If you’re looking for a special salute to the military men and women in your life this month, Coins of America has plenty of unique ways to say thanks.

The month of May serves as a somber time to reflect upon the contributions of our nation’s military personnel, as a couple of meaningful holidays fall on the calendar to recognize our uniformed personnel’s sacrifices. First up on the list is Armed Forces Day, which is celebrated on the third Saturday of every May, which falls on the 18^th this year. On the heels of that celebration comes another holiday honoring our soldiers, as Memorial Day – which will be on May 27 – is intended to honor the men and women of our nation who died while serving in the Armed Forces.

With those holidays coming up fast, consider checking out some of the options COA has available to help show your appreciation for the enlisted members in your life. For starters, check out the Thank You – Military Tribute Coin Card. This offering allows purchasers to select from six different coin-based products, with each card including one of the 39-millimeter bronze coins that bear the emblem of the various U.S. military branches. These coins come secured in a “Thank You” card to the recipient to help you show appreciation for their commitment and service to their country. In addition to that option, Coins of America also offers tribute coin cards geared specifically toward members of each arm of the military, with the displays incorporating the corresponding bronze coins for members of the Air Force, the Army, the Marines, the Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard.

You may also want to take a look at the Military Commemorative Coin, which is made from .999 fine silver and comes with custom engraving on the reverse to provide a personal message to the recipient. If you want something that better suits the military man or woman in your life, check out the .999 fine silver pieces specifically recognizing members of the individual military branches. Each of these options can include custom engraving on the coin’s reverse, giving you a way to say thanks both through the coin your own words. COA also provides the U.S. Mint’s 2011 commemorative silver coin honoring the Armed Forces, with the piece available in proof and uncirculated editions.

No matter which branch of the military your loved one served in, Coins of America gives you a meaningful way to give something back to them this May!

It’s likely one of the first experiences many hobbyists have when they venture into coin collecting. Ripping through rolls of coins is one of the oldest traditions I can remember from my early days of collecting and it’s a pastime many still take pleasure in. It’s hard to match the excitement of tearing through a cylinder of 50 pennies and finding the date missing in your coin folder, or the thrill of coming across a rare error coin when digging through a roll of State Quarters. Though the tradition still brings excitement to the hobby, there are a couple of things collectors should keep in mind before investing much time – or money – into the pursuit.

Save room for spares – If you’re building a collection of a certain denomination – for example, compiling folders full of National Parks Quarters or Roosevelt dimes – be prepared to encounter plenty of duplicates as you narrow your search for specific dates. While tearing through rolls can add an element of intrigue, it can also be a frustrating labor for those who lack patience. Be prepared to spend plenty of time hunting for the exact piece you need to complete a set, specifically if you’re searching for something minted in limited numbers.

Pick packs with care – Perhaps I’m a worrywart, but I only buy rolls of coins from trusted vendors or sellers who don’t have a stake about what might be inside. While it’s easy to find plenty of rolls for sale through online markets or auction sites, who’s to say the offerings haven’t been cherry picked for the best pieces? It wouldn’t be hard to believe that an unscrupulous seller might have simply packed rolls with pieces that hold little to no value. Play it safe and order from a reputable dealer, such as Coins of America, or via a third-party with no interest in the value of the coins, such as a bank.

Keep it fun – While some collectors (including this one) rip through rolls with the hope of finding valuable or rare coins, the best bet is to go in with an open mind and low expectations. Even better, use the method as a way to introduce the hobby to kids and  how them just how much of a joy coin collecting can really be. By focusing on fun, roll hunting can be a great way to turn the next generation on to a hobby that will stick with them for life!