10 Must-Own Coins Every New Collector Should Start With

Coin collecting offers アンティーク コイン of the most enriching and enduring hobbies imaginable

If you're captivated by the past, design, or the adventure of discovery

coins provide a physical link to bygone eras

Beginners should prioritize coins that are easy to find, budget-friendly, and culturally significant

Every novice collector should seriously consider these ten cornerstone coins

The Lincoln cent, minted since 1909, is an ideal entry-level coin

You’ll find them everywhere, at low prices, with dozens of dates and mint marks to collect

The 1909 VDB cent—featuring V.D.B. on the reverse—is a legendary rarity that every serious collector dreams of acquiring

Next, the Jefferson nickel from 1938 onward offers a simple yet elegant design

The 1939 and 1950 D nickels are notable for their lower mintages and are excellent targets for new collectors

The Buffalo nickel, produced from 1913 to 1938, is another favorite due to its iconic Native American and bison imagery

The Roosevelt dime, introduced in 1946, is another staple

Don’t overlook the 1949-S and 1955-D dimes—they’re scarce and highly collectible

Compact and simple to organize, these dimes mark the first time a living president was featured on U.S. coinage

With decades of production, the Washington quarter delivers endless opportunities for variety hunting

The 1932 D and 1932 S quarters are scarce and valuable, making them exciting goals

Quarters from the ’60s and ’70s are ideal for completing a full date run

Honoring President Kennedy, the 1964 half dollar is a vital piece for any 20th-century collection

The 1964 issue is prized for its 90% silver content, unlike later clad versions

Post-1964 halves, particularly those with die cracks or off-center strikes, offer thrilling finds

Few coins capture the spirit of 19th-century America like the Morgan silver dollar

A single Morgan dollar—even from a widely available year—transforms any collection into something extraordinary

Crafted with artistry and steeped in American industrial history, Morgans never lose their allure

The Peace dollar, minted from 1921 to 1935, is the elegant successor to the Morgan

The design blends classical beauty with post-war symbolism: a dove-like eagle and a radiant Liberty

Few coins rival the 1921 high-relief issue for artistry—it’s a showpiece every collector dreams of owning

The US gold coins, such as the Indian Head eagle or the Saint Gaudens double eagle, may seem out of reach

Affordable gold pieces like the 1909 $5 half eagle bring luxury and historical weight without breaking the bank

They connect you to the splendor of early 20th-century U.S. minting

Many collectors skip the Eisenhower dollar, but its unique place in history deserves attention

The 1976 Bicentennial version with the Liberty Bell on the reverse is a popular and iconic coin that commemorates American independence

Finally, don’t forget the modern American Silver Eagle

Each coin contains one full ounce of pure silver, making it both beautiful and practical

It’s the perfect gateway into bullion collecting and is now a staple of modern numismatics

Each of these coins tells a story and opens a door into American history, art, and culture

Begin with coins that speak to you personally, explore their histories, and let your collection unfold at its own pace

The joy of coin collecting lies not just in the coins themselves, but in the journey of discovery that comes with them