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How to Assemble a U.S. Coin Type Set as a Novice Collector

A basic "Type" Set of U.S. Coins is a collection of one representative piece for each denomination. If there has been more than one design for each domination, these are included too. The first United States-issued coin was the 1792 "half disme." Specimens of any coins prior to 1834 are very difficult (and expensive) to obtain. The novice collector is encouraged to start small and build his set gradually. He might want to focus on common date 20th century coins as his first project. We are now talking about the penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, silver dollar, etc. (Another of my articles explores rarer coins and the more serious side of building a complete Type Set, including gold coins).

Numismatics is a great hobby for children, as there is a lot of history associated with coins. Novice collectors will want to assemble an "entry level" Type Set. At first, circulated examples are fine, however, you may want to upgrade to uncirculated and Proof issue. Please keep in mind it is important to properly catalogue and store your coins. The following is a guideline for each denomination of coin.

Things You'll Need

A magnifying glass
A good light source
Special acetate "flips" to hold coins
A copy of "The Official Red Book" by R.S. Yeoman

Instructions

- 1
  20TH CENTURY CENTS
  
  Indian Head, 1900 to 1909 (This series began in 1864)
  
  Lincoln Head Wheat Reverse, 1909 to 1958
  
  Lincoln Head Memorial Reverse, 1959 to 2008
- 2
  20TH CENTURY NICKELS
  
  Liberty Head, 1900 to 1912 (This series began in 1883)
  
  Buffalo, 1913 to 1938
  
  Jefferson, 1938 to Present (There are also "Wartime" Nickels)
- 3
  20TH CENTURY DIMES
  
  Barber Head, 1900 to 1916 (This series began in 1892)
  
  Mercury Head, 1916 to 1945
  
  Roosevelt (90% Silver), 1946 to 1964
  
  Roosevelt (Clad) 1965 to Present
- 4
  20TH CENTURY QUARTERS
  
  Barber Head, 1900 to 1916 (This series began in 1892)
  
  Standing Liberty, 1916 to 1930
  
  Washington (90% Silver) 1932 to 1964
  
  Washington (Clad) 1965 to 1998
  
  Washington (Clad, Silver) State Quarters, 1999 to 2008
  
  Note: Regular Washington design resumes in 2009
- 5
  20TH CENTURY HALF DOLLARS
  
  Barber Head, 1900 to 1915 (This series began in 1892)
  
  Liberty Walking, 1916 to 1947
  
  Franklin, 1948 to 1963
  
  Kennedy (Silver), 1964
  
  Kennedy (40% Silver), 1965 to 1970
  
  Kennedy (Clad), 1971 to Present
- 6
  20TH CENTURY DOLLARS
  
  Morgan, 1921 (These were first minted in 1878)
  
  Peace, 1921 to 1935 (The 1921 Peace dollar was issued in "high relief")
  
  Eisenhower (40% Silver), 1971 to 1978
  
  Eisenhower (Clad), 1971 to 1978 (There are other varieties of "Ike" dollars)
  
  Susan B. Anthony, 1979 to 1981 and 1999
  
  Sacagawea, 2000 to Present

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