Check out the new reverse for bullion Eagles in 2021!
When you flip a coin to its other side on a horizontal axis, you probably notice that the picture is upside-down on the other side. Despite the U.S. Mint doing so with all their coins, the reason behind this practice isn’t actually known.
Public and private collections of coins were created starting around the 17th and 18th centuries. Studies on coins were frequently published by scholars, and the hobby began to break into the middle class.
A grade of "good" (G) means a coin is heavily worn. The inscriptions may merge into the rims in places, and most of the details are gone.
To determine if your coins are authentic, be sure to speak to your antique coin dealer professional, who understands how to determine antique coin authenticity and how to grade coins. Your antique coin dealer also understands the best way to appropriately clean antique and ancient coins.
Keep in mind that you're not always just bidding against the people in the room with you. People can mail in bids prior to the auction or bid by telephone.
Did you know there are numerous coin collecting organizations? One of the oldest and largest in the United States is the American Numismatic Association. It was established in Colorado Springs in 1891.
Every serious coin collector should take care of his collection in order to not lose the coins' value. Try to hold a coin only by the edges, not laying fingers on obverse and reverse sides, and use quality cotton gloves for handling proof/UNC coins.
The success of the Krugererrand in the world market inspired other countries that produced gold to mint their own gold bullion coins. These coins are typically an excellent return in value.
The amount of money that can be traded for rare coins can skyrocket fast, so it’s very important for the condition of the coin to be agreed upon by both parties. This is where third-party grading services come in handy. Services like the PCGS, NGC, ANACS, and ICG will tell you what condition your coins are in and are generally accepted by all coin dealers and collectors.
Tombs from as early as the latter part of the 11th century in China contained the earliest known copper coins. From the evidence collected, it’s believed that those coins were widely used by the Han Dynasty of China.
Ancient coins like Roman denarii make excellent novelty gifts. So many have been found during excavations that there is a market for ancient Roman coins.
Did you know there used to be 2-cent and 3-cent coins in the United States? The U.S. mint issued the coins in the late 1800s.
A grade of "fine" (F) means the coin is quite worn, but the wear is even and the details in the major design features still stand out boldly.
Part of the reason it’s so satisfying for a coin collector to have a rare coin stems from just how many coins there are in the world. Considering that the United States Mint makes between 14 and 20 billion every year, having a hard to find coin makes it extra special.
Before looking in your pocket, can you say what sets the U.S. penny apart from all other circulating U.S. coins? Besides the obvious color and material difference, the Lincoln penny is unique in that it’s the only circulating coin with a portrait facing right rather than left.
An important factor that directly affects a coins value is how they have been stored. Handle them with love and preferably with cloth gloved hands. Avoid stacking coins since it may lead to surface damage, scratches and scuffs. Individual acetate pockets are the best way to store precious coins.
Common factors that coin dealers consider when assessing the value of your coin include the date, the denomination, the condition of the coin, the metals used in its minting, and the demand for it.
Did you know that the story behind a coin often determines its price? This is the case with the 1894-S Barber Dime, which was recently sold as the most expensive dime in US history for $1.9 million.
Originally the nickel was called the “Half Dime.” It was originally introduced in 1796.
Bidding in auctions can be fun, but remember not to get carried away. Placing your bid acknowledges your acceptance of the terms and your agreement to pay the price of your bid if you win.
Many coins are simply traded at bullion value, where the coin purchaser buys the coins at the going rate for the gold or silver in the coin.
