Explore iconic coin types that influenced later minting traditions—from ancient owls to trade thalers—and learn how collectors can recognize their long-lasting design DNA.
Popular Coin Minting Techniques: Striking, Casting and Hammered Issues
Learn the key coin minting techniques—striking, casting, and hammered issues—and how each method affects details, authenticity checks, and collectability.
Mint Marks, Initials and Symbols: How to Recognise Mint Signatures
Learn how to recognise mint marks, initials and symbols on coins and use mint signatures to identify origin, designers and varieties in your numismatic collection.
How a Coin Is Made: From Design to Strike
Learn how a coin is made from design to strike, step by step, and why the minting process matters for coin collecting and numismatic value.
How to Pre-Grade a Coin Yourself: First Assessment of Condition
Learn how to pre-grade a coin yourself with a structured first assessment of condition before sending it to a professional coin grading service.
Should You Clean Coins? Facts, Myths and Risks
Should you clean coins or leave them untouched? Learn key facts, myths and risks of coin cleaning and how to protect the value of your numismatic collection.
Simple Coin Photo Studio – How to Build It Cheaply and Effectively
Learn how to build a simple coin photo studio cheaply and effectively for sharp, accurate numismatic images using basic gear and smart lighting.
Coin Grading Scales Explained: What VF, XF and MS Really Mean
Coin grading scales explained: learn what VF, XF and MS really mean, how they fit into the Sheldon 1–70 system and how they impact your coin collection.
Ideal Conditions for Coin Storage: Humidity, Temperature and Light
Learn the ideal humidity, temperature and light conditions for coin storage to protect your numismatic collection from corrosion, toning and environmental damage.
Mint Metals Explained: Silver, Gold, Copper and Their Role in Numismatics
Mint Metals Explained: Silver, Gold, Copper and Their Role in Numismatics, from history and metal properties to storage, grading and everyday collecting practice.