Struck from 1913 to 1938, the Buffalo Nickel is a uniquely American masterpiece. Explore the history of James Earle Fraser’s iconic design, learn why so many of these nickels have no dates, and find out how to spot the highly valuable 1937-D 3-Legged error coin.
It is widely considered America’s most beautiful small coin. Explore the history of the Mercury Dime, from its mistaken identity to the legendary 1916-D rarity. Learn how “Full Bands” affect a coin’s grade and why these 90% silver coins remain a staple for investors.
Don’t let the name fool you. “Junk Silver” (or Constitutional Silver) is one of the smartest ways to invest in precious metals. Learn how to calculate face value multipliers and why pre-1965 US coins are a staple for physical silver investors.
Inheriting a coin collection can be overwhelming. From the golden rule of “never clean your coins” to sorting silver from base metals, learn the essential first steps to protecting your family’s numismatic legacy and avoiding costly mistakes.
Born from the Comstock Lode, the Carson City Mint produced the most romanticized coins in American history. We explore the legend of the “CC” mint mark, the value of Morgan Silver Dollars, and the incredible story of the GSA Hoard discovery.
Michigan is a state rich in history and innovation, from the automotive industry to its stunning natural landscapes. For collectors, this heritage is also stamped in metal and printed on paper. At Keywell Collectibles, we have a special appreciation for items that tell a story, and there’s no story more personal to us than that of our home state.
Not all tarnish is bad. In the coin market, “Rainbow Toning” can increase a coin’s value by 10x. Learn the science behind the color, how to spot “Monster Tone,” and how to avoid the scams of Artificial Toning.
In 1862, you couldn’t find a penny in America. The Civil War caused a massive coin shortage, leading to the creation of private “Store Card” tokens, tiny paper “Shinplasters,” and worthless Confederate bills. Learn about collecting the economics of conflict.
From the nickel that scammers gold-plated to pass as $5, to the quarter that sparked a morality scandal in 1916, history is full of minting disasters. Learn why collectors love the “Racketeer Nickel” and other famous US Mint failures.
When your collection grows to include truly high-value pieces, the stakes get higher. These are not just collectibles; they are significant investments and tangible pieces of history. Protecting them requires moving beyond the basics into advanced preservation strategies.