Coin Collecting

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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Coins and Paper Money -> Ancient Coins -> Persian, Indian, Asian

There is something very special about rare coins. No matter where in the world they came from, they usually have a very rich history and collectors will search to the ends of the earth to find that special rare coin that will complete their collection. Many of these coins will go at a premium price at auction, worth far more than they ever were when they were in circulation. Let’s look at a few of the different types of rare coins.

First up, you have rare coins from ancient civilizations. Whether it was an early coin from Mesopotamia, a Grecian coin or a Roman coin, these are usually the most valuable. However, they are also the ones that may be copied. If you see a lot of coins and the seller claims that they are all authentic, but the price seems too low, you may want to rethink your purchase. Truly ancient rare coins are typically very expensive. It is all too easy nowadays to replicate these coins and mass produce them.

Next, look for coins that are oddly shaped or made from rare materials. This shows that they were handmade and are typically older in origin. These are not very easy to find, but Greek coins are the perfect example of this. These rare coins were handmade and will frequently be just a little off of perfect. Some may even include the maker’s signature or mark, and these are very valuable indeed.

Other rare coins that are fun to collect coincide with specific eras in history. For example, many collectors look for coins produced during the French Revolution. This was the time period when the first Marianne’s were made, and they are incredibly collectible. Other examples would include confederate coins, from the US civil war, or coins that were produced by governments that are now extinct.

Whenever you are shopping for rare coins, it also pays to look for any errors that may be present. These are usually incredibly valuable, and although they are hard to find, it is very special when you do come across one. Examples of error coins include coins that are missing something from a design, or ones that may have blatant errors. Examining coins for these flaws is always interesting.

The rare coins that are the most valuable are usually the ones where only a few are left. Using the Morgan Silver dollar as an example, there is one variety where only a handful are accounted for. This gives collectors a challenge and the ability to experience the thrill of the hunt as they try to uncover that incredibly rare coin.

If you have not yet begun collecting rare coins, it’s a good idea to start thinking about which era or type of coin you might be interested in. For example, many collectors start off by picking the year they were born, or the coin that commemorates an event that is special to them. Once you get started with rare coin collecting, you’ll see just how exciting this hobby can be.

Originally posted 2008-08-29 05:00:33. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Coins & Paper Money -> Coins: World -> Europe

Euro coins were first put into circulation in 2002 by the European Union. There are 8 coins: 1, 2 5, 10 and 20 cent coins, as well a the 100 and 200 cent coins, which equal 1 and 2 Euros, respectively. Because these aren’t just coins used as legal tender within one country but rather all of Europe, they have a common side that shows a map of Europe, and the other side of each Euro bears a design that represents the country of its origin.

Though Euro coins weren’t circulated until 2002, some were minted as early as 1999. Earlier versions of the 10, 20 and 50 cent pieces bore a map of Europe that made it appear all the countries were islands, as the borders between them were shown as actual breaks in the landmass. The 1 and 2 Euro coins showed Europe as a cohesive nation while still depicting borders between the countries. Each nation chooses its own reverse design, while the common side with its stars, bars and map of Europe remains the same throughout.

Euros coins are interesting for collectors because of this diversity. Some countries choose their national side to be the same on each coin like Belgium has, or each coin can bear a different design, like Italy’s. Belgian Euros actually draw a great deal on the nation’s previous coin designs while some countries like France use monuments and symbols with very stylized designs on their coins.

Additionally, there are certain rules the national designs must follow. The design must contain 12 stars, the year of issue and the engraver’s initials. The national side also can’t show the denomination of the coin because that’s on the common side, nor can it repeat the word Euro unless it’s written in another alphabet, like it is on the Greek coins.

The national side on Euro coins is also locked in until the end of 2008, with no changes allowed unless a monarch depicted on the coins dies or abdicates the throne. The Vatican coins were allows to change their national side when Pope John Paul II died in 1995. They issued a different coin while the throne was empty, then in 2006 they issued coins featuring the effigy of the new Pope, Pop Benedict XVI.

Commemorative coins are released regularly. In 2007 all countries that produce the Euro created a Treaty of Rome commemorative coin that was almost identical to that of every other country. Euro coins have also been designed to make it easy for blind or sight-impaired individuals to be able to distinguish between the coins. Each has a unique edge design that can be felt to identify the amount of currency, and the sizes go up with the value of the coin.

For coin collectors, Euro coins can be a fascinating part of their hobby with so many different coins featuring so many different designs. Online auctions like eBay are a popular place to acquire the coins, which are graded similarly to any collectible coins.

Originally posted 2008-10-23 14:00:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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