introduction to coin collecting

Make sure that if you are interested in collecting authentic United States coins you only get them from the United States Mint. They are the only mint which is a federal agency, part of the Department of Treasury and is authorized to make real, legal tender coins by the United States Congress.

The United States Mint releases a number of different products of varying "conditions" for collectors. For the America the Beautiful Quarters^®Program there are four conditions of coins that can be collected: silver proof sets, proof sets, uncirculated coins and circulated coins.

Silver Proof Sets

Proof is the highest level of collector quality the United States Mint produces, struck in 90% silver.

Proof Sets

Pristine, sharp detail with a mirror like finish, a true collectible.

Uncirculated Coins

Others sell coins they claim are uncirculated. In reality, they’re simply "new" coins you could find at any bank. The United States Mint’s uncirculated coins are specially minted to have sharp detail and a satin finish — a higher collector quality than you can find in circulation.

Circulating Coins

The "pocket change" everyone is familiar with, the billions of legal tender coins that are minted every year — a fun introduction to collecting.

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