This page serves as a comprehensive gateway for anyone interested in the hobby of coin collecting. It functions as a central hub for articles, guides, and resources that cover the full spectrum of numismatics, from understanding coin values and identifying rare finds to proper storage and selling strategies.
By creating a broad, authoritative page for this foundational topic, American Rarities positions itself as a leading expert and a go-to resource for the entire collecting community. This strategy attracts a wide audience, from beginners to advanced numismatists, building the brand recognition and trust needed to be the first choice for any appraisal or transaction.
Why one longtime collector chose to sell after 40 years of collecting, and lessons on planning a sale with your family in mind.
Is the 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent a die variety or a mint error? How the doubling happened, how to spot a genuine one, and how to avoid fakes.
Which half dollars are worth money? How to spot silver and rare 50-cent pieces, from Walking Liberty and Franklin halves to Kennedy halves, and how to sell them.
How to identify and sell shipwreck coins, from Spanish cobs to gold recovered from famous wrecks, and why provenance matters to their value.
The stories behind shipwreck coins, how they were recovered, and what makes some salvaged coins more valuable than others.
Why you should never clean your coins: how cleaning damages a coin’s original surface and can cost you much of its value.
The differences between PCGS, NGC and ANACS, the three major coin grading services, and why the grading service on the holder matters when you sell.
Found a two-headed coin? Most are magician’s coins, not mint errors. Here’s how to tell a novelty coin from a genuine error.
Is your coin “double stamped”? Learn the difference between a true doubled die, which can be valuable, and mechanical doubling, which is common and adds little or no value.
A real case study of a counterfeit coin in a fake PCGS holder, and how to check a certified coin before you trust the slab.
Is your odd-looking coin a valuable mint error or just damage? How to tell genuine errors from post-mint damage.
A case study of an 1802 Bust half dollar that raised the question “real or fake?” and what to check before you trust an early U.S. coin.
Why knowing your coins is the key to a valuable collection, whether you are building one or selling one.
What the baseball card overproduction of the late 1980s and early 1990s can teach collectors about modern U.S. Mint products.
How a collector found a rare 1969-S doubled die cent by searching rolls, and how to spot the real thing among common cents and fakes.
A true story from our years as a rare coin dealer, and the lengths we go to when a collection needs an in-person appraisal.
A guide to error coins and die varieties: what they are, how they happen and how to recognize the ones collectors value.
The number one mistake that can destroy a coin collection’s value: cleaning. A cautionary story from our years in the coin business.
How we helped a Nevada seller understand the true value of their rare coins, and why price and value are not always the same.
For a lifelong numismatist, selling a collection is about more than just money—it's about finding a buyer who shares the same respect for the coins. Our experts in Massachusetts understand…
Ten steps to determine the value of your rare coins, from identifying dates and mint marks to grading and getting a professional appraisal.