Articles Archive
Getting Started articles
The following set of articles come from the ANA's monthly magazine, The Numismatist. They're all geared for the beginning hobbyist.
The Lincoln Memorial Cent Collectors looking for variety and availability will find a lot to like about this common coin. Mitch Sanders
Ten Notes Worth Noting Paper money reflects America’s economy, as well as our country’s rich history. Mitch Sanders
Adding to Your Collection Take the time to follow five, simple suggestions before putting out the welcome mat for new acquisitions. Mitch Sanders
References for Beginning Collectors Even the experts will tell you—introductory books on coins and collecting are your best numismatic investment. Mitch Sanders
The Big Picture Large-size bank notes present a colorful view of our country’s history, commerce and art. Mitch Sanders
By the Book Your numismatic library should grow along with your coin collection. Mitch Sanders
Collecting Coins from Circulation Oh, the anticipation! Patient hobbyists have been known to find treasures in loose or rolled change. Mitch Sanders
Synergistic Serendipity Images on Coins Tell Stories Coins from all centuries share the ability to tell stories through their powerful images. Mitch Sanders
Collecting Strategies Type set? Date/mintmark set? How you organize your collection ultimately is up to you. Mitch Sanders
The Color of Money With their vibrant, rainbow hues and palettes, coins and currency allow hobbyists to experience the full spectrum of numismatics. Mitch Sanders
Flying Eagles and Indian Head Cents Once familiar images on the common, American "penny," these popular motifs eventually give way to a presidential portrait. Mitch Sanders
Eagles Continue to Soar Featured on a wide variety of coins and in diverse poses, our country’s national symbol enjoys a position of prominence. Mitch Sanders
Collecting in the Global Community Coins depicting a wealth of exotic and fascinating topics beckon to collectors from around the world. Mitch Sanders
Golden Touch Augustus Saint-Gaudens' coin designs are testimonies to his numismatic talent and artistic creativity. Mitch Sanders
A Collector's Guide to Dating Coins Dates on coinage are not always a reliable indication of age. Sometimes historical, political or religious context is needed. Mitch Sanders
A Numismatic Hail to the Chiefs Coins and paper money bearing Presidential portraits reflect our country’s rich numismatic history. Mitch Sanders
The Hunt for World Coins Beginning your collection of foreign coinage can be easy on the eyes as well as the wallet. Mitch Sanders
Interview with the Nickel Constantly circulating, the Jefferson nickel takes time out to comment on his 2004 makeover. Mitch Sanders
An Introduction to State Quarters Pulling quarters from circulation is a great way to explore our nation and build an attractive collection. Mitch Sanders
Can You Judge a Coin by Its Cover? Whether your concern is safety, appearance or expense, there are storage options for every numismatist. Mitch Sanders
Collecting Kennedy Halves The 50-cent coin bearing the former President's Profile was released in 1964 to unprecedented popularity. Mitch Sanders
Money of Latin America Though some coins feature familiar images and themes, many others are unique reflections of the nations that issued them. Mitch Sanders
The Lincoln Memorial Cent Collectors looking for variety and availability will find a lot to like about this common coin. Mitch Sanders
Little Treasures Though 30-percent smaller than their predecessors, contemporary U.S. notes are definitely big collectibles. Mitch Sanders
The Lure of 20th-Century Silver Produced almost 100 years ago, these artistic pieces continue to capture collectors’ hearts and imaginations. Mitch Sanders
The Many Faces of Liberty Whether she’s walking or standing, hair flowing or gathered in a cap, she’s always a lady. Mitch Sanders
March of the Euro With its diverse designs and continental flair, the euro offers collectors the opportunity to expand their numismatic world. Mitch Sanders
Date/Mintmark Sets Decisions, decisions . . . but rest assured, there are no right or wrong choices. Mitch Sanders
Modern Dollar Coins It’s a great time to collect dollar coins, in spite of their less-than-stellar popularity in the past. Mitch Sanders
The Morgan Dollar Once considered a numismatic misfit, this silver coin enjoys a rich history and a devoted following. Mitch Sanders
The Numismatic Marketplace Shops, shows, ads and auctions—how to find prized pieces that suit your interests and pocketbook. Mitch Sanders
A Numismatic Recipe Coins usually are forged of materials more resilient than snips and snails and puppy-dog tails. Mitch Sanders
Numismatic Thanksgiving Hobbyists appreciate the many resources that make collecting more accessible. Mitch Sanders
Collecting Odd Denominations The evolution of the American monetary system led to some useful, but short-lived coins. Mitch Sanders
Presidents on Parade The new Presidential dollar coins honor America’s past leaders, some of whom have never before appeared on U.S. money. Mitch Sanders
Read All About It Get ready for the traditional school year and expand your hobby education by building a numismatic library. Mitch Sanders
Reading America’s Coins In the land of E Pluribus Unum, coins and their inscriptions often convey interesting messages. Mitch Sanders
Rounding Up Roosevelt Dimes America’s 10-cent piece, symbolic of our respect for a President’s service during a difficult era, is relatively easy to collect. Mitch Sanders
Silver and Gold The basis of wealth and power, these precious metals have influenced numismatics throughout history. Mitch Sanders
A Journalistic Approach to Small Cents Though they may be little, these coins have newsworthy scope and history. Mitch Sanders
Small, But Mighty The diminutive dime’s diverse designs offer collectors of U.S. coins big rewards. Mitch Sanders
Storage Solutions When deciding how to best preserve their coins, collectors have a variety of options to consider. Mitch Sanders
Assembling a Type Set of Nickels In anticipation of the new 5-cent coins, why not form a simple collection of their predecessors? Mitch Sanders
Up Close and Personal A variety of tools and technology gives numismatists a better appreciation of the beauty of their collections. Mitch Sanders
The Washington Quarter In spite of changes, or perhaps because of them, this venerable coin is here to stay. Mitch Sanders