History

• The most rare and coveted of coins are those struck between 1795 and 1933. This is because during the Great Depression, and again in the 1980s, many of these coins were melted down by the U.S. Mint.
  
  

Significance

• Rare coin collection not only is a good hobby, but also it provides valuable lessons in money and American history.
  
  

Types

• According to US Coin Values Advisor, some of the more commonly collected rare coin types (including year of origin) include: Liberty Nickels (1883-1913), Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938), Seated Liberty Quarters (1838-1891), and Sacagawea Dollars (2000-present).
  
  

Condition Categories

• According to Rare Coin University, when purchasing rare coins, consider the condition of the coin. It should fall under one of three categories: good, a worn coin with a fair amount of detail; fine, a coin with excellent detail; and uncirculated, a coin that has never been in the general circulation.
  
  

Warning

• Only purchase rare coins from reputable dealers. Individuals, particularly those found on popular auction sites, provide no guarantees that the coins are authentic.