A mint mark is a small letter or symbol that is stamped into a coin as it is being made to identify which mint the coin was produced at. Congress created the mint marking process after the first mint branches were created in 1835. If you’re interested in learning more about mint marking, watch this…
Did you know coins can be edged in more than one way? Precious metal coins can have reeded, milled, grooved, lettered, decorated, or plain edges. Each edging technique has different characteristics that allow for unique coin designs that can be differentiated by look and feel. If you’re interested in learning more about the coin edging…
Coins are classified by applying the official Sheldon grading scale from 1 to 70, with 1 being the worst and 70 being the absolute best possible condition. A higher grade can often result in greater potential profit in the open market. In this episode of U.S. Money Reserve’s “Did You Know?,” we cover the difference…
First minted in 1986, the Gold American Eagle Coin is one of the world’s most popular gold bullion coins, not only for its gold content and iconic design, but also for its historical significance and important role as a portfolio diversifier. Learn more about Gold American Eagle coins in today’s episode of “Did You Know.”…
Have you ever been curious about the various events that lead to the creation of American coins? In today’s episode of U.S. Money Reserve’s “Did You Know?” we follow the 200-year timeline of American Coinage from the first coins ever minted to the famous, modern Gold American Eagle. History of American Coinage: Did You…
Over the years, the United States Mint has designed and struck a variety of precious metal coins to commemorate certain people, places, and events. These coins are highly collectible and produced only in limited numbers. If you’re interested in learning more about these coins, watch today’s episode of U.S. Money Reserve’s “Did You Know.” …
S, W, D, P Are these letters an arcane initialism? Secret message? Online coupon code? These letters are none of the above! S, W, D, and P are mint marks you’re likely to see on American coinage. Coin mint marks provide information about a coin that’s important for the following reasons. A Coin’s Mint Mark…
PCGS stands for Professional Coin Grading Service, one of the most respected names in third-party coin certification. Such a distinction means that a PCGS coin label is more than a piece of paper. It’s a guarantee of authenticity, quality, condition, and even satisfaction. If you’re not sure why or how PCGS coins could benefit your…
What’s the difference between the terms mint state and proof? A big one! One term refers to a coin’s graded condition and the other most often refers to a coin’s method of manufacture. When comparing prices for mint vs. proof coins, you want to make sure you fully understand what you’re buying. Each coin is…
Leonardo da Vinci. Rembrandt. Picasso. Adolph A. Weinman? Early twentieth-century sculptor Adolph A. Weinman may not be a household name in America, but he should be. His creations can be seen across the country, from New York City to Detroit, and his legacy lives on with every Silver Eagle Coin that’s minted. Meet the man…
Are Silver American Eagle Coins pure silver? How much are Silver Eagles? Why buy them? If you have questions about one of the U.S. Mint’s most popular coin programs, U.S. Money Reserve has answers. We’re America’s Gold Authority®, but we also know a thing or two about silver. Check out our easy to follow Silver…
Burnished. Is it a coin type? Classification? Grade? To “burnish” something means to make it shiny or lustrous, especially by rubbing. In the world of numismatics—the study of coins and currency—a burnished coin is more than a polished piece of gold or silver. The basics: What is a burnished coin? The burnishing process was first…
