Hextras

I love watching others gang up and go crazy with Nerf Guns.  Enjoy:

http://youtu.be/Yah4oqmRO10

Current Projects(Near to being finshed)

Well my epic longshot died it wasn’t to epic. So I decided to buy a Ertl
rapid fire shotgun. I am planning on cpvcing the turret. I’ll have it
done in a few days. Not My pics.
By: domo0

Continue Reading »

Current Projects(Near to being finshed)

How to Build an Earthbag Dome

Note: If you’re new to earthbag building, first read the
introductory Step-by-Step Earthbag Building Instructable and How to
Build an Earthbag Roundhouse . We built this earthbag dome at our home
in Thailand for Mother Earth News Magazine in 2007. The article that
describes the complete building…
By: Owen Geiger

Continue Reading »

How to Build an Earthbag Dome

Nerf electronic gun!

Ok now  this instructable I will show you how to make your nerf gun
look cooler. I’m enter this in to the usb  contest so please vote
for it!!!! If you like what I build please subscribe to me!!!!
By: TSC

Continue Reading »

Nerf electronic gun!

Maverick Barrel Pop-out Mod

*Note* OH CRAP I only just realised that Bridel568 had
already made this I’ble, so all credit goes to him, heres a link to
his:
http://www.instructables.com/id/nerf-maverick-mod-full-barrel-removal
OK, so this is my first I’ble so, don’t be a jerk. This I’ble
will show you how to be able to pull…
By: Punching Grampas

Continue Reading »

Maverick Barrel Pop-out Mod

nerf secret strike mod

this wiill show you how to do a full barrel replacement, and how to
remove the air restrictors from the nerf secret strike pocket blaster.
(sspb) what you need: -screwdriver -saw -barrel material (1/2in petg
pipe, 1/2 cpvc pipe, brass pipe, or hollowed out marker) -some sort of
glue (hot glue…
By: billybenj

Continue Reading »

nerf secret strike mod

superjail3’s longshot halo assault rifle in progess

 my longshot being turned into a assualt rifle from the popular
game halo
By: superjail3

Continue Reading »

superjail3’s longshot halo assault rifle in progess

Nerf reactor to shoot nerf dart mod

This is my first instructable, idk if anybody reads any of these mods
anymore but hope u like it =] sry if i dont have any pictures tho =/
what u need: some sort of saw screwdriver some sort of knife or blade
(scissors maybe) some sort of a pipe to use as a barrel (cpvc,
petg, bras…
By: billybenj

Continue Reading »

Nerf reactor to shoot nerf dart mod

nerf recon removable foregrip

 I saw a recon foregrip mod on www.nerfhaven.com but it was screwd
to the gun and as I like to use the gun without the barrel that was no
good mod for my. So i decided to make it removable. This is the result:
(I forget to make pics in they process so the pics are from when
it’s finished. )  

By: stardidi

Continue Reading »

nerf recon removable foregrip

Nerf recon cs-6 foregrip

 Hello all this is my first instrctable so ima show u how to make a
recon cs-6 for grip using these materials: longshot pistol recon cs-6
recon cs-6 scope screwdriver tape.

By: superjail3

Continue Reading »

Nerf recon cs-6 foregrip

Nerf Mavric super powerd

This is instructabule is for the Nerf  mavric, it increases loading
speed and power. and a dart mod * DISCLAIMER: I am not responsibly
for any or a injure, or involvement with the law on your part, so think
safety! Be sure to where proper protection and be sure to secure all protection
By: knuckel

Continue Reading »

Nerf Mavric super powerd

Our kids aren’t getting enough exercise these days.  It’s hard to get them off the couch, or away from the computer long enough to get any real exercise.  I’ve got good news though - give ANY boy a Nerf Gun and he’ll be running around fighting the “bad” guys in seconds.  You might get some exercise too - since of course he will be chasing you as well!

Ebay occasionally has package deals of Nerf guns that make it really affordable to arm his friends as well.

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Our first post on Nerf Games went over great and I promised that I’d let you know the game that they came up with on my next post.  Here it is:

Nerf Capture The Flag Game

I’ve got a bunch of kids, and our house is that house [...]

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Back when we rode dinosaurs instead of bicycles we used to play tag with water guns through out our development.  Our mothers hated it because we would all put on white shirts, and “borrow” our mothers food coloring.  We’d of course load the water guns [...]

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

In the toy gun arsenal, there is nothing better than a NERF blaster – it’s NERF or nothing after all!

NERF blasters are the #1 selling kid toy gun in the world for plenty of reasons.
First, a major benefit of NERF blasters is that they are simple and [...]

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Fun with a NERF Maverick

Fun with a NERF Maverick

The NERF Maverick is the ultimate in single shot, personal side arms for when you have to impose yourself on the office battlefield or in the school playground. The NERF Maverick is accurate at up to 15 feet and more – we’ve managed to shoot all six darts on target [...]

Fun with a NERF Maverick

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

You may think you need a heavy duty NERF Vulcan for assault and defense, but if you need to sneak up on someone, you really need something to allow you to get up close and personal like a NERF Maverick. The answer to this question is that like anything [...]

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

Many people will want to pick out their Nerf gun based on how cool it looks, which can be hard to do, since their bright paint jobs and new designs make them all look pretty cool. If you’re shopping for a child you will probably want to pick one out based on its age range, since some Nerf guns and weapons can be more powerful than others. They can also have more complicated shooting styles or are too heavy for younger Nerf blasters. Another option you will want to consider when choosing your Nerf gun is where it is going to be used. More powerful guns can shoot up to forty feet and probably aren’t recommended for indoor use. But there are less powerful guns that can be used for living room or office Nerf battles as well.

Several of the more popular guns include the Nerf Maverick, Nerf Raider, and Nerf Vulcan. They are all very cool-looking guns but each serve different purposes in your Nerf arsenal. The Nerf Maverick is a smaller gun that looks similar to a revolver. When you’re ready for battle simply load the 6 foam darts into the round chamber and you can fire them off in a matter of seconds. The Maverick could very easily be an indoor or outdoor gun as it only shoots up to 15 feet.

The Nerf Raider and Nerf Vulcan on the other hand are quite a bit bigger and recommended more for the big kid who loves Nerf. The Raider is Nerf’s version of a Tommy-gun. Its claim is the largest capacity Nerf gun ever. It holds 35 darts in its drum magazine and can shoot a single shot or can be set to rapid fire to give you an edge in your next Nerf battle.

Weighing in at 8 pounds, the Nerf Vulcan shoots rapid fire mini darts. With an attached ammo belt and target sites you’ll never run out of Nerf ammo and it provides some of the most precise shooting accuracy. Both the Vulcan and the Raider are probably better for outdoor use as they are able to shoot a further distance. Either one would be a fine choice to take into your next Nerf battle.

With all of the choice of Nerf guns out there you will need to do your research to find which one is best suited to your needs and shooting abilities. And with all the safe fun you can have with a Nerf gun, why not add them all to your Nerf Gun arsenal.

Current Projects(Near to being finshed)

Well my epic longshot died it wasn’t to epic. So I decided to buy a Ertl
rapid fire shotgun. I am planning on cpvcing the turret. I’ll have it
done in a few days. Not My pics.
By: domo0

Continue Reading »

Current Projects(Near to being finshed)

How to Build an Earthbag Dome

Note: If you’re new to earthbag building, first read the
introductory Step-by-Step Earthbag Building Instructable and How to
Build an Earthbag Roundhouse . We built this earthbag dome at our home
in Thailand for Mother Earth News Magazine in 2007. The article that
describes the complete building…
By: Owen Geiger

Continue Reading »

How to Build an Earthbag Dome

Nerf electronic gun!

Ok now  this instructable I will show you how to make your nerf gun
look cooler. I’m enter this in to the usb  contest so please vote
for it!!!! If you like what I build please subscribe to me!!!!
By: TSC

Continue Reading »

Nerf electronic gun!

Maverick Barrel Pop-out Mod

*Note* OH CRAP I only just realised that Bridel568 had
already made this I’ble, so all credit goes to him, heres a link to
his:
http://www.instructables.com/id/nerf-maverick-mod-full-barrel-removal
OK, so this is my first I’ble so, don’t be a jerk. This I’ble
will show you how to be able to pull…
By: Punching Grampas

Continue Reading »

Maverick Barrel Pop-out Mod

nerf secret strike mod

this wiill show you how to do a full barrel replacement, and how to
remove the air restrictors from the nerf secret strike pocket blaster.
(sspb) what you need: -screwdriver -saw -barrel material (1/2in petg
pipe, 1/2 cpvc pipe, brass pipe, or hollowed out marker) -some sort of
glue (hot glue…
By: billybenj

Continue Reading »

nerf secret strike mod

superjail3’s longshot halo assault rifle in progess

 my longshot being turned into a assualt rifle from the popular
game halo
By: superjail3

Continue Reading »

superjail3’s longshot halo assault rifle in progess

Nerf reactor to shoot nerf dart mod

This is my first instructable, idk if anybody reads any of these mods
anymore but hope u like it =] sry if i dont have any pictures tho =/
what u need: some sort of saw screwdriver some sort of knife or blade
(scissors maybe) some sort of a pipe to use as a barrel (cpvc,
petg, bras…
By: billybenj

Continue Reading »

Nerf reactor to shoot nerf dart mod

nerf recon removable foregrip

 I saw a recon foregrip mod on www.nerfhaven.com but it was screwd
to the gun and as I like to use the gun without the barrel that was no
good mod for my. So i decided to make it removable. This is the result:
(I forget to make pics in they process so the pics are from when
it’s finished. )  

By: stardidi

Continue Reading »

nerf recon removable foregrip

Nerf recon cs-6 foregrip

 Hello all this is my first instrctable so ima show u how to make a
recon cs-6 for grip using these materials: longshot pistol recon cs-6
recon cs-6 scope screwdriver tape.

By: superjail3

Continue Reading »

Nerf recon cs-6 foregrip

Nerf Mavric super powerd

This is instructabule is for the Nerf  mavric, it increases loading
speed and power. and a dart mod * DISCLAIMER: I am not responsibly
for any or a injure, or involvement with the law on your part, so think
safety! Be sure to where proper protection and be sure to secure all protection
By: knuckel

Continue Reading »

Nerf Mavric super powerd

History of NERF Guns

NERF gun history starts with a game designer and inventor, Reyn Guyer, one of the inventors of Twister before he moved on to NERF. Originally, Guyer had the idea for an indoor volleyball game which Parker Brothers was interested in. NERF was developed – Non-Expandable Recreational Foam, which gave the game its name. Parker Brothers reviewed NERF and rejected everything about the game except for the NERF ball used.

NERF is formed by a chemical reaction between polyurethane and injected carbon dioxide which further reacts with the material and forms the very soft, ultra safe foam. The NERF foam was initially marketed as a NERF ball and in 1970 it was launched on the world. Over 4 million were sold in the first year, marketed as the official indoor ball which was so safe it would not break windows or hurt babies.

The success of the NERF ball was quickly followed up by the Super NERF ball, with a mini basketball game launched in 1972 for indoors – NERFHoop and this was joined by a NERF football. Very soon, the NERF football became the best seller out of the NERF toy family.In 1991, Parker transferred NERF rights to Kenner Products, a group company and through them to Tonka Toys and ultimately to current owners, Hasbro. Hasbro has expanded the NERF toy line to include NERF blaster (the ultimate kids toy gun), baseball bats, toy rockets, ball and dart ammunition and beyond into NERF online gaming communities and accessories.

NERF Blasters

NERF blasters are the toy gun range which has taken the world by storm. They are ultimately the safest and best child toy gun on the market. They are eminently suitable for kids and participants who would not be allowed to play in the more rough and tumble paint balling and airsoft. NERF sports are completely safe and include a wide range of games beyond toy guns, but nevertheless, NERF blasters and toy guns are the mainstays of the product range.

The top selling NERF blaster if the Maverick, a Magnum style revolver with six shots and the most popular office toy on the market, showing it is just as much in demand by “big” kids as the little ones. Millions of Mavericks have been sold around the world, but the NERF toy gun range also includes:

NERF MaverickNERF Vulcan – a belt fed fully automatic heavy machine gun – a battlefield domination toy gun with an overpowering 3 rounds per second rate of fire.

NERF Long Shot – the sniper toy rifle of the range with pinpoint accuracy at ranges up to 50 feet and beyond.

NERF Swarmfire – a 20 round dart tag gun which is the leading toy gun for use in NERF wars where darts tipped with Velcro are used in conjunction with NERF vests, to which they will stick if a hit is registered.

NERF Wars

NERF wars are primarily organized through online forums and venues are located all over the country. NERF wars are one of the most popular sporting/hobby pastimes organized for children and teenagers in the country today. Informal NERF wars are held in basements and offices around the country, but there are organized venues and even professional leagues.

NERF Awards

NERF has been at the forefront of toy and game development for over 30 years. In 2011, the newly launched NERF N-Strike Stampede won “Boy Toy of the Year” award at the prestigious New York 11th Annual Toy of the Year Awards. The Stampede was joined by the NERF Super Soaker Shot Blast, one of the leading toy water pistols from a spin off range from NERF

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Our first post on Nerf Games went over great and I promised that I’d let you know the game that they came up with on my next post.  Here it is:

Nerf Capture The Flag Game

I’ve got a bunch of kids, and our house is that house [...]

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Back when we rode dinosaurs instead of bicycles we used to play tag with water guns through out our development.  Our mothers hated it because we would all put on white shirts, and “borrow” our mothers food coloring.  We’d of course load the water guns [...]

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

In the toy gun arsenal, there is nothing better than a NERF blaster – it’s NERF or nothing after all!

NERF blasters are the #1 selling kid toy gun in the world for plenty of reasons.
First, a major benefit of NERF blasters is that they are simple and [...]

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Fun with a NERF Maverick

Fun with a NERF Maverick

The NERF Maverick is the ultimate in single shot, personal side arms for when you have to impose yourself on the office battlefield or in the school playground. The NERF Maverick is accurate at up to 15 feet and more – we’ve managed to shoot all six darts on target [...]

Fun with a NERF Maverick

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

You may think you need a heavy duty NERF Vulcan for assault and defense, but if you need to sneak up on someone, you really need something to allow you to get up close and personal like a NERF Maverick. The answer to this question is that like anything [...]

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

A few months ago I purchased a pack of Nerf Guns on Ebay waiting patiently for the first days of school to be over so when I heard “I’m Bored” I would be armed as well.

It took exactly ONE day with out school before I heard it!  

I opened up the package and handed out half a dozen nerf guns to my boys.  With in minutes my front yard had orange missles a flying and half the neighborhood was here.  

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Our first post on Nerf Games went over great and I promised that I’d let you know the game that they came up with on my next post.  Here it is:

Nerf Capture The Flag Game

I’ve got a bunch of kids, and our house is that house [...]

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Back when we rode dinosaurs instead of bicycles we used to play tag with water guns through out our development.  Our mothers hated it because we would all put on white shirts, and “borrow” our mothers food coloring.  We’d of course load the water guns [...]

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

In the toy gun arsenal, there is nothing better than a NERF blaster – it’s NERF or nothing after all!

NERF blasters are the #1 selling kid toy gun in the world for plenty of reasons.
First, a major benefit of NERF blasters is that they are simple and [...]

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Fun with a NERF Maverick

Fun with a NERF Maverick

The NERF Maverick is the ultimate in single shot, personal side arms for when you have to impose yourself on the office battlefield or in the school playground. The NERF Maverick is accurate at up to 15 feet and more – we’ve managed to shoot all six darts on target [...]

Fun with a NERF Maverick

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

You may think you need a heavy duty NERF Vulcan for assault and defense, but if you need to sneak up on someone, you really need something to allow you to get up close and personal like a NERF Maverick. The answer to this question is that like anything [...]

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

Nerf has some really amazing line ups in the “Sports” world for your kids.  You know it’s harder than ever to get them to play outside - but with some Nerf Products they will be begging you to go out and play.

They have a Nerf Nite Jam Nerfoop to play basketball in the dark. The hoop and the ball both glow. The ball and hoop use firewire technology to light up and the result is a fast paced game. You can even play when it’s really to dark to play with normal balls.

If your kids are into Football get the Nerf balls that grip well even in wet conditions!

Nerf Super Soaker Tornado Strike Get ready for spinning and soaking action! This powerful pump-handle blasterâ??s spinning barrel lets you fire a spinning water stream to drench your targets â?? up to 20 feet away with just one pump! Add the detachable stock so you can adjust your blaster to your reach and give your opponents a soaking they wonâ??t forget. Water blaster comes with a water clip. Ages 6 and up. Nerf N-Strike Elite Bundle Bundled with the newly designed blue NERF Switch Shot EX-3 blaster and attachable decoder lens that will deliver a blend of covert operation elements with over-the-top blasting missions, NERF: N-Strike Elite features a classic rail shooter style of gameplay and equips players with a cache of fresh features. With the Wii-remote snapped into the NERF Switch Shot EX-3 blaster and the red reveal lens engaged, players will be able to detect enemy weak spots, solve puzzles and decode secret messages as they blast their way to victory. New N-Strike game with blaster included. View larger. Gameplay With NERF: N-Strike Elite players launch themselves into battle in an action-packed rail shooter, a game where the path of action is laid out for the player to follow. Players assume the role of one of four playable characters, each with their own unique customizable selection of blasters and abilities, and will also have access to the full list of 16 blasters as unlockable items. For those who find themselves in a melee that requires back-up, NERF: N-Strike Elite also includes a two-player co-op mode, allowing buddies to immediately jump in and join the crusade when the want and the need arises. Players will also interact with a veritable army of robots including B.O.B., the same recruiting robot from the first NERF N-Strike game. Key Game Features The NERF: N-Strike Elite Game - Enjoy a classic rail shooter packed with arcade style shooter action where your path through the game is laid out in advance so you can concentrate on having fun. NERF Switch Shot EX-3 Blaster Included - Bundled with the game is the NERF Switch Shot EX-3 Blaster, which is compatible with other games utilizing the Wii Remote, and as a standalone NERF gun with a three NERF projectiles capacity. Decoder Lens Attachment - Your blaster includes a detachable decoder lens through which special codes and enemy weaknesses can be seen in-game. Multiplayer Support - NERF: N-Strike Elite features 2-player off-line. multiplayer co-op functionality for twice the fun. Multiple Available Characters - NERF: N-Strike Elite features access to four different characters, each with their own arsenal of NERF blasters Weapons Selection - Weapons available in NERF: N-Strike Elite include 16 different NERF blasters, both real and fictional, each with their own specific strengths and weaknesses. Screenshots: Traditional platforming action. View larger. Rich puzzle-solving. View larger. 2-player co-op support. View larger. 16 available weapons. View larger.

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Our first post on Nerf Games went over great and I promised that I’d let you know the game that they came up with on my next post.  Here it is:

Nerf Capture The Flag Game

I’ve got a bunch of kids, and our house is that house [...]

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Back when we rode dinosaurs instead of bicycles we used to play tag with water guns through out our development.  Our mothers hated it because we would all put on white shirts, and “borrow” our mothers food coloring.  We’d of course load the water guns [...]

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

In the toy gun arsenal, there is nothing better than a NERF blaster – it’s NERF or nothing after all!

NERF blasters are the #1 selling kid toy gun in the world for plenty of reasons.
First, a major benefit of NERF blasters is that they are simple and [...]

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Fun with a NERF Maverick

Fun with a NERF Maverick

The NERF Maverick is the ultimate in single shot, personal side arms for when you have to impose yourself on the office battlefield or in the school playground. The NERF Maverick is accurate at up to 15 feet and more – we’ve managed to shoot all six darts on target [...]

Fun with a NERF Maverick

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

You may think you need a heavy duty NERF Vulcan for assault and defense, but if you need to sneak up on someone, you really need something to allow you to get up close and personal like a NERF Maverick. The answer to this question is that like anything [...]

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

If you thought that Nerf toys were just soft balls,  you need to look into things again. Nerf now offers a full line of balls football, baskeyball, etc..) but their claim to fame is the insane amount of fire power that comes with Nerf Guns.  You can’t beat it with any other “SAFE” toy for kids.

Boys are rough - they want to play hard, and Nerf let’s them do that.

The N-strike Firefly is a great gift for those kids who love to play outside at night, as the darts actually glow in the dark when they are shot from the glowing barrel of the dart blaster. Most of the blasters that Nerf sells will shoot the soft darts approximately 30 feet, and with a little practice they can be very accurate.  In fact I’ve seen my kids take out a cup at 30 paces on almost every shot.  Snipers in training I suppose!

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Our first post on Nerf Games went over great and I promised that I’d let you know the game that they came up with on my next post.  Here it is:

Nerf Capture The Flag Game

I’ve got a bunch of kids, and our house is that house [...]

Nerf Capture the Flag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Back when we rode dinosaurs instead of bicycles we used to play tag with water guns through out our development.  Our mothers hated it because we would all put on white shirts, and “borrow” our mothers food coloring.  We’d of course load the water guns [...]

Nerf Bicycle Tag Game

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

In the toy gun arsenal, there is nothing better than a NERF blaster – it’s NERF or nothing after all!

NERF blasters are the #1 selling kid toy gun in the world for plenty of reasons.
First, a major benefit of NERF blasters is that they are simple and [...]

Benefits of a NERF Blaster

Fun with a NERF Maverick

Fun with a NERF Maverick

The NERF Maverick is the ultimate in single shot, personal side arms for when you have to impose yourself on the office battlefield or in the school playground. The NERF Maverick is accurate at up to 15 feet and more – we’ve managed to shoot all six darts on target [...]

Fun with a NERF Maverick

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

You may think you need a heavy duty NERF Vulcan for assault and defense, but if you need to sneak up on someone, you really need something to allow you to get up close and personal like a NERF Maverick. The answer to this question is that like anything [...]

What is the Best NERF Blaster?

History buffs and antiquarians alike love the thrill of collecting old coins. Whether it’s a 200 year old penny or an ancient Roman coin, collectors of old coins enjoy a fascinating hobby. With their depictions of world leaders, epic battles and political mascots, coins offer a personal glimpse into the events of a country’s history. The very idea of a coin being passed from generation to generation infuses old coins with a sense of history and heritage that can be quite powerful.

Part of the charm of these antiquities, and much of their value according to some collectors, is the years of accumulated grunge on their surfaces. While some collectors prefer to trade them in their less-than-pristine condition, others opt for a cleaned and polished coin for their collection. Many experts caution against cleaning coins, saying that exposing the metal to the corrosive agents in the air will cause them to lose value. They suggest a gentle cleaning with mild soap and water to remove excess ground dirt, but skip the polishing. Of course, it’s up to you to decide if you like the old worn grime, or opt for shiny bits in your collection.

If you plan to clean your old coins, make sure you have the proper equipment to do so safely. Coins, especially older ones, are susceptible to damage from scratchy cleaners and chemicals. Protect your investment by using a cleaning product especially designed for old coins. You can find verdigris removers, concentrated liquid soap, special brushes and other cleaning products. Some collectors use a super-concentrated strength of hydrogen peroxide; use care with this, as too much of a good thing can be bad news for older coins.

When dealing with any coins, especially old ones, it’s important to understand a coin’s value. There are a number of resources out there to help you identify and value your old coins. Try one of these books to start:

* The Early Coins of America by Sylvester S. Crosby, 1990

* Standard Catalog of World Coins, a series of books that covers various time frames

* History of the United States Mint by George Evans, 1888

There are also a number of websites out there dedicated to helping collectors identify their coins. And of course your local hobby shop or coin dealer is a great resource for you. You can also visit coin conventions and trade shows to talk to industry insiders. There you can often find collectors who will offer to value your coins on the spot. But get a second opinion before you sell, to be sure you are getting a good deal.

A coin’s value is determined largely by considering its rarity, its demand, its historical importance, and its general condition. To keep your coin from losing value once you acquire it, be sure to protect it when handling and storing. Treat each coin with care, and consider using inexpensive cotton coin gloves whenever you handle the coin. You can find these at any good coin shop, for around $4 a pair. Handle your coins by their edges only, to avoid wear and keep the oil from your hands from collecting on the coin’s surfaces.

Proper storage is essential to protecting an old coin’s value. If you store your coins in paper envelopes or albums, be sure that the paper is acid free and designed specifically to be safe for antiques. Plastic slips should also be avoided for older coins, as they can cause corrosion over time. There are clear acid-free envelopes available for storage, that still allow you to see your coins while offering them a safe place to stay. Expect to pay $15-20 for 100 acid-free envelopes. You can find these items at online coin suppliers, your local hobby shop, or at conventions and trade shows.