Rare Coins and Value
There are two qualities that determine whether a coin is rare: mintage and population. Mintage refers to how many of a particular coin were originally produced by the U.S. Mint. Population is the number of coins within a minted set that received a particular rating from a certified rating service. For example, a particular Gold Proof Coin may be one of 200,000 coins minted in the set, but let's say the number of those coins that received a perfect grading was less than 50. The owner of one of those 50 rare coins would be a wise and happy rare coin investor.
Rare Coin Basics
Here are a few basic things you should keep in mind in dealing with rare coins:
- The actual look of the coin itself. A coins appearance has an intrinsic value to a collector. Some designs are considered to be works of art. Augustus Saint-Gaudens' celebrated $20 gold piece, minted from 1907-1933 is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever minted.
- Official Legal Tender coins will always have a resale market.
- Rare gold coins, rare silver coins and rare US coins are available in all grades and values. These coins can be acquired whether your budget is a few hundred dollars or many thousands to millions of dollars. Precious metal coins will always maintain their desirability to coin collectors and investors.
- Rarity makes the difference. The amount of appreciation in value over the years is almost always directly proportional to a coins rarity.
- Condition is all important. Anyone who has looked at the market value of rare coins can appreciate the huge discrepancy in the prices of the various graded conditions of a particular coin.
- Try to develop a systematic plan to rare coin buying. Selling rare coins is much easier when you have a collection that has some cohesive elements rather than just an unconnected jumble of coins. If you are just getting started in rare coin acquisition we can help you develop a plan that fits your budget. Call us at 888-273-8873 or fill out the contact form for more information.
Grading Rare Coins
All coins are graded on a 1 - 70 scale, called the Sheldon Scale. A grade of 70 being a flawless, uncirculated coin. Some characteristics taken into consideration when grading include: blemishes in the face, sharpness of the edge and subtle vs. extreme toning from age. It is important to carefully handle and store your rare coin collection. Never attempt to clean or wipe the coin as this will diminish the integrity making it ineligible for grading. Most importantly, keep your coins in screen-protectors; the face should never be touched.
How to Begin Investing in Rare Coins
As with all collections, you begin one rare piece at a time. It takes a substantial amount of time and research to build an impressive rare coins portfolio. Most collectors will tell you that deciding just what to acquire can be the most daunting task for a beginning investor. To give you a competitive edge, we made several recommendations for solid investments. These choices are based on our many years of experience in the market and our knowledge of rare coins around the world and their trends for the future.
Our Recommendations
Type II, $20 Liberty Gold Coins (1866 - 1876) – We feel these are the most likely to appreciate to the highest levels and at the fastest pace.Pre-1907 U.S. $20 Liberty Gold Coins - Due to their weight, affordable prices, limited numbers and worldwide popularity these coins are preferred by savvy gold investors seeking extra leverage to the precious metals market, hedging against inflation and the devaluation of the dollar.
$25 (1/2 oz.) Gold American Eagles
Whether you’re interested in selling your coins or simply want to learn their value, Eagle Numismatics can help. With more than 25 years of experience, we are experts in coin values and happy to provide you with a free appraisal that will reflect your coins’ current bid market value.
Can’t find the coin you're looking for? We have many more in stock including silver coins and gold bullion.
