Coins can get downright dirty. After all, they live their lives in pockets or on the pavement for decades at a time. It’s only natural that they may become discolored and tarnished over time. However, cleaning collectible coins is a different story. Many cleaners and methods you would use on run-of-the-mill coins can easily damage a collectible coin, lowering its value or even rendering it worthless. Before hopping into spring cleaning mode, learn how to clean your coin collection correctly. 1. Use Mild Soap and Warm Water In general, you’re not supposed to clean coins. Discoloration from agin ..read more

In 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Presidential $1 Coin Act. By 2007, the first dollar coins rolled out of the U.S. Mint, ushering in a new era of circulated and collectible $1 coins. But like any series of coins, some are rarer and more coveted than others. To ring in President’s Day and add value to your collection, scope out a few rare and valuable coins from this collection. 1. 2007 Washington $1 Missing Edge Lettering Coin Valued between $1,000 and $4,250, some of the first George Washington $1 coins from 2007 had edge lettering omitted. The coin’s edge was supposed to read “In ..read more

Every year, the U.S. Mint delights coin collectors and numismatists by releasing a series of uncirculated, limited edition, commemorative, or soon-to-be circulated coins. Congress authorized no commemorative coins in 2023, adding to the excitement of the 2024 unveiling. Whether adding to your collection or just starting, here are some exciting U.S. coins coming out in 2024. 1. American Women Quarters Though these quarters will enter circulation in 2024, you can buy your own uncirculated set before they hit the streets. These five coins are the first in a four-year program honoring American wom ..read more

Coin collectors are an interesting bunch. They’re meticulous, thorough, and have a keen eye for detail. But if you’re not a coin collector, trying to find a suitable gift can prove difficult. The good news is that you’ve already honed in on the coin-collecting realm. All you need to do is find something that complements their collection. If you’re searching for an amazing Christmas gift for the coin collector in your life, try a few of these options on for size. 1. Reference Books One interesting facet of coin collecting is that the supply, demand, and price of coins is always changing. As suc ..read more

Whether you’re a novice or intermediate coin collector, the importance of preserving and maintaining your coin collection can’t be understated. By learning how to handle your coins, you preserve their value and ensure mint condition for decades. If you’re unsure how to keep your coin collection in tip-top shape, here are a few principles and ideas to guide you.   When customers visit us at London Coin Galleries of Newport Beach, we share a lot of this information with them, until we meet in person, enjoy these tips: Handle Your Coins Properly One of the most damaging substances to coins i ..read more

When you think of coins, the idea probably doesn’t conjure images of ghosts, goblins, and specters. However, many coins around the world are shrouded in mystery, containing mystical figures and strange symbols. If you want to add to your coin collection with otherworldly coins — this Halloween, or if you’re interested in the occult, check out a few of these spooky options. 1. The Damned Denarii Minted by the ancient Romans in the 1st century AD, the Damned Denarii are rare coins said to have been cursed by the Jews during the Jewish revolt from 66 to 70 AD. Over time, collectors and historians ..read more

The world has 195 countries — each with its own currencies. However, not every country around the world has the resources and budget to produce its coins. Seventy mints around the globe produce a majority of the world’s coins, including the exportation of country-specific coins through various contracts. But a few of the mints stand out as the leading mints worldwide. From supplying coins to other countries to minting billions each year, here are the biggest mints in the world. 1. The Biggest Mint in the World and North America — The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia Covering over five acres, the U.S ..read more

With the ability to build wealth and indulge your love of currency, coin-collecting offers more breadth than many other hobbies. But to truly master the art of collecting coins, you need to know the relevant terminology. By learning numismatic terms, beginner and intermediate coin collectors can communicate more effectively and deepen their understanding of this complex hobby. If you’ve heard words from other coin collectors but you’ve been too afraid to ask what they mean, here are essential numismatic terms every coin collector should know. 1. Mint Mark A mint mark is a letter on a coin that ..read more

Although the world has moved from coins and bills to digital currency, legal tender was once a symbol of a nation. Through coins, nations could showcase their culture and history, all while combining artistry and practicality. The unsung heroes behind coin design aren’t widely known. But their contributions to the world of currency and art make them intriguing historical figures. Here are some of the most well-known coin designers throughout history. 1. Augustus Saint-Gaudens Arguably the most talented coin designer in American history, Augustus Saint-Gaudens was a noted sculptor hired by Pres ..read more

Whether you are fascinated by currency or want to find a new hobby, coin collecting is an exciting world that doesn’t take much effort to get started. All you need is a little push to get yourself on the right foot. If you’re interested in starting a coin collection of your own on the cheap, here are some ideas to get you started. 1. Wheat Pennies If you want to start your collection on the cheap, nothing beats wheat pennies. Produced from 1909 to 1958, these pennies feature Honest Abe on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse. These pennies range in value from a few cents all the ..read more