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Coins have been an integral part of human society for thousands of years. But have you ever stopped to think about how exactly coins are made? The process of creating coins is fascinating and involves several intricate steps, from the US coin’s initial design process to striking. In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into the world of coin production from start to finish.

In the world of numismatics, the thrill of the hunt is as exciting as the treasures themselves. There's a unique sense of satisfaction in uncovering a rare coin, especially if it holds significant historical or monetary value. For those who find pleasure in collecting half dollar coins, there are a few elusive gems that can make your pursuit even more rewarding. In this blog post, we'll explore five of the most rare and valuable half dollar coins that you should keep an eye out for in your numismatic adventures.

The Barber coins, named after their designer Charles E. Barber, are a sought-after series of collectible coins recognizable for their identical iconic design. Barber dimes, quarters, and half dollars are a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the United States Mint. But the Barber coinage series is more than just a collection of beautiful objects — it represents a unique moment in US history. This coin saw the turn of the 20th century, the birth of the modern era, the Spanish-American War, and an era of peace that ended at the same time as the coin with America’s entrance into the War to End All Wars.

With only a handful of rare exceptions, these iconic coins had high mintage, which means they aren't too hard to track down in circulated condition. And with just 25 years of minting, curating a complete Barber coin collection is actually quite feasible. In this guide to the series, you’ll learn more about Barber dimes, quarters, and half dollars, including their rich history, key dates, and rare varieties.

Some of the same US nickels that could only buy a piece of candy or an ice cream cone at one time in history are worth millions of dollars today. But what turns an everyday nickel into the one of the world's rarest and most valuable?

Whether you're looking to expand your own knowledge as a coin-collecting connoisseur or hoping to discover one of these rare coins in your piggy bank, let’s explore eight of the rarest nickels ever minted in the US!

1. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel – Three Legs

The 1937-D Buffalo nickel is one of the rarest and most famous error coins of the 20th century. This now ultra-valuable die variety was created when a worker attempted to repair and perfect the surface of a coin die by polishing it. However, they over-polished the surface, removing most of the buffalo's front leg and some of the details of the back leg. Only the hoof of the buffalo can still be seen on the ground. While collectors should be aware of altered counterfeits, authentic 1937-D nickels can be worth quite a lot. In 2015, one was sold for $88,125.

United States pennies are undoubtedly a history-rich, all-American coin. They have been well-utilized and cherished throughout numerous iconic periods of American history. With so many rare and valuable penny varieties, oddities in existence, these small coins are endlessly interesting to collect. 

There are a wide variety of ways that the most rare pennies came to be so rare. Some were minted during a low-mintage year, with only a few thousand ever being produced. Some feature an error or unique intended or unintended characteristic from the minting process. In this blog from L&C Coins, we’ll explore seven of the most rare pennies available on the market today — the pennies worth more than a penny!

Minted and circulated from 1909 to the present day, the Lincoln penny is an iconic and history-rich coin with an endlessly interesting selection of designs and variants to collect. Several reverse designs have been featured in tandem with the Lincoln cent’s obverse depiction of Abraham Lincoln, and numerous historical and production-related events have created an amazing variety of pennies for collecting. Produced at four different mints and taking the title of the most abundantly issued coin in history, the Lincoln cent is one of the most collection-worthy and popular coins in existence.

America’s most collected coin, the Morgan Silver Dollar, was born out of the rich silver mines of Nevada and is a treasured relic of the old American West. Minted from 1878-1904, again in 1921, and beginning again in 2021, Morgan Dollar coins are a great addition to any collection. Morgan Dollars were the first dollar coins created following the Coinage Act of 1873, preventing the manufacturing of silver dollars and Seated Liberty Dollars.

Beginning a Morgan Silver Dollar collection can be less expensive than some other coins, and achieving this great collection is thrilling and challenging. The Morgan Dollar is an accessible and worthwhile pursuit for collectors. Available in a wide price range, they’re a unique collector’s coin with a nostalgic place in United States history.

If you’re a new collector, coin terminology can be confusing. Collectors seem to have a language all their own! It’s not “heads”, it’s “obverse.” It’s not “tails”, it’s “reverse.” And everyday descriptors like “raw” or “variety” have specific meanings unique to collecting coins.

But where do you begin? Here are 10 coin collecting terms to help you become a more informed collector.

Coins offer much more than just monetary value. Each one has a unique composition and design. If you’re drawn to coins and their connection to history, collecting is an exciting way to explore that. But where do you start? How do you build a high-quality coin collection? Here’s what we recommend for beginners.