March 3rd, 2012 — Coin Collecting, Russian Coins, world coins
Russian coins have recently become a popular investment, with many of the popular dealers selling out of supplies, and some older and more rare coins earning over $45,000 at auction. Many people gave up on Russian coin collecting in 2007 because of the raising values and costs of most Russian coins and the sudden surge of people interested in Russian coins, not just as hobbyists and collectors, but because of the believed investment potential these coins suddenly had.
Imperial Russian coins prices have doubled in the last year, making any pre-1917 Russian coin more expensive to obtain, taking it out of the reach of many hobby collectors, and consequently more valuable. Even the dealers are a bit baffled by the sudden upswing in the Russian coin market, especially in as short a time as one year .
The demand for Russians coins actually started 5 or 6 years ago, as the country’s economy began to stabilize after years of difficult times. During much of the 20th century, all but the wealthiest Russians often had trouble making ends meet, so expensive things were put aside. Many silver and gold coins were melted down. While the records of how many coins were minted are still there, no one knows how many were melted down and put into another form during their years of weak economy. Because Russia doesn’t allow the export of its Imperial coins, finding them outside Russia is fairly rare, with those coins either appearing outside Russia illegally, or perhaps brought by Russian immigrants years ago.
Russian coins are actually even more valuable inside Russia than they are elsewhere. Now that the economy is improving, people are more able to indulge in hobbies like coin collecting, and since so many early coins were destroyed it’s these coins that seem to have the most value. Because the price is steadily increasing, investors know that they can turn a profit in only a few months by purchasing the coins and then reselling them at their new, higher market prices later.
While this value growth can’t continue indefinitely, Russian coins still sell for less than their British and American counterparts of similar rarity, so it could continue for yet while. As long as the Russian economy improves, it’s believed that the value of Russian coins will continue to grow. At some point, though, the selling price for many Russian coins will drop, perhaps dramatically, so if you’re after a particular coin that’s out of your price range, a wait and see attitude could serve you well and get you the coin at a more affordable price.
Because of the high value of some Russian coins today, fakes have flooded the marketplace. Coin dealers can easily spot a fake, while some eBay sellers who have no intention of defrauding anyone might have no idea that their coins aren’t genuine. Choose sellers who have extensive numismatic experience and can vouch for the authenticity of their coins, and offer a refund if you should have the coin examined and discover it’s not genuine.
Photo Credits: kevindooley
Originally posted 2008-10-26 14:00:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
March 2nd, 2012 — Ancient Coins, Coin Collecting, Gold, Gold Coins, Gold Eagle Coins, Rare Coins
Gold is one of the most popular substances in the world, and rare gold coins are highly sought out by collectors, not just for the precious gold content, but because of the rarity of the coins and the designs themselves. How do you know if a gold coin is actually rare, or just old? First of all, if you’re shopping in online auctions, which is actually a good place to find coins, decide that you won’t get too excited by every auction that claims its coins are rare.
“Rare” is actually a flash-word in online auctions, designed to get people to view the auction. If you browse the site a while, you’ll find items listed as “rare” and “hard-to-find” that you can probably purchase anywhere with very little effort. This practice has made the word rare almost meaningless on eBay and other online sites. So to find truly rare gold coins, you’ll need to do a little research on the coin that’s offered in the auction, as well as into the seller’s past auctions.
Have a look at the seller’s feedback. Does every auction represented there shout “Rare!” from the rooftops? Also, you can search on the specific coin that’s offered to see which others sellers offer it and what they have to say about it. Then you’ll want to research the coin online to find whether its truly rare, or the use of the word was just an advertising tactic. Truly rare gold coins won’t be found in hundreds or sometimes even dozens of auctions at one time, because of their rarity.
Even reputable online shops that deal in gold coins will exaggerate the use of the word “rare.” If you search on “rare gold coins,” for instance, you’ll come up with hundreds of dealers that don’t really happen to have any rare gold coins for sale, but newly released ones. They’ve simply used “rare” as keyword to rank higher in the search engines when someone’s looking for a rare coin, in the hopes of attracting that customer’s business with their new coin selection.
Your own interest in rare gold coins and a little time spent searching can help you find the right coins. You’ll also get a good idea of the price you should pay for one, judging by the median amount charged by many different dealers. Also do a search on eBay for closed auctions that featured that item, and you’ll see about how much you might end up paying if you should purchase from an auction.
Some of the most rare gold coins from the United States were minted before 1933. Liberty gold coins minted throughout the 19th century, and the Saint-Gaudens gold coins and Indian gold coins minted from the early 1900s to 1933, are some of the best rare coins available today. They’re prized, not just for their gold content and their rarity, but their beautiful designs, with the Saint-Gaudens considered one of the most beautiful American coins minted to date.
The business of buying and selling gold can be profitable, and is one you might be interested in getting into.
Originally posted 2008-11-14 05:34:49. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
March 2nd, 2012 — Buying and Selling Coins, Coin Collecting
When people think of coin collecting, they think about some of the oldest coins that they can find. They think about all of these rare coins and coins with value, intrigued by their rarity and their history. These people often skip out on collecting new coins for their coin collection, failing to realize all that they are missing out on.
There are plenty of different benefits to collecting new coins and putting them in your coin collection. Understanding all of the benefits that new currency has to provide can help you to quickly build a strong and diverse coin collection.
Easy to Obtain
One of the main benefits of collecting new coins is the fact that these coins are simply easy to collect. The coins are still in circulation, and can generally be found wherever currency is exchanged. In certain cases, coins are new but are created as a “limited edition” piece of currency by the government mint. These coins are still easy to find as they are being created, as the “limited quantities” are still high in number and are geared toward collectors, not the general public.
Cheap to Buy
One of the downfalls of general coin collecting is that it can be incredibly expensive. Rare coins often sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. New coins are completely different, as they are only as expensive as their face value. If you are looking for a dollar coin for your collection, you are only going to have to pay a dollar for it.
This makes coin collecting much more accessible to the masses. Coin collecting is simply more fun when you can add multiple pieces to your coin collection, instead of spending all of your money on one or two different rare coins.
Value Growth
At first, the idea of collecting new coins seems like nothing but novelty. Everyone has these various coins in their pockets and in their wallets – why would collecting these coins be interesting? People fail to think about the future when they think about their coin collection because they are too preoccupied with the past. The coins that are new today will eventually be rare and hard to find. If you have these coins in your collection now, they will simply increase in value over time. New coins are incredible investment pieces for your coin collection, as they will eventually be worth much more than their initial value and price.
Coin collecting isn’t just about the past, even though most people think about discontinued coins when thinking about a coin collection. Coin collecting is about celebrating the world of currency, both old and new. New coins can be a part of your coin collection and can be an important and strong part of that collection. While you may not see incredibly high values with these various coins, you can be sure that you are building a collection that is diverse and varied.
Photo credits: cometstarmoon
Originally posted 2011-07-04 03:11:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
February 29th, 2012 — Coin Collecting, Military Coins
Whether you were once in the military, or you are a collector all of things militaria, military coins are a great and valuable item to start amassing. There are many different kinds of military coins that are currently available and numerous countries put them out. Whether they are meant to raise funds for defense, or simply to commemorate a special date, many of these coins are worth a great deal of money.
If you are interested in collecting military coins, there are a few things you should know before hand. Typically, you’ll find that the coins are divided up by the specific branch of the military for which they are issued. For example, there are military coins available for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. Many collectors like to focus on one specific branch of the service, especially if they have a tie to that branch.
Military coins are also those that are shared between soldiers in other countries. It was a common practice during World War II to swap coins with allies. This gave soldiers a unique memento of their time overseas and these are considered to be very valuable, especially when you consider the overall emotional value of the coin to a collector.
If you want to buy military coins, there are a few places you can look.
Coin Shops
This is probably the best place to get military coins and you’ll be likely to find thousands at these stores. For those looking for rare coins, this type of store is a treasure box full of new finds just waiting to be discovered. Most towns will have at least one coin shop or one located near by. When you are shopping at one of these stores, ask for any certificates of authenticity if possible and make sure that the coins are authentic.
Flea Markets
In many cases, you can find incredible treasures at flea markets and this is also a great way to add to your collection of military coins. Many people will set up specific military related collectible booths, and you can find a good selection of coins. Others will have a more general approach, so you may need to do some digging to find the coin that you want.
Online Auctions
The availability of military coins has increased exponentially thanks to the Internet. You can now find coins from all over the entire world and you’ll have rare access to coins that wouldn’t normally be available in your area. While there is a little bit of risk that comes with shopping online, when you can’t actually view the coin you’re buying, most sellers are honest and will provide you with authentication. It is still a good idea to read up about the coins you want to collect so that you know what to look for.
These auction sites will typically have great deals on military coins and you can easily stock up or complete your collection in just a few minutes when you buy online.
Photo Credits: kevindooley
Originally posted 2008-09-27 14:10:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
February 25th, 2012 — Coin Collecting
As a coin collector, you should know that you can always make your coin collection stronger. Coin collecting is all about improving your collection and making your collection the best that it can be. This comes from the way that you showcase your coins to the way that you expand your collection.
You need to work to understand how you can take your collection beyond the point that it is at now. These tips should help you to understand how you can improve on a collection that you may already be content with.
Diversify with International Pieces
Most coin collectors tend to stay within the bounds of one single country for their coin collection. Many of these individuals also stick with coins that are from their home country. If you want to make your coin collection stronger, work on diversifying your collection with international pieces. There is a wealth of coins out there and different realms of coin collecting that are based on different countries. There is a lot to learn about the currency of different countries and a lot of interesting designs to be found from those countries. Adding these pieces to your collection will give it the range it needs to be larger and more impressive.
Add Paper Money to Your Collection
Many coin collectors stick to coins because of their ease and convenience. Many stay away from paper currency pieces because of the higher prices and the rarity of many of these pieces. If you want to strengthen your collection, you should work on adding paper money to your collection. These pieces are far more visually appealing than coins, giving your collection and interesting and unique look.
If you are considering adding paper money to your collection, you will need to do more research. There are subtle differences between paper and coin collecting, including identifying counterfeits and handling the money with care.
Seek Out Rare Coins
While you may have a strong collection, you may also have a collection that is considered “safe”. The collection does not feature any rare coins and does not feature any pieces of significantly high value. If you want to strengthen your coin collection you need to start to add these expensive pieces to the collection. Take the time to budget out for pieces with higher prices and research these different coins with high values. While it will take more work and cost you more money, it will elevate your collection to a more professional status.
You do not need to take every single one of these tips and put them into play in your collection. Simply choosing one way to make your coin collection stronger will give you a clear direction as you work on your coin collecting skills. Take one an embrace it, working to make it a serious part of your collection. You can then incorporate others when you have made significant progress in that one aspect of collecting. In the end, you will continue to make your collection stronger over time.
Photo Credits: kevindooley
Originally posted 2011-06-22 03:52:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
February 21st, 2012 — Canadian Coins, Canadian Fifty-Cent Piece, Coin Collecting, Rare Coins, world coins
If you’re a coin collector, specifically a Canadian coin collector, you might enjoy looking for a 1971 Canadian fifty cent piece to add to your collection. The trick to this is finding the right fifty cent piece to know whether the coin is worth merely 50 cents, or if it’s a more valuable one that could be worth a little bit more, maybe two dollars or more, depending on the current price of silver. The real value in these coins isn’t the monetary value, though, rather it’s the value for collectors when they find this fairly uncommon coin.
Rarity isn’t the only factor in rating the value of a coin, or almost all Canadian fifty-cent pieces would be worth more. A Canadian fifty-cent pieces, whether it’s a silver minting for collectors only or one designed for general circulation, has much the reputation in Canada as the $2 bill does in the United States. They’re both real money, but some people doubt their legitimacy because they’re rarely seen and not commonly used. The 1971 Canadian fifty cent piece is distinguished from other fifty cent pieces only because it’s a silver half-dollar produced when other half-dollars were alloys.
Ironically, even though some people look at a Canadian fifty cent piece and wonder if it’s a real, legitimate coin, the fifty cent piece was the first coin the Dominion of Canada ever produced. The first domestically minted Canadian coins were fifty cent pieces featuring an effigy of King Edward VII, struck in 1908. The reverse of the coin features Canada’s Coat of Arms. Canada still produced fifty cent pieces today, but they’re still rarely found in regular circulation because most Canadians, when presented with one, keep it because of its rarity. The 1971 Canadian fifty cent piece is, of course, more worth keeping than any of the others because of its silver content.
By 1971, Canadian half-dollars were made from a nickel alloy, with no silver content. But in April 1971 they minted some silver fifty-cent pieces designed for collectors specifically, and not intended for general circulation, even though they bear the same value as other fifty-cent pieces as far as currency is concerned. Even despite its silver content, though, this fifty cent piece isn’t necessarily a great investment coin—gold bullion coins are for more valuable as investments—but it can be an interesting addition to a collection of coins from Canada or all over the world.
If you’re looking for a 1971 Canadian fifty cent piece, the chief thing you’ll need to ask is whether the coin is a standard half dollar or a silver half dollar. If the seller is unsure and the picture is unclear, you may want to purchase the coin elsewhere, because the fifty cent pieces from various years look virtually identical, giving them each very little value as collectibles. The coins are probably best found in uncirculated condition, usually sold individually rather than in lots, because they were designed as collector items.
Originally posted 2008-11-19 14:00:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
February 19th, 2012 — Coin Collecting, Rare Coins
If you are looking to earn a profit with a unique type of collection, then one of the collection options that you may want to consider is rare coins. When you are collecting coins for the purpose of an investment, then it is probably going to follow that you are interested in unique and rare coins. Rare coins are the types of coins that you can collect that will offer a much greater value. Many people have created quite a rich return just buying and selling rare coins throughout their lives.
The thing that makes coins so valuable in the first place is how readily available they are. If there is an extremely limited selection of a certain coin product, then it may become pricier as a result. If the coins have been destroyed or melted down or if only a limited number of the coins were produced, then these factors will contribute to how expensive the coin will be, and how much you can sell it for as a result.
Rare coins are coins that are capable of bringing in a high yield in terms of investing. There have been collections of rare coins out there that have sold for as many as several millions of dollars even when the initial cost to collect the coins was a fraction of that. The collectors selling these collections clearly made wise choices regarding their rare coin collections and they paid attention to detail, paying off handsomely in the end.
When it comes to collecting coins that are rare of valuable, you are going to need to be really diligent when it comes to watching out for coins that are not real. The greater that the value is for the coin, the more likely it will be that someone has made a duplicate in order to make some money that they do not deserve. It is not going to profit a counterfeiter to reproduce a coin that is less valuable so they tend to counterfeit the more expensive coins so that a single coin can net a much, much larger return. There are books capable of dealing with this subject specifically, and so you should make sure that you have the right resources on hand so that you can distinguish the real coins from the fakes when you are collecting rare coins of any kind.
Rare coin collecting can be a truly wonderful hobby as well as a powerful tool for investing as well. It is vitally important that you keep yourself informed on all of the current trends when it comes to the world of coins. You should enjoy your collection and you should allow it to bring you a great amount of joy and investment profits for many years to come as well.
Photo Credits: gemteck1
Originally posted 2009-10-04 03:01:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
February 18th, 2012 — Coin Collecting, Rare Coins
Those who are thinking about getting into coin collecting are going to have to make a somewhat serious decision about their collection. These collectors are going to have to start to think about rare coins and are going to need to decide whether or not they plan on taking their collection in this direction.
There are some different things to consider when thinking about collecting rare coins, facets of this type of collection that can completely change how you approach your collection. It is important for anyone into coin collecting to make a decision regarding rare coin collecting.
For
While it is easy for individuals to collect coins that are not rare, it can also be somewhat boring. Part of the thrill of collecting anything is the idea that there are some pieces out there that are harder for people to find than others. There are certain coins that are going to cost a lot of money and are going to be hard to find.
The feeling that one gets when they find the coin that they are interested in and have the money to pay for it is considered by some to be indescribable. It makes the entire act of collecting worth it, as it can be an adrenaline rush mixed with a feeling of accomplishment.
Against
Those who make the case against coin collecting with rare coins tend to focus on two major aspects – difficulty and price. Some individuals want to have fun with their collections but do not want to have to work to find singular coins. They simply want to go out and find the coins that are readily available. This is generally a great approach for coin collecting for those who have younger children who are collecting coins – if their interest in coin collecting wanes, parents will have wasted a large amount of both time and money.
Collecting rare coins can be incredibly expensive, and can make coin collecting difficult or impossible for many. Most people simply do not have the money to spend on single coins for their collection. Rare coins can come with a hefty price, depending on how rare the coin is. Unless you feel like paying hundreds or thousands of dollars, you will not be able to add rare coins to your collection.
Some coin collectors are not going to want to get seriously financially involved with their collection. The collection is for fun, but is not meant to be a major purchase. Others enjoy the thrill and excitement that comes from collecting these coins, and will want to spend far much more on their coins. You need to take the time to think about your personal collection goals and your financial goals. You will be able to figure out whether or not rare coins collecting is right for you.
Photo Credits: HamdunnZakaria
Originally posted 2011-01-28 03:28:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
February 13th, 2012 — Coin Collecting, Coin Collection Value, Rare Coins
The wide variety of coins and paper money that can be added to your collection come in the forms of both easy-to-access money and rare coins. Rare coins are a special part of coin collecting, providing individuals with goals to set and coins to chase.
There are some coins that are more rare than others, making them more elusive and more interesting. Having information on these coins will help you to understand their history and to understand exactly what is so unique about the coins. These are just some of the rare coins that you may want to add to your collection.
1943 Copper Penny
Wars tend to bring out interesting pieces of money for collectors, and the 1943 copper penny is no exception. The penny was created during the Second World War – a time when copper was rationed. Most were made out of brass and steel, but some were made out of bronze. Those that were made out of a bronze/copper alloy are incredibly rare.
Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan Silver dollars come from a wide variety of years, ranging from anything from 1879 to 1921. These are considered to be some of the strongest coins for coin collectors in the United States and abroad. For one, the coin is known as incredibly rare. No matter the year, these different coins are hard to get a hold of. And add to your collection. There are some that are harder to get a hold of than others, like the 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar. These coins generally did not see circulation, meaning that most of them are in mint condition. This simply raises their value and cost.
The $20 Double Eagle
The United States minted Gold Double Eagles, coins that were worth $20 and were made out of a 90% gold alloy. The coins were put into circulation from 1850 to 1933. These coins have become incredibly rare, and are some of the most sought after in the world. The 1933 has the special distinction of being the hardest to find. This was the final year of the Double Eagle, a year that was never supposed to actually see circulation. Anyone who holds this coin will hold a pricey piece – the last coin found went up for auction and sold for nearly $8 million.
You do not need to try to add these coins to your collection to be able to have a good and strong collection. These are simply some of the coins that serious coin collectors enjoy hunting for. These are prized possessions that are for those who are serious about coin collecting, looking past values in an attempt to simply have coins that make them happy. If you want to have a collection that makes you satisfied and engaged, look into these rare coins and find the ones that you would like to hunt down for your collection.
Photo Credits: jwinfred
Originally posted 2010-12-27 03:00:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
February 13th, 2012 — 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
Originally posted 2009-09-24 03:57:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
