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Beginners Guide to US Coin Key Issues, Key Dates and Select Pieces
Provided by eBay Store: Frosted Eagle Estate Coins
Ebay Store Frosted Eagle Estate Coins
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The universe of US Coin collecting is ever changing. It seems that values for premium pieces seem to double monthly. The US Mints introduction of the State Quarter Series, Buffalo Gold $50, and the new Nickels have really increased the number of new collectors and have infused the hobby with excitement. Here is a brief guide for reference of Key Issues, Better and Key Date coins. Oh yeah, REMEMBER...it is a hobby so have FUN!
Key Issues
American Eagle Bullion Gold & Silver Coins 1986 - Present
In 1986, the US Mint began striking gold and silver bullion coins to compete with other world gold pieces such as the Canadian Maple Leaf. American Eagles are stunning in both proof and business strike issues. This series is one of the most collected and putting a year over year set together is truly a family asset.
Double Eagle Saint-Gaudens Liberty Gold Coins 1907 - 1933
The most beautiful US Coin!
The $20 St. Gaudens gold coin, first minted in 1907, is regarded by many to be the most beautiful U.S. coin ever produced. Designed by the famous Augustus St. Gaudens by a commission by President Theodore Roosevelt who wanted to improve the look of U. S. Coinage.
U.S. Commemorative Coins 1892 - Present
Commemorative coins have existed since the Romans. They have been minted as gifts to visiting dignitaries. The United States leads the world in production of commemoratives. Some more notable issues are: 1893 World's Columbian Expo., 1915 Panama Pacific Expo., 1946 Booker T. Washington, 1986 Statue of Liberty, 1992 White House, 2005 marine Corp.
Silver Trade Dollars 1873 - 1885
This series of Silver Dollars were issued for foreign trade purposes. They were legal tender in the U.S. for many years but mostly remained oversees. Congress repealed the issue and limited its use to foreign trade in 1887. They ere designed by William Barber.
Silver Morgan Dollars 1878 - 1921
Designed by George T. Morgan this series of silver dollars is by far the most collected and storied. Some were minted at the infamous Carson City and new Orleans mints. Used mostly in the U.S. west they are known as cowboy dollars. You can imagine the history with these as they were exchanged in brothels, saloons and poker games in the wild west some 100 plus years ago. George Morgan was the designer.
Silver Liberty Walking Half Dollar 1916 - 1947
In brilliant uncirculated condition, this series of half dollars is most elegant. Lady Liberty graces the obverse with a flowing gown and setting sun. The obverse features a stoic eagle facing branches of peace. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman this half dollar issue was well received by the American public. Well struck and toned pieces fetch better prices.
John F. Kennedy Half Dollar 1964 - Present
Designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro this half dollar was issued in memoriam of President John F. Kennedy. THe series replaced the Silver Franklin Half. 90% Silver coins were only struck in 1964, then reduced to 40% content through 1970. Silver proof pieces are included only in proof sets. The first 100,000 or so proof coins were minted with Heavy Accented Hair die until Mrs. Kennedy asked the mint to redesign the issue. The mint complied and thus the variety commands a premium. Do you know how to spot this variety. Email me and I'll tell you. The only other key coins in this series are the 1970 D and 1998 Silver Matte
Silver Mercury Head Dimes 1916 - 1945
Our favorite coin series! The design represents the American Spirit and Freedom of thought. It is a real beauty in brilliant uncirculated condition. Apart from the 1916-D and 1942 overdates, most pieces are easily attainable. Putting a set together is fun for the whole family. The most desirable coins have Full Split Bands on the reverse, which means all the bands that hold the fasces together must be clearly and completly seperated, including the bands on the ends. The 1916 D gets about $800 in Good condition and in BU shape fetches about $23,000! Designer was Adolph Weinman.
Lincoln Wheat Back Cent 1909 - 1958
There are literally hundreds of millions of Wheaties tucked away in American collections and coin jars. However there no no series more fun or interesting to search through. Priced right you can purchase thousands at a time and spends days looking through the hoard. The series debuted in 1909, replacing the fifty year old Indian Head Cent design. No other coin comes close to the 93 year run of the Lincoln Cent. The earliest versions featured the designes initials, V.D.B., near the bottom on the reverse. The initials were removed for vanity reasons in late 1909 and then appeared again in 1918, only more hidden. Can you find them? The WWII issue steel cents are prized.
Key and Better Date Coin Issues
Dollars
Susan B. Anthony........1981, Clear S Variety
Peace Dollars........1928, 1921 High Relief Variety
Morgan Dollars........1904 S , 1903 O, 1895 S, 1895 O, 1894, 1893 S, 1893 O, 1892 CC, 1893 O, 1893, 1892 CC, 1891 CC, 1890 CC, 1889 CC, 1888 S, 1885 CC, 1883 CC, 1882 CC, 1881 CC, 1880 CC, 1879 CC, 1878 CC
Silver Trade Dollars....... 1878 CC
Seated Liberty....... 1873 CC, 1872 CC, 1871 CC, 1870 CC, 1862, 1858, 1851
Half Dollars
JFK.......1998 S Silver Matte, 1997 S Silver proof, 1995 S Silver Proof, 1970 D Clad, 1964 Proof Accented Hair Variety,
Benjamin Franklin........1948 - 1963 Full Bell Lines Variety, 1952, 1950 - 1955 Proofs
Walking Liberty....... 1936 - 1941 S Proofs, 1938, 1933 S, 1921 S, 1921, 1921 D, 1919, 1917 S, 1916 S
Quarter Dollars
Washington........1995 S proof, 1936 - 1941 S, 1943 S, 1942 S, 1940 D, 1939 S, 1938, 1938 S, 1937 S, 1937 D, 1936 S, 1936 D, 1932 D,
Standing Liberty....... 1932 S, 1927 S, 1927 D, 1924 S, 1924 D, 1923 S, 1921, 1919 D, 1919 S, 1918, 1917, 1916
Barber........1892 - 1916 D
Dimes
Roosevelt....... 1997 S Silver Proof, 1996 W, 1995 S Silver Proof, 1950 - 1954 Proof, 1949, 1949 D, 1949 S
Mercury Head....... 1926 S, 1921, 1921 D, 1916 D
Barber Liberty........1892 - 1915 Proofs, 1913 S, 1907 O, 1907 S, 1906 O, 1904 S, 1903 S, 1901 S, 1900 O, 1897 O, 1897 S, 1896 S, 1895 O, 1895 S, 1895 O, 1894, 1893, 1892
Nickels
Jefferson........1995 S Proof, 1938 - 1955 Proof
Indian Head Buffalo....... 1926 S, 1924 S, 1921 S, 1915 S, 1914 S, 1914 D, 1913 S, 1913 D
Liberty Head V........ 1888, 1886, 1885
Cent
Lincoln Memorial....... 1960 Small Date Variety
Wheat Reverse........1937 - 1955 Proof, 1931 S, 1924 D, 1915 S, 1914 S, 1912 S, 1909 S, 1909 S V.D.B, Variety,
Indian Head........ 1909 S, 1908 S, 1878, 1877, 1876,
Current and Defunct US Mints
P or No Mark .............Philadelphia
D.................................Denver
D for gold issues .........Dahlonega (defunct)
S.................................San Francisco
CC..............................Carson City (defunct)
O................................New Orleans (defunct)
W...............................West Point
C for gold issues ........Charlotte (defunct)
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