How to Properly Grade Collectible Coins

A grade sums up the condition of the coin. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin. In relation to this, coin collectors must be careful in purchasing or selling their coins. Careless or ignorant collectors may find themselves victims of scrupulous dealers or auctioneers. It is best that coin collectors do research on grading coins and its many classifications and characteristics.

Grading coins is a skill that serious collectors must acquire. Like any skill, such as cooking or carpentry, coin grading proficiency is achieved through the thorough study of coin collecting and grading guides, talks and meetings with experienced collectors and reputable dealers, and, of course, lots of practice.

Published standards set objective criteria for grading, yet some amount of subjectivity is to be expected. Experienced and expert coin graders have their own interpretation or opinion of certain coin characteristics. Sometimes a little difference on grade assignment could be placed on a single coin. Again, it would be best if the owner of the said coin knows how to make a reasonable assessment before making an informed decision. Knowledge is the best protection of the coin collector.

American Numismatic Association standards are widely used in the United States but are not the only system used. Other countries and international associations and groups use the grades Fair, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, Uncirculated, and Fleur-de-coin (according to some dictionaries, this term can only be applied to proof coins; which are absolutely perfect specimens, without bearing any wear, marks or blemishes; in other words, coins that are in mint condition). The Sheldon scale, on the other hand, is the basis for the numerals in grading coins.

There are two major categories in grading coins. The first is the Uncirculated Coins. These are coins in mint state (MS), barely or without any sign of wear. The grades in this category are from MS-60 to MS-70 in one point increments. Market values for many uncirculated coins vary dramatically from one grade to the next.

For circulated coins, the grade is primarily a sign of the how much wear has occurred. In general, it does not take into account the presence or absence of dings, scratches, toning, dirt and other foreign substances. ANA grading standards recognize 11 grades for circulated coins, starting from AU, EF (extremely fine), VF (very fine), F (fine), G (good), VG (very good), AG, F (fair), and P (poor).

Raymond Hollister is a coin collecting expert. For more great information on collecting values be sure to visit http://www.insidercoincollectingsecrets.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Hollister

collectible coins
collectible coins

What to Do When Buying Gold Coins

A person may start purchasing gold coins for any number of reasons. One reason is they see them as a good investment, while some other person may choose to acquire them because they see the way gold actually increases in value. Even these days, you will find that coin collectors are highly motivated to pay whatever the marketplace demands to acquire hard to come by coins.

Irrespective of the reason a person has for purchasing gold coins, they know that it is one of the most secure ways to invest their extra money. Simply due to the fact that they comprehend that over time these coins are unlikely to depreciate in worth but instead are more likely to appreciate.

If you are in the market to purchase coins, you should ensure you are dealing with a coin dealer who is known for his honesty and good reputation. If you can to, select somebody who belongs to the association called the Professional Coin Grading Service, or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. By using a coin dealer who is not a member of these associations, you are taking a huge risk with your money and the possibility of buying fake coins.

Once you have found a trusted coin dealer, you can make a decision regarding the amount of gold that you want to acquire. This is essential as the price of gold is constantly fluctuating and by knowing how much it is you have available to spend will help you to acquire at the cost at which it is currently set more easily.

As well as knowing how much money you have available to invest in your gold coins you need to determine what gold coins are available and which are the best ones to invest in. These days gold coins are usually separated up into three different classes. Regular gold bullion coins are collectible and are classed as hard to find.

Gold bullion “coins” are in reality valued based on the volume of precious metal in them. While scarce and collectible coins their prices actually fluctuate enormously and particular factors will need to be taken into consideration in order to place a worth on them. The amount of gold in the coin, the age of the coin and its rareness are the major determining issues.

When buying coins, it is vital to know about the process of grading and evaluation. This will help you when attempting to understand the coin market and to know when bargains arise.

P Abbey owns and operates http://www.goldcoinfacts.com Gold Coins Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Abbey

collectible coins
collectible coins

The American Platinum Eagle Coins Are Unique

It is no wonder that some special coins are so popular with collectors around the world. In fact, the number of people who are interested in the collection of coins is astonishingly high. The attraction increases when it is a special series like the American platinum eagle coins. You may wonder what differences are there from other popular special coins like the American Silver Eagle coin and the special gold coins.

There the specialty is that on every change each year, the design features an entirely new look. On the reverse or back side, there is a bald eagle with different regions of America. The obverse side or front side of the coin features the powerful and striking image of the “Lady Liberty” as she is looking into the future, which symbolizes vigilance, faithfulness to duty, and the spirit and character of Americans. This marvelous creation on these rare coins was designed and engraved by famous sculptor and engraver John M. Mercanti.

These astonishing rare coins bear the inscription “Liberty” and the mottos, “In God We Trust”, and “E Pluribus Unum”, which are also on the obverse along with their date of issue. Within the curve located at the bottom of these coins you will find the face value and the West Point “W” mint mark, which is also found on the obverse.

On the reverse side of these rare coins, the design features a bald eagle soaring across a setting sun within different regions of America, which changes each year with the release of that year’s coins. Watching over our firm foundation of democracy is the bald eagle, the nation’s symbol of power, courage, and freedom, which was shown in different designs between the years of 1998 and 2002 known as the “Vistas of Liberty” series.

The American Silver Eagle coins were released on 24 November 1986. One major peculiarity of the silver coin is that silver eagle coin is offered in only one denomination. That is the one ounce size. The face value is $1 and its diameter is 1.598 inches.

These rare coins were given a face value of $1 to protect it from existing counterfeiting laws and this value was low enough to ensure they would never actually circulate in the money market. The small face value also holds sentimental appeal to those who remember the circulating silver dollars of long ago.

The American Silver Eagle Coins are also known as American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins. They are true collectibles as the weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the United States government.

Gold coins, minted in the United States and Europe, are becoming the choice collectible coins in the world. It is particularly so in the case of coins minted before 1933. Every day the media comes to you with the attractions of the bullion. That is reported to be the best way to offset risk, and to combat inflation.

Another advantage of the gold coins is that they are historically important and artistically beautiful. Often they are regarded as perfect works of art. Some peculiar gold coins are the $20 gold Double Eagle, first minted in 1907, and featuring an impressive image of Liberty striding gloriously out of dawn.

So the world of special coins is out there beckoning you to its several attractions.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about rare coins, stamp collections, and rare collectibles. Follow these links to find the best marketplace for: rare coins and collections.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

collectible coins
collectible coins

Coin Collecting - Factors That Influence the Value of Collectible Coins

The history of coin collecting dates back further than your mind can go. The wonderful thing about it is that anyone - old or young - can pursue this hobby. It is fascinating how diverse collections can be. You can either focus on collecting ancient coins belonging to one country or collect coins belonging to different countries. Going one step further, the collection can even be based on a particular series, a particular type set, a particular dye or even a particular grade of coin. Collecting coins that have errors due to the dies used, uneven designs, double strikes, and re-punched mints sometimes turn out to be worth their weight in gold.

As to the question, “why is this book offered free?” Simply put, there are too many other better books about rare coin collecting that were written by well-known numismatists (see the ‘Suggested Reading’ list below). Nevertheless, since its public release to the Web in 1997, this text has been read by more than a quarter of a million readers hailing from Australia, Europe, and the U.S. Numerous webmasters and editors from all sorts of hobby sites, including prominent search engines such as Ask Jeeves, InfoSeek, Lycos, and AOL, have selected this book for their particular venues dealing with coins and hobbies. As a result, Companion is widely read by thousands of new collectors each week.

Then there are those who like to only purchase very rare and expensive coins for investment purposes. Many people love to purchase brand new coins straight from the mint while others collect foreign coins only. The great thing about coin collecting is that there are no rules and everyone can collect whatever they wish.

Coin collecting and stamp collecting are often referred to as the twin hobbies. Both these hobbies are very popular, partly because you do not require any special skill to start the hobby and also because it gives you great pleasure and an immense feeling of satisfaction. You can start coin collecting anywhere and at any time and with the coins that you actually have. As you add to your collection, you can relive the history of the country through the coins. Of course once you gain interest, coin collecting is bound to pinch your pockets, but that of course may be true of any hobby.

Numismatics is the terminology used for the study of coin, notes, medals, but all coin collectors are not necessarily numismatists. Coin collecting in India is pretty lucrative as people are willing to part with coins to those who are willing to buy them. It is a form of investment for many Indians. The kind of coins you collect and the number of coins you collect depends on how well off you are financially. It can be quite an expensive hobby because rare coins could cost a lot. In fact the coin collecting market can be likened to the stock market where the share prices plummet one day and shoot up the next. The factors that influence this could be the ordinary forces of demand and supply.

Furthermore, the advent of the internet has been an amazing boon to collectors of coins the world over and collectors are able to find up to the minute information pertaining to value, rarity, and conditions of coins of all shapes and sizes. Online participation in the hobby of coin collecting is enormous, with individuals logging on to look up information about their coins, meet up on message boards, and find chat rooms where enthusiasts can get together to trade coins. You can also find collecting tips as well as many more different outlets to buy, sell, trade, and learn much more about the time- honored tradition of coin collecting.

There are coin shops and shows where you can find knowledgeable collectors who can help you find what you need and can give you advice on furthering your collection. Be wary of sellers at flea markets, antique shops, or other on-targeted markets where the seller may inflate their prices or sell problem coins to unknowledgeable customers. Many of these sellers are even less knowledgeable about coins than the beginning collectors they sell to. The same risk can come from mail order or online purchases. Knowledge is your best insurance when dealing with these dealers. Use businesses referenced in coin collecting publications or from other collectors who you trust.

You see, there’s a little bit for everybody in the world of coin collecting. You don’t even have to be rich anymore. If you can afford a penny, nickel or a dime a week you have started a coin collection. You see, don’t let the fact that coin collecting was once a rich man’s hobby scare you away. There are some really neet coins still to be found in your everyday pocket change.

You say you live in a little apartment then Coin collecting is for you. Your collection will fit into one corner of your dresser drawer, or in small blue coin folders and coins don’t make any noise.

Most of today’s coin collectors developed the hobby within the last twenty years. Nearly all of the commemorative coins issued in this time period has increased in value. Here are a few examples of coin investments which have some collectors smiling: the 1995 Tenth Anniversary of the American Eagle coin set (issue price $995.00, current value $3,600.00); 2000w $10 uncirculated bimetal Library of Congress coin (issue price $235.00, current value $1,100.00).

Check in Coin Collecting for loads of information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Micheal_Watson

collectible coins
collectible coins

How to Properly Grade Collectible Coins

There are a variety of reasons why individuals start collecting coins, but the most common seems to be that they tell unique stories. By understanding the past of the coin you will have a better understanding of each coin you collect.

Appreciating the value of coins is another reason why collectors desire these rare coins, such as silver, gold, and platinum coins, but other are just as valuable because they are rare. One of the oldest hobbies, which was once practiced only by kings and the extremely wealthy is coin collecting, and that is why it is often called the “hobby of kings.”

In the United States there are millions of avid coin collectors and there are even coin-collecting communities or clubs that provide numerous opportunities for collectors to be able to meet and trade other coins. During the 1930s, coin collecting became increasingly popular, but from the ancient Egyptian times until today coins have been developing a fascinating history.

In 650 B. C., which was more than 2,600 years ago, in Lydia, Turkey the first coins were produced, and these would be extremely rare to be able to get a hold of. In the United States the first coins were copper cents, which were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1793. During the time of the first production of these coins the process was intensive, because it was all manually due to them having to be struck one at a time, but now in one minute seven hundred coins can be produced.

Numismatists, or coin collectors, enjoy collecting coins because it is tradition passed down through generations. A father collecting coins passes the hobby to their children, who spend hours trying to be like their father by going through piles of changes in search of old coins to add to their own collection. It is so easy for an individual to begin collecting, because collectible coins come in every denomination and in a wide variety.

People have always been fascinated by any items that create value and then in return have purchased those items that is why this intense hobby and investment has gained a tremendous amount of ground. This sensational fascination has led to a vast accumulation of a rarity of coins over a period of time that has evolved into a the collection of coins, which provides educational and historical value. Since coins were being minted in silver and gold they had a great value, and then over generations the value of gold and silver has continued to increase so that they attain an even higher value.

Rare coins have a unique beauty that collectors seem to appreciate, while other coins have been passed from generation to generation and are viewed as valuable heirlooms. Changes in society, technology, culture, and region can be reflected in coins. There are so many reasons why people choose to collect these rare coins, but the majority feel that it is an interesting pastime that is rewarding and timeless. Coin collecting will never die, because it is a hobby that will produce valuable heirlooms to be passed to future generations for centuries.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about rare coins, stamp collections, and rare collectibles. Follow these links to find the best marketplace for: rare coins, collectors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Victor_Epand

collectible coins
collectible coins