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Scarcity of a coin is a key to its value, but condition is equally important. For modern coins, records are kept of the number of minted coins, so rarity is fairly easy to determine. An exception to this is when the mint makes an error; there is no way to check the amount of coins that may have slipped by inspectors, although informed estimates can be made based on when the error is found. While scarcity is generally measurable in quantitative terms, valuing a coin’s condition is much more subjective.

The Internet has helped collectors be able to value their coins, because they can see pictures of similar coins and compare their own. This is much more accurate than looking at pictures in a coin book. Experienced coin collectors can often judge their own collection in this way. But the best way to get a coin graded is to submit it to a professionally registered coin grader. These professional have all the resources and experience required to accurately judge both scarcity and condition. After determining a value, the coin will typically be placed in a slab—a sealed plastic holder that is guaranteed by the grading firm to prevent damage to the coin.

Be aware, though, that there is an inherent problem with using professional grading firms to evaluate your collection. These firms make money by grading coins, and collectors want to have the highest grade possible for their coins. If the firm is less than 100% reputable, it may be a bit more lenient that other appraisers. If one grading firm has a reputation for being a bit more liberal with its grades more collectors will use that firm and it will be more profitable. So there is a financial incentive to these firms to grade “high.” You can avoid this problem by using only reputable firms.

After the coins are graded, the firm will label them. The name of the firm that has graded it can affect the value of a collection; likewise a collection is usually more valuable if only one firm has graded the coins.

Dr. William Shelby developed the coin grading scale used in the United States. It is based on 70 points, with 70 being the perfect coin. In addition to the numeric grade, there is also a letter designation assigned to each coin. For example, the letters MS stand for “mint state”; these are uncirculated coins with no scars, blemishes or other marks. To give you an idea of how rare an MS-70 rating would be, the average new penny from a brand new roll is MS-63. A coin graded MS-68 would be one in 100,000.

A grade of AU means “almost uncirculated” This level includes AU-59 to AU-50. The letters XF or EF stand for extremely fine, and coins with this grading have very little wear. A very fine (VF) coin will show some wear, but most of the detail is visible. Coins in this category will be more affordable, but still quite collectible.

There are a number of resources available if you want to learn more about grading your own coins. Visit your local library to find books on coin collecting and grading; your local coin or hobby shop may also have some good titles to consider. To talk to an expert, plan to visit one of the various coin conventions or money shows; you are sure to find someone there who will give you some inside tips on how to evaluate a coin. And you can find any number of coin appraisers, both locally and nationally, by doing a quick search online. Be sure that the appraiser has the appropriate credentials and experience to give you a fair and valid appraisal.

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The grade of a coin will directly affect its price; meaning, the higher the grade, the higher the price it can command at an auction or sale. While some coin experts posit that you must be trained to grade coins, most people can learn a few basics that will allow them to “eyeball” a coin and estimate the grade without the need for a certified grader. (Keep in mind, though, that if you’re buying or selling you’ll want an official grade eventually.)

The grading scale used most extensively with coins is the Shelby scale, which runs from 0 to 70. A coin with grade 0 is barely recognizable as something that was once a coin, while a perfect grade of 70 means absolutely flawless. While most coins don’t reach the highest scores, a grade of 60 is designated Mint State, or Uncirculated, and would be flawless to the untrained eye. In a typical batch of new pennies, the average coin would be between a grade of 60 and 63.

Depending on the type of coin, there will be different criteria for each grade. Copper and silver coins tend to wear down more quickly than alloy coins, and each coin has different features that will stand up to wear and tear.

Here’s a basic rundown of coin grades, from the most worn to the best condition. Note that most grades will come with a number that corresponds to the Shelby scale. A representative number is included below:

Basal state (Basal) – 0. Barely recognizable as to denomination and other details
Fair (Fair) – 2. Able to identify the coin by type, but very worn
Almost Good (AG) – 3. Can see a slight outline of the coin’s design, but date and other details are worn off
Good (G) – 5. Worn, but date, design and other markings are readable.
Very Good (VG) – 8. Has a lot of wear, but you can clearly tell the design.
Fine (F) – 12. Design is fairly clear, although details are worn down.
Very Fine (VF) – 25. Design is, for the most part, clear and sharp. Generally a few years of wear.
Extremely Fine (EF or XF) – 40. Only the highest points on the design show signs of light wear.
Almost Uncirculated (AU) – 55. Shows some very slight traces of wear, mainly on the high spots on the face of the coin.
Mint State (Unc) – 60 and up. A mint coin will show no evidence of wear.

There are a number of professional coin grading houses, including these industry leaders:

ANACS – American Numismatic Association Certification Service
An offshoot of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the ANACS offers unbiased grading services for coin collectors. They offer a “per coin” price, and even provide an express two-day service for an extra charge.

ICGS – Independent Coin Grading Service
This coin evaluation service offers a collectors club for its customers, with lots of resources on coins.

NGC – Numismatic Guarantee Corporation
Since 1987, NGC has been offering coin grading services with the aim of consistency and impartiality. They will grade a coin based on both its rarity and its overall condition.

NTC – Numistrust Corporation
Independent coin grading service that is available to both dealers and private collectors and hobbyists.

PCGS – Professional Coin Grading Service
One of the first independent coin grading services, their website also offers a wealth of useful information for serious investment collectors and hobbyists alike.

PCI – Photo-certified Coin Institute
PCI offers grading services for both United States and foreign coins, as well as a special service for damaged a corroded coins.

SEGS – Sovereign Entities Grading Service
Specializing in rare coin grading, this firm offers a pre-screening service as well as a resubmission service for grading verification.

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More than being pretty to look at, gold coins can be a lucrative part of any numismatist’s collection. Collectors cherish gold coins both for their beauty, and for there investment potential. Here are some of the gold coins circulating in the market today:

Type One Double Eagle – Struck between 1850 and 1866 at mints in Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco. This twenty-dollar piece is easy to identify because it’s missing the “In God We Trust” motto on the reverse side of the coin.

Type Two Double Eagle – Struck between 1866 and 1876 in Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco. Includes the “In God We Trust” motto on the reverse side of the coin, and also signifies the value of the coin as “Twenty D.”

Type Three Double Eagle – Struck between 1877 and 1907 in Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco. Distinct from the Type Two because the value of the coin is signified as “Twenty Dollars.”

Liberty Head Half Eagles – These five-dollar gold coins are the only ones struck at all seven mints in the U.S.

High Relief Double Eagle – Theodore Roosevelt felt that coin designs were becoming run-of-the-mill, so he hired sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens to create something special. The result was the 1907 High Relief Double Eagle. Even today, many feel it is one of the most striking gold coins in America.

New Orleans Quarter Eagles – Struck at various times between 1840 and 1857, these coins consist of thirteen issues and tend to be a great set to begin with if you’re a new collector.

Sacagawea Golden Coin
First minted in 2000 to commemorate the Shoshone woman who help lead the Lewis and Clark expedition, this coin has quickly become a favorite among collectors. The final decision was chosen after an extensive, and at times contentious, design competition.

Some rarer coins, that are highly sought, include:
$10 Liberty SS – Minted during the administration of President Polk, this piece is often missing from pre-Gold Rush collections.

$20 St. Gaudens – a remarkably beautiful coin, this $20 piece is inspired by ancient Greek coins. The design was commissioned to Augustus St. Gaudens, a renowned American sculptor. The coin was produced between 1907 and 1933 and it considered by many to be an aesthetic treasure.

Gold coins were circulated for commerce in the United States until 1933, when gold coins were confiscated and recalled. Much to the chagrin of coin devotees, up to 95% of all the gold coins in circulation were melted down and poured into gold bars. Surviving coins from this era are highly prized by collectors and do not come up on the market often.

Aside from being prized by collectors for their aesthetic value, many people use gold coins as an investment vehicle. The price per ounce of gold has traditionally always been a safe investment bet, and purchasing this commodity in coins is a big business. If you choose to invest in gold coins, you should do some research and seek advice from independent (and unbiased!) sources.

Experts recommend that you use the services of a coin broker when investing in gold coins. This will assure you that the coins you are buying are authentic and worth the price you are paying. Make sure any coins you purchase are graded by one of the leading grading services. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) are two leading grading houses, and will assure you that the coins you hold are graded to the highest industry standards.

Most likely, gold will always be among the premier trading commodities. Invest carefully, and do your homework before you choose. Always deal with only reputable brokers, and be sure that your gold coin purchase comes with the appropriate authenticity verification.

Do you already have a coin collection or you are looking to increase the value of your collection, as I have, by 20% in two months, http://topcoincollectingtips.com/pricing-coins is the best place to find coin collecting tips, tricks and secrets.
The free reports on the website and ebook, are worth looking into.

David Hall has been collecting coins for many years and his book is a list of the things he has learned.

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Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby for young and old alike, and a perfect activity for any member of the family. Some basic information will help you get started on this fun, educational and rewarding pastime.

When starting a coin collection, your budget will largely determine how and where you begin. For a youngster, this can be a simple as asking friends and relatives to set aside any unwanted or interesting coins. Start by searching the coins you already have. Everyday pocket change can contain special or rare coins and is the best way to start a collection of specifically dated coins.

A simple way to store your collection, as a beginner, is to get a few coin albums to keep them organized and safe. Your collection will probably include a wide range of coins at first, so look for albums that hold many denominations.

There is no real need for fancy albums or expensive cases at this stage of the game. But you will want to make sure your budding collector has some small coin envelopes or cardboard coin holders to protect those coins from scratches and damage. You can find these in local coin and hobby shops, or at one of the many online coin suppliers. Expect to pay between $2-5 for 100 cardboard holders or envelopes. You’ll also want a sturdy box to store your growing collection. Nothing fancy needed here…an old shoe box will do just fine! Make sure you store it in a safe, dry place.

A simple way to store your collection, as a beginner, is to get a few coin albums to keep them organized and safe. Your collection will probably include a wide range of coins at first, so look for albums that hold many denominations.

Invest in a good reference book to get started too. Though they can be pricey, you can check with a local coin shop of online auctions to find a used one at a discounted price.

Many people who are new to collecting start by searching for the newest released coins, like the state quarters. These are popular and they sell albums specifically for them that can be found at many discount stores. They are easy and fun to collect. Another easy collection is to collect coins from the year you were born. There is a wide range of albums, maps and other accessories that makes this collection especially fun for kids and grownups alike.

Another option is to choose a theme for your collection, such as the Civil War, pirates, flowers, animals, etc. Your collection should be as unique as you are. You can also work on several collections at a time. Aside from coin shows and putting your display together, coin collecting does not take up very much time. More than anything you will be sifting through any coins that come through your hands, but that is only a few minutes here and there.

When building your collection you need to figure out a budget and know how much you will be able to set aside for your newfound hobby. Include such costs as the coins, display cases, cleaning supplies, magnifying glass and mini lights, as well as fees to attend local coin shows.

Once you’ve got the hang of it and are ready to move onto bigger and better collections, it may be time to join a coin collectors club to find like-minded people who can inform you about coins, local dealers, local exhibits and shows and buy and sell from their own collections. But before buying any coins, make sure you’ve done your homework and have a good understand of what the coin should be worth. A little bit of research can help you avoid making a costly mistake.

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Famous Museum Coins

While coin collectors own some of the most sought after coins in their personal collections, many museums also hold well-known collections.

The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge (UK) touts one of the best examples of a coin from the Roman Republic. It is known for being mentioned by author Dio Cassius as well as being replicated a century after it was originally issued to celebrate the murder of Nero. Their collection also includes a golden rupee from the 1600s, an unusual copper token distributed by a Cambridge chandler in 1668, and a mint condition Euro, the recently introduced standard monetary for the European Union.

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia holds 63,360 Ancient Greek coins. In fact, by sheer number, the items in the numismatic collection make up nearly 35% of the museum’s pieces. Of specific interest are the first commemorative coins, the Syracusan Dekadrachms. These coins were originally minted to celebrate the victory of the Syracusans over the Athenians in 413 B.C. The collection also contains some exquisite examples of medals and badges.

To the surprise of many numismatists, The British Museum has an impressive collection of United States coins. Some of these coins were donated very soon after being issued and are thus in pristine condition. In fact, some have been identified as being either early strikes or master coins. A pair of 1795 dollars continues to draw a particular amount of attention. One of these coins is often compared to the Garrett 1795 Master Coin, which was sold for an astounding $170,000 in 1980.

The Numismatic Museum in Athens, Greece holds one of the more comprehensive collections of ancient coins in the world. One item that has received considerable attention is the bronze die used for the striking of Athenian tetradrachms with the owl of Athena branding. The bronze die, which was found in Egypt, is suspected to have been used to produce imitations of Athenian coins. Such artifacts serve to increase the intrigue and mystery that surround the world of coin collecting.

Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the National Museum of Economy contains a fascinating glimpse into the history of the world’s currency in its Royal Coin Cabinet exhibition hall. Among its prized pieces is the world’s largest struck coin and the first printed banknote. Their collection also includes some stunning examples of coins from the Middle Ages, including the bracteate or one-sided coins. This is truly an exceptional place to visit for those interested in the history of currency.

The United States offers several prominent collections of coins. The ANA Money Museum, located in Colorado Springs, offers three exhibit galleries offering an in-depth look at coin minting in the US. Among the treasures there is an 1804 mint condition United States dollar, donated to the museum by Aubrey and Adeline Bebee. The history behind the coin is almost as remarkable as the beauty of the coin itself.

No list of coin museum can be considered complete with including the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The NNC, as it’s commonly known in coin collecting circles, offers a look at close to half a million coins and medals, and over one million pieces of paper currency. Included in the NNC’s permanent collection are two of the known 1933 Double Eagle coins, a $20 gold piece struck. Other highlights in the collection include the Brasher half doubloon, a rare 1913 Liberty head nickel, and over 6,000 gold coins from around the world.

If you can’t travel, check out the dozens of online coin galleries. You can view fantastic examples of the world’s finest coins right from the comfort of your own home.

Do you already have a coin collection or you are looking to increase the value of your collection, as I have, by 20% in two months, http://topcoincollectingtips.com/handling-coins is the best place to find coin collecting tips, tricks and secrets.
The free reports on the website and ebook, are worth looking into.

David Hall has been collecting coins for many years and his book is a list of the things he has learned.

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While thousands of different coins exist, three main types can be identified: regular issue coins, circulating commemoratives, and non-circulating legal tender. Regular issue coins are the coins used on an everyday basis. The infrequent changes that are made to this type of currency is usually for security reasons.

A commemorative coin is a legally issued coin with a special design or message to bring attention to a person or event. A circulating commemorative coin can be used as real currency, but is only issued for a limited time to commemorate a person or event. While non-circulating legal tender can be used for regular purchases, it is intended only for decorative purposes or as a souvenir.

The United States Congress began allowing the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins to celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions starting in 1982. These coins often help raise money for specific causes. When a commemorative coin is purchased, a portion of the proceeds go to a chosen organization or project. Since 1982, $418,000,000 has been raised through the purchase of commemorative coins. This money has been used to build museums, maintain monuments such as the Vietnam Memorial, and restore historical sites like George Washington’s home. This money has also helped support various Olympic programs as well as many other endeavors.

Some numismatists get a start in coin collecting with commemoratives. Then, with increased knowledge, they move onto an interest in rare or foreign coins. Commemorative coins serve as a general introduction to the wide world of coin collecting.

The United States Mint website has a lot of good information on current commemorative coin collections available for purchase. Visit their site at www.usmint.gov. You can also find commemorative coins at online coin brokers and dealers.

Some of the more popular commemorative collections currently on the market include the State Quarters series, the Ultimate Silver Eagle Collection, and the Westward Journey Nickel Collection from 2005.

When buying coins, especially commemoratives, be sure to work with reputable dealers. Many collectors buy and sell at online sites like eBay or other auctions. Some of these online auctions do offer guarantees that aim to protect the bidder, but one must be diligent in reading the fine print before bidding. The competition on some auctions can be intense, and an auction can go on for a lone time. Not quite true auctions, many established coin dealers may have an online store that they advertise through auction sites. This might be in addition to their physical store. One advantage to online stores is that you can often view a digital computer scan of the coins listed for sale that will help you make good purchasing decisions.

Coin collecting magazines are also good sources of buying coins. Unfortunately it’s not always possible to view the coins you are buying, and anything bought “sight unseen” comes with an inherent risk. If you buy from a dealer who advertises in a magazine, be sure to check to see if they belong to any of the professional coin dealer organizations mentioned above. Make sure the dealer has a fair return policy and do not start out with major purchases before developing faith in the seller. It is safer to buy certified coins and modern coins through mail order than it is to buy older coins that may have been cleaned to look like a higher grade of coin.

The American Numismatic Association and the American Numismatic Society also have lists of recommended dealers available on their websites. Membership in these societies assures the buyer that the dealer will be held to certain standards of integrity and conduct, and the buyer will generally be safer than when working with a private dealer.

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No manufacturing process is perfect, and the coin industry is no exception. Mint errors, while not really common, happen often enough that there is an entire subset of collectors who deal in coin mistakes. Collecting mint errors can be an exciting and very interesting look at the process behind the coin minting industry. There are several types of errors, including mules, double-strikes and off center strikes.

Coins that leave the mint with undetected errors are highly collectible, some collectors focus soley on errors in their collections. And there is a lot out there to collect! Some rather mundane, and some really spectacular errors have occurred in recent years. A recent blatant error is the Susan B. Anthony dollar (a silver-colored coin) being struck out of the planchet for the Sacagawea dollar coin (a gold-colored coin.) This occurred in 1999 and the reverse mistake occurred in 2000. Similarly, cent coins have been struck on dime planchets and nickels have been stamped out of cent metals.

There is a comparable mistake called a mule that can occur during the manufacturing process. A mule is created when the top die and the bottom die do not match, i.e., the head of a penny and the tail of a dime; the resulting coin will have two different denominations! A famous mule example occurred in 1995 and 1999, resulting in a penny bearing the Roosevelt dime on the reverse. One other well-known mule is the Sacagawea dollar struck on the gold colored planchet mentioned above, with the Washington State quarter dollar struck on the back.

Mules are fairly uncommon errors, and generally fetch a pretty penny when they are bought and sold. A more common type of error occurs when the blank does not get centered properly on the die. When this occurs the design of the coin is off center and only partially appears. Some 1999 Susan B. Anthony dollars were struck 50% off center; these are highly collectible and eagerly sought after. In fact off center pieces can often be quite pricey; an 1899 Indian head penny that was struck 35% off center sold in 2003 for $1,150.00.

Still another type of error occurs when a coin gets stuck in the die and is not ejected. It then receives another strike, causing a duplicate image to appear slightly off center. These double-dies are quite collectible. There are 1972 cent coins and 2000 Sacagawea dollars in circulation today that have double strikes; you may even have one in your next batch of change!

Transitional errors occur when the wrong metal is used to mint the coins. A famous mistake was a 1943 penny that was minted using copper blanks from the previous year. All 1943 cents were supposed to be minted on steel, as the copper was needed during World War II in the munitions plants. Twenty years later, in 1965, dimes were mistakenly minted from silver instead of from the clad metal planchet.

The popular State Quarter program is not error free, either. A quarter was found in circulation with the Georgia state design struck over a Massachusetts state quarter. It was authenticated and offered on eBay in September 2000 for an opening bid of $12,500.00.

There are a number of resources available on famous and not-so-famous mint errors. If you want to learn more about this fascinating side of coin collecting tips, start with your local library, or check out the resources available online. You may also want to check with your local bookstore or online bookseller for some suggestions. The rewards of this numismatic treasure hunt can be worth your effort!

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It’s the dream of every novice coin collector…rummaging through a handful of change and coming across that one mint condition rare coin. In reality, rare coin collecting is an exciting hobby that takes many forms.

What makes a coin truly rare? Coin rarity is determined by two different criteria. In some instances, a coin may be fairly common in circulated condition, but there may be very few in “mint” or uncirculated condition. This is known as “conditional rarity,” since the coin’s rarity is based on the actual condition of the coin.

There are some coins, however, that are rare in any condition, and these are known as “absolute rarity.” Many gold coins fall under this category, and the investment market is fairly hot for these items. Examples of these kinds of coins are gold pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, rare silver dimes like the 1894-S Barber dime, and several types of one cent pieces from the last 1700s.

If you have a coin that you feel is rare, either conditionally or absolutely, there are a number of resources out there to check. You can take your coin to a reputable dealer for an appraisal (you may want to visit more than one to get a second opinion). Conventions and coin shows often offer free appraisals too. You can also find any number of coin appraisers online. Some appraisers will waive their fees if they end up purchasing your coins; ask up front what the charges will be for the appraisal. Be sure to check the background of any appraiser you use, and make sure they have extensive experience and credentials.

You can research your coins on your own with a good coin valuation guide. A comprehensive resource is the Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman, often referred to as the “Official Red Book.” Any local bookstore or serious hobby shop should have a few different books available. You can also check your local library.

There are a number of coin dealers that buy and sell exclusively in rare coins. Some of their products can be quite expensive, and some specialize in gold coins and “investment” products.

And don’t forget to check that change in your pocket! There are a number of rare coins still in circulation, and you never know when you might get lucky. Some of the coins to keep an eye out for are listed on various websites:

1943 Copper Penny – During World War II, production of pennies moved from copper to zinc-coated steel, so the copper could be used for the war effort. In the changeover, however, about 40 copper cents were struck from copper by mistake. A true copper penny with this date could fetch upwards of $200,000.

1982 “No P” Dime – Struck in the Philadelphia Mint, the P was inadvertently left off from an undetermined number of these dimes. Estimated to be worth around $100, although some dealers may try to get more for them.

1955 Double Die Penny – With a value estimated at $200 – $1,000, these goofs were caused by a misalignment, resulting in a double image of the numbering and letters.

Coin enthusiasts often search for years looking for that once-in-a-lifetime find. In the meantime, they enjoy the thrill of the hunt. If you want to join the true lovers of rare coins, read up as much as you can so you’ll know what you are looking for, and how to identify it when you find it. Collecting rare coins can be a lifelong hobby for the whole family. Get out there and starting looking!

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When beginning the fascinating hobby of coin collecting, most collectors have a number of questions on where to start and what to look for. This article will try to answer some of the most common questions asked by beginning collectors.

1. What supplies to I need to begin?

The supplies you will want are limited only by your budget and your imagination. For a novice coin collector, you’ll want to purchase some acid-free envelopes or coin holders, and maybe some cardboard albums or cards to hold your collection. A sturdy box or carton is a good idea too. As you get more involved in acquiring and maintaining your collection, you’ll find a wide variety of storage and handling supplies at online suppliers and in local hobby shops.

2. Should I clean my coins?

There are two schools of thought on this. Some experts warn that using cleaners can actually damage the coin by exposing it to the elements. And harsh chemicals cleaners should never be used, to avoid damaging the metal. The value of your coins may also be lessened if you clean them, the same way a piece of antique furniture loses value if you strip the finish. Some collectors do feel that a mild cleaner, specially formulated for coins, is a good way to bring out its true beauty. If you decide to clean your coins, make sure you invest is cleaning products designed to be used on coins. Many suppliers will also sell soft brushes, perfect for cleaning out the tiny ridges on the surface of your coins.

3. Where can I find coins?

You can start right now by checking your pockets and around your house. Many coins still in circulation have some value to collectors, and you never know what you’ll turn up. Another way to educate yourself on coins is to join a local coin club. Your local hobby or coin shop is a great resource, and you may also want to attend a coin show in your area. eBay and other online auction sites often have coins available, and you can find a number of coin dealers online. Make sure that anyone you deal with is educated and reputable, and has good credentials.

4. How should I store my coins?

The most important thing to remember when storing coins is to keep them dry and at a fairly constant temperature. Avoid storing in an unheated garage, or in a hot attic or damp basement, as these can all have an effect on your coins over the long-term.

You may want to store your regular collection in specially-designed coin envelopes, which come in paper or plastic. For more valuable coins, invest in hard plastic holders, slabs or mylar-lined cardboard. Unlike the envelopes, these won’t break down over time, and offer the best protection for your valuables.
5. What does a coin’s grade mean?

Grading is a way to put a specific value on the condition of a coin. Most reputable US coin dealers will use the ANA (American Numismatic Association) Standards when grading coins. This helps provide a common basis for judging a coin’s value and condition, and makes it easier to price. European standards use a different grading system, so if you aren’t sure what the grade means, ask.

6. How can I tell what my coins are worth?

A coin’s actual worth, like most collectibles, depends largely on what a buyer will pay to own it. Dealers will take a number of factors into consideration when pricing a coin, including markings, grade and damage. Use one of the standard coin pricing guides to help you decide what your coins are worth. There are several good books on the market that are updated yearly with coin values; check your library or local bookstore for the current versions.

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Collecting foreign coins can be a bit of a challenge simply because we don’t see a lot of them in our everyday pocket change. The easiest ones to find are ones from Canada, Mexico and England. The good news is they are often cheaper to collect that US coins. They also add a great deal of variety to your overall coin collection.

Here are some examples of popular foreign coins:

* The French Angel is a gold coin that is well sought-after by collectors. It is said to have mysterious powers to bring good luck, cure diseases and save people from tragedies. And its aesthetic beauty is admired by many collectors.

* The Greek Athenian Owl is a silver coin that symbolized security for those who acquired them during their 300 years of circulation.

* The South African Proof Krugerrands weren’t introduced to the US and other parts of the world until 1967, but they were in Africa long before that. Collecting these coins offers a fascinating look at the history of that area of the world.

* The Mongol Coin of China was a high-denomination coin that the government once forced the people to use. There is a lot of political agenda tied to these coins, and history buffs love these for their rich story.

* The Japanese Yen is a basic coin, much like our penny. These coins have a hole in the center. Many years ago men would ties their money around their necks to keep track of it. These days they can be seen as charms or part of a coin collection.

These are just a few examples of the kinds of coins available and the history that each coin and collection brings. A foreign coin collection is a great way to learn about a different country. They can provide a great history lesson and you can learn the difference in how much each is worth what you can buy for the value of a dollar using these various coins.

Another way to collect foreign coins is to look for a common theme among theme. Some examples include collections with animals on them and others with flowers on them. You can add coins from a variety of countries to fit your chosen theme. This is a good way to represent many foreign countries in a single collection.

Many collectors buy and sell at online sites like eBay or other auctions. Some of these online auctions do offer guarantees that aim to protect the bidder, but one must be diligent in reading the fine print before bidding. The competition on some auctions can be intense, and an auction can go on for a lone time. Not quite true auctions, many established coin dealers may have an online store that they advertise through auction sites. This might be in addition to their physical store. One advantage to online stores is that you can often view a digital computer scan of the coins listed for sale that will help you make good purchasing decisions.

Coin collecting tips magazines are also good sources of buying coins. Unfortunately it’s not always possible to view the coins you are buying, and anything bought “sight unseen” comes with an inherent risk. If you buy from a dealer who advertises in a magazine, be sure to check to see if they belong to any of the professional coin dealer organizations mentioned above. Make sure the dealer has a fair return policy and do not start out with major purchases before developing faith in the seller. It is safer to buy certified coins and modern coins through mail order than it is to buy older coins that may have been cleaned to look like a higher grade of coin.