Blog
The Magikos-Coins blog is practical know-how about collector and investment coins. We explain the difference between proof and BU, what mintage and silver fineness mean, how NGC grading works and how to store your coins. In the Collectors Guide you will find tips for beginners and advanced collectors, and in Coin Themes – the stories of mythology, wildlife and famous figures that end up on silver and gold.
Latest articles
Pieces of Eight: The Spanish Silver Coin Pirates Wanted
Pieces of eight were Spanish silver coins worth eight reales, struck in Spain's American mints from the 1500s to the 1800s.…
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Coins Wanted by Collectors: 20 Most Sought-After Coins
The coins wanted by collectors are usually the ones that almost nobody can get: a 1794 silver dollar with 1,758 struck, a…
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What Is a Numismatist? Numismatic Definition and Meaning
A numismatist is a person who studies coins, banknotes, tokens and medals, and usually collects them too. The word looks…
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Ancient Greek Coins: History, Famous Coins and Value
Greek coins were among the first coins the Western world ever used, and some of the finest ever made. A silver owl from…
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What Is a Proof Coin? Finishes, Grades and How to Spot One
Hand a proof coin to someone who doesn't collect, and the first thing they do is press a thumb right onto the mirror. Hand…
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Silver Christmas Coins 2026: Holiday Designs Worth Giving
Silver Christmas coins are one of the few gifts that look better every year: socks wear out, sweaters get returned, but a…
Read more →Collectors Guide
See all →Practical advice for coin collectors: how to choose a silver or gold coin, how Proof and BU finishes differ, what mintage and NGC grading mean, how to check if a coin is silver and how to store it.
Gifts for Coin Collectors: Holiday Guide to Coins They'll Keep
Finding gifts for coin collectors is harder than it looks. They already own a loupe, an album and strong opinions about…
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Gold-Silver Ratio – What It Is and What It Says About Silver
The gold-silver ratio tells you how many ounces of silver it takes to buy one ounce of gold . It is one of the simplest and…
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Obverse and Reverse – Which Side of a Coin Is the Front?
The obverse is the front of a coin and the reverse is the back. That is the crossword answer – but a collector needs to know…
Read more →Coin Themes
See all →Stories and symbols on collector coins: Archangel Michael, the Guardian Angel, Year of the Goat 2027, Norse runes and Vikings, each with matching coins.
Achilles and the Trojan War – Achilles' Heel and the Iliad
Achilles is the bravest of the Greek warriors at Troy and the hero of Homer's "Iliad". He was almost immortal – he died from…
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Prometheus and the Titans – the Myth and Pandora's Box
Prometheus is the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity – and was chained to a rock in eternal torment…
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Odysseus – the Trojan Horse and the Odyssey
Odysseus is the cleverest of the Greek heroes – king of Ithaca, the mind behind the Trojan horse and the hero of Homer's…
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