Friday, February 22, 2013

American Coins That Are Popular With Collectors

By Keith Bowman


When it comes to American coins these round objects hold a lot of fascination for collectors and those who enjoy history. There are thousands of specimens that have been minted since America first became a nation, and some of these may be worth a small fortune on the current market because of their rarity and condition. There are even one of a kind unique picks that can not be purchased for any amount, and these are typically in the Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institute.

Many collectors choose mercury dimes because of their intricate winged design. There are many rare and valuable pennies that are still in circulation today. If you ever happen to run across a 1969 S Lincoln penny that has a double die on the front, you could be holding a $40k penny!

Some of the popular choices are not very old, and even with newer dates they may be worth many times the face value shown. A 2004 D Wisconsin state quarter may be worth up to $300-$400 in exceptional condition if there is an extra leaf in the design. A 1970 S Lincoln cent with a small date and double die obverse could be worth as much as $3,000 even if it is not is perfect condition.

The silver half dollar is a common choice for collectors. The year that the coin was minted will determine the amount of actual silver that the coin contains. Any coin minted before 1965 contains 90% silver. Those printed in 1965 or later will only have 40% silver. This will obviously have a big impact on the value of the coin. Another factor is the mint mark on the coin. The Carson City mint can be quite valuable, for example.

Some 1982 Roosevelt dimes were printed without a mint mark, and in decent condition, these coins could be worth up to $50 or more. These coins are often sold at auctions and bids will depend on the rarity and condition of the coin. Whatever period in history you are interested in, you can find coins that fit your budget.




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