coins

hi , any of you guys collect coins? i started about 6 months or so ago. i collect indian head pennies and wheat pennies. i'm cheap , plus thats all i can afford. i enjoy going through old rolls of wheaties. i have some i would like to clean up some , but not to the point you can tell they were cleaned. anybody have some tips?

First tip is don't clean them at all. Not even soaking in jewerly cleaner. If anything, soak them in plain water and soap, no scrubbing. If you look hard enough, you can find rolls of wheatbacks for $4 or so a roll. Get a good loupe or lens to view them, 8-10 power is fine. I picked up a stereo microscope at a yard sale for cheap. They also make a kids toy QX-3 microscope that hooks up USB. I used to go to the bank every payday and get a few rolls of pennies when i cashed my check. There are some dates that are collectible that are not wheatbacks. 1998 and 2000 come to mind, you have to know what to look for though. Roll them back up and turn them in after you have gone through them. Also get a roll or 2 of half dollars if they have them, 1964-1970 were 40% silver, i have found franklins rolled up and even older in there.

A coin collecting friend of mine introduced me to this following link. He's an experienced collector/ebay dealer specializing in specific coins.
http://www.pcgs.com

Mozz gave good advice, don't clean them at all, it just devalues them.

Radio Shack sells a 50 power microscope for $10. An 8 power loop and that little micro scope & you'll be seeing things up close & personal. Just this week I found a wheat penny in my change! I've found three in the last few months and I'll bet it's been 5 years since that has happened.

Here's one more tip, every penny made before 1982 has more copper. Start saving them all before 1982. But on the other hand, i have piles of 1976 bicentennial quarters and halves, they are now worth about........face value.

thanks guys. best leave them alone. i ordered the red book on coins. the year ago one was real cheap. that should have tons of info in it.

You can make big money buying and selling stamps and coins on eBay, but you really have to know what you're doing. I have a lifelong friend who really knows his stuff about this, he makes his living buying and selling.

Why are 1998 and 2000 valuable ?

There was a type 1 and type 2 of both years. Little bit rusty on the specs but i think they used to go for $35 each. Found this on google

"A rather new addition to the 'RedBook' are 1998, 1999, and 2000 'WIDE AM' Lincoln cents (all from Philadelphia mint - no mintmark). Also referred to as 'Type 2' reverses, these varieties were made with reverse dies intended for PROOF cents. They are easily identified by a space between the A and M of AMERICA. The space is wide enough so it can even be seen without magnification! On normal coins of these dates, the A and M are nearly touching. All 3 can be found in pocket change and bring a substantial premium over face value. $10 - $40 for the 1998 and 2000, and $100 - $300 for the 1999"

thats cool , i'll go through my memorials. i thought all proof sets were made at San Fransico.?????