Explore Resources for Coins, Currency, and Precious Metals

Lincoln cents are the ideal starting point for most collectors. They span over 110 years of American history, are affordable in circulated grades, and have a clear collecting goal — the complete date-and-mintmark set. The series introduces key concepts naturally: the 1909-S VDB teaches rarity and mintage, the 1922 No D teaches die varieties, and the 1943 copper teaches error coins. Once you understand Lincoln cents, every other U.S. series makes more sense.

Start with our series-specific price guides on this site, then cross-reference against recent eBay sold listings (not asking prices — sold only) for the same date, mint mark, and grade. For coins you believe may be valuable, the PCGS CoinFacts and NGC Coin Explorer databases show certified population data and auction records going back decades. For any coin potentially worth over $100, professional grading from PCGS or NGC adds authentication and a certified value that protects you when buying or selling.

Melt value is the intrinsic metal value of a coin — calculated by multiplying the coin's metal content by the current spot price. A 1964 Kennedy half dollar contains 0.3617 troy oz of silver; at $30/oz spot, its melt value is about $10.85. Numismatic value is what a collector will pay above melt for historical significance, rarity, and condition. A common-date coin in average grade may trade near melt, while a key date in high grade can command 10–100x melt value. Melt provides the floor — numismatic value provides the upside.

Morgan dollars are among the most liquid and widely collected coins in the hobby — making them solid for collectors who want both numismatic appeal and investment potential. Common-date Morgans in MS-63 to MS-65 have held value well over decades and benefit from both collector demand and silver price movements. Key-date Morgans (1889-CC, 1893-S, 1895) have appreciated significantly over time. The best approach is to focus on condition — MS-65 and above examples of any date tend to outperform lower-grade common dates over the long term.

Both PCGS and NGC accept submissions directly through their websites or through authorized dealers. PCGS submissions go through PCGSCoinFacts.com — membership starts around $69/year. NGC submissions go through NGCcoin.com with similar tiers. Local coin shops that are authorized dealers can often submit on your behalf at better rates. Economy tier grading fees start at $20–$30 per coin with 30–45 business day turnaround. For coins worth under $75–$100, grading costs may not be justified — focus on higher-value key dates and better-grade examples.