MintPricedCoin collecting FAQ
How do I know if my coin is valuable?
Identify the date, mint mark and design first, then judge the condition honestly. Most coins in change are worth face value; value comes from scarcity, condition, demand, varieties and metal content. Estimates are ranges, and for anything that may be valuable ask a reputable dealer or a grading service.
Read more: What makes a coin valuable
Where is the mint mark on a US coin?
Since 1968 mint marks are on the obverse (front), usually near the date. Before 1965 most were on the reverse. Coins dated 1965–1967 have no mint marks, and a missing mark usually means Philadelphia.
Read more: How to find a mint mark on US coins
What do the letters P, D, S and W mean?
They show where a coin was struck: P is Philadelphia, D is Denver, S is San Francisco and W is West Point. Historic marks include CC (Carson City), O (New Orleans), C (Charlotte) and D on early gold (Dahlonega).
Read more: How to find a mint mark on US coins
Should I clean my old coins?
Usually no. Cleaning, polishing and dipping leave scratches or strip the original surface, which lowers value and cannot be undone. If you must remove loose dirt from a common coin, use mild soap and water and pat it dry.
Read more: Should you clean coins? Usually not
Which US coins contain silver?
Dimes, quarters and half dollars dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Kennedy halves dated 1965–1970 are 40% silver, and Jefferson nickels from 1942–1945 with a large mint mark above Monticello are 35% silver.
Read more: Silver coins and bullion basics
What does a grade like MS-65 mean?
US coins are graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70. MS means Mint State, struck for circulation and showing no wear; grades of 60 and above are uncirculated. 65 describes a well-struck coin with moderate marks.
Read more: Coin condition and grading basics
What is the difference between a proof and an uncirculated coin?
A proof is a special collector strike made with polished dies on prepared blanks, often with mirror-like fields. An uncirculated coin is a normal or collector strike that has never been used in commerce. Proof describes how a coin was made, not its grade.
Read more: Commemorative vs circulating coins
Is my doubled-looking coin an error?
Maybe, but usually not. Flat, shelf-like doubling is machine doubling and adds little value. A doubled die shows rounded, clearly separated doubling. Compare with references and ask an expert before assuming it is rare.
Read more: Error coins and varieties: the basics
What is a commemorative coin?
US commemorative coins are authorized by Congress to honor people, places, events and institutions. They are legal tender but are not minted for general circulation, and they are sold by the U.S. Mint in limited quantities for a limited time.
Read more: Commemorative vs circulating coins
How should I store my coins?
Hold coins by the edge, keep them in PVC-free holders, folders or capsules, and store them somewhere cool and dry with stable temperature. Keep original mint packaging and certificates for modern sets.
Read more: How to store a coin collection
Why are there no mint marks on my 1965–1967 coins?
The Coinage Act of 1965 removed mint marks from circulating coins dated 1965 to 1967, whichever mint struck them. Mint marks returned in 1968, on the obverse.
Read more: How to read a coin’s date, design and series
How do I take a good photo of a coin?
Use soft light from one side, a plain background, hold the phone parallel to the coin and take separate close-ups of the date and mint mark. Avoid digital zoom and filters.
Read more: How to photograph coins for identification
How do I start a coin collection?
Pick a theme you can complete, such as one coin of every date in a modern series, get a magnifier and PVC-free folders, and search your change and bank rolls. Coin clubs and the American Numismatic Association are good places to learn more.
Read more: How to start a coin collection