American coins

2019 Updates

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Since the beginning of 2019 Gary and I have become responsible for writing the blog content. Should you have any suggestions on topics you would like covered, please don’t hesitate to email laurie@nashuacoins.com  and we will work on it if possible.

 

There is also a new auction bidding app that can be utilized by anyone, anywhere via a cell phone, tablet or computer. We can truthfully say we have an app for that! Give us a call or stop by and we can provide you with more information.

Starting very soon, Nashua Coins and Collectibles will be carrying books from local area authors which will be a great addition to our shop. The books are all mysteries which we hope will be welcomed by many of our customers! Stay in touch with us for more details!

And finally to bring you up to date on the area coin show schedule, Nashua Coins will be present at the shows coming up as follows:

3/17 at the Nashua, NH at the Holiday Inn

3/24 at Devens, MA in the Spring Hill Suites Marriott

And in April, on the 19th and 20th at the NH Coin Expo in Manchester, NH at the Radisson

 

Image result for calendar march april 2019

Spotting the Real from the Fake

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Spotting the Real from the Fake

As long as currency has stimulated the economy, there has been counterfeiters trying to scam the unsuspecting. As time passes, American coins from the past gain greater value. Because of this, counterfeiters work even harder to make replicas they can pass off as the real thing. It’s true that coin shops and collectible stores are trained to identify the frauds from the real thing. Still, some counterfeits can slip through the cracks. Spotting a fake coin from the real can be hard for the unpracticed eye. Luckily, if you follow this advice, you’ll be able to identify crude counterfeits.

It’s All in the Seam

If you take the coin, inspect it from every angle, and find a seam, the coin is fake. Coins created by an official mint won’t have a seam. When counterfeiters make a coin, a casting seam will be left. These seams are visible to the naked eye. There’s a good chance that a fake coin will also have a hole marking or inconsistencies in their texture. This is a red flag for any coin collector.

Markings make the Coin

American coins all have a specific mintmark to prove its authenticity. To know the mintmarks of each coin, you’ll need to do some research. Make sure you know what marks to look for depending on the coin and the series in which it falls. Counterfeiters have a hard time reproducing mintmarks.

Spot the Relief

The relief of a coin is the distance between the highest point and the lowest point. This is another aspect of American coins that counterfeiters struggle with. An excellent way to test the relief of the coin you’re hoping to buy is to stack them on top of each other. If the stack falls over, the relief is inconsistent. Do not proceed with the transaction in this situation.

The Laws of Attraction

Magnets are meant for more than decorating your refrigerator. Authentic bullion coins will be made of silver and gold. These elements do not react to magnets. By bringing a magnet, you can identify which coins react and do not react. Of course, some old coins will be made of other substances, so be sure to do your research first.

Knowing all the signs to spot a counterfeit coin can help you identify the real from the fake. Some counterfeits may pass one test but fail another. That is why it’s important to do your research and know the aspects of the coins you’re interested in. Of course, this advice only applies to the crudest of counterfeit coins. The professionals at Nashua Coins & Collectibles will be able to help with assuring the authenticity of coins that interest you so you can weed out the more impressive counterfeits. You can contact Nashua Coins & Collectibles at 603-718-1018 or visit us online.

Get to Know Nashua and Give Back

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Get to Know Nashua and Give Back

One of the most welcoming and beloved aspects of Nashua is the abundance of small restaurants and stores downtown. It gives you a feeling of home to be able to walk around and see all the mom and pop shops thriving. However, the downtown didn’t always look like this. Laurie Galbo of Nashua Coins & Collectibles remembers the changes the city has made over the years. While her business specializes in rare and American coins, Laurie has always loved to give back to the city. This season is your chance to not only remember what you love about Nashua but give back to the city. Laurie has created a calendar available on their website and in the shop, with a portion of the proceeds going straight to PAL.

See Nashua Old and New

Learning the history of coins and other merchandise sparked Laurie’s fascination with the past. The focus of the calendar is Nashua. Laurie went around the city herself to collect photographs of some of the most memorable features unique to Nashua. The mill buildings, murals, and statues of downtown have a history all their own that Laurie explored. She set these photos of Nashua today against their counterparts of the past. This calendar shows you exactly how far the city has come over the past century. You’ll be amazed that the landmarks you know and love haven’t always been what you expect.

PAL

A major portion of the proceeds goes to the Police Athletic League, or PAL for short. This organization focuses on helping kids in the community. Each year, PAL does this with Tactical Christmas. Tactical Christmas is an event where the police, task force, and tactical teams go out dressed in gear to deliver presents with Santa Claus. This event promotes the Christmas Spirit while delivering gifts to families who may not be able to afford them otherwise.

 

If you love the city you live in, give back to it. Laurie Galbo may work hard at Nashua Coins & Collectibles, but her passions are PAL and this city. For more information on the calendars, contact Nashua Coins at 603-718-1018 or visit them online!

Six Fun Facts of the Indian Cent

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Six Fun Facts of the Indian Cent

One of the most popular pennies in existence would be the Indian Head Penny. Even people who don’t collect recognize the now iconic penny. James Longacre designed the Indian Head Penny. Because it premiered in the years leading up to the Civil War, this penny is viewed as an important part of the history of American coins. Though it was only struck from 1859 until 1909, the Indian Head Penny remains a favorite part of many coin collections. Here are six more fun facts about the Indian Head Penny!

 

1.

The Indian Cent evolved from the Large Penny. When the Large Penny was first minted, the public did approve. As the Mint reduced the size of the penny, the Flying Eagle Penny came to be. As design flaws affected the use of the Flying Eagle Penny, the Mint replaced it with the Indian Head Penny.

2.

Though most think the design is of an Indian Chief, the face was intended to be Lady Liberty adorned with an Indian headdress. When it comes to American coins, it’s hard to get more American than Lady Liberty and Native Americans.

3.

Due to their location on the timeline, Indian Head Pennies have different values. It was struck for fifty years, so multiple editions of this penny exist. The earlier versions from the years leading into the Civil War carry a higher value than newer editions. Of course, this is just a rule of thumb.

4.

The very first Indian Head Penny featured a laurel wreath on the opposite side. This edition of the penny was made of a copper-nickel composition. However, within a year, the laurel wreath was exchanged out for an oak wreath. When they made this change, they also added a small shield to the top of the penny.

5.

Most coins that enter circulation only last a few decades. Very rarely do circulated coins still exist 100 years later. This is what makes the Indian Head Penny so fascinating. Not only did it survive over 100 years, but certain editions remain in abundance. Naturally, the abundant versions are not as valuable as the more rare editions.

6.

The Indian Head Penny faced a lot of changes in 1864. The first significant change was the composition. This is the year the United States Mint chose to use bronze in penny production instead of copper and nickel. This year also saw the addition of a small L to the bottom of the headdress in honor of James Longacre.

American coins have such a rich history that too many people are unaware of. For example, the 1908 and 1909 Indian Head Pennies are the only editions with the mint marks printed on them. You never know what facts follow around the coins in your pocket. For those interested in numismatics, contact Nashua Coins & Collectibles today or visit them online!

Tips for the Coin Show Circuit

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Tips for the Coin Show Circuit

All coin collectors one day hope to make it to a coin show. Whether it’s a small scale show for the day or a weekend event with a couple of hundred vendors, it’s exciting. Not only do you get to meet people who share your passion, but you get to see rare coins you never knew existed. When it comes to your first coin show, it can get overwhelming. Here are some tips and tricks for making the most of the coin show circuit!

 

Know Your Money

This doesn’t just apply to knowing your coin collection. You should always keep your budget in mind. This means know how much you’d be willing to spend to grow your collection and how much you’re going to ask for if you are selling. Always be sure to have cash on you. While some vendors may be credit and debit accessible, many will not be.

Keep It Comfortable

Of course, you want to dress respectably to show you know what you’re talking about. You should. Still, keep in mind that it’s going to be a long day. You’re going to spend most of that time on your feet. Make sure that your clothes are neat but comfortable. Your shoes should give you enough support to make it through the day.

Know the Floor

Knowing the floor starts before you even get to the coin show. Prepare yourself by finding out which vendors and coins are going to be there. This may not be necessary for smaller coin shows, but at larger coin shows you won’t have time to see everything. Know what you want to look at! Once there, find where those coins and vendors are located so you can work smarter and not harder. If you prepare accordingly, you may even have spare time to visit vendors you didn’t expect!

Bring Your Tools

You would never purchase a coin without inspecting it first. You should go one step further and bring your own tools so you know the quality of the inspection. Of course, vendors wouldn’t intentionally try to scam anybody. Still, if their tools get used and dirty throughout the day, using your own is a definite way to give a thorough inspection. This comes in handy with rare coins.

The coin show circuit is here to bring numismatic enthusiasts together to display and sell their goods. The larger the coin show, the more overwhelming it can get. If you follow these tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro. You can see rare coins to your heart’s delight and maybe make some connections. For more on American and rare coins, contact Nashua Coins and Collectibles today or visit them online!

Their Expertise in Coins and Care

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Their Expertise in Coins and Care

Numismatics is the study or collection of money in different forms. From coins to paper currency to medals, there are so many different kinds of money in the world. Something people tend to overlook is that money gains value over time. A lucky penny may be worth more than a cent if you keep it long enough. Nashua Coins & Collectibles understands this and helps collectors and sellers know the value of their coin and money collections. With a specialty in American coins, here’s what makes Nashua Coins experts in their field!

 

Their Specialty

Gary Galbo founded Nashua Coins as a full-service coin dealer nearly forty years ago. He started with a focus in Small Cents rare coins due to his love for Lincoln and Indian cent series. The Lincoln cent first popped up in 1909. Victor David Brenner designed the Lincoln penny for the United States Mint, and it has since seen various reverse sides. The Indian cent, on the other hand, dates back to before the Civil War and has remained a favorite collection item ever since. Nashua Coins know their schtick when it comes to American coins.

National Coin Show

Gary has worked the national show circuit many a time before. Between 1996 and 2004, that was his primary focus. His experience there has made Nashua Coins & Collectibles even better at knowing the best route to go with your collection. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection or sell for a profit, Gary and his staff can help you take those steps. They can give you an appraisal and show you the ropes of the coin show circuit.

Networking

The staff of Nashua Coins is well connected. Gary alone is a lifetime member of the American Numismatic Association. On top of this, Gary stays involved with Central States Numismatic Society, Florida United Numismatics, and the New England Numismatic Association. For Nashua locals, consider joining the Nashua Coin Club of which Gary is the president!

 

Coins have a varied and fascinating history. You never know when that quarter you found on your Grandma’s nightstand will be worth a fortune. For any questions on American coins, coin collections, or auctions, talk to Nashua Coins & Collectibles. Contact them today or visit them online!

Four Ways To Make Coins Appraisal A Success

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coins apparaisal

Finding rare coins is exciting. You feel like you’ve opened up a brand new world of possibilities, and you can’t wait to find out how much your coins are worth. The next step, naturally, is to get your coins appraised by a professional. If you’ve never been to a session before, you should prepare by bearing these tips in mind. These steps ensure that your coins appraisal is successful. Nashua Coins is always happy to answer any questions you may have!

 

coins apparaisal

 

1.) Ensure the condition of the coin(s) 

If an item gets damaged, there is no way that its value will remain intact or that it will increase over time. When they’re not getting evaluated, it’s best to ask professionals like ours for tips to ensure that they stay in the best condition possible. We’ll provide honest advice. It always works better than going DIY.  

 

2.) Go to a professional

Don’t waste your time with people who don’t know the actual market value of any rare coins you have in your possession. You only want to go to people who know what they’re doing and can get you the most value for your products. Luckily, Nashua Coins & Collectibles has professionals on hand who know what they’re talking about and are happy to share that information. You’ll get the most out of your experience when you visit us.

 

3.) Think of questions you may have

Especially if you’ve never been to a coin shop before and are new to the world of coins appraisal, you probably have some questions about the process. Even if a problem seems to be inconsequential, you can gain plenty of information if you take the time to ask. We’re not here to judge. We’ll happily answer questions you have about the process so that you feel comfortable.

 

4.) Have realistic expectations

It’s tempting to buy into the myth that nearly all old antiques and coins are worth lots of money. Sure, there are highly valuable items that are just waiting to get appraised. However, not every old product will yield a fortune. We love giving people the good news about their coins. Still, it’s best to maintain realistic expectations, so you don’t feel too disappointed if your profit margin is low.

 

 

Nashua Coins & Collectibles is happy to talk to our customers about coins appraisal, so feel free to give us a call at (855)-287-2216 and see what we can do for you today!

Some Terms For The Numismatist

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American coins

Entering the world of coin collecting is an exciting and intense experience. With so many collectible American coins or foreign currencies, there is plenty for a new Numismatist to look out for to know what they want to collect. After all, the collecting is for you at the end of the day. You want to be proud of your collection. When you first start collecting coins, it can be complicated to know where to start. Do you just happen to find the coins, buy them, sell any that you have?

While some of those questions are best figured out in person with the help of our shop dogs, we can start you off with the basics. Knowing terms that you will hear the farther into coin collection you go will be a huge step to completing your first collection. The Fun Times Guide had a fantastic guide for the top terms that you should know. We agreed with them. So, without further ado, some 10-coin collector terms they listed that you should be aware of when you start collecting!

 

American coins

 

  • Numismatist

    • When you start collecting coins, you are a Numismatist. The extent of what counts as a real collector is up for debate in the community, but as far as we are concerned, if you collect, you are a Numismatist! Congratulations.

  • Coin grading

    • The actual act of evaluating American coins. The process figures out the state of the currency’s preservation ultimately based on the lack of/amount of wear that the coin has.

  • Brilliant Uncirculated

    • BU for short, this is a standard grade for coins. It pretty much means that the coin has no wear with “good to superb surfaces.” So, if you have a perfect coin, you have a BU coin.

  • Redbook

    • Instead of a little black book, Numismatists have the little red book. The book is called A Guide Book of United States Coins by Kenneth Bressett and R.S. Yeoman. In circulation since 1947, the book is republished every year with updates and contains valuable information like price lists, coin information, and color photos of the coins that you can encounter when collecting American coins.

  • Third-Party Graders

    • This one is pretty self-explanatory. These are the companies or firms that you will send you coins to so they can be evaluated and graded.

  • Slabbed Coin

    • In a hard, sonically sealed and tamper-evident holder, Slabbed coins are coins that have been graded and authenticated by a third-party grader.

  • Cull Coin

    • These are the coins that can save you money when you start collecting. These coins are just coins that don’t necessarily meet the “standards” of the coins that a majority of collectors are seeking.

  • Eye appeal

    • The aesthetics of the coin are worth a bit. If the surface quality of the coin is good, then it has excellent eye appeal regardless of the grade.

  • Novelty Coin

    • These are the legal tender coins that are altered to be “commemorative” coins. Usually made in honor of presidents, these coins feature images of presidents like Kennedy and Obama, as well as Sacagawea.

  • Proof Coins

    • These coins are manufactured with polished coin blanks and struck with specially prepared dyes for the coin. It is how the coin gets made, not a grade.

 

 

With these terms under your belt, you are sure to be on your way to becoming an expert Numismatist and find rare American coins. When you are ready to start your next conversation about coin collecting, stop into Nashua Coins and Collectibles today on Main Street in Nashua or give us a call at (603)-718-1018.

The Henning Nickel

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American coins

The beginning

In 1954, collectors in the New Jersey/ New York area began reporting 1944 nickels turning up in circulation. Missing the “P” mint mark on the back and the lack of wartime 35% silver composition.  These have been referred to as the “Henning” nickel, these counterfeits made by Francis Leroy Henning of Erial, New Jersey. The  FBI quickly caught on in 1954, It is estimated that more than 100,000 of these put into circulation in 1954-55.  Also, the coins weighed 5.4 grams compared to 5-5.1 grams for authentic coins. 

 

The consequences

The legend is that Henning dumped 200,000 to 400,000 counterfeit in creeks and rivers in New Jersey when the Feds sought him. The counterfeits are made of 80% nickel with some steel and other elements.  One of the mysteries associated with the issue is why did he make them. Considering that given the materials and work involved, it was not economically beneficial. In fact, he probably lost money on them. Henning was also purported to have produced counterfeits dated 1939, 1946, 1947, and 1953.  He had a previous arrest for counterfeiting $5 bills. When caught, Henning was sentenced to 3 years in jail and fined $5,000.00 for his counterfeit American coins.

To learn more about historic American coins and also see our coin collection, visit Nashua Coins & Collectibles. If you have any questions about our business or what we have to offer, give us a call at 603 718-1018

 

 

 

 

2009 Lincoln Cent Designs and Penny News: 2009 Lincoln Pennies and Bicentennial Coins

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American coins

In 2009, the United States Mint struck four different pennies and two silver dollars in celebration of the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest leaders, Abraham Lincoln. 2009 Lincoln pennies commemorate the bicentennial birth of President Lincoln and the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln cent.

While the obverse or heads side of these American coins have remained unchanged, new reverse designs beautifully portray facets of Lincoln’s life. The first, second and third cents have already launched into circulation. Here are small images and links to each of the four new American coins designs:

2009 Lincoln Cents
Lincoln Cent Birthplace
#1

Lincoln Cent Formative Years
#2

 Lincoln Cent Professional Life
#3		 Lincoln Cent Presidency
#4

Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky. In 1909 the Congress passed a bill to change the design of the penny from the Indian head design to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest leaders in United States history, Abraham Lincoln.  We’ve had Lincoln pennies ever since. The longest running coinage series of all US coins.

 

#1 Lincoln’s Birth 

The first design of 2009 shows the Log Cabin where Lincoln was born, in Hodgenville, Kentucky.

 

#2 Lincoln’s Formative Years

The second design of 2009 shows Lincoln reading a book while taking a break from splitting logs for firewood.  Lincoln grew up and spent his formative years in Indiana where he studied law and eventually became a lawyer.

 

#3 Lincoln’s Professional Life

The third design shows Lincoln in Illinois where he first became elected to the United States Senate.

 

#4 The Presidency

The fourth design shows the new White House in Washington DC, which was completed during Lincolns first term as president.

 

 

For rare American coins and other collectibles, visit Nashua Coins & Collectibles. Give us a call at (603)-718-1018 and see what we can do for you today!

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