Wednesday, December 22, 2010

1882 Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1882 Morgan Silver Dollar was minted at 4 US Mints just like the 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar. A lot people want to know how much a 1882 Morgan Silver Dollar is worth today.


To Answer that question lets look at the different mints. As am sure you know even if your not a Silver Dollar collector condition is important.

1882 Philadelphia: Look for this coin to be at least Brilliant uncirculated, coins under that are not going to fetch much if you feel you have a great example maybe a proof like quality coin get it graded or if you think it may be above a mint state 65. Always grade your coins by NGC, PCGS or ANACS.

If you are lucky enough to have a real proof as you may already know it is pretty scarce depending on condition differences of thousands of dollars.

Circulation strikes: 11,100,000 Proofs:1,100 Mint mark: None Philadelphia

1882-o Silver Morgan Dollar: Look to have this coin in brilliant uncirculated as well gets harder to find in mint state 65 or above if you a deep mirror proof like have it graded.

A rare variety of the 1882-o in brilliant uncirculated is the o over the s o/s the O is sometimes seen punched over a prior S.

Circulation strikes: 6,090,000 Mint mark:O New Orleans under bow on the reverse

1882-s Morgan Silver Dollar: Unless you have this coin in ms 65 or better no real need to have it graded. The only real rare ones would be a deep mirror proof like Still a beautiful example of the San Francisco minting coin should have nice strike and luster.

Mint mark: "S" San Francisco under the bow on the reverse

Circulation strikes:9,250,00
1882 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar: Try to have this coin in Brilliant uncirculated condition having it in almost uncirculated or below falls off by $100. This year is a little more common from Carson City however still an important coin for your collection. Proof likes will be tougher to find an exceptional coin would be in mint state 66 or 67.

Mint mark: Carson City beneath bow on reverse Circulation strikes:1,133,000

Depending on what you are doing with your portfolio for this year if you have the funds available add proofs to your collection as they tend to rise higher and faster. Carson City always makes a great addition, the 1883 Morgan Silver Dollar Carson City has a little better track record.

For more on the 1882 Morgan Silver Dollar Go here for a list of Morgan Dollars.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Franko

Friday, December 10, 2010

How To Value Collectible Coins


By: Lee Dobbins

Coins have been always been a part of our country's history. Prominent people are featured on them. A change of government is sometimes accompanied by a change of currency. The look and feel of these coins reflects the advancements in technology as scientists find more complex metal combinations.

Coins being of historical value is one of the many factors why people collect them. Beauty and variety also contribute to the collector's growing numbers.

To be a collector, you must be aware of how to ascertain the worth of your coins. Who knows, you might just be holding on to a very rare artifact, or one that would cost millions on an auction or bidding.

First step in being a coin collector is to look up literature. You need to be in the know of what coins are available out there, where to get them and how to get them. This is extremely valuable to one who'd see the coins as a form of investment.

You also need to determine four things before you take a coin to your collection. You need to identify them, have them authenticated and examine them for damage. This would be vital points to consider in collection coins.

To identify them, you need to look at your coins very thoroughly and note the shape, the colors, and the writings. You also need to verify which country issued that coin. If there is no denomination on the face of the coins, it's just a token or probably a medal.

Authentic coins should be treasured and prized. They're hard to find, especially if they are rare, limited issues. A lot of fakes and counterfeit coins are available in the market, so beware!

The value of your coin will depend upon its grade. Coin catalogs usually have their own, specific grading guidelines but here's a general list of them.

  • Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) is an uncirculated coin. It should show no apparent damage and be in top shape. It is considered to be the best quality of coin possible.
  • Uncirculated (MS-60) is another uncirculated coin having a few scratches on contact marks and that have lost some of its sheen.
  • About Uncirculated (AU-50) is a coin which has evidence of light wear on most parts but still retains at least half of its original sheen.
  • Extremely Fine (EF-40) is coin wherein the coin design is lightly worn off but the features can be still distinguished and are still quite sharp.
  • Very Fine (VF-20) is another coin wherein some of fine details like hair or eyebrows are mostly worn off. There is evidence of modest wear on some points of the design but all major parts are still clearly etched.
  • Very Good (VG-8) is a coin wherein even though the rim is still clearly visible, the design is almost worn off and only few details of it are clear.
  • Good (G-4) are coins that are heavily worn but the design and the legend are still visible. Much of the details are gone.
  • About Good (AG-3) are coins that are very heavily worn that some of the lettering and the original design are not discernible anymore.

Damaged coins come across frequently in the course of a collector's quest. Most collectors steer off coins that have undergone cleaning or re-polishing. Corroded, scratched and drilled into coins are also a big turn off. Although it's sometimes hard to find one, it's better to find an untampered specimen.

The question on most beginners minds is this: How much do I get paid for a particular coin. The answer is: It varies everywhere. It depends on the qualities of the coin as well as the guide the buyer is using. For a general idea of pricing, here's a quick list.

  1. U.S. wheat cents (1958 and earlier) that were in circulation goes for a few cents to 3 dollars each.
  2. 1943 "steel pennies are very uncommon and of high value 1943 cents set on a normal bronze planchet. They are tested to determine if it attracts magnets and if so, it is plated using copper. They are sold for 5 to 50 cents if circulated, and up to a dollar or two if not in circulation.
  3. Silver dimes, quarter and half dollars from 1964 or earlier are composed of almost 90% silver. So their amount depends on their silver content.
  4. Silver dollars from 1935 and up are collector favorites and can be usually be sold for more than their value in silver . The less common the date, the higher the pricing goes.
  5. Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth about one dollar.
  6. Bicentennial quarters, half and dollars are usually worth what's on their face value.
  7. Coins in commemoration of the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana are spotted to cost from $5 to $30.
  8. A coin with two heads, tails or those that have different designs of two coins have no value to collectors because they are coins that have been change to introduce a novelty item.

There are also the kinds of coins that are made by mistake. These are called 'mules' and are often produced because of an error in pairing different dies. Expect rare coins like these to cost a little higher than most.

So with these things in mind, have fun in making your own collection grow. Who knows what part of history you'll discover by finding rare specimens.


Author Resource:->  Lee Dobbins writes for http://collecting.leisure-webzone.com/ where you can learn more about coins and other antiques and collectibles.

Article From ArticleshmArticle.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

How to Find Antique Silver Coins

By: Victor Epand

Coin collection is a very common hobby. This hobby can be formed in any person of any age. He can be a kid who likes collecting old coins and there are even professional coin collectors who collect coins to get financial returns. Apart from this, collecting antique coins can also be a very good form of investment. If you have heard about antique coins then it would be impossible that you have not heard about antique silver coins. Silver antique coins are popular. Let's study these coins of prime importance.

Antique coins are of several types that the collectors of coins desire to collect. There are American antique coins, Roman coins and also antique silver coins. There are not a huge number of silver antique coins that you get to collect. You should know properly where to find them exactly and also know the actual type of coins that produce a good investment.

If you are thinking how to find an antique silver coin then believe me it is not a very difficult task provided you know where to look. Coins like US Morgan silver dollar are available with dealers and at auctions at prices that are reasonable. It is a good idea to buy at an auction. Here the seller is genuine. If you check e-bay then you can also get feedback as to whether the seller is good to deal with, a power seller, etc. If the seller scores 99% or more he may be considered reliable and trustworthy. You should be experienced enough in bidding to know the tricks of an auction. Buying from sellers at an auction also requires conscientiousness and common sense. First you need to be sure that the seller is reputable. You should see whether he is ready to provide you his contact details in case of any discrepancy in the item. Check the reliability of the details. See whether there is any return policy and also check out the terms and conditions of sales. You should not avoid reading the clauses in the terms and conditions. It would cost you later if you fall a prey to fraud. You should notice all the important points and must check for their trustworthiness when you are making investments in buying antique coins.

If you browse over the net then you can easily locate places where you can get antique silver coins. It may also be good to research before you buy. You should inspect a number of coins and find the ones that would enhance the beauty of your collection. Look for coins that will increase the value of your investment.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines. When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend only the best online stores for pottery, antique silver coins , and figurines.

Article From ArticleshmArticle.com

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Collecting American Coins

By: M. D. Robinson

Coin collecting is exciting, and collecting American coins is a simple and interesting hobby if you reside in the United States. There are some truly intriguing coins of most denominations.

Pennies

The Lincoln head penny is perhaps the most collected American coin. They have been minted since 1909. During WWII numerous Lincoln head pennies were made out of zinc instead of copper. A few were made of copper in 1943, and these are infrequent and valuable American coins.

Before the Lincoln penny was minted, pennies had an Indian head on them. Indian head pennies are an extremely infrequent American coin.

Nickels

From 1883 to 1913, nickels had a portrait of the goddess Liberty on them. Interestingly, the 1913 liberty nickel is an exceptionally infrequent American coin. Just five copies were made, and a mint staff member made them illegally after hours.

The ideal collector's American coin is the buffalo nickel. It has a buffalo on one side and an Indian head on the opposite.

Since 1938, the nickel has had President Jefferson's portrait on it. In 2004, the mint started a "Westward Journey" series of nickels to honour Lewis and Clark's journey. They've tweaked Jefferson's portrait and the coins have distinct historical themes on the reverse, so the Westward Journey nickels are designed to be collectible coins.

Dimes

Dimes are certainly the most boring American coin. The design of dimes hasn't changed since 1945, the year after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died. He suffered from polio and supported the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes helps people with birth defects now, but in Roosevelt's era it also helped children who had polio. Franklin's portrait has remained on our dimes since his death to honour his support of the March of Dimes. Dimes are a boring coin, but that is a great American coin story.

Quarters

Our favorite American coin, the quarter, had the Statue of Liberty on it until 1930. She was replaced by George Washington. Since 1999, the mint has been releasing the absolute collectible US State quarters, an American coin series that will be completed in 2008.

Half Dollars and Dollars

Half dollars used to be common, until 1964 they had Ben Franklin on one side and the Liberty Bell on the other. In 1964, President Kennedy's portrait went on the half dollar. People hoarded them and they became a treasured American coin, both because Kennedy was admired, and because the 1964 silver dollar was to be the last "genuine" silver dollar. Because so many people collected 1964 Kennedy half-dollars, the mint released more of them than any other half dollar. Congress even froze the date, and 1964 half dollars were minted in 1965, too.

Silver dollars are scarce now, but the Susan B. Anthony silver dollar is an exciting American coin. Minted from 1979-1981, it is the sole American coin with a woman's portrait on it.


Author Resource:->  M.D. Robinson is the webmaster of several neat sites where you can find useful and Free information along with many how-to articles that cover a large variety of interesting topics. http://coincollectingsite.com/ and http://world-coins.blogspot.com/





Written by: M.D. Robinson

Article From ArticleshmArticle.com

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Investing In Gold And Silver Coins


By: Jeff D McQueen

A lot of people have a thing for objects that spark. For us to enjoy living our lives, we do not limit ourselves to merely satisfying our needs. We also need to satisfy our wants for us to obtain the feeling of being complete. Needs of persons may be similar especially those that are deemed to be basic. In terms of people's wants, every person will have unique sets of wants. Some people want to collect stuffs because they derive satisfaction in seeing their collections bloom. One of the items that are collected by people since time immemorial is coins. Investing in gold and silver coins may be a good business to get involved with, but most of these people actually got into it, without the intention of making it into a business endeavor.

There are of course a lot of benefits you can derive in collecting gold and silver coins. Several people who found themselves packed with a huge collection of these coins started collecting them as a hobby. Collecting coins as a hobby in itself, will already provide you a benefit for cherishing your collection for a life time. As a hobby, you may never realize how much you have spent for each of the coins you have collected over the years. The reason is that, you do not have too much care about how much you have to give up for it, as long as you are able to obtain it for yourself. After a few years of collecting these coins, you will soon find that they have slowly grown in numbers. Aside from that, the value of the coins appreciate in time, therefore, you can expect them to cost more than what you have paid them for.

Selling even just a part of your collection will already earn you huge profits. Every body knows that silver and gold are limited in supply but the demand is getting higher by the minute. Because of this, the price of such commodities will keep on getting higher. With this, you can expect your collection to earn you substantial amounts of cash when you sell them in the future.

The collecting of coins has been done by humans over the last 2,000 years. Each generation becomes even more aggressive in collecting them and the trend can very well last forever. People will always have a soft spot for antique items and old coins are not excluded. These days though, selling and buying silver and gold coins have been made easier with the help of the internet. There are many reputable online stores that are selling these types of coins all over the world. If you want to begin Investing in gold and silver coins, then, it is a good idea to browse through some of these websites.


Author Resource:->  To find out more, check out: numismatic gold coins

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Where Do You Know About Collecting The Most Valuable Coins

By: Jason Bacot

Are you thinking about collecting rare coins? It can be an exciting and profitable hobby. Coin collecting can also be an expensive hobby too. Some people collect whatever coin that they can find even if it has little to no value. Some coins that are many decades ago old are not even worth a dollar to some coin collectors. However, there exists a much simpler way to begin your coin collecting. You will learn how to find the most valuable coins. Some people use a US coins price guide to value them. Some people would join the Numis Network to keep an eye on 1900 coins and other rare coins.

What makes coin collecting so exciting? Collecting coins has been a hobby with many different people since countries began minting money. As mentioned before, most people think of rare coins from many years ago whenever individuals think of collecting them. There are also modern rare coins which consist of collecting present day, from near 1985 and onwards, as well.

There are some really spectacular gold and silver coins that are offered to rare coin collectors, for about twenty dollars that will allow you to begin on an enjoyable and profitable hobby that can make you rich, if you know what you are doing when collecting. There are many sites that will offer coin collecting tips to help you make money as well.

When you start rare coin collecting, you must first have a strong passion in what you are doing, and in this case, well you get the idea. Numis coins are top notch in quality for gold and silver graded numastic coins in perfect condition. They are ultrasonically encapsulated to maintain them in high quality, and they have been graded on the Sheldon scale. Individuals won't have to guess if they are getting a great coin because they will fully comprehend right off the bat that the coin is worth money or not.

Numis only offers coins which are at their greatest collectible condition, so you will be able to trust that what you buy is going to be a real great treasure. Most coin collectors would like to have mint condition, rare coins as they hold value.

Novice coin collectors need to be very careful because there are lots of scams out there. There are some people that make counterfeit rare coins that look so real that even expert coin collectors can be fooled. Some of the targeted rare coins for counterfeiting are the most valuable coins of today.

You need to take your time to learn about rare coin collecting as if you were going to school for an education. If you rush into collecting, you will be disappointed because you will most likely end up losing a lot of money while you hold onto coins that have absolutely no value to collectors.

Do not be fooled when someone sells you a cheap "rare" coin and promises you that the coin will go up in value by 500% in a year. They are really just out there trying to fool the most novice coin collectors of them all. Just be careful.


Author Resource:->  Want to find out which are the Most Valuable Coins in the US Coins Price Guide, then look no further because we have it all.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Thought About Collecting The Most Valuable Rare Coins Yet

By: Jason Bacot

Collecting rare gold and silver coins have been a hobby to some individuals ever since coins existed. There are researches that suggest that even some individuals in the era of the king used to hold on to rare coins as the people knew that the value of these coins would go up in value in the future. It is a dream to hold most valuable coins in your hands, but you always start off as a new collector just like all the other coin collectors out there. This is a hobby that will reap in huge wards in the future as you collect some of the rarest coins that people are trying to get.

Collecting rare coins is very fascinating and enjoyable. Besides exchanging them with your buddies, you can also check out the authoritative numismatic networks online which will help guide you on understand what they are and how much are they worth. The advantage of these numismatic networks is that individuals can search the database for various gold and silver coins as well as coins made from different materials such as brass. When you are in the network, you will be able to get them online as opposed to going to a shop and trying to acquire them there.

There are countless rare coins to choose from online. Depending on your budget, you might be able to find some of the rarest 1900 coins or even ones in the 1800's. There is a US coins price guide that you can use to make sure that you are getting a coin at the right value. You do not want to get ripped off by buying or trading for a rare coin that is overpriced, or of no value what so ever.

The best thing about the network is that there will be new valuable coins to collect that come out every few days. You want to hold on to them as coin collectors know that the value of them run up in the long run. The most valuable coins will skyrocket in value as you compare them annually with the US coins price guide.

You can stockpile a large coin collection, and then decades down the road, you can sell them to other coin collectors for a much higher value than when you first purchased them for. Collecting coins should not be done recklessly without doing research because you might end up losing lots of money as some have little to no value.

The most valuable coins are almost completely risk free as they will usually go up in value too. Serious coin collectors will do research on each coin that they buy so they will know that they will make a profit in the future if they ever decide to sell their rare coins collection.


Author Resource:->  Want to find out which are the Most Valuable Coins in the US Coins Price Guide, then look no further because we have it all.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Saturday, September 25, 2010

1923 US MINT 90% FINE SILVER PEACE DOLLAR BULLION COIN

A 1923 Silver Peace Dollar Coin. Coin grades between XF Extra Fine - AU About Uncirculated. Being 90% Silver, these are a great collectors item. Silver is one of the great investments that you can possess. With a precious metal like silver it is not only good to invest but it is also fun because of the different forms you can collect. We have plenty to offer and now is the right time to start investing.
Not only are Coins important investment tools for you, they also make unique and valuable gifts for those important people in your life. What better way to say "thank you" or "I care" than to give this unique gift. For these special people and more, you can give a unique and timeless investment gift of an collectable coin. They are beautiful enough to display with pride, enjoy ultimate liquidity, and grow in value as the price of precious metal grows. Guaranteed by the Government for weight and content, they can be bought or sold instantly, anywhere in the world.

Friday, September 24, 2010

1922 - Silver Dollar Coin Nice Detail

Nice detail...............I have not attempted to clean it up or polish this or any of my coins at all........This is the original scan of the coin

Thursday, September 23, 2010

1923 S - Silver Dollar Coin Nice Detail

Nice detail...............I have not attempted to clean it up or polish this or any of my coins at all........This is the original scan of the coin

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Basic Coin Collecting Tips for the Novice Collector


By: Robin Darch

Coin collecting is a very enjoyable hobby. If you have a penchant to collect rare and valuable items, then collecting coins would be perfect for you. But while coin collecting is a good hobby, it could also become a lucrative venture. A very rare and ancient coin could fetch thousands of dollars in the premium market. That is why coin collecting is a viable investment also.

If you want to become a successful coin collector, you should be prepared to do lots of hard work. Coin collecting is a serious business and you have to spend time, effort and resources in order to grow your valuable coin collections.

Research is the Key to Success

If you are a novice coin collector, do not mistake that you do not need to study about coins at all, that you simply need to collect coins you come across. The successful coin collectors spend more time in libraries to research on ancient artifacts. They are also ardent online readers of information about the latest trends in coin collecting. It is very critical, therefore, that you sharpen your research skills if your goal is to become a successful coin collector.

You need to study world coin history, identify different types of coins, and know the best sources of valuable coins. You should also study how to acquire tools that you need for collecting coins. Most important of all, you need to know the current valuation of the different types of coins. Thorough research and study will enrich your knowledge about coin collecting. You should develop and keep to this a habit so you will be better prepared for your coin collecting efforts.

First Steps in Coin Collecting

If you want to quickly grow your coin collections, you need to collect all types of coins that will come your way. You should not be very choosy at first because your main goal when you're just starting out is to collect as many coins as possible. Besides, as a novice coin collector, you probably still have scant knowledge about the value of each coin, so it is best to collect everything and study them later for proper valuation. This way, you will be able to grow your coin collection in less time and show off your coins later to your friends.

Advanced Steps in Coin Collecting

After collecting a significant number of coins, you should now proceed to proper valuation. With the help of books and coin value manuals, you can do this task by yourself. If you are still not confident about your skills in evaluating coins, you can seek help from a professional collector. You should determine which coins in your collections are valuable and which are not. You have to separate them and place the coins in their respective coin albums - the valuable coins in one album and the less valuable or not-so-valuable coins in another. When you are at this stage, you may need additional storage for your coin collection.

Tips When Buying Coins

As a collector, you will eventually want to buy coins, including the rare ones, in order to grow your collection. Buying coins is one of the best ways to find a jewel out there. However, you need to learn proper coin values first so you can buy safely from coin dealers. Before you buy any coins, make sure that you have a manual on coin values. This way, you can identify the right price for each coin. Reputable collectors and coin dealers always give the right values for the coins they sell. Thus, you need to make sure that you are dealing with reputable sellers of valuable coins before you buy one.


Author Resource:->  To find out exactly how coin collecting is made simple check out coin collecting tips.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Ancient Coin Collecting: The Basics of Collecting Rare American Coins


By: Robin Darch

Normally, ancient coin collecting involves digging deep for coins that were minted during ancient Roman and Greek times. Ancient Egyptian coins, as well as those used in the Mesopotamian civilizations, are considered valuable coins also. If your focus is on ancient coin collecting, be prepared to spend money. You also need to be prepared for the long search, ancient coin collecting tend to be more difficult since rare coins are harder to find than contemporary coins.

Your best alternative is to narrow down your ancient coin collecting focus. For instance, you can focus on collecting ancient American coins. Ancient American coins are newer compared to coins of the Roman period but they are also highly valued by coin collectors. These American coins were minted during the colonial period. Some foreign minted coins that have been extensively used in America can also be considered ancient coins of America. To guide your ancient coin collecting efforts, here is a basic overview of the ancient coins of America.

Different Types of Colonial Coins

France minted silver and copper coins in the early 1700s. These coins found their way in colonial America. You can find these ancient French coins in the collections of veteran coin collectors. Some of these coins are sometimes auctioned by their owners so you need to keep an eye out for these auctions.

British and Irish coins minted in the 1600s can also be considered ancient American coins because these coins were used widely in the colonies during those times. The highly valued coins of this era are the Irish St. Patrick Farthings. You are in luck also if you can find the Talbot tokens or the Allum tokens of the British.

Spanish coins also made their way to North America. The Spanish Eight Reales coins were much older than the French and British coins so they are considered to be more valuable in the market. If you can find these ancient American coins that were minted in Spain, be prepared to pay a good sum of money in order to own them.

The first Congress also had coins minted, specifically the Continental Dollar and the Fugio Cent. These coins are very rare now and they should fetch good value in the market. There are also special ancient American coins minted in Vermont, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These states have produced and minted their own coins in the past. Such coins are also good to collect and could enrich your ancient coin collecting hobby.

How to Buy Ancient American Coins

There are coin dealers that sell colonial coins over the Internet. Be sure, though, to research the coins first before you make a purchase. This way, you can ensure that you pay the right amount for the ancient American coins you want.

It is also best if you can deal with coin collectors who are members of the Professional Numismatists Guild. The guild is a non-profit organization of coin dealers and collectors and requires their members to maintain high standards in selling ancient coins. You can also use the services of the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation of America. This organization can provide you appraisals for rare ancient coins. You can also get information, tips and advice from this organization about buying ancient and rare American coins.

Ancient coin collecting, specifically ancient American coins, is a very challenging undertaking. It is also more expensive than collecting modern or contemporary coins. However, the challenge of finding rare and ancient American coins can be very rewarding for most collectors.


Author Resource:->  For more information about coins and coin collecting check out Coin Collecting Made Simple

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Monday, July 26, 2010

Tips About Coin Collecting

By: Michael Hehn

Coin collecting is not only fun, but it is a lucrative one as well. Pulling together coins is one of the hobbies that can bring financial rewards in the long run. If this is your pastime then read to discover some vital facts you should know. If you want a collection you will be proud to own, follow these simple tips shared here.

in depth research is necessary to acquire a good coin collection. You need to study to learn which have possible value to be added to your collection. We need to know that individuals who are successful coin collection through their collection by careful study and they know which coins to retain. The things you need to discover are the story of the coin, the type of coins and the worth.

To kick start your collection, gather as numerous as you can. Just get them first and study them later. This is good if you are new and have yet to learn numerous things about selecting coins. You will acquire a large collection in a short time with this strategy. This is the time when collectors will start studying the collection and sort the ones that are valuable from the ones that aren't. You can now change your accumulating habits to being a junky to a real collector.

For a beginner, collect as many coins as you can. You can grab them and keep them safely, and study them when you have the time. This is good if you are new and have yet to learn many things about selecting coins. This way you will soon develop a huge collection. Now you will need to examine the coins and single out the ones that are valuable and discard the ones that don't hold any worth. You can now change your gathering habits to being a nut to a real collector.

Now the time has arrived for you to get a good storage case store those coins. Numerous newcomers do not think display cases play a essential role in coin collection. It is a mistake to leave it in a jar or bottle. Are you conscious that they can damage the coins? For old unusual or limited edition coins, they need proper care as they will be able to get a good price later. Coin holders make a massive idea for display cases. Coin folders or albums are great storage cases.

Once you get the first set of coins recognised, now it the time to find some good storage cases for the collection. Numerous newbies do not value display cases which is a very important aspect. Do not simply toss it into a container. These methods can damage the coins. Limited edition coins and coins that are old and uncommon get a good price, so retain them properly. Coin holders are not mandatory but they make massive displays. Invest in a good coin album or folder.

To be prosperous, get to know what you are purchasing. Specialist dealers too are always in h search for old and unusual coins to purchase. These individuals can guess the worth of a coin at the first glance. Do not be overly anxious about ebbing conned, but it certainly pays to be careful. Before you buy a coin that costs more than 20 dollars, study first.

Check out auction sale websites for some great deals for coin collecting. Be ready to be surprised! Coin collectors who decide to give up the pursuit love to sell them online. Be wary of any sort of deception when purchasing coins.


Author Resource:->  Michael Hehn is a specialist in coin collect. If you want more information about coin collect, visit coin collect info.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Sunday, July 25, 2010

How To Make Your Coin Proud

By: Oca Ong

You are on it. You have gathered the most precious pieces of coins there is. Some hailed from the remotest part of the country. Some parts of your collection requested from your well-traveled friend, generously finding the coins with the best aesthetic designs, all just for you. You just become so engrossed with it that you sometimes get too overwhelmed with what it has turned out. Now, you are more than proud to show your precious coin collection. Nevertheless, to whom should you show?

In most cases, your family that lives closer to you do not have the same interest as you has in collecting coin. Even your closest friend does not share the same wavelength with you. Your eagerness to boast it to others are spoiled then, simply because you cannot find someone who share the same obsession as you have with regards to currency and coin collecting. So how do you meet up with individuals whom you can share to the same interest and knowledge with?

Coin collectors are spreading everywhere. Not as if they are on streets, however, a lot of them can found anywhere. Try attending some prestigious coin shows and you will find the same coin buffs mingling with other coin aficionados. They will be talking to other about their coin how they manage to get these rare coins. Joining any coin collectors club is also a big opportunity to share what you have got. Besides bragging your coin collection, you could also receive heaps of necessary information about the hobby coin collection and about coins in general, from the expert enthusiasts.

Another way to show your set to other coin-minded individuals is through visiting coin shops. You can compare your album with them and dish out a part of your time discussing about the beginning of your collection. How you were able to start with one single coin and then raise the collection into a bulk. Your encounter with sham coin dealers and carefully reviewing your planned purchase before buying it, avoiding the fake coins, and anything about coins. There are also newsgroups found online that often sell, buy or trade new and antique coins. Just bear in mind not to give out personal details, as these online retailers or clubs may be serious scammers.

In auction shops or estates sales, you will also be pleased to find the devoted coin collectors coming together conversing about their own collection of coins that some still comes in a variety of foreign, old, and modern coins, of distinctive designs and artistry.

Be the envy with your valuable coin collections, even occasionally. Nothing feels better than having your collection admired by everyone.


Author Resource:->  More Infomation at coin money home garden

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Saturday, July 24, 2010

"Green Rust": How Copper Defends Itself from Corrosion

By: Brian Jones

At one point, many of us have thought that the grayish-green to bright green stains on our household brass and bronze wares were a form of rust. After all, rust equals metal plus exposure to moisture and air. But not all metal exposed to air and moisture equals to rust. And though this formula applies to iron, with copper comes a little twist: a little twist called verdigris.

Verdigris is a thin layer of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) that develops on the surface of copper and copper alloys during prolonged exposure to moist air. Note that it does not form in dry air. Carbon dioxide and water convert the oxide into a green enamel-like coating of basic copper carbonate [CuCO3*Cu(OH)2]. Unlike iron, verdigris is a protective layer that prevents any copper material from corroding. The ancient Latins called it "patina," thought to be the result of corrosion. Surprisingly, Roman copper coins buried beneath the earth for nearly two thousand years continued to maintain the clear edges of their inscription due mainly to this grayish-green coating. Even in our present era, many coins, such as the silver dollar, develop the same blemish because of the small percentage of copper that they are minted with.

Copper is in a family of metals known to produce its own protective coating once exposed to destructive corrosive substances. Of this family, aluminum is also a member.

A fresh surface of aluminum, when oxidized, quickly becomes coated with a continuous film-like substance called aluminum oxide. It serves like a layer of varnish: thin, but durable and insoluble. And so long as this covering exists, the metal remains protected.

Zinc is another example that self-protects, producing a chemical known as, you guessed it, zinc oxide.

One other thing that has made verdigris special, this time aesthetically, is its color. And ancient man, lured mainly by its vivid green had prompted him to adopt verdigris into his family of pigments. Since then, tinctures resulting from verdigris have been known under names such as Montpellier green and viride aeris. In Roman times, this hydrated copper acetate became one of the early artificial pigments until further technology was discovered to imitate it and other copper greens using viridian, made from hydrated chromium hydroxide in 1838. Until then, paint chemists processed verdigris through a process called fusing. This resulted into a resinous composition of transparent green that artists from the eighth to the fifteenth century used to illuminate manuscripts.

It takes years of exposure to the elements for true verdigris to develop. To this day, verdigris harbors a unique beauty which gives character, and therefore more value, to a cuprous antique. Take heed, however, that though lovely is the sight of this "green rust," it is highly poisonous, and caution must be taken in handling it.


Author Resource:->  Please click these links if you want to know more about why does copper turn green or why does copper oxidize in general.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Friday, July 23, 2010

The History of the 1943 Steel Cent

By: Keith Scott

From 1909 to 1942, the Lincoln Cent was composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. That all changed in 1943, as for the first and only time, a coin was made out of steel, which was quite a contradiction from gold, silver, copper or bronze.

Even before the United States entered the war, there were inklings that the cent, as well as the nickel were in trouble. The nickel was made out of 75% copper. Copper was in huge demand due to its use by defense contractors in the manufacturing process of various supplies and equipment needed in case of the US going to war.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the rumors only grew and in January 1942, The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine reported that Treasury officials were giving serious consideration to using different metal contents for some coins. The first step occurred on January 23rd, 1942, when the Treasury ordered the removal of all but a trace of tin from the cent from the already small amount that had been in use. The existing supply of strips and planchets were used and it is speculated that cents produced in 1942 were produced of both metal compositions. This small change was expected to save 100,000 pounds of tin.

Throughout 1942, there were repeated attempts and pleas to the public to turn in their cents and nickels. Even with these pleas, the shortages continued and for the last six months of the year the mint scaled back production of cents and nickels. During this time, experiments were conducted with various metal compositions, fibers, plastics and even glass.
On December 18, 1942, Public Law 77-815 was enacted. This law called for the melting of more silver dollars and for the authorization of metal substitutes for the one cent and five cent coins not to go beyond December 31st, 1946. The nickel had already seen its change utilizing more silver in its content. The Treasury wasted no time and on December 23, 1942, Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr. ordered that all cents produced after January 1st 1943 be comprised of low-carbon steel coated with zinc. The zinc plating was to provide a thin coating to prevent rust and was to be no more than .001 inches thick. The same diameter of coin was maintained, but the weight was reduced from the standard 48 grains to 42 grains, due to the use of a lighter alloy. It took some time to produce sufficient supplies of planchets and production commenced on February 23, 1943 at the Philadelphia Mint with the Denver and San Francisco Mints beginning production the next month.

On February 27th, the first delivery of cents was made to the Treasury and within a few weeks, the steel cents were in circulation. Although the Treasury Department assured the public that the coin, after being in circulation for a while, would gain a distinct appearance, many people noticed the color resemblance of a dime. Complaints continued to pour into the Treasury. For example, due to there magnetic property, many mechanical devices treated the new cent as a slug. Back then, there were quite a few uses for the cent and this was a big deal.

The new cent was so much hated by the public that the Treasury was moved to issue them only when bronze-copper cents were not available. Still, demand for cents for business was so great, that the public was forced to use them as that was what was available. In the fall of 1943, the Treasury announced that no steel cents would be produced after December 31, 1943 and that the mint would produce cents from the pre-war alloy, but without tin. These cents, from 1944 through 1946 were to be known as shell-case cents, as the metal generally came from spent shell-casings. It was also announced that there would be no recall of the steel cent.
After the war, the Treasury did begin recalling steel cents for the next 20 years. Although not publicized, coins were to be returned to the treasury in the normal course of business. By 1950, steel cents were becoming scarce and by 1960, nearly non-existent. By this time, steel cents had deteriorated quite a bit. The Mint had coated the steel strips before punching leaving the edge of the coin subject to rust and corrosion. Even though a recall was in effect, the Mints own records indicate over 930 million remained in circulation.

By the end of 1943, the three Mint facilities had produced 1,093,838,670 of the one-cent coins. The copper released for the war effort was enough to meet the combined needs of 2 cruisers, 2 destroyers, 1,243 flying fortresses, 120 field guns and 120 howitzers, or enough for 1.25 million shells for our big field guns.


Author Resource:->  Keith Scott has been a collector for over 30 years. His website has US coins for sale. He also writes Coin Collecting Articles for fun. Visit his websites for a history of US coins, metal market updates and news about your favorite coins.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Thursday, July 22, 2010

How To Value Collectible Coins

By: Lee Dobbins

Coins have been always been a part of our country's history. Prominent people are featured on them. A change of government is sometimes accompanied by a change of currency. The look and feel of these coins reflects the advancements in technology as scientists find more complex metal combinations.

Coins being of historical value is one of the many factors why people collect them. Beauty and variety also contribute to the collector's growing numbers.

To be a collector, you must be aware of how to ascertain the worth of your coins. Who knows, you might just be holding on to a very rare artifact, or one that would cost millions on an auction or bidding.

First step in being a coin collector is to look up literature. You need to be in the know of what coins are available out there, where to get them and how to get them. This is extremely valuable to one who'd see the coins as a form of investment.

You also need to determine four things before you take a coin to your collection. You need to identify them, have them authenticated and examine them for damage. This would be vital points to consider in collection coins.

To identify them, you need to look at your coins very thoroughly and note the shape, the colors, and the writings. You also need to verify which country issued that coin. If there is no denomination on the face of the coins, it's just a token or probably a medal.

Authentic coins should be treasured and prized. They're hard to find, especially if they are rare, limited issues. A lot of fakes and counterfeit coins are available in the market, so beware!

The value of your coin will depend upon its grade. Coin catalogs usually have their own, specific grading guidelines but here's a general list of them.


  • Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) is an uncirculated coin. It should show no apparent damage and be in top shape. It is considered to be the best quality of coin possible.

  • Uncirculated (MS-60) is another uncirculated coin having a few scratches on contact marks and that have lost some of its sheen.

  • About Uncirculated (AU-50) is a coin which has evidence of light wear on most parts but still retains at least half of its original sheen.

  • Extremely Fine (EF-40) is coin wherein the coin design is lightly worn off but the features can be still distinguished and are still quite sharp.

  • Very Fine (VF-20) is another coin wherein some of fine details like hair or eyebrows are mostly worn off. There is evidence of modest wear on some points of the design but all major parts are still clearly etched.

  • Very Good (VG-8) is a coin wherein even though the rim is still clearly visible, the design is almost worn off and only few details of it are clear.

  • Good (G-4) are coins that are heavily worn but the design and the legend are still visible. Much of the details are gone.

  • About Good (AG-3) are coins that are very heavily worn that some of the lettering and the original design are not discernible anymore.

Damaged coins come across frequently in the course of a collector's quest. Most collectors steer off coins that have undergone cleaning or re-polishing. Corroded, scratched and drilled into coins are also a big turn off. Although it's sometimes hard to find one, it's better to find an untampered specimen.

The question on most beginners minds is this: How much do I get paid for a particular coin. The answer is: It varies everywhere. It depends on the qualities of the coin as well as the guide the buyer is using. For a general idea of pricing, here's a quick list.


  1. U.S. wheat cents (1958 and earlier) that were in circulation goes for a few cents to 3 dollars each.

  2. 1943 "steel pennies are very uncommon and of high value 1943 cents set on a normal bronze planchet. They are tested to determine if it attracts magnets and if so, it is plated using copper. They are sold for 5 to 50 cents if circulated, and up to a dollar or two if not in circulation.

  3. Silver dimes, quarter and half dollars from 1964 or earlier are composed of almost 90% silver. So their amount depends on their silver content.

  4. Silver dollars from 1935 and up are collector favorites and can be usually be sold for more than their value in silver . The less common the date, the higher the pricing goes.

  5. Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth about one dollar.

  6. Bicentennial quarters, half and dollars are usually worth what's on their face value.

  7. Coins in commemoration of the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana are spotted to cost from $5 to $30.

  8. A coin with two heads, tails or those that have different designs of two coins have no value to collectors because they are coins that have been change to introduce a novelty item.

There are also the kinds of coins that are made by mistake. These are called 'mules' and are often produced because of an error in pairing different dies. Expect rare coins like these to cost a little higher than most.

So with these things in mind, have fun in making your own collection grow. Who knows what part of history you'll discover by finding rare specimens.


Author Resource:->  Lee Dobbins writes for http://collecting.leisure-webzone.com/ where you can learn more about coins and other antiques and collectibles.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The American Platinum Eagle Coins Are Unique

By: Victor Epand

It is no wonder that some special coins are so popular with collectors around the world. In fact, the number of people who are interested in the collection of coins is astonishingly high. The attraction increases when it is a special series like the American platinum eagle coins. You may wonder what differences are there from other popular special coins like the American Silver Eagle coin and the special gold coins.

There the specialty is that on every change each year, the design features an entirely new look. On the reverse or back side, there is a bald eagle with different regions of America. The obverse side or front side of the coin features the powerful and striking image of the "Lady Liberty" as she is looking into the future, which symbolizes vigilance, faithfulness to duty, and the spirit and character of Americans. This marvelous creation on these rare coins was designed and engraved by famous sculptor and engraver John M. Mercanti.

These astonishing rare coins bear the inscription "Liberty" and the mottos, "In God We Trust", and "E Pluribus Unum", which are also on the obverse along with their date of issue. Within the curve located at the bottom of these coins you will find the face value and the West Point "W" mint mark, which is also found on the obverse.

On the reverse side of these rare coins, the design features a bald eagle soaring across a setting sun within different regions of America, which changes each year with the release of that year's coins. Watching over our firm foundation of democracy is the bald eagle, the nation's symbol of power, courage, and freedom, which was shown in different designs between the years of 1998 and 2002 known as the "Vistas of Liberty" series.

The American Silver Eagle coins were released on 24 November 1986. One major peculiarity of the silver coin is that silver eagle coin is offered in only one denomination. That is the one ounce size. The face value is $1 and its diameter is 1.598 inches.

These rare coins were given a face value of $1 to protect it from existing counterfeiting laws and this value was low enough to ensure they would never actually circulate in the money market. The small face value also holds sentimental appeal to those who remember the circulating silver dollars of long ago.

The American Silver Eagle Coins are also known as American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins. They are true collectibles as the weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the United States government.

Gold coins, minted in the United States and Europe, are becoming the choice collectible coins in the world. It is particularly so in the case of coins minted before 1933. Every day the media comes to you with the attractions of the bullion. That is reported to be the best way to offset risk, and to combat inflation.

Another advantage of the gold coins is that they are historically important and artistically beautiful. Often they are regarded as perfect works of art. Some peculiar gold coins are the $20 gold Double Eagle, first minted in 1907, and featuring an impressive image of Liberty striding gloriously out of dawn.

So the world of special coins is out there beckoning you to its several attractions.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant about rare coins, stamp collections, and rare collectibles. Follow these links to find the best marketplace for: rare coins, collections, and collectibles.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Lincoln Cent Gets Ready for Its 100th Birthday

By: Michael Zielinski

In 2009 the Lincoln Cent will celebrate its 100th birthday. This will also mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. To celebrate the occasion, there are many important numismatic events planned.

The Lincoln Cent was first introduced in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary Lincoln's birth. The coin was unique at the time since it was the first circulating US coin to bear the image of an actual person. All previous coins had featured the image of the mythical Liberty figure.

The coin's designer was Vincent D. Brenner. The obverse design was based on a Matthew Brady photograph of President Lincoln. Brenner had created a plaque of Lincoln based on the photograph, which would later become the basis for the bust of Lincoln used on the cent. The original reverse design of the Lincoln Cent featured two Wheat Ears. Throughout its history of the Lincoln Cent has undergone a number of changes from the original design.

The reverse design of the coin was changed in 1959 to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The new design featured a rendition of the Lincoln Memorial by Frank Gasparro. Close examination will show that the Lincoln Monument appears within the Lincoln Memorial. As a result, Lincoln appears on both the obverse and the reverse of the coin.

The original composition of the Lincoln Cent was 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. During the coin's long history, this composition was changed twice. In 1943 the composition was changed to zinc coated steel in order to preserve copper for the war effort. The composition reverted to its original the following year. In 1982 the composition was permanently changed to copper coated zinc in response to rising copper prices.

After all of these changes the Lincoln Cent is preparing for more. The 2009 celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Cent will be centered around four new reverse designs. These different designs will be released into circulation approximately every three months. Each design will represent an important stage from Lincoln's life. The obverse of the coin will continue to bear the likeness of Lincoln as designed by Vincent D. Brenner.

In 2009, the composition of the Lincoln Cent may also have a brief rebirth. There are provisions for the US Mint to produce and issue collector's versions of the 2009 Lincoln Cents in the original composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. These versions would likely be included in special numismatic coin sets.

The final important numismatic item planned for 2009 is a commemorative silver dollar honoring Lincoln. These numismatic coins will be minted and issued in a quantity of up to 500,000 coins and sold directly by the US Mint. The coins will contain 90% silver and bear a design emblematic of the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

Starting in 2010, the reverse design of the Lincoln Cent will be changed once again. The new design will be emblematic of Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a unified country. This new design will permanently replace the former Lincoln Memorial reverse.


Author Resource:->  Michael Zielinski is an internet entrepreneur and coin collector. Learn more about the 2009 Lincoln Cent as the coin's release date approaches. Stay up to date with the latest coin collecting news.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Monday, June 28, 2010

What Stories Can Your Coin Collection Tell

By: Victor Epand

Have you ever thought about the stories that your coin collection could tell you if only they could talk? Several times I have considered this, especially when looking at a particular coin from a particular era of time I seem to become lost in nostalgic dreams that I find inescapable at times.

For instance, when ever I view a silver dollar that was minted back in the late 1880s I can imagine a time of the old west when cowboys were fighting Indians and miners had traveled west to work in the mines. Miners were extracting silver ore from the famous Comstock Lode and in the nearby Virginia City the saloons were going strong. Maybe this silver dollar that I am holding was actually at one time on a stage coach and outlaws decided to hold that particular stage coach up.

There is no telling who could have held this silver dollar in their hands at one time or another. In that era Mark Twain, Helen Keller, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Jesse James, and Billy the Kid could have held my coin, but there is really no way of every really knowing. For some collectors it is the value of the coin that they are mostly concerned with, but for many of us it is the hidden historical value that these tiny pieces hold. Can you imagine owning a piece of history that could have a one time been used in a poker game with members of the Hole in the Wall Gang?

When I happen to catch a glimpse of a coin that was minted during 1916, then immediately I begin thinking about America preparing for the World War I. I wonder if perhaps that coin traveled across the ocean to Europe with one of our soldiers, who was fixing to face conflict for our nation. Perhaps the coin was given to the sweetheart of a soldier to hold until he returned back from war.

When all copper was being sent to help the Americans during World War II in 1943, the Lincoln pennies were instead made of zinc-coated steel. This is one penny, although not that valuable, I am proud to have in my own personal collection. For me and probably other collectors as well, this coin represents a pivotal time during the great history of our nation. I begin remembering Pearl Harbor and the many battles leading up to it and all that our great nation had to go through.

Stories from ancient Roman times tend t tell fascinating stories as well. In fact, one such coin tells of the insane Roman Emperor Caligula, who believed he son was a god. His son had an affair with on of the sisters of his father and Caligula murdered them both and then ate their offspring. Later he was assassinated when he was found on the wrong side of the government. This coin shows Caligula on one side and his sisters on the other, which represents the story of incest, murder, and cannibalism.

There is another truly amazing coin that can tell the entire story of the entire Roman era. Septimius Severus, who was one of the greatest Roman Emperors, is depicted upon the obverse and the reverse of this fabulous coin. His complete name was Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus Arabicus, Adiabenicus, Pius, Parthicus Maximus, Britannicus Maximus, which has a variety of meanings. This Emperor ascended to the throne through a series of murder and defeat of political rivals, which took some time doing, but he succeeded and then continued to hold a firm grip on the empire and conquered many lands. Like Adam from biblical times, he had two sons and one was notoriously cruel, who murdered his brother, his wife, and his father-in-law.

With all of these stories and more to found within your own collection, take the time to research your own coins to find out what incredible stories your collection has waiting for you to uncover.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant about rare coins, stamp collections, and rare collectibles. Follow these links to find the best marketplace for: coin stories, collections, and rare coins.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Students Play Among the Stars in Branson

By: Ann Knapp

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson, Missouri is within a day's drive of many Midwestern cities, making it an easily accessible destination for student group travelers. With its "G"-rated entertainment and a great return for the dollar, Branson offers diversified experiences for students and peace of mind for parents.

In Branson, student performing groups don't just watch the show, they take center stage as a part of the cast and crew in one of the destination's many theaters. A variety of opportunities exist for groups to participate as the pre-show entertainment - performing on the same stages as many of Branson's biggest stars. For instance, performing groups can experience a pre-show sound check and clinic orchestrated by professional musicians from the area. Among the many performance venues are the Showboat Branson Belle, Dixie Stampede, Welk Resort Theatre, and American Bandstand Theater.

Through workshops, master classes, and behind-the-scenes programs, students can engage with theater professionals. More than 100 live shows featuring entertainment personalities, performing families, impersonators, illusionists, and comedians afford performance groups a rich and entertaining destination from which to learn and grow. In addition, year-round music festivals offer interactive musical competitions for bands, chorales, and orchestras.

But it's not all work and no play in Branson. As one of the fastest-growing student performance destinations in America, Branson offers student group traveler's not only top-notch performance venues, but exciting attractions as well.

The 1880s-themed Silver Dollar City features 100 demonstrating craftsmen, unique shops, live shows, and six exciting festivals throughout the year. On one end of the town, the newly introduced GIANT Swing sends students skyward as they experience the rush of back-to-back G forces. The explosive PowderKeg sends riders into a thrill zone on this rollercoaster ride that launches from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just seconds. On the other side of the park, students may meet craftsmen whose skills have been passed down from generations of artisans. Crafters include a silversmith, candy maker, coppersmith, basket maker, and a furniture craftsman.

Student group travelers may experience Branson sightseeing from a duck's-eye view on Ride the Duck tours, where passengers travel on land and water in one amazing vehicle. The amphibious vehicles are based on the famous World War II DUKW design, which allows the vehicles to travel through historic Branson and then splash into Lake Taneycomo for a cruise.

For more cruising fun, Showboat Branson Belle offers lake and dinner cruises of Table Rock Lake. Students can explore the three decks of the ship while capturing glimpses of wildlife along the shore. Dinner cruises include a three-course meal followed by a spectacular show in the 700-seat dinner theater. Performance groups are also invited to entertain guests as they board the ship at White River Landing.

Another popular dinner-show venue, the Dixie Stampede features a full-scale production with American buffalo, horses, racing ostriches, and dozens of talented performers. Students thrill to trick riders, amazing stunts, and audience participation, including a four-course dinner. Prior to the show, students may visit the open-air stables to see the show's Quarter Horses, Palomino, Appaloosa, and Paint breeds. The Carriage Room opening act begins 50 minutes before the Dixie Stampede main show and features juggling and physical comedy acts. Choir and band performance opportunities at the Dixie Stampede are also available.

Student group travelers will play all day and enjoy night life at night at Celebration City, Branson's biggest nighttime attraction. From thrill rides and midway games to a go-kart track and Coney Island-style Boardwalk, Celebration City is an all-in-one destination of fun. In the evening, student groups have a blast at Ignite the Night, the Midwest's largest laser and fireworks spectacular. The show features colorful lasers, dazzling water illusions, and sizzling fireworks set to music. Shows begin at 9:30 p.m. nightly, weather permitting.

When the fun gets too hot to handle, student group travelers can dive into Branson's White Water Park. The only outdoor water park in Branson, the attraction offers water-blasters, super-soakers, speed water slides, and Kalani Towers - with two 75-foot freefall drop lanes. White Water is home to the largest selection of water rides and attractions in the Ozarks.


Author Resource:->  travel adventures Travel Adventures is staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. Serving over one half million students since our inception, we provide hassle-free travel arrangements while empowering teachers to create change by expanding the classroom to the world.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Thursday, June 24, 2010

How To Value Collectible Coins

By: Lee Dobbins

Coins have been always been a part of our country's history. Prominent people are featured on them. A change of government is sometimes accompanied by a change of currency. The look and feel of these coins reflects the advancements in technology as scientists find more complex metal combinations.

Coins being of historical value is one of the many factors why people collect them. Beauty and variety also contribute to the collector's growing numbers.

To be a collector, you must be aware of how to ascertain the worth of your coins. Who knows, you might just be holding on to a very rare artifact, or one that would cost millions on an auction or bidding.

First step in being a coin collector is to look up literature. You need to be in the know of what coins are available out there, where to get them and how to get them. This is extremely valuable to one who'd see the coins as a form of investment.

You also need to determine four things before you take a coin to your collection. You need to identify them, have them authenticated and examine them for damage. This would be vital points to consider in collection coins.

To identify them, you need to look at your coins very thoroughly and note the shape, the colors, and the writings. You also need to verify which country issued that coin. If there is no denomination on the face of the coins, it's just a token or probably a medal.

Authentic coins should be treasured and prized. They're hard to find, especially if they are rare, limited issues. A lot of fakes and counterfeit coins are available in the market, so beware!

The value of your coin will depend upon its grade. Coin catalogs usually have their own, specific grading guidelines but here's a general list of them.


  • Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) is an uncirculated coin. It should show no apparent damage and be in top shape. It is considered to be the best quality of coin possible.

  • Uncirculated (MS-60) is another uncirculated coin having a few scratches on contact marks and that have lost some of its sheen.

  • About Uncirculated (AU-50) is a coin which has evidence of light wear on most parts but still retains at least half of its original sheen.

  • Extremely Fine (EF-40) is coin wherein the coin design is lightly worn off but the features can be still distinguished and are still quite sharp.

  • Very Fine (VF-20) is another coin wherein some of fine details like hair or eyebrows are mostly worn off. There is evidence of modest wear on some points of the design but all major parts are still clearly etched.

  • Very Good (VG-8) is a coin wherein even though the rim is still clearly visible, the design is almost worn off and only few details of it are clear.

  • Good (G-4) are coins that are heavily worn but the design and the legend are still visible. Much of the details are gone.

  • About Good (AG-3) are coins that are very heavily worn that some of the lettering and the original design are not discernible anymore.

Damaged coins come across frequently in the course of a collector's quest. Most collectors steer off coins that have undergone cleaning or re-polishing. Corroded, scratched and drilled into coins are also a big turn off. Although it's sometimes hard to find one, it's better to find an untampered specimen.

The question on most beginners minds is this: How much do I get paid for a particular coin. The answer is: It varies everywhere. It depends on the qualities of the coin as well as the guide the buyer is using. For a general idea of pricing, here's a quick list.


  1. U.S. wheat cents (1958 and earlier) that were in circulation goes for a few cents to 3 dollars each.

  2. 1943 "steel pennies are very uncommon and of high value 1943 cents set on a normal bronze planchet. They are tested to determine if it attracts magnets and if so, it is plated using copper. They are sold for 5 to 50 cents if circulated, and up to a dollar or two if not in circulation.

  3. Silver dimes, quarter and half dollars from 1964 or earlier are composed of almost 90% silver. So their amount depends on their silver content.

  4. Silver dollars from 1935 and up are collector favorites and can be usually be sold for more than their value in silver . The less common the date, the higher the pricing goes.

  5. Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth about one dollar.

  6. Bicentennial quarters, half and dollars are usually worth what's on their face value.

  7. Coins in commemoration of the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana are spotted to cost from $5 to $30.

  8. A coin with two heads, tails or those that have different designs of two coins have no value to collectors because they are coins that have been change to introduce a novelty item.

There are also the kinds of coins that are made by mistake. These are called 'mules' and are often produced because of an error in pairing different dies. Expect rare coins like these to cost a little higher than most.

So with these things in mind, have fun in making your own collection grow. Who knows what part of history you'll discover by finding rare specimens.


Author Resource:->  Lee Dobbins writes for http://collecting.leisure-webzone.com/ where you can learn more about coins and other antiques and collectibles.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Why Is It Necessary To Buy A Coin Sorter and Counter For Your Coin Collecting Hobby?

By: Cindy Heller

A coin counter and sorter can be very useful for your organization. You may think that this machine is a waste of money, but for certain situations, it can save you time and efforts. This article explores the necessity of this machine so you will realize its importance.

The necessity of coin sorter

If you work in a non-profit organization that accepts donation through donation boxes, you will get a lot of things to do to sort and count all the coins that you receive from those boxes. In this case, a coin sorter can become a needed help to ease your work. You only need to put the coins into the machine and it will do all other works for you.

Digital coin sorter is a very popular coin sorter in the market. There is a small type digital coin sorter that works on batteries and can handle 20 coins at one time. The heavy duty type is also available if you need to sort thousands of coins. You should suit the machine with your needs.

This is a very practical machine because it can tell you how many dimes, nickels, quarters, and pennies that you put into the machine with only a press of the button. If you decide to buy one, it is better if you visit the store and ask the salesperson to demonstrate its capability. It can help you to decide which sorter is the most suitable type for you. You can buy it online if you are located in a remote area, but you will receive the product in a few days or a few weeks.

The necessity of coin counter

A coin counter is a close partner of a coin sorter. If you ever count coins manually, you will know that it is an extremely boring activity. When you have your own laundry or other businesses that use coins as payment, you need to count coins frequently. It wastes your valuable time because actually you can do other things to grow your business or spend quality time with your family. Purchasing a coin counter is a good move for this scenario.

There are a whole range of coin counter machines that you can choose and you need to evaluate your needs if you want to choose the suitable coin counter. For example, if there is no easy access to electricity in your workplace, then you may want to choose a manually operated coin counter. This type of counter usually is portable, but it depends on your muscle power to operate. It is a more laborious work, but it may be what you need for your business.

The types of coin that you accept are also another thing that should be put into consideration. Some coin counters are only designed to count coins. They cannot sort the coins so if you put different types of coin into the machine, they cannot tell you the number of coins for each denomination. In this case, it may be a good idea if you buy a machine that can count and sort. It will be more expensive, but it can be a good addition as you do not need to sort the coins first before you put them into the counter.

Many people worry about accuracy and don't trust coin counter machine. You shouldn't be because it is likely that counting manually is in fact less accurate than using the machine. Technology develops continuously and it makes coin counter an accurate machine. Some new coin counters can perform a few thousand coins per minute so they can save you a lot of time.


Author Resource:->  Cindy Heller is a professional writer. To learn more about coin price guide, please visit famous coin collections.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Why Is Coin Pulling So Enjoyable?

By: Michael Hehn

Coin pulling together is one of the most enjoyable pursuits around. Do pulling together coins appeal to you? If this is your pursuit then read to discover some indispensable facts you should know. Let's look at some issues to consider if you want to have a collection you will be proud of.

Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without in depth research. You need the right information to know which coins have inherent value and which should not be added into your growing collection. We need to know that people who are prosperous coin collection through their collection by careful study and they know which coins to retain. Take time to discover the history of each coin, the types available and the value.

For a beginner, accumulate as numerous coins as you can. Save all coins until you are free to study them. For the novice, this is a good plan since you have yet to discover the history and the value of each individual coin you possess. Soon, you will have a extensive collection of cons, and perhaps too numerous! This is the time when collectors will start examining the collection and separate the ones that are valuable from the ones that aren't. From this point you can also change your coin collecting habit.

Now you need a good display cases case to store all those coins safely. numerous novices do not give much thought to display cases. Don't toss the coin into a bottle or open tin. This will damage the coins, if you are not careful. For old unusual or limited edition coins, they need proper care as they will be able to bring in a good price later. For massive exhibits, coin holders are a massive idea. Coin folders or albums are massive storage cases.

To be successful, get to know what you are buying. Expert dealers are usually interested to purchase old and rare coins when they see one. For Professional dealers, they know exactly how much a coin is worth and what you could expect to sell them for. Retain alert to all potential scams and stay on the safe aside. Whenever a coin is sold for more than twenty dollars, in depth research first.

You can try checking out auction sale sites for some good deals. There are some surprises for you! There are many individuals selling their collection online. Be wary of any form of deceit when buying coins.


Author Resource:->  Michael Hehn is a specialist in coin collect. If you want more information about coin collect, visit coin collect info.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Friday, June 11, 2010

New Program to Follow Popular 50 State Quarters

By: Michael Zielinski

The historic 50 State Quarters Program draws to a close, with the release of the latest coin honoring the state of Hawaii. During the last ten years, quarters were released honoring all fifty states in the order they joined they ratified the Constitution or joined the Union. The program exceeded even the most optimistic predictions for widespread public success.

It is estimated that as many as 147 million Americans have collected State Quarters. In total, more than 34 billion of the coins were minted. The new series is credited with helping to reinvigorate the hobby of coin collecting, as well as teach millions of American's more about the geography of their country and the history and unique aspects of each of the states. With the final quarter now in circulation, many are asking what's next for the quarter?

Next year a special one year follow up program will begin, known as the District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarter Program. This program is structured similarly to the 50 State Quarters Program and will honor other jurisdictions of the United States that are not classified as States.

Specifically, separate circulating commemorative quarters will be issued for each U.S. territory and the District of Columbia. A total of six new quarters will be issued for Washington, D.C., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Each coin will feature a unique reverse design representative of the District of Columbia and each individual Territory. The design selection process includes consultation with the chief executive of D.C. and each Territory, consultation with the Commission of Fine Arts, and review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The Secretary of the Treasury has final approval for each design.

The design selection process usually includes several candidate designs before the final selections are decided. The Puerto Rico quarter proposed designs include a depiction of the Governor's residence, a fortress parapet with the national flower, or the Arecibo Observatory. American Samoa's proposed designs include depiction of a man holding a dried coconut cup used in the ava ceremony, a collection of items representative of American Samoa, and some of the same items with the coastline in the background.

Some quarter designs have already been selected by residents or other responsible figures. The Secretary of the Treasury does have final approval over all designs, however he will usually agree with the design recommendation reached through the selection process. Washington, D.C.'s candidate designs included depictions of Frederick Douglas, Benjamin Banneker, and Duke Ellington. By popular vote. D.C. residents selected the Duke Ellington design. Guam's design was also chosen by popular vote includes an outline of the island, a Flying Proa, and a stone Latte. The design for the U.S. Virgin Islands quarter features the Banana Quit, Yellow Cedar flower, and an outline of the islands. The design for the Northern Mariana Islands features a stone Lattte, coconut trees, a sailing vessel, and native plants and birds.

The new quarters will be issued for circulation starting in 2009, released in equal intervals throughout the year. Collectors who assembled all 50 State Quarters will now have an additional six quarters to add to their collection!


Author Resource:->  Michael Zielinski is an internet entrepreneur and coin collector. Find more information on the upcoming US Territories Quarters or all of the previously released State Quarters.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Thursday, June 10, 2010


Choosing The Right Coins For Your Collection

By: faye bautista

There are certain specifications that a collector will be looking at for their collection. Those that are new with coin collecting must start at the beginning due to tradition. This is not just flipping the coin which decides the result this can be a last resort. Choose your collection on the basis of your preference or interests.

Coin Collecting based on date or time period. For those coin collectors that see their collections as investment will be preferring coins that will be older than grandfathers. It will be better if the coins are ancient. Besides being centuries in age, there are the revolutionary coins and from history.

If you have decided to collect any kind of coin for as long as it came from different countries worldwide that would be tiring but exciting. And it can cost you a lot. So things would not be exhausting, you could start off by collecting coins of your own country.

If you are a beginner, you would not want to start collecting silver or gold coins for these are the kinds of coins that can bore a hold inside your pocket. Better settle with the lower metal levels first. Not unless money is not a problem. Usually, the concern on what kind of metal to choose belongs to the more professional collector.

By this time you may already have an idea on where to start. As the hour glass makes its due, you will become more interested and selective of the types of coins that fits your album. You will develop areas that you may not find in other collectors.

You have seen an ordinary coin its features would not be different from the old one because typically, new coins are just patterned from old coins. You have to inspect if the writing on the coin is still clear. A coin wherein the smallest details, like feathers or robe folds, are completely worn away is of little value.

Means discoloration or tarnishing, toning can increase the coin's value. Believe it or not, if a blue tone is present on a silver coin, it can be very desirable. Toning has an effect on a coin's details for it can accent its faded features. For as long as the tone of the coin would not turn out uneven, there is no reason to reject it.

If you have been in coin shops that are offering bargain coins, this maybe because it has been into a lot of circulations and the market has already rejected it. You will notice certain kinds of scratches an even scarring that is caused by chemicals. Scratches can be acceptable but scarring is a no-no. Chemical scarring can be related to corrosion, pits, etc. As much as possible, make your coin collections spotless.


Author Resource:->  The author is a freelance writer and also writes about business topics such as call center in the philippines and http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= title="outsource call center">outsource call center.

Article From ArticleSlide.com