September 24th, 2009 — Coin Collecting, Coin Collection Value, Coin Value
When you are deciding whether or not you would like to add a specific coin to your collection, one of the things that you are going to want to take into account is rare coin values. The rare coin values that you find will ultimately be determined by availability of the coin, demand on the coin, condition of the coin and also the grading for the coin.
Demand and Availability
The demand on a specific coin is going to be capable of significantly increasing the rare coin values. A common coin which is prized highly by collectors is going to have a much higher value than common coins that are sought by fewer collectors. Rare coin values often come from the fact that rare coins have much higher levels of demand in comparison to other common coins.
For example, despite their age, some older Roman and Greek coins are relatively inexpensive in nature simply because they are so abundant. You should also keep in mind that the current availability of the coin is not indicated by the number of coins that was actually minted, as there are situations where coins are destroyed or become lost, affecting the availability of the coin.
Condition
Just a very small difference in a coin’s condition is capable of making a really large difference in its price. Coins that have been used as currency can become worn naturally, and so uncirculated coins are generally capable of fetching a much higher price in comparison to the coins that have been circulated.
For example, a 1913 Buffalo Nickel that was uncirculated has been known to fetch 10 times more in mint condition than a similar coin that is no longer in mint condition because it was circulated.
There are a number of grading services that evaluate the condition of a coin in order to confirm its authenticity and value. There are four factors that are used to find rare coin values, including:
- Strike – Coins that are well struck are coins that have a distinct impression in their metal.
- Visual Appeal – Some coins have a luster that is soft and satin while others are more reflective in their surface. Some coins are actually colorful while others are plainer. Make sure that you are aware of what appeals specifically to you before you make a purchase.
- Luster - Dull coins are not as appealing as bright and dazzling luster. However, coins that have been doctored or cleaned are generally avoided by many serious collectors. If you find a coin that has a bright luster despite having been circulated, it has more than likely been polished.
- Wear - Deterioration can significantly decrease a coin’s value, including hairlines and contact marks. Wear is going to first occur on the coin’s highest points in most cases.
Photo Credits: gemteck1
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September 18th, 2009 — Colonial Money, paper money
If you are interested in collecting paper money, Colonial money is one of the hottest tickets going right now. When the first US colonies were formed, the nation and its currency system were still in their infancy. It was decided that paper money would be used, and gradually, currency was printed and distributed for use. Today, colonial money is usually worth much more than its face value, provided that it is original and not a reproduction. Here are some tips on how to tell whether or not you have an authentic piece of colonial history.
1. Check the Signature
Colonial money was always designed to have at least one signature on the note. You may need to look carefully to determine whether or not a signature is present, but if you can’t find even one, chances are you may be dealing with a reproduction. The color of the signature should be in red ink.
2. Is it Numbered?
Colonial money was always numbered to help them keep track of how many bills were in circulation. Once again, if you are dealing with an authentic note the ink color will be red and the number will be very noticeable. Age made have faded the note slightly, but you should be able to tell that the ink was once a red color.
3. Look at the Writing
Typically, colonial money featured a handwritten signature, and some bills may have other handwriting on them as well. This is actually quite important, and is a big clue to the authenticity of the note. If the handwriting is the in the same color as the rest of the bill, there is a very high chance that you are in fact dealing with a reproduction.
4. Look for the Stamp
In most cases, reproductions that are intended merely for home use will carry a stamp that says “facsimile.” This is done to help people get a better idea of the colonial money that was used, but they are not intended to be collector items. While some reproductions may not have this stamp, the majority should.
5. Find the Watermark
Even in the height of the colonial period, when technology still was struggling, watermarks were added to bills to help determine whether or not they were authentic. You can use that same watermark to help you determine whether or not you have authentic colonial money on hand. Hold the bill up to a light source to see if you can spot the watermark. If you can’t chances are you have a reproduction.
6. Take it to an Expert
If you plan on investing in a colonial money note, it is best to have it examined by an expert to determine the authenticity of the note. They will be well versed in the different types of ink, the different plates that were used, as well as how real colonial money should look. There is no substitute for getting an expert’s opinion, especially if you will be investing in colonial money.
Originally posted 2008-09-11 14:00:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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