Newbie coin collectors are often overwhelmed by the words and phrases they come across in their new hobby. These U.S. coin grade letters, numbers, and abbreviations are the most common ones you need to know when grading coins at home yourself.

Proof coins represent the finest, the very best, that any U.S. Mint has to offer. You see, proof doesn't refer to a particular grade. Rather, proof refers to the result when a coin is manufactured in a special way. Proof coins vary greatly from their business strike -- regular, circulation-quality -- counterparts and they take a different path in the Mint.

What are mint marks? Mintmarks are small letters stamped on U.S. coins that designate where the coin was made. Where a coin was minted affects its value. See which coins each U.S Mint facility made. And what a U.S. coin without a mintmark means. (Some are rare error coins. Others are not supposed to have a mint mark.)

1932 quarters are worth a lot of money! Why? Because they're made of 90% silver AND because they mark the first year that Washington quarters were struck. Find out how much YOUR 1932 quarters are worth right here!

See the MANY reasons why coins are round. Plus, a list of odd-shaped U.S. coins that are NOT round + A list of all the various coin shapes that exist today.

Curious about the value of First Strike coins? Are they even worth buying? Here's an expert analysis on whether First Strike coins are a good investment.

The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. has the 1804 dollar, 1933 double eagle & other rare coins. Here's what you'll see. Plus my tips for visiting the museum.

Wondering how money is made and how American currency goes from being printed by the government to winding up at your local bank, in stores, and in your pocket? Here's a fun, easy-to-understand article showing how money gets distributed into commerce, how you can track where your dollar bills have been, and how long money in circulation lasts.