Penny Ranch

How to Clean Coins to Make Them More Valuable

You come across a rare 1909 Indian Head Cent, generally worth over $400. But wait it’s very dirty and tarnished. What do you do?

Find A Coin On A Headstone? Don't Touch,Here's Why

Coins on a headstone? Finders, keepers? Not this time.

30 collectibles that are now worthless

If you're expecting to find a collector's gem among your records, stamps, coins, toys, or books, here's why you should brace for disappointment.

How to Get Top Dollar for Your Coin Collection

Did you just inherit a collection of rare coins? If so, congratulations. You could have a very valuable asset in your possession, especially if the collection includes real silver coins. The problem is, you can run into a lot of pitfalls – not to mention dishonest people – when you try to determine

Finding Treasure: A Quick Guide to Antique Appraisal

Could that old vase in your attic be valuable? We talked to a local appraiser to find out.

4 Things To Remember When Coin Collecting

In my nearly 20 years of coin collecting, there are a few lessons I've learned and want to share with you.

8 Coin Collecting Investment Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make money when they sell their coin collections. Avoid these eight mistakes and you will be able to make a profit when you sell your coins.

'Problem coins': Why collectors can't always be too choosy

They might not be pretty, but there are times when a market opportunity forces some­one to accept a coin that has a problem (or two, or three).

5 Important Things I Learned About Buying Rare Coins

In my 20-plus years of coin collecting, I've learned a lot about buying rare coins, including the 5 important lessons shared here.

Penny Foolish or Penny Wise?

The penny costs more to make than its face value, so why is it still around? One quarter, two nickels, three dimes, zero pennies. This is what you may find in the average pocket. Most people do not…

Ways to Determine a Mint Coin and How Coin Collectors Can Assist

The condition or grade of a coin is one of the key factors in determining its grade. When you hear the term ‘mint’ or ‘mint state,’ this means that the coin is in excellent condition—on par with its condition when it was issued. The American Numismatic Association categorizes ‘mint coins’ as Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) and Uncirculated (Unc). Below are a few ways on how you can determine if you have a mint coin and how coin collectors can provide assistance<br>Examine both sides…

What Makes a Coin Valuable?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the coin market that appear in my mailbox is “What makes a coin valuable?”

The Meaning of Finding a Penny: Are They Pennies from Heaven?

Have you ever been walking along, minding your own business, when you looked down and saw a penny there on the sidewalk in front of you? You know the old rhyme, “See a penny, pick it up, and all th…

Under Pressure: How Coins are Made

How Coins Are Made: There are several characteristics of how each piece is produced that influence its overall appearance and even grade.

What To Do When You Inherit A Coin Collection

It’s one of the most frequent posts on coin forums: “I got this coin/collection from my relative, and I don’t know what to do with it or what it’s worth.” Since coin collecting has been the …

Why You Should Attend a Coin Show

With all of the coins (and information about coins) available online, what’s the big deal about going to a coin show? There are a lot of reasons to connect with the numismatic …

7 Mistakes To Avoid When Collecting Coins

1: Old equals valuable. Many beginning collectors opt for the oldest coins they can find, assuming that the age of the coin contributes significantly to the value. This is not the cas…

How to Earn AH Coins?