Top numismatic influencers and coin collecting educators covering ancient coins, US coins, world coins, banknotes, bullion stacking, precious metals investing, and coin roll hunting.
Start with coin roll hunting — requires no upfront investment beyond face value. Order rolls of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters from your bank and search for silver coins (pre-1965 dimes and quarters) and wheat pennies. A $25 box of pennies could yield coins worth $5–$50. A 10x loupe ($10–$15) is the only tool needed to start. Coin collecting YouTube channels on CollectibleFind teach exactly what to look for.
Coin roll hunting (CRH) is searching bank rolls of coins for silver coins, rare dates, and error coins. To start: visit your bank and ask for rolls (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars), search each coin with a 10x loupe, keep the valuable finds, and return the rest at face value. Silver Roosevelt dimes (1946–1964), silver quarters (pre-1965), and war nickels (1942–1945) are the primary targets.
The most valuable US coins include: 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent ($700+), 1916-D Mercury dime ($1,000+), 1893-S Morgan dollar ($10,000+), 1921-D Walking Liberty half, and 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent ($1,000+). These key dates appear in circulation and estate finds. Coin collecting influencers on CollectibleFind cover key date identification in dedicated tutorials.
Both PCGS and NGC use the 70-point Sheldon scale and are equally respected. PCGS holders command slightly higher premiums for US coins on the secondary market. NGC is preferred for world and ancient coins with more flexible standards for older pieces. Either service provides a reliable, market-accepted grade — coin creators on CollectibleFind discuss which service to choose for specific coin types.
Key date US coins in high grades, Carson City and San Francisco mint issues, pre-1933 US gold coins, and early American coins have historically shown strong appreciation. Bullion coins (American Silver Eagles, Gold Maples) provide precious metals exposure without significant numismatic premiums. Coin investing influencers on CollectibleFind cover market conditions and value trends regularly.
Pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, and half dollars are 90% silver. War nickels (1942–1945) are 35% silver — identifiable by the large mint mark above Monticello. Look for the date (1964 or earlier for most denominations) and check for the distinctive silver edge (no copper stripe visible). CRH YouTube channels on CollectibleFind demonstrate silver coin identification in real-time video.
Essential supplies: a 10x magnifying loupe ($10–$15), cotton gloves to prevent oil transfer, a Whitman folder or Dansco album for your chosen series, and the Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins). A digital precision scale ($15–$25) is useful for bullion verification. All are available via the CollectibleFind Supplies page with Amazon links (tag: collectxinf-20).
Begin with common Roman Imperial bronze coins (AE3 and AE4 types from the 4th century AD), purchasable for $5–$50 each. Late Roman bronzes, Constantinian dynasty coins, and Byzantine copper are widely available and affordable. Ancient coin channels on CollectibleFind cover authentication, cleaning techniques, and provenance research for ancient purchases.