Today is the 225th birthday of the United States Mint. Now is the time for all collectors, casual and serious, to think about the many issues that have come out of the Mint. Many early coins are scarce, expensive, and out of reach for the average collector. That does not mean these coins cannot be appreciated. Learn more about them. Study photos, guide books, and auction catalogs. Knowledge makes you a better collector.

Recall the 19th century issues, the attractive capped Bust. All those Seated Liberty coins. Indian cents and large cents, half cents, twenty cent coins. There were two-cent and three-cent coins. There are coins minted but  not known to exist, such as the 1873-S Seated dollar. And don't forget the Morgan silver dollar, and the historical Carson City coins. And gold! Especially after the Gold Rush!

20th century coins, some of the most popular and attractive in the American series. The three new coins of 1916, newly recalled and re-minted in gold. The All-American Buffalo nickel. The Lincoln cent, still being minted after 118 years. All the commemoratives, classic and modern. Bullion coins. Something for everyone.

New issues in the 21st century, with more to come. The new $100 gold featuring an African-American Liberty. A palladium coin featuring the familiar Mercury obverse. More National park quarters. Perhaps Apollo 11 commems.

Remember the eight mints that struck US coins.

Happy birthday to the US Mint, and many more!