The Exceptional Truth behind Rare Coin Collecting

The Exceptional Truth behind Rare Coin Collecting

Coin Collection

Are you interested in coin collecting? Have you ever tried collecting rare coins?

Today, coin collecting, especially of those coins that are considered rare, is considered to be one of a few hobbies that are not just a mere pastime or leisure activity. Coin collecting can serve many purposes considered typical of this activity.

Coins have long been known as works of art because of the way the manufacturers carefully engrave the designs on the surface. Coins of a particular nation often portray the history of that nation with the engraving of the design on the coin.      

Few people know that coin collecting can also be a profitable venture. Rare coins that are extremely hard to find are often valuable and when found can be a good investment. The rare coin collection market in the United States has boosted their sales in recent years from 348% to 1, 195%. According to the U.S. Rare Coin Market, the average price of $1,000 spent by an individual during the 1970s would be valued at almost $57,977 today.

What is the secret behind these rare coins that their value continues to increase with age?

Rare coins were able to maintain even when the economy is unstable. They have been able to stabilize the wealth of the nation by serving as “inflation fighters.”

Experts contend that through these rare coins, the economic wealth of a nation is sheltered from possible harm by functioning as an investment much like “gold bullion”. This is applicable during the times when the value of the paper money continues to depreciate.

The rarity of these coins is not constrained by being merely collector’s items but they can also be considered a work of are and just like any work of art, may be priceless.

Rare coin collecting is not just like any other hobby. The concept of collecting such treasures is considered exceptional by itself and the monetary value can equal its distinctive character.

Unknown Pada 20.36 Komentar

Gold Coin Collecting

Gold Coin Collecting

Coin Collection

Coin collecting is something that dates back to the when coins were first issued for trade. It was only in the Middle Ages that people turned this into a hobby because of the art work and the historical value.

Coin collecting today is still a hobby that many people enjoy. One of the most precious and most expensive collections that anyone can ever have are those of gold coins. The most expensive gold coin ever bought was worth around eight million dollars. This was the American 1933 Gold Eagle. This is why the collecting of gold coins deserves to be called the hobby of kings.

Gold coins were one of the oldest forms of money. This was later followed by silver coins. Gold coins were in circulation in the United States from 1838 to 1933. The design was the Liberty Head bust but this was only made until 1907. The design was then changed to the Indian Head and Saint Gaudens motifs and was used until 1933 when the Great Depression began. This prompted the recall of gold coins which makes them very difficult to find today.

Since these are no longer in circulation, the price for one of this rare commodity is quite high. Gold is now used for other things such as jewelry or bars that people retain as an investment.

South Africa minted its first gold coin called the Krugerrand in 1967. This coin has no face value but merely stands as a symbol. It is made of 1 ounce of gold and can be purchased for investment purposes.

Since then other countries also minted bullion coins. Canada made the Gold Maple Leaf in 1979 and Australia made the Nugget in 1981. These two are much more popular than the South African coin because of its 24 carat purity.

A lot of people retain gold today as an investment because they speculate that the demand will cause its market value to increase. Others hold it as a form of insurance should the financial situation become worse. There was a point in time when the more paper money that was made, the higher the price of gold which maintained gold and cash as equal value. After this standard ended in 1971, this enabled government to produce more paper currency without increasing the price of gold.

Since gold coins can longer be used to purchase merchandise most coin collectors just keep them to remember that people once used them.

Unknown Pada 10.51 Komentar

Design Types of US Coins and Coin Collecting

Design Types of US Coins and Coin Collecting

Coin Collection

Coin collecting is a fun hobby that anyone who has the time can do. A coin’s history and its development can be learned by collecting them.

At one point in time, between 1838 and1933, the United States issued gold coins for circulation. The Liberty Head bust was used as the design until 1907. The design was then changed to the Indian Head and Saint Gaudens motifs until 1933 when the “Great Depression” started. This prompted the recall of the coins which makes it very rare to find any of them today.

The most valuable coin in the world is the 1933 Double Eagle. This was a $20 gold coin that was made in the 1800’s after the California gold rush. This coin was not allowed to be used in the 1930’s and when this coin was auctioned in 2002, it sold for nearly eight million dollars.

Since gold coins are hard to find, most collectors select other coins.

One type of collection you might consider is the one made up of coins that are flawed when the coin was minted. If you can find a coin with a misspelled word, a wrong date, off-center characteristics, or double-punched marks, these coins are valuable. Such mistakes can increase a coin’s value from $50 to a $1000.

Coins that were only issued or circulated for short period of time also make good collectibles.

A coin collection is at its best if it is focused on a certain coin. A collector can choose from pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars.

Another way of collecting is disregarding the types of coins but concentrating on a certain time period. Coins have different mint marks and collecting those that were struck in the same location can also be interesting. The important thing for hobbyists is to stick to the collection until it has been completed.

For a good start subscribe to a coin publication such as Coin World or Coinage Magazine for information on the types of coins that you might want to collect. The internet or a local coin shop can also help expand the search for those coins that can’t be found in your locale or out of state.

Building a coin collection will take a long time - months or even years. The United States has produced so many coins that it is hard to keep track of them. By deciding on the coin(s) you want to collect, the challenge to complete that collection begins.

Unknown Pada 10.49 Komentar

The Basics of Coin Collecting

The Basics of Coin Collecting

Coin Collection

Coin collecting is said to be the “Hobby of the Kings.” Coin collecting is different from money hoarding. Collecting coins as an art form can be traced back to the 14th century. Today, people all over the world are collecting coins. Some collect it for their value, some just like the sheer fun that they get from getting their hands on different coins.

If one is interested in making coin collecting a hobby, he can very well do so. It is a hobby which does not require a certain skill and it can be done by almost everyone.

There are many different kinds of coin collectors. There are those who do it for fun, and others do in a more serious manner.

Informal coin collecting

Most coin collectors, especially the children, start out as informal coin collectors. They are laid-back collectors which do not have a specific goal in collecting coins. They might collect coins from different countries or from different time periods without any intention of being serious about it.

Inquisitive coin collecting

Once the informal coin collector starts noticing the details of the coins, he becomes an inquisitive coin collector. This kind of coin collector won’t bother much into spending money to get coins. He merely wants to appreciate the coins. Soon, he will start to put them in containers or albums.

Advanced coin collecting

An advanced coin collector will collect coins with a specific target in mind. He may want to collect coins from a certain nation, or a certain time period.

There are many tracks which coin collectors pursue when engaging in their hobby. Here are some of the ways one can use in collecting coins:

Coin collection according to nation

Many coin collectors would want to collect coins from a certain nation during a certain period of time. This kind of coin collection lets the collector travel the globe through the coins. People may want to collect coins from countries they had visited.

Historical coin collection

Another way of collecting coins is by taking in mind history. Many coin collectors engage in collecting coins during a certain period in history like wars or declarations of independence.

Error coins

There are people who find collecting coins with errors exciting because these kinds of coins are rare nowadays.

There are many ways to collect coins and each way is as fun as the other. One must feel the hobby first before he decides whether to stick with it or not. Coin collecting can require certain amounts of money and the collector must be wise in engaging in such a hobby.

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Essential Supplies in Coin Collecting

Essential Supplies in Coin Collecting

Coin Collection

The condition of the coin means everything in coin collecting. In the world of coin collecting, the coins themselves are considered as gold, this is why there is a need to protect them from damage. Having the right supplies will allow a collector to preserve the integrity of his coin collection. The slightest hint of damage can diminish the value of a coin significantly.

Here are some of the supplies which are used in properly handling coin collections:

Gloves

In handling coins, you must be careful not to scratch the coins. The use of gloves (preferably white) will prevent scratches and other kinds of damage to the coin’s surface. Gloves should be made of cotton or plastic.

Coin tweezers

If you not comfortable using gloves, you can use coin tweezers. These are not your ordinary tweezers because their tips are protected with plastic that prevents the tweezers from scratching the coins.

Magnifying glass

In examining coins, you must be able to take a closer look at them. This is where the magnifying glass is most useful. You must be careful in using a magnifying glass when examining the coins. There are magnifying glasses available today that have stands attached to them and the stands allow the collector to use both hands in coin examination to avoid accidents.

Cleaning materials

A mild soap and a soft high-integrity fiber cloth can be used in cleaning coins.

Mats

When examining or cleaning coins, you must remember to put a soft cloth or a mat on the table where you are working. An accidental dropping of the coin can damage it significantly and reduce its value to literally nothing. A mat or a cloth will absorb the impact of the drop and will prevent the coin from being damaged.

Boards

You must be extra careful in displaying your coin collection. Coin boards are used by many to display their coin collections. In the U.S., the map of the United States of America is very popular among coin collectors to display the different quarters of the different states.

Envelopes

When transporting coins, the use of coin envelopes is very practical. The use of these paper envelopes allows a collector to safely transport his coin and put some information about it in or on the envelope itself.

There are other coin collecting supplies such as boxes, holders, folders, but everything points to the preservation of the coins’ condition. The right kind of supplies will determine whether a coin is priceless or price-less.

Unknown Pada 10.47 Komentar

Coin buying 101

Coin buying 101

Coin Collection

There are various sources where those “special coins” can be purchased. The following are the basic methods and starting places to obtain the coin(s) you have long wanted.

Go local

Coin shops are plentiful in most states. Generally your local area or city will have coin shops which you can visit to see if they have the coins available that you want to add to your collection. Most of these coin shops are located in the larger town or cities. Better yet, use your local phone book and start walking those fingers through the pages to find out where the nearest coin shop(s) is located...

These shops provide coin collectors the opportunity to actually examine or scrutinize the coins that interest you. Fortunately, these coin shops are also replete with experts and coin lovers who share your passion and can offer their valid judgment on a particular coin’s grade or value. They can also offer helpful tips as well as advice.

Local coin shops may sometimes have a limited stock or collection of coins and the price they offer them for may be a little bit higher than usual. This scenario usually applies to collectors.

Auctions for coins

There are also auctions specifically for coins. This method is a very effective – if not excellent – way to purchase coins. It is extremely important that prior to attending an auction you know the procedures and rules that apply.

There are various types of auctions; bidding auctions via mail, internet, as well as auctions conducted by phone. Always be aware and wary! It is important to make sure that you set a fixed price on the coin you are about to bid on. Auctions can turn very emotional and aggressive. Practice discipline and try not to bid more than the ceiling price you have set for yourself.

Buying coins by mail

This method is a very convenient and inexpensive way to purchase coins. Most dealers that transact via mail usually have overhead costs that are low so they are able to offer similarly low prices on coins they sell.

Do not forget to thoroughly inspect a particular dealer’s policies before returning an item. Make sure that once you receive your coin, immediately inspect it for authenticity or damage. The coin you must have must be just as you ordered and what you expected.

In summary, coin buying is not difficult. All you need is to research and look for the best product available.

Unknown Pada 10.45 Komentar

Collecting those quarters

Collecting those quarters

Coin Collection

Collecting coins is a hobby that anyone and everyone could do. But collecting quarters is a hobby that - currently – it is estimated that one hundred six million Americans do. Men, women, and children of all ages are involved in collecting quarters.

What is it with these quarters that millions of people seem to go “gaga” about? Primarily, doing it is easy as quarters can be found almost anywhere and the collectible coins do not cost much more than face value.

So how should one collect (or start collecting) start collecting the very much in-demand quarters?

For the budget-conscious coin collector

If the collector is concerned with his or her budget, many quarters may be obtained as change from purchases. This is a very convenient and less lifestyle-invasive method of procuring quarters. If the collector is serious, bags of these coins can be purchased from coin dealers. Do not forget to choose those quarters that were not circulated!

How to store those quarters

For those just starting a coin collecting hobby, coins they collect are usually placed inside a large glass jar or bowl. This is perfectly fine. Serious collectors prefer coin storage devices especially made for coins that are available in coin shops and from coin dealers.

How to make quarter-collecting fun and interesting

Children are the perfect people to start a hobby such as coin collecting, quarters most specifically. Nothing beats the excitement of a new quarter in one’s pocket. Quarters are a unique, as well as a very inexpensive, way to get children interested in history. When they find a new coin, they can research it to find out the details of the state from which the coin came, etc. It is an effective way to have fun while learning.

Coin history101

The sequence of how the coins are minted, believe it or not, is based on the order of the states. Basic US history tells us that Delaware was the first state; therefore, this was the first quarter minted. For the sequence of the other states, check the schedule from 1999 to the 2008 of the US Mint.

Collecting quarters is a valuable hobby that has many benefits. It trains one to be patient, resourceful and appreciative of history and the value of the big and little things in life.

Unknown Pada 10.44 Komentar