SALARSNET READING ROOM
Coin collecting guides
Find a place to start, then explore the coins and questions that interest you. These 48 guides on SalarsNet and 27 Store articles cover collecting, mintmarks, rare issues, errors, silver, grading, authenticity, and coin history.
U.S. coin reference by denomination
Explore the historical series index, reviewed identification guides, and selected issue specifications. Coverage labels show which date, mint, rarity, and variety details still need research.
Start here
New to coins? Begin with the basics and learn how silver coins differ from collectible coins.
U.S. coins
Explore familiar American series, from early coins to Morgan and Peace dollars.
Grading and certification
Learn what a grade means and how third-party grading works.
- Coin Grading Standards
- Below VF: Lower Grade Coins
- VF to XF: Very Fine to Extremely Fine
- AU-50 to AU-58: About Uncirculated
- MS-60 to MS-64: Typical Uncirculated
- MS-65 to MS-69: Gem Uncirculated
- MS-70: Perfect Uncirculated
- PCGS Certification: Industry Leader
- NGC Grading: Global Excellence
- Population Reports: Market Intelligence
- Holder Technology: Security Innovation
Authentication and tools
Check what you have and learn which tools can help you inspect it.
U.S. coin errors and varieties
Start with the manufacturing stage, then check the guide for the coin’s denomination. These articles cover the main error families across U.S. coins; individual dated die varieties need a matching attribution reference.
- U.S. coin errors: where to start
- Planchet and metal errors on U.S. coins
- Striking and collar errors on U.S. coins
- Die errors and varieties on U.S. coins
- Errors on U.S. cents, nickels, and early copper
- Errors on U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars
- Errors on U.S. dollar coins and modern issues
- Errors on U.S. gold, bullion, and commemorative coins
- 1964 Kennedy proof Accented Hair: what to check
- Photo Drafts illustrated coin-feature guide
Mintmarks and rare issues
Learn how to read mintmarks, check key dates, and separate a promising find from a common lookalike.
Peace dollar buyer questions
Identify the mint, calculate the silver content, and inspect raw coin photos before comparing a listing.
Morgan and silver dollar buyer questions
Start with the full value and authenticity references, then use the focused mintmark and listing guides.
- 1921 silver dollar value: Morgan or Peace, mintmark, and condition
- Is my silver dollar real? A Morgan and Peace dollar checklist
- 1921 Morgan dollar mintmarks: compare Philadelphia, D, and S coins
- 1923 Peace dollar: photo checklist for no mintmark, D, and S
- 1921 Morgan dollar mintmark: no mark, D, or S
- 1921 Morgan or Peace dollar? Identify the two silver dollars
- Raw vs. graded silver dollars: what “ungraded” means online
- 1923-S Peace dollar vs. no mintmark: what buyers should check
- Is a 1922 Peace dollar high relief? Check the claim before buying
- Morgan dollar O mintmark: New Orleans coins and the 2021 privy mark
Before you buy a silver dollar
Use real coin photos, mintmark checks, and recent sale comparisons to make a more confident choice.
Bullion coins
Understand gold and silver bullion coins, proof versions, and common buying decisions.
- Bullion Coins Investment Guide - Gold & Silver Eagles, International Coins
- American Eagles Investment Guide - Gold & Silver Eagle Coins
- International Bullion Coins - Krugerrands, Maples & Global Precious Metals
- Proof Coins Investment Guide - American Eagle & International Proof Coins
- Bullion Coin Investment Strategies - Portfolio Allocation & Timing
Ancient and world coins
Read about coins from other places and time periods.
- Ancient Greek Coin Collecting
- Ancient Roman Coin Collecting
- Byzantine Coin Collecting
- World Coins Investment Guide - International Numismatics
- British Commonwealth Coins Investment Guide
- European Coins Investment Guide - German States & French Issues
- Asian Numismatics Investment Guide - Chinese, Japanese & Indian Coins
- Emerging Markets Coins Investment Guide - Africa & Latin America
Research and care
Build a collecting plan, research prices, and protect the coins you keep.