Mint Marks

Mint marks are letters that identify where a coin was made. In the past, they held the maker responsible for the quality of a coin. When the U.S. used precious metals such as gold and silver to make circulating coins, a commission evaluated the composition and quality of coins from each of the Mint facilities. These evaluations ensured that each facility produced coins to the correct specifications.

Philadelphia was the only branch in operation in the Mint’s earliest years, so identifying the source of a coin was not necessary. When the Mint opened branches in Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans in 1838, mint marks made their first appearance on U.S. coins.

However, the practice of not identifying Philadelphia’s coins continued even after the first branches were established.

This changed in 1942. When nickel was removed from five-cent coins during World War II, the “P” mint mark first appeared on coins produced in Philadelphia. The mark’s position also moved from the right of Monticello to above the dome to indicate the new metal composition.

After the war, when use of the regular alloy resumed, mint marks returned to their former positions, and the Mint no longer used Philadelphia’s “P.”

The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated mint marks to discourage collecting while the Mint worked to meet the country’s coinage needs. So, no mint marks appeared on circulating coins from 1965 to 1967.

When mint marks returned in 1968, they were placed on the obverse, after having previously been on the reverse of coins.

In 1979, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar was introduced. Once again, the “P” mint mark appeared. The following year, the “P” appeared on all of the denominations except the cent, which still holds true today.

Source

The Real Value of Collectible Currency

Rare currency can trade for much more than its face value or material worth due to its collectible qualities. Some 20th-century U.S. silver quarters, worth 25 cents, can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Rather than spend these as money at their face value, collectors withdraw them from circulation to use as collectibles or investments. This is similar to the operation of what economists call “Gresham’s Law”, which states that under legal tender laws, bad (less valuable) money drives good (more valuable) money out of circulation in the market.

In the case of rare and collectible coins or other monetary tokens, Gresham’s Law operates to an even greater extreme; the coins are not only withdrawn for circulation but actually cease to be money in an economic sense. Guillaume Budé's "De Asse et Partibus Eius Libri Quing", written in the 16th century, was the first book on coins and the first to mention numismatics.

Leading Numismatic Societies and Their Impact

Many societies advance numismatic studies, like the American Numismatic Society, founded in 1858 in New York to promote coin and currency appreciation. The society has since built a collection of more than 800,000 objects, the oldest dating back to 2000 BCE. The society's library holds over 100,000 books, documents, and artifacts on numismatics.

 Other numismatic organizations include:

• Ancient Coins Collectors Guild
• Archaeological Institute of America
• The Royal Canadian Numismatic Association
• The Czech Numismatic Society
• International Numismatic Council
• The Israel Numismatic Society
• Oriental Numismatic Society
• The Professional Numismatists Guild
• The Royal Numismatic Society
• The Numismatic Association of Australia
• The Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand

Source

What Is Numismatics?

Numismatics studies the physical embodiment of various payment media (i.e., currencies). The study of numismatics as it applies to coins is often used to research the production and use of the coins to determine their rarity. 

Numismatics differs from historical and economic studies of money. Numismatists study the physical attributes of the payment media rather than the use and function in an economy. Numismatics is often used interchangeably with coin collection, though it connotes more intensive study than simply collecting coins. It could be said that all numismatists are coin collectors, but not all coin collectors are numismatists. It is widely believed that numismatics began during the early European Renaissance as part of an effort to re-discover all things classical.

The first English usage of the word “numismatics” was in 1829, stemming from the adjective numismatic, which translates to "of coins”, and stemmed from the French word numismatiques, which derives from the Latin word numismatis.

Numismatics refers to the study and analysis of how people use money and the collection of various types of money, coins, and other forms of consideration. The history of numismatics dates back centuries. However, coin collecting likely began at the time currency was invented.

Before the 19th century, coin collecting was an individual hobby—one most often enjoyed by nobles, the religious elite, and rulers. During the Roman Empire, emperors like Caesar Augustus collected coins from various places to use as leverage in trade negotiations and to gift to guests.

Because of their properties and value as collectibles, rare currency units can trade well above their face value or the commodity value of their physical substance. For example, some 20th-century U.S. silver quarters, with a face value of 25 cents and a silver melt value of a few dollars, can trade for tens of thousands of dollars apiece. 

Numismatic Fun Facts

• Florence, Italy, was the first world city to mint its own gold coins in the year 1252.
• Although collecting old coins is a global hobby practiced by the masses, in ancient times, it was deemed a royal hobby solely enjoyed by kings and queens.
• The United States Secret Service, established in 1865, was originally created to fight counterfeit money during a time when one-third of federally issued paper money was thought to be fake. It wasn't until 1902 that the Secret Service shifted its responsibility to protecting the president following the assassination of President William McKinley. Source

Happy Holidays!

 

Wishing you all Happy Holidays and a Joyful New Year!

Martinez Coin And Jewelry Exchange 

3755 Alhambra Ave Ste 1, Martinez, CA, United States, California

(925) 335-9500

Coin Album Tutorial

 

Here is a quick tutorial on how a coin album can be an ideal route for your coin collection. This video explains how to use the album and tips on how to maintain it.

Why Winter is the Ideal Season for Coin Organization

Shorter days and colder weather often mean more time spent at home. This creates the perfect environment to spread out your collection, revisit what you have, and take stock of what you still hope to find. During winter, collectors can:

• Review coins acquired over the past year and categorize them properly
• Identify duplicates that could be sold or traded
• Check for coins in need of better storage or additional protection
• Set updated goals based on areas of interest

A well-organized system also allows you to appreciate your coins more often, instead of leaving them tucked away and forgotten. When everything is properly sorted and easy to locate, the hobby becomes even more rewarding.

Step One: Evaluate Your Collection

The first task in a New Year refresh is to carefully go through your coins. Lay them out on a soft cloth in a well-lit space, ideally while wearing cotton gloves to prevent oils from your hands from causing damage.

As you sort, take note of any coins that need special attention. Some may require upgraded holders, while others might be strong candidates for grading. This assessment helps you build a more structured plan for the next steps.

Consider grouping your coins by type, country, year, mint mark, denomination, or theme. A consistent structure will make it easier to store and track them later.

Step Two: Upgrade and Protect Your Storage System

A strong collecting foundation means storing your coins properly. Good storage protects against dust, scratches, humidity, and other environmental factors that can cause long-term damage or loss of value. 

Here are some of the most effective options:

• 2×2 Coin Holders-A go-to favorite among collectors, 2×2 holders are simple to label and stack. They are perfect for circulation finds, bulk groupings, or coins you handle frequently.
• Coin Capsules- Airtight and crystal clear, capsules provide exceptional protection and display value. These are ideal for high-grade coins, silver dollars, commemoratives, and other premium pieces.
• Coin Albums and Pages- Albums allow you to view your collection in order and offer a sense of progress as you fill spots. They are a popular choice for collectors who enjoy completing series such as Canadian decimal sets or commemorative runs.
• Binders and Storage Boxes- For larger collections, binders and storage boxes keep everything neat and easy to access. They are particularly helpful for collectors who want room for expansion.
• Display Cases- Showcase the coins you are most proud of—whether historically significant or personally meaningful. Display cases provide protection while allowing you to enjoy your collection visually.

Step Three: Establish Strong Tracking Habits

A collection is much easier to manage when you know exactly what you have and where it is stored. Tracking prevents accidental duplicate purchases and helps you monitor growth and value over time.

There are several approaches collectors can take:

• A printed checklist works well for set completion, making it satisfying to mark progress
• A simple spreadsheet allows for sorting information by category, purchase date, condition, cost, and estimated value
• A wishlist keeps a running record of which coins you hope to acquire next
• No matter the format you choose, tracking keeps your hobby organized and helps you make smarter purchasing decisions.

Step Four: Set Clear Collection Goals for the New Year

With your system updated, it becomes easier to identify what comes next. Think about what direction you want your collection to grow in the year ahead. Some collectors may want to complete a particular series or date run, while others might shift focus to a new country or historical theme.

Your goals may include:

• Upgrading coins in lower condition
• Filling gaps in specific sets
• Searching for rare varieties or errors
• Exploring precious metal coins or new releases
• Saving for a key piece on your wishlist
• Having a plan keeps the hobby exciting and purposeful. Whether your goals are ambitious or modest, they will guide your collecting journey throughout the year.

Source

What’s the Difference Between a Scarce Coin and a Rare Coin?

The terms "scarce" and "rare" are often used interchangeably in numismatics despite having distinct meanings. While both terms indicate limited availability, scarce coins and rare coins differ by definition. Understanding these differences can help collectors make more informed decisions when acquiring coins.

Rare vs. Scarce Coins

Rare coins are the result of a low original mintage or low surviving population (meaning they were heavily used in circulation or melted down over time), , giving them significant collector appeal compared to common coins. Their “rarity” is not likely to change. On the other hand, scarce coins are coins that are hard to find at a particular moment, possibly due to temporary market conditions like low supply or high demand. While scarce coins are not typically encountered in public circulation, they are still available in certain markets, and their scarce status is subject to change.  All rare coins are scarce, but not all scarce coins are rare. Rarity often depends on historical context, demand, and collector interest.

To remember the difference between rare and scarce coins, note that scarcity is determined by availability at a particular time, while rarity is a more permanent state barring the discovery of a new coin hoard.

What Makes a Coin “Scarce?”

A scarce coin is a coin that is not necessarily rare, but is hard to find in the marketplace either because it is highly collected and/or just is not available at a particular time. Just because scarce coins are not widely seen in circulation, does not mean they are considered rare in the numismatic market. Also, while rare is a well-recognized term in the numismatic industry, the term scarce is not a formal or technical term, though it is commonly used to describe coins that are hard to find at a particular moment.

What Defines a “Rare” Coin?

Like scarce coins, rare coins are difficult to find, but their scarcity comes from a low initial mintage and/or low surviving population (meaning portions of their mintage were lost over time either due to heavy circulation or mass meltings).  Unless some unknown hoard of the rare coin is found, rarity is a fairly permanent state, unlikely to change. 

In rare coin collecting, rarity is often measured by more than just production numbers; factors such as survival rate, collector enthusiasm, and auction history can play significant roles. Examples of rare coins include:

• 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar-- The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the US federal government’s first coin, and only four known copies with a PCGS grade of 65+ exist. The design features a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. One 66+ PCGS grade Flowing Hair Dollar sold for nearly $5 million in 2015. 

• 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny-- 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Pennies are extremely rare—only 40 copies are known to exist. Coin experts believe these coins were struck by accident when copper blanks were left in the press while production of the new steel pennies began. The most expensive 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny ever purchased was for $82,500 in 1996.

• 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel-- The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickels are a numismatic mystery—no one knows how or why they were produced. The new Buffalo design replaced the old “V” nickel design that year. No Liberty nickels with the 1913 date were approved for production. Only five of these coins were ever produced and are generally considered some of the most valuable coins in the world. Two of these specimens sold for over $3 million each.

• 2007 $1M Canadian Gold Maple Leaf-- In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint produced five $1 million (CAD) coins known as the Big Maple Leaf. The Big Maple Leafs claimed the Guinness World Record title as the world’s biggest gold coins with an incredible gold purity of 99.999%, making it one of the rarest gold coins to exist. As with other rare coin values, the market value of the 2007 $1M Canadian Gold Maple Leafs has reached more than $1M of its face value—sometimes four times that price.

Source