Mail Bag – What is Your Favorite Coin Auction Site

Piles of Mail

While coin auction sites and coin auctions can polarize the numismatic community, they have an important role in collecting. More often than not, many look at these sites only for the ultra-wealthy collectors to add ultra-rare coins to their collections. But that is not always the case, and great deals can be found on coins. The question becomes, which one is best? That was exactly James’ question when they sent a message to the Mail …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – Package Tracking Apps

Piles of Mail

If you are like me, it seems every week I have a package containing coins being shipped to me or I’ve shipped out (usually for grading). Keep track of those packages is important so you can be sure to be home when they arrive if possible or know if they are stuck somewhere in the systems of the United States Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx. It would seem that Carlos is in need of such …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – Is The Mint Enrollment Program Worth It?

Piles of Mail

One of the latest emails to come into the Mail Bag has come from Andrew. He fellow Coloradan and is questioning if the Mint Enrollment Program that are offered on a wide range of numismatic products each year are worth it. The answer is mostly yes. Clinton, Greetings from (redacted), Colorado. I see that you highlight on products from the Mint when there is an enrollment program for it. I don’t really get the value …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – What is The Most Affordable Coins I Can Collect?

Piles of Mail

Today’s Mail Bag question is one that I suspect many new and young collectors have asked. What coins can I collect that are affordable? It is a question I suspect most of us have asked at one time or another but for young collectors, this become particularly important. That’s exactly the question that Abby has asked in their email to me last week. Hi, My name is Abby and I’m (age redacted as they are …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – I Need A Free Pricing Guide

Piles of Mail

Today’s Mail Bag question is a good one and I suspect that others are asking the same question. It comes in from Manny and they are asking about free coin guides to help find a value of a coin both in their collection as well as when they are at a coin show or shop. I’m looking for a pricing guide that I can use when I’m trying to value my coins and when I’m …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – Are Coin Roll Boxes Really Worth It?

Piles of Mail

Today’s Mail Bag question comes from Edmond who asked about coin roll boxes. The question came from a recent Today’s Deal I posted about here on the site and Edmond, rightfully, wants to know if these boxes are really worth it. Hi, You posted last week about coin roll boxes as a todays deal. I looked at them but they are really expensive for being basically a cardboard box. Are they really worth it? For …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – Is It Just Me? I Hate Slabbed Coins!

US Mail Bag

Ah, the love/hate relationship so many of us collectors have with professional graded, or slabbed, coins. Even after decades of these services being around, it is still a hot topic for many of us on if we like the idea of having a coin graded and inserted into plastic for time eternal. Karen wrote into the Mail Bag last week and asked a question I think probably all of us have asked at one point …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – I’m Done Buying From The Mint

US Mail Bag

Today’s Mail Bag letter comes from Sam and to see he’s a bit frustrated would be an understatement. His note to me via the contact page here on the site was one that I received in some vein from four other people: They are done buying from the Mint after this week’s fiasco around the Carson City and New Orleans Privy Mark Morgan Dollars.. I selected Sam’s email because it was the least…. colorful of …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – Will The New American Eagle Designs Revitalize Interest?

US Mail Bag

Today’s Mail Bag question comes in from Matt and it concerns the American Eagle. Specifically, Matt is curious if the new Reverse designs of the American Eagle coins will revitalize interest in the series. In my opinion, I think it will cause a bump in interest but I’m not sure it will be sustained. Clinton, I wanted to get your opinion on if you think the new design of the (American) Eagles will improve sales …

Continue Reading

Mail Bag – High Resolution Coin Images

US Mail Bag

Today’s Mail Bag question comes from David and it has to do with the high resolution images of coins from the United States Mint. Specifically, they ask how they are obtained. Clinton, You post a lot of high quality pictures of coins from the mint. Where do you get them? Do you only get them because you are press? Thanks, David Any time you see an image of a United States circulating coin, American Eagle, …

Continue Reading