Collecting Coins ~ 101

You want to start collecting coins but you don't know where to start - sound familiar? It is the intent of this article to inform, inspire and point you in the right direction.

As we are well aware, there is no shortage of coins in everyday life. From the change back for your coffee to those few loose coins stuck between your couch cushions, coins are everywhere. These coins are a great starting point. Just take a look at your pocket change. Everything from pennies to dollars, but what does that mean to you? Lets take a look at each domination individually.

Pennies ~
The Lincoln penny made it's debut in 1909. Since then, it has remained virtually unchanged in it's near 100 years. The original had wheat stalks on the reverse, which was then changed to the memorial reverse that we know now, to commemorate the coins 50th anniversary. The Lincoln cent is a great coin to start with. In society pennies are deemed almost useless, but to a new coin collector, pennies are a gold mine. Take a look at some of the dates on these coins, some are pretty old. To start a collection, look for one penny for every year from 1959 - 2006 and you will have a set of Lincoln memorial pennies. A set in average condition will value at about $10 - $15. A collection in above average condition would probably value somewhere between $20 - $25. Not bad, considering face value for the above coins is only $1.02.

Now, if your like me and can't afford to buy coffee and have a little one who is constantly cleaning the couch for you, I suggest going to the bank and buy a few rolls of pennies. With $5.00 you can buy 10 rolls of pennies (and get a funny look from the teller at no extra charge). It's actually quite a thrill opening up all those rolls and mining for untold fortune.