Complete Guide to US Coin Types
A denomination-by-denomination tour of every major US coin series — history, key dates, design stories, and what to look for as a collector.
15 parts · Free to read
Overview: The Major US Coin Series
A bird's-eye view of US coinage from 1793 to today — denominations, design eras, and how to choose which series to collect.
Large Cents & Half Cents (1793–1857)
America's earliest copper coins — Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Classic Head, and Braided Hair designs, plus key dates and collecting strategies.
Indian Head Cents & Flying Eagle Cents
The small cent revolution of 1857 — Flying Eagle and Indian Head cents, key varieties, and why the 1877 is the king of the series.
Lincoln Cents: Wheat, Memorial, Shield & Beyond
Over a century of Lincoln cents — Wheat reverses, steel war cents, Memorial design, Shield reverse, and the key dates every collector hunts.
Buffalo Nickels & Liberty Head Nickels
Two iconic five-cent designs — the 1913 Liberty Head mystery, dateless Buffalos, key dates, and grading challenges unique to these series.
Jefferson Nickels: Key Dates and Varieties
The modern nickel from 1938 to today — war nickels with silver, Full Steps designations, and affordable key dates for budget collectors.
Mercury Dimes & Barber Dimes
Two beloved silver dime series — Barber design (1892–1916), Winged Liberty "Mercury" (1916–1945), Full Bands designation, and key dates.
Roosevelt Dimes: Silver and Clad Eras
From 1946 silver dimes to modern clad issues — Full Torch designations, proof varieties, and the transition year of 1964/65.
Standing Liberty & Barber Quarters
Early 20th century quarters — the scarce 1916 Standing Liberty, Type 1 vs Type 2, Full Head designation, and Barber quarter key dates.
Washington Quarters: Silver, Clad, State, and America the Beautiful
The longest-running quarter design — silver era, State Quarters phenomenon, National Parks, and what makes certain dates valuable.
Walking Liberty & Franklin Half Dollars
Two classic silver half dollars — the Walking Liberty's stunning design, Franklin's Full Bell Lines, and key dates for both series.
Kennedy Half Dollars: Silver to Modern
The Kennedy half from 1964 silver to modern clad — accented hair varieties, bicentennial issues, and why 90% silver 1964s are hoarded.
Morgan Dollars: History, Key Dates, and Collecting
America's most popular silver dollar — the Comstock Lode story, VAM varieties, key dates by mint mark, and the GSA hoard.
Peace Dollars & Eisenhower Dollars
Post-WWI Peace dollars and Space Age Eisenhower dollars — design history, key dates, silver vs clad varieties, and collecting strategies.
Modern Dollars: Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea & Presidential
Modern small dollar coins from 1979 to today — SBA wide/narrow rim, Sacagawea Cheerios variety, Presidential errors, and Innovation dollars.
Ready to Find Your Next Show?
Browse hundreds of upcoming coin shows across every state, with dates, venues, and contact details.