle, the 1920-S and 1930-S keys, mint marks across Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and New Orleans, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Indian Head Eagle $10 Gold Wire Rim Rolled Rim 1933 Eagle 1920-S Saint-Gaudens

Liberty Head Eagle Identification Guide: Types, Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Liberty Head (Coronet) Eagles ($10 gold) from 1838 to 1907. Covers Christian Gobrecht's coronet design, the No Motto and With Motto types, the 1838-1839 head varieties, the legendary 1875 and 1858, the Civil War 1864-S, the Carson City and New Orleans branch issues, mint marks across five mints, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Liberty Head Eagle $10 Gold No Motto With Motto 1875 Carson City Gobrecht

Draped Bust Dollar Identification Guide: Small Eagle, Heraldic Eagle, 1804 Key Date, and Values

Identify Draped Bust Dollars from 1795 to 1804. Covers Robert Scot's design from Gilbert Stuart, the Small Eagle (1795-1798) and Heraldic Eagle (1798-1804) reverses, the legendary 1804 dollar in Class I, II, and III, Bowers-Borckardt (BB) die varieties, the 1799/8 and 1802/1 overdates, the 1800 AMERICAI and Dotted Date, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Draped Bust Dollar 1804 Dollar Small Eagle Heraldic Eagle BB Varieties 1799/8 Overdate Early Silver

Sacagawea Dollar Identification Guide: Reverses, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Sacagawea Dollars from 2000 onward. Covers the Soaring Eagle and Native American reverses, the famous 2000-P Cheerios Dollar, the Wounded Eagle, Goodacre Presentation strikes, the 2000-P / Washington Quarter Mule, the 2000-W $10 gold pattern, edge-lettering errors, manganese-brass alloy, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Sacagawea Dollar Golden Dollar 2000-P Cheerios Wounded Eagle Native American $1 Manganese Brass Mule Error

Presidential Dollar Identification Guide: Edge Lettering, Errors, and Values

Identify Presidential Dollars (2007-2016, 2020). Covers all 39 presidents, the Statue of Liberty reverse, edge lettering, the famous 2007 Godless dollar, plain-edge and doubled-edge errors, wrong-planchet mules, the First Spouse gold series, manganese-brass alloy, grading, authentication, and current market values.

23 min read US Coins
Presidential Dollar Edge Lettering Godless Dollar Plain Edge Error Statue of Liberty First Spouse Gold Manganese Brass

Seated Liberty Dime Identification Guide: Types, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Seated Liberty Dimes from 1837 to 1891. Covers Gobrecht and Hughes's design, the six major sub-types (No Stars, Stars No Drapery, Stars With Drapery, Arrows, Legend Obverse, Legend With Arrows), the unique 1873-CC No Arrows, the 1844 "Orphan Annie," the 1846, the Carson City keys, Fortin varieties, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Seated Liberty Dime 1873-CC No Arrows 1844 Orphan Annie 1874-CC Legend Obverse Fortin Varieties Silver Dime

Seated Liberty Quarter Identification Guide: Types, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Seated Liberty Quarters from 1838 to 1891. Covers Gobrecht and Hughes's design, the six major sub-types, the four legendary Carson City keys (1870-CC, 1871-CC, 1872-CC, 1873-CC No Arrows), the 1853 Arrows and Rays, the 1842 Small Date, the 1849-O, Briggs varieties, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Seated Liberty Quarter 1873-CC No Arrows 1870-CC 1853 Arrows & Rays Briggs Varieties Carson City Silver Quarter

Liberty Head Double Eagle Identification Guide: Type 1, 2, 3 Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Liberty Head Double Eagles from 1849 to 1907 across all three major types. Covers Longacre's coronet design, the unique 1849 pattern, the legendary 1854-O and 1856-O New Orleans rarities, the 1861 Paquet Reverse, the 1870-CC, the 1879-O, Carson City and branch mint history, grading, authentication, and current market values.

26 min read US Coins
Liberty Head Double Eagle Type 1-3 1854-O 1856-O 1870-CC 1861 Paquet Gold Coin

Twenty Cent Piece Identification Guide: 1876-CC, Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Twenty Cent Pieces from 1875 to 1878. Covers William Barber's Liberty Seated design, the legendary 1876-CC rarity, the high-mintage 1875-S, the proof-only 1877 and 1878 issues, the plain edge diagnostic, distinguishing the coin from the Seated quarter, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Twenty Cent Piece 1876-CC 1875-S 1877 Proof William Barber Carson City

Large Cent Identification Guide: Chain, Wreath, Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, Classic Head, Coronet, Braided Hair, Key Dates, and Values

Identify US Large Cents from 1793 to 1857 across all seven major types: Chain, Wreath, Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, Classic Head, Coronet/Matron Head, and Braided Hair. Covers the legendary 1793 Chain and Wreath, the 1799 great key, the 1804, the 1839 transitional varieties, the 1857 final year, Sheldon and Newcomb variety attribution, EAC grading, authentication, and current market values.

26 min read US Coins
Large Cent 1793 Chain 1799 1804 Sheldon Varieties Newcomb EAC

Seated Liberty Half Dollar Identification Guide: Types, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Seated Liberty Half Dollars from 1839 to 1891. Covers Christian Gobrecht's design, the six major sub-types (No Drapery, Drapery, Arrows and Rays, Arrows, With Motto, With Arrows), Carson City rarities, the 1853 Arrows and Rays, the 1878-S key, the 1866 No Motto unique, Wiley-Bugert varieties, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Seated Liberty Half 1853 Arrows & Rays 1878-S Carson City With Motto Christian Gobrecht

Barber Half Dollar Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, Micro O, and Values

Identify Barber Half Dollars from 1892 to 1915. Covers Charles Barber's Liberty Head design, the famous 1892-O Micro O variety, the 1913, 1914, and 1915 Philadelphia keys, the 1904-S condition rarity, LIBERTY headband grading, proof varieties, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Barber Half Dollar Liberty Head Half 1892-O Micro O 1904-S 1913 Half Charles Barber

Braided Hair Half Cent Identification Guide: Christian Gobrecht Design, 1849 Small Date and Large Date, Proof-Only Dates, Restrikes, Grading, and Values

Identify Braided Hair Half Cents from 1840 to 1857 designed by Christian Gobrecht. Covers the critical 1849 Small Date versus Large Date, the proof-only dates of 1840-1848 and 1852, the First Restrike and Second Restrike reverses, the last half cent of 1857, Cohen die variety attribution, EAC grading standards, counterfeit detection, and current market values across every date.

24 min read US Coins
Braided Hair Half Cent Christian Gobrecht 1849 Small Date 1849 Large Date Proof Only 1857 Last Half Cent Cohen Varieties

Classic Head Half Cent Identification Guide: John Reich Design, Key Dates 1811 and 1831, Cohen Varieties, Grading, and Values

Identify Classic Head Half Cents from 1809 to 1836 designed by John Reich. Covers the 1809/6 overdate, the 1811 great business-strike key date, the 1828 12 Stars variety, the proof-only 1831 and 1836 originals and restrikes, Cohen die variety attribution, EAC grading standards, counterfeit detection, and current market values across every date.

24 min read US Coins
Classic Head Half Cent John Reich 1811 1828 12 Stars 1831 Restrike 1836 Restrike Cohen Varieties

Draped Bust Half Cent Identification Guide: Spiked Chin, Stems Varieties, Key Date 1802, Cohen Attribution, Grading & Values

Identify Draped Bust Half Cents from 1800 to 1808 designed by Robert Scot. Covers the famous 1804 Spiked Chin, Plain 4 versus Crosslet 4, stems versus stemless reverses, the 1802 key date and its overdates, the 1808/7, Cohen and Breen die variety attribution, EAC grading standards, counterfeit detection, and current market values across every date.

16 min read US Coins
Draped Bust Half Cent Robert Scot Spiked Chin 1802 Stemless Cohen Varieties

Half Cent Identification Guide: Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, Classic Head, Braided Hair, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Half Cents from 1793 to 1857 across all four major types: Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, Classic Head, and Braided Hair. Covers the 1793 first-year issue, the legendary 1796 rarity, the 1811 key, the proof-only 1840-1848 originals and restrikes, Cohen and Breen variety attribution, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Half Cent Liberty Cap Draped Bust Classic Head Braided Hair 1793 1796

Three Cent Piece Identification Guide: Silver Trime, Nickel Three-Cent, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Three Cent Pieces across both versions: silver trimes (1851-1873) and nickel three-cents (1865-1889). Covers Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 silver trimes, the 1851-O branch mint issue, the 1855 Type 2 key, the proof-only 1877 and 1878 nickel keys, the 1873 Closed 3 and Open 3, James Longacre's designs, grading, authentication, and current market values.

25 min read US Coins
Three Cent Piece Silver Trime Nickel Three-Cent 1855 1877 1878

Two Cent Piece Identification Guide: Small Motto, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Two Cent Pieces from 1864 to 1873. Covers the famous 1864 Small Motto vs Large Motto, the 1872 key date, the 1873 Closed 3 and Open 3 proof-only varieties, James Longacre's Union Shield design, the first "In God We Trust" motto, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Two Cent Piece 1864 Small Motto 1872 1873 Closed 3 In God We Trust Bronze

Trade Dollar Identification Guide: Key Dates, Chop Marks, and Values

Identify Trade Dollars by mint marks, key dates, chop marks, and Type 1 vs Type 2 reverses. Covers William Barber's Liberty-on-bales design, the 1878-CC, the legendary 1884 and 1885 proofs, demonetization, grading, authentication, and values from 1873 to 1885.

25 min read US Coins
Trade Dollar Chop Marks 1878-CC 1884 Trade Dollar 1885 Trade Dollar William Barber

Flying Eagle Cent Identification Guide: 1856 Pattern, Key Dates, and Values

Identify Flying Eagle Cents from 1856 to 1858. Covers the famous 1856 pattern, 1858 Large Letters vs Small Letters, the 1858/7 overdate, James Longacre's design, copper-nickel composition, strike weakness, grading, authentication, and current market values.

24 min read US Coins
Flying Eagle Cent 1856 Pattern 1858/7 Overdate Large Letters Small Letters Copper-Nickel

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Identification Guide: Key Dates, High Relief, and Values

Identify Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles by mint marks, key dates, and High Relief vs Low Relief types. Covers the 1933 rarity, 1927-D, 1920-S, 1921, 1907 MCMVII Ultra High Relief, Augustus Saint-Gaudens design, grading, authentication, and values from 1907 to 1933.

25 min read US Coins
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle $20 Gold Coin High Relief 1933 1927-D MCMVII

Seated Liberty Dollar Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Seated Liberty Dollars by mint marks, key dates, and With Motto vs No Motto types. Covers the 1870-S rarity, 1873-CC, original 1851/1852, the 1858 proof-only, Christian Gobrecht's design, grading, authentication, and values from 1840 to 1873.

24 min read US Coins
Seated Liberty Dollar No Motto With Motto 1870-S 1873-CC Christian Gobrecht

Gobrecht Dollar Identification Guide: Die Alignment, Originals vs Restrikes, and Values

Identify Gobrecht Dollars by die alignment, signature placement, and original vs restrike status. Covers the 1836 name-on-base and name-in-field, 1838 and 1839 stars-obverse types, the flying eagle reverse, grading, authentication, and values.

24 min read US Coins
Gobrecht Dollar Flying Eagle Die Alignment Originals vs Restrikes Christian Gobrecht 1836 Dollar

Shield Nickel Identification Guide: Key Dates, Rays Varieties, and Values

Identify Shield Nickels by date, type, and rays variety. Covers 1866 With Rays, 1867 No Rays, the proof-only 1877 and 1878 keys, 1869/8 and 1883/2 repunched dates, striking problems, grading, authentication, and values from 1866 to 1883.

22 min read US Coins
Shield Nickel With Rays No Rays 1877 1878 James Longacre

Liberty Head V Nickel Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Liberty Head V Nickels by mint marks, key dates, and Type 1 vs Type 2 varieties. Covers the 1885, 1886, 1912-S, the famous 1913 rarity, the racketeer nickel scandal, grading, authentication, and values from 1883 to 1912.

23 min read US Coins
Liberty Head Nickel V Nickel No CENTS 1885 1912-S Charles Barber

Barber Quarter Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Barber Quarters by mint marks, key dates, and varieties. Covers the 1901-S series king, 1896-S, 1913-S, 1892 Type 1 vs Type 2 reverse, LIBERTY grading, authentication, and values from 1892 to 1916.

23 min read US Coins
Barber Quarter Liberty Head Quarter 1901-S 1896-S 1913-S Silver Quarter

Kennedy Half Dollar Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Kennedy Half Dollars across 1964 silver, 40% silver transitional, clad, and modern collector issues. Covers the 1964 Accented Hair, 1970-D, 1987-P/D, 1998-S matte, Bicentennial, grading, authentication, and values.

23 min read US Coins
Kennedy Half Dollar 1964 Accented Hair 40% Silver Bicentennial 1970-D Silver Half Dollar

Complete Coin Identification Guide: How to Identify, Date, and Value Coins

Master the art of coin identification with our comprehensive guide. Learn to identify, date, authenticate, and value coins from various civilizations and historical periods. Covers mint marks, grading techniques, and authentication methods.

15 min read Numismatics
Coin Identification Grading Mint Marks Authentication Numismatics Valuation

Indian Head Penny Identification Guide: Key Dates, Varieties, and Values

Identify Indian Head Pennies by date, variety, and condition. Covers key dates like the 1877 and 1909-S, error coins, grading tips, color designations, and current market values from 1859 to 1909.

20 min read US Coins
Indian Head Penny Key Dates Error Coins Coin Grading Copper Coins 1877 Penny

Buffalo Nickel Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Buffalo Nickels by key dates, mint marks, and varieties. Covers the 1937-D three-legged error, 1913-S Type 2, overdates, grading, dateless coins, and current market values from 1913 to 1938.

22 min read US Coins
Buffalo Nickel Key Dates 1937-D Three-Legged Mint Marks Nickel Varieties Error Coins

Peace Dollar Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Peace Dollars by mint marks, key dates, and die varieties. Covers grading, authentication, high relief vs low relief types, VAM varieties, and market values from 1921 to 1935.

22 min read US Coins
Peace Dollar Silver Dollar Key Dates Mint Marks High Relief VAM Varieties

Mercury Dime Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Mercury Dimes by mint marks, key dates, and Full Bands designation. Covers the 1916-D rarity, overdate varieties, grading, authentication, and market values from 1916 to 1945.

22 min read US Coins
Mercury Dime Key Dates 1916-D Full Bands Mint Marks Silver Dime

Lincoln Wheat Penny Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Lincoln Wheat Pennies by mint marks, key dates, and doubled dies. Covers the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 Plain, 1943 copper, 1955 DDO, grading, authentication, and values from 1909 to 1958.

22 min read US Coins
Lincoln Wheat Penny Key Dates 1909-S VDB 1955 Doubled Die 1943 Copper Mint Marks

Franklin Half Dollar Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Franklin Half Dollars by mint marks, key dates, and Full Bell Lines varieties. Covers the 1949-S, 1953-S, 1955 Bugs Bunny, proof cameos, grading, authentication, and values from 1948 to 1963.

22 min read US Coins
Franklin Half Dollar Full Bell Lines Key Dates 1949-S 1955 Bugs Bunny Silver Half Dollar

Barber Dime Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Barber Dimes by mint marks, key dates, and die varieties. Covers the 1894-S rarity, 1895-O key, 1905-O Micro O, LIBERTY grading, authentication, and values from 1892 to 1916.

23 min read US Coins
Barber Dime Liberty Head Dime 1894-S 1895-O Key Dates Silver Dime

Standing Liberty Quarter Identification Guide: Key Dates, Mint Marks, and Values

Identify Standing Liberty Quarters by Type 1 vs Type 2, mint marks, key dates, and Full Head designation. Covers the 1916 key, 1918/7-S overdate, grading, authentication, and values from 1916 to 1930.

22 min read US Coins
Standing Liberty Quarter Type 1 vs Type 2 Full Head 1916 Key Date 1918/7-S Overdate Silver Quarter

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