Collector coins have become popular among coin collectors as well as investors over the years, and it’s easy to see why! These coins often feature intricate designs, gorgeous colors, and rich histories that may date back hundreds of years. Read on to learn more about collector coins and find out what makes them so valuable.
Collector coins date back to ancient Greece, where a currency unit was used as an object rather than a flat piece of metal or paper. It has been said that King Croesus (the richest man in history) was the first to use this form of currency with special gold objects shaped like cattle called Lydian stamped into them for trade. The Lydian form of currency evolved through time into many different cultures, including modern-day collectors’ coins, which can be defined as any coin that is traded at more than its face value because it is rare, commemorative, unusual, or otherwise sought after by collectors. These coins are all valued in high numbers due to their rarity. They’re typically sold on websites, which allow people from around the world to purchase these types of coins without even meeting in person. Because these collectors’ items are so valuable, people have come up with ways to protect them from theft or damage. For example, some experts recommend using specific wooden boxes that have locks on them when storing your collectible coins; while others recommend having insurance if you’re going to carry your collections out of doors often.
The collectible market will always exist because there will always be something new out there worth collecting. Whether it’s just one type of card game or another type of coin—anything can turn into a collectible item given enough time!
Collector coins, or numismatic items, have different qualities that affect their value. The most common way to determine a coin’s rarity is by its grade. A coin’s grade is determined by the amount of wear that it has received over time. Common or circulated coins typically have a lot of wear because they were handled extensively when spent as currency, while rarer items can still be in uncirculated condition.
Collectible coins can also be graded with specific terms to denote the amount of wear they have sustained over time. Uncirculated means that the coin was never used for circulation and has not been touched since leaving the mint. Uncirculated means that there may be light handling marks on the coin but it is still mostly in pristine condition. Extremely Fine (XF) refers to a coin with light scratches on it and Very Fine (VF) refers to one with more noticeable scratches but no major damage. Coins graded as Fine show signs of serious scratching, though they are not completely marred by wear and tear. Finally, Poor grades refer to coins which have been heavily worn down through use or display little-to-no detail due to erosion from constant contact with other materials
Collector coins can be difficult to understand for a novice collector, so we’ll start from the beginning. Collector coin prices vary wildly and depend on rarity, age, production quality, popularity, country of origin, etc. When buying them, you should know the difference between bullion coins and numismatic (collector) coins. If you’re just looking for something to put away as an investment, then look into numismatics because they are less predictable but also have more potential upside in terms of value. On the other hand, if you’re planning to spend your money on something tangible that will give a return in terms of how much it’s worth right now or what it could be worth in 10 years, then buy bullion coins instead. Bullion is cheaper up front but there’s a greater chance that it will lose its value over time because of market volatility.
You might want to consider flipping the coins if you don’t want to keep them. There is also a coin trading industry out there that can bring in some cash if you have rare items. If you don’t mind keeping the coins, be sure to register them so they won’t become stolen goods. Be very careful of what dealers say when it comes to quality, price, or authenticity because in many cases the dealer just wants the item for their own personal collection. Lastly, stay current on prices by reading about changes within your niche and then check various websites for updated values so that you know what is worth buying. The world of coin collecting can be tough to navigate but with these tips, it will seem much easier.
Collecting isn’t always about getting the most expensive pieces, although sometimes those coins are more coveted than others.
main photo: unsplash.com/Traxer
