Posts Tagged ‘coin’
The Pros and Cons of Auction Sales
In a coin collection, the most hard part is how to find the coins for the collection. A collector’s main method of acquiring coins is by buying them. The most common different in acquiring a coin is through hold in auction sales.
Rare coins and those that are of high quality are very hard to buy. Auction sales whether online or at auction houses provide coin buyers the option to buy these types of coins at lower prices. Online auction sales usually take 3 to 4 months to process depending on how quick bidders can choose on their bids or when the bidding process closes.
No matter how well loved auction sales have be converted into to many collectors, it is still vital to know the advantages and disadvantages they can provide to coin collectors. Here are some points must to be considered before buying in auction sales.
Advantages
1. Auction sales provide simpler negotiations, and is the simplest way of buying coins for a collection. This is because of the set price that is reserved for the coin. It is simpler to weigh options and estimate the price of the coin.
2. Auction sales include a bidding process. Buyers will only need to bid to the price they are willing to pay for a specific coin. This earnings that a coin will be bought within the allotted budget of the buyer. If a buyer really likes a coin, then he can bid a higher price so that there is a higher likelihood of winning the bid.
3. There is also a chance of getting the item if the buyer who won the bid was not usual for some wits. This may also happen when the price that was reserved for the coin was not met. When this happens, the item for bidding is usually passed. This earnings that the item will not be sold and the bidding will be re-opened any time soon.
4. Contracts are involved in the bidding process. Once a buyer wins a bid for a specific coin, contracts will be exchanged immediately between the successful bidder and the seller. This will ensure that the negotiation was completed and the bid price of the item is confirmed.
5. The person who has the highest bid may be allowable to make a deposit payment. This will ensure that the item will be reserved for the person who won the bid. Deposits may be a fraction of the whole amount of the coin.
Disadvantages
1. When buying in online auction sales, there is a higher chance of fraud. This is because the negotiation is done online. The buyer does not see the person who is selling the item or know if the other bidders are real people who are really bidding for the item.
2. There also times when the item that was showed on the website before the bid is not the same item as the one that was delivered to the person who won the bid. It is recommended that the buyer should ensure that the very same item that he bid for is the one that will be delivered to him.
3. The reserved price of the item may also produce some disadvantages. There are times when the reserved price that was set on the item is higher than what the buyer expected. This will force the buyer to bid higher and exceed the budget they have allotted for the item.
4. Online auctions cannot ensure the buyers that what they are bidding for a genuine item. The buyers will only be able to inspect the coin once they have won the bid and the item is delivered to him. This may lead to fraud and the buyer ends up regretting that he bid for the item.
Auction sales may be well loved but it is still strongly but be advised that buyers need to be aware of the pros and cons of this option. Buyers also must be familiar with their rights as consumers and buyers. Additional options may also be considered before choosing the auction sale option in acquiring coins for collection.
Collectors may consider buying from friends or agents that they know but if they still would like to buy in auction sales, they need to make sure that the website or the auction house has no record of illegal activities. Buyers should also spend some time reading reviews about the sellers to make certain that they are dealing with credible people.
All About Coin Collecting: Grade Coins with Ease!
Coin collection is not just about having as many coins as possible. More vital than the number of coins is the quality of those coins. This quality is measured by the coins’ grade and the grade is measured using a scale from zero to seventy (seventy being the highest point grade). Doctor William Shelby introduced this point scale in his work “Penny Desire”.
Here are the classifications of coins according to grade.
1. “Mint State” Coins
This is equivalent to a value of 60 to 70 in the Shelby’s grade scale. This earnings that the coin has no blemishes at all. Most of the coins in this category are uncirculated, shiny, new coins, with absolutely no signs of wear.
2. “Nearly Uncirculated” Coins
The “Nearly Uncirculated” coins have a point grade of 50, 55, or 58.
It is very vital to note that in these coins, coin collectors must know the locations of the high points in a particular coin. By checking the difference of the set alight reflected in the high points to the additional parts of the coin, an “Nearly Uncirculated” coin is separated from the Mint State coins.
3. “Fine Coins”
These can further be classified as” Extremely Fine” (40, 45), “Very Fine” (20, 25, 30, and 35) or “Fine” (12) depending on the sharpness of the remaining details on the coins. The coins are observed to have wear but the designs are still intact.
For “Extremely Fine” coins, the mint sheen is still present.
“Very Fine” coins can be compared to coins which have been used for 1-3 years. Minor features of the coins are already gone.
4. “Excellent Coins”
These coins can be specifically defined as “Very Excellent” (12), “Excellent” and “Nearly Excellent” coins.
The coins in this category are worn out. Only weak designs can be observed since the details of the coins in the high points are nearly smooth.
Full rims must be observed for the “Very Excellent” coins category.
In the case of “Excellent” coins, the mint mark and the date must be visible.
On the additional hand, “Nearly Excellent” coins are the most worn of coins in this category.
5. “Honest Coins”
The coins are “worn out”, but can still be distinguished as belonging to one of the types of coins – as long as one can identify a coin, it is a “Honest C”.
6. “Basal Coin”
These metals that can be determined to be coins – but the kind of coin are undeterminable.
With the classifications described, it will be very simple to grade coins. Just remember that knowledge of the coins’ grades gives coin collectors advantages!
How to Spot an Error in Coin Collections
Spotting errors in your coin collections or maybe in everyday pocket change is simpler than you imagine. It’s rather profitable and fun too. You just have to follow the different steps wisely a couple of times so that the impulse of checking out every coin you receive will be converted into a problem. These simple instructions are productive and proven methods of locating the different coin errors and varieties of die circulating inside your pockets and additional people’s pockets.
There are three vital tools though – a magnifier that can be seven times stronger or more, at least three to five dollars value of usual or old coins and a very keen and watchful eye. Follow the sequence below.
1. Sort the denomination. If investigating for errors, always group your coins in batches. Example, gather your pennies on one side, then your dimes at the additional, then your nickels, and so on. Eyes are very keen observers and so seeing one type tied together will let the brain memorize its features and angles so that you can scan quicker. When you go to the next set of the same type of coins, your eyes and mind will collaborate and do the same scanning, determining and saving. It will be simpler on your part to point out even the slightest difference with this kind of grouping.
2. Examine inscriptions. Look at the obverse lettering of every coin. Do you see anything unusual or odd about it? There are several instances wherein doubled varieties of die show doubling effects in just one part of a word. Polishing, greasy dirt collection or die abrasion can produce the failure of letters to be inscribed perfectly on the surface of a coin. Upon turning the coin on its additional side, look at it wisely from every angle. Inspect for special oddities like doubling, missing letters, etc. that can be found in its inscriptions.
3. Look at the mintmark and date. Focusing on these mintmarks and dates should give you a better thought on what to look out for. These marks belong to the most valuable mistakes that you can most likely find in circulation. Several issues can be concluded in this part of the coin because of repunched dates and mintmarks, various kinds of doubling, overpunches and a lot more.
4. Examine the portrait. Portraits are the major aspects that are most likely to buy some strangeness in its proportion. When examining it, consider every angle as a whole. Can you see doubling that is quite obvious? Observe for vital missing nitty-gritty, cuds and die cracks. Focus your attention on the portrait’s ears, chin, eyes, and mouth and look for any signs of doubling.
5. Feel the edge. That would be hard. But then again, what you can do is to roll the coin on the surface of your palm to examine if the edges are the same. By this method, you’ll see the edges clearly and you’ll be able to point out any lines, seams and reeded edges that are missing.
6. Separate odd ones. By doing these simple things, you can be converted into an expert in coin inspection and printing out certain errors in only a matter of seconds. Once you have determined which among them are odd, examine them thoroughly under a magnifier supported by very good lighting.
By being adept to these, you can easily spot errors in your collections in just a matter of minutes.
Who Collects Coins?
There are basically 4 groups of coin collectors. Even as maybe not every coin collector fits into one or more of these categories, most do. The categories are inheritor, hobbyist, investor and hoarder.
The majority of coin collectors start out in the inheritor category. Some coins are passed on to them from a relative. Or maybe they were given to them by a supporter or the coins were just found in their change.
But the coins came into their possession, the new collector didn’t hold them and usually has no knowledge of coin collecting. Once in their possession, if these coins spark an interest, the inheritor becomes a collector.
The hobbyist collects coins for their artistic or historic appeal. They delight in the challenge of trying to obtain all the coins in their select categories. The hobbyist can easily go into the investor category.
The investor sees the chance to increase their original investment in coins. They can appreciate the actor appeal of the coins, and may get a lot of personal pleasure in the process of carrying out their collection, but their main wits for collecting is the potential restore on their investment.
Then there’s the hoarder. They collect coins just for the value of the coins. Their collections usually include everything they can get. They have no interest in the artistic or historic appeal of the coins. For them the value of the coin is the face value or the value of the material the coin is made from.
Handling Your Collection.
When it comes to collectable coins, the less they get handled, the better. They’re best kept in a coin holder, with as small contact as possible. The better the quality of the coins, the more vital it is to handle them properly.
If you have to handle them, it’s best to hold the coins on their edges. The less contact with your skin, the better. Fingerprints will quickly lower the value of uncirculated coins.
You also need to keep the coins away from your mouth. The moisture from your breath can eventually produce spots on the coin. Some collectors and dealers wear gloves and masks when handling coins.
If you need to place your coins on a surface, a clean, soft velvet cloth or pad is best. Don’t drag the coins across any surface. Scratches will greatly reduce the value.
Cleaning is another simple way to reduce the value of a coin, sometimes by as much as half. A shinny coin is only excellent when it’s the original shine. If a cleaning is absolutely necessary, the services of a professionally is strongly recommended.
Tarnishing’s a natural process called toning. When it looks excellent, tarnishing can increase the value of the coin.
If there’s dirt on your coins, you may be able to remove it by soaking them for a few days in bubbly water or olive oil, then thoroughly rinsing with water. Don’t dry them by rubbing them. Rubbing the coin, even with a soft cloth will produce scratches.
What Types of Coins Do Collectors Love?
Simplicity is not the best policy when it comes to coin collecting. Oftentimes it is the rareness, the history, or the mother country of the coins that collectors value most.
Here is a wide array of the diversity of coins that “coinophiles” are obsessed with:
National Coins: Patriotism in Coins
Usually, national coin collectors are interested in collecting their own country’s coins. It is common practice for collectors of national coins to get a representative coin from each date and mint marks for each coin series. Various national coin collectors combine a unique variation of series, date and mint marks.
Error Coins: It’s OK to be Not-So-OK
One of the modern types of coin collecting is known as error coin collecting. Errors became possible when the production of coins was automated during the nineteenth century. Collectors of historic coins are fine with error coins because they like the exclusivity or error coins. Even modern day coin collector falls in like with error coins because they are assured that the modern processes promise that they are unique. The characteristics or coin errors include the following:
- dies that are doubled – mint marks that are repunched – over-dated – double strikes – coins that are “off” metal – coins that are displaced or off center – coins that are clipped – one coin with different nominations on two sides a.k.a. mules
World Coins: Leisure activity of Kings…. of the World
Collecting world coins is about gathering those modern coins from all the countries of the world. Geographically-challenged individuals will have a hard time participating in this kind of coin collecting. If you would like to be a collector of world coins, you must be prepared to spend a wide amount of money if you would want to have an wide collection – being a “jetsetter” force be required. World coin collectors often buy representative coins from each country or from authorities that issue coins. There are also world coin collectors that collect by subject such as those coins that feature animals.
Past Coins: The Value of the Past
Collectors of historic coins find value in mints that are from medieval or ancient times. The most well loved of these historic coins include the following:
- Byzantine – Celtic – Greek – Indian – Israelite – Merovingian – Ostrogothic
There are additional ancient coin specialties but it really depends on the preferences of the collectors. The well loved way is to collect the coins that were minted during the reign of a certain emperor or king.
Learning the ropes of Numismatics
Numismatics is the study of money, medallions, banknotes, token coins, and stock certificates. It is believed to have been established in the time of Julius Caesar who wrote the first book on the subject. It is a very fascinating topic because every medal or coin signifies a different era, culture, economy and/or politics.
Numismatists or the people who study the history and over all appearance of the above mentioned forms of currency are different from coin collectors. Unlike numismatists, coin collectors are only interested in collecting coins and the prestige that goes by the side of with it; a numismatist may also be a coin collector and vise versa.
Over the years, coin collection has been very well loved. The most common designs are well-known people and animals to depict the era when the specific coin was released.
Numismatists are generally interested in use of money, its origin, appearance, diversity and production. They aim to explore the role of the different kinds of currency in our history using mint information. Mint refers to the place or facility where the coins are manufactured. They also grade or authenticate coins to determine their market value. T facilitate this, coin grading system facilities were established.
At this time there are three major third have fun facilities that authenticate coins and/or paper money. These are: the PCGS or Professional Coin grading system located in Newport Beach, CA; the NGC or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation in Sarasota, Florida; and Paper Money Grading (PMG).
PCGS is a third have fun society that was established in 1986, which grades and authenticates coins primarily for commercial purposes. They are an independent body providing expert opinion in rating a coin. NGC is also a third have fun society donation services solely to numismatists. It was established in 1987. On the other hand, PMG is solely for authentication of paper money and a smaller department of PCGS.
When coin collecting was not as well loved as it is now, there were only 3 categories into which a coin could fall: 1. Excellent – which earnings that the coin has all of the details intact; 2. Fine – which earnings that the coin has all the details intact and still has a bit of sheen visible; and 3. Uncirculated – which earnings that the coin was never place on the market thus maintaining its original appearance.
But, today coin grading has evolved and is becoming more settled. They use a combination of letters and numbers that corresponds to the quality of a coin. The coin grading system of United States of America is the most comprehensive and recommended for beginners. An example of USA grading system: MS-60 to MS-70 which earnings that the coin is blemish-free and has good color and strike. In small it’s perfect!
Knowing how to grade a coin properly is not only a gift, it’s an art. It requires knowledge, exposure and obviously skills. For coin collectors, ability to grade a coin is a must because the value of a coin largely depends its grade.
Here are some components Numismatists use in coin grading
1. Sheen – it is a determining factor whether or not a specific coin has been circulated. To have a higher grade, a coin must be technically intact and free from any form of imperfection or blemish.
2. Surface maintenance. Abrasion on the surface of the coin and its location is a huge factor in grading a coin but it does not necessarily mean that abrasion can lower the grade of a coin. For example, if a excellent-looking coin has a severe abrasion on the back that is unnoticeable it will not regard against the coin, but the issue may not be the same if the abrasion is located on the front or focal point.
3. Strike. It refers to the coin crafty process wherein the coin is being stamped onto a planchet. In overall grading, strike does not weigh a fantastic deal.
4. Coloration. For some coin collectors, maintenance of original color of the coin has a huge impact on its value especially if it is a copper or silver coin.
5. Eye appeal. Some coins may not be perfect but collectors may find them attractive, but, it still requires expert opinion to conclude that a certain coin is brilliant in all aspects mentioned.
If you have no background in grading coins, you have no business in coin collecting and numismatics without employing help from the experts. Coins have been playing vital roles, not only in the lives of people who like collecting and studying them, but in society as they speak for different eras in history. Whether you are selling, buying or collecting coins, you must buy the necessary basic knowledge or information; so that you can be assured that it is accomplished properly.
Coin Collecting Basics: Your Own Coin Collecting Kit
Coin collecting is not as simple as keeping coins: it may be observed from numismatists or even coin enthusiasts that it is a systematic and somewhat complicated leisure activity. Certain tools must be employed to ensure both fun, discipline and to some extent, excellent profit.
Here are some of the elemental things that must be included in the coin collecting kit.
1. Coin Guides
Coin guides should be used, not just by beginners, but by professional coin collectors as well.
Coin guides give tips on how to start, as well as special instructions on how to proceed with the leisure activity of coin collecting.
They also provide information on coins, since different coins have different ways of grading, pricing, etc.
It is recommended you read guides before doing early the leisure activity to avoid making incorrect decisions caused by lack of information.
2. Coin Inventory Record
All items in your collection must be accounted for properly. Information like year, face value, grade, cost, trend, and remarks must always be available for reference.
Inventory Records also help in organizing coin collections. It eliminates the redundancy of coins in the collection by showing the collectors at a glance the items in his collection.
Coin collectors do have options in the method to be used in recording coin information. They may point out the habitual paper-and-pen method, or may use coin collecting software.
3. Coin Containers
To avoid damaging the coins, it is recommended to invest in holders and containers that will give adequate protection.
Just remember that coins react to certain chemicals such as sulfur present in paper and PVC from plastic it is not advisable to use such equipment for long-term storage.
4. Silica Gel
The use of silica gel packets is vital to maintain the moderate temperature, low damp atmosphere conducive to coin maintenance.
5. Magnifying Glass
Magnifying glasses are a fantastic help when it comes to coin grading. Most numismatists urge using a 7x magnification, but generally, magnification between 4x to10x will do the job.
The magnifying glass is a fantastic aid in examining the quality and validity of the coins. Details like hairlines or scratches, which are not visible to the naked eye, are “huge deals” when it comes to coin collecting as they affect the value of coins.
6. Lamp
A set alight fund must be placed half a measuring device away from the workspace. Recommended set alight for this purpose may be a halogen lamp, or simply a 75-watt incandescent lamp.
7. Handling equipment
Finger marks reduce the grade of the coins. That is why serious collectors invest in surgical gloves and velvet pads to use when handling coins.
Now our basic coin collecting kit is complete. Delight in!
Kids and Coin Collections
If you reckon that only adults can collect certain items like coins, you’re very incorrect. Attention to all kids out there – you too can collect the coins that you like. Kids always want to have fun and oftentimes, they find coins anywhere. If you have any coins, try to store them somewhere safe. It’s simpler for kids to collect coins because they can just question from their parents, their aunt and uncles, grandparents, and additional relatives.
Parents should also encourage their kids if they see that they are interested in coin collections. If your parents don’t know your interest in coin collecting, this is the perfect time to tell them. Being involved in a excellent leisure activity is something that most parents encourage and they will be more wiling to help out. So, what coins can you find in your pocket? If you don’t plot to spend those coins, you can keep them already. When your grandparents and additional relatives give you money, check them out instantly. Try to give attention to the coin’s point. Perhaps you already have a twenty five cent coin from the Canadian Mint or even a fifty cents commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee.
If you parents give you an allowance, don’t spend the money in unnecessary things. Try to save some for your coin collection. If you already have a wide amount of savings, you can question your parents to take you to the local bank and buy some coins that you can include in your collection. You can also check out online resources and know the coolest coins in the market today that is value collecting.
You don’t need a huge collection of coins because you’re still a kid. You can question your parents to provide you with a lid jar where you can keep your coin collections. You will notice that as you grow older, you will have more collections to show your family tree and friends. You see, the best collectors of coins started from a few coins.
From the very start, you should already list all the coins that you place inside the jar. That way, it will be simpler to mind which you coins you have. You can use graphing paper so that you can keep track of your collections in an organized manner. If you don’t know how to do this, let your parents help. Don’t forget to indicate the year the coin was issued.
Once the coins are compiled, it will be simpler to classify them and later on, conserve the coins. You can take all the coins issued on the same year and keep it in a separate jar. You have to keep the coins somewhere safe so that they are in excellent shape up.
You will know a lot of well-known people as you collect coins. Aside from that, you can also learn additional places where the coins came from. You see, all the coins are rich in history and tales. You will also learn unique symbols and weird geographies.
Kids can start coin collections even at a very early age. With the support of parents and family tree members, your collection can grow to be a worthy collection; one that you can cherish even when you’re already ancient. Don’t stop collecting coins even if you’re already a grown up and try to find a more appropriate storage for them.
Starting a Coin Collection
It is never too early or too late to have a leisure activity. Some people are hobbyists for fun while others see a larger picture; and that is to make money. Some objects that may seem inexpensive now may be converted into valuable or priceless later.
A few good examples are baseball cards, toys and stamps. Many people have made a fortune by collecting and selling on auction sites like EBay. Another collection that can be converted into profitable is coin collecting.
Getting started is as easy as deciding what kind of collection you want. Coins are made every year and some are introduced years later so focusing on a particular time period and location is vital.
Conducting investigate using reference books or the web can aid in coin collecting. You can learn almost anything about the coins to be collected and will help the collector learn those who want to sell coins.
Another good fund of information is subscribing to a coin publication such as Coin World or Coinage Magazine. The local coin shop can also expand the search for those antique coins outside the collector’s city or state.
Being a member of a coin club can build the collector’s network. Some members may want to part with a particular coin in exchange for another, etc.
Coins that are no longer used generally have more value than those that are still committed, because coins in the past were made of 100% silver or gold. Since the demand for silver coins increased and they were hard to produce they are now made of 40% and 60% copper.
After carrying out the collection, the coins should be stored in a nice folder or album. This will keep them clean and easy for the individual to carry around and show.
Coins can be cleaned by soaking them in any of the following liquids: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or ammonia which will remove any dirt or encrustation that’s on the coin when it was bought. Afterwards, they should be air-dried or patted dry with a soft cloth. Rubbing or polishing the coins is not advisable since it scratches and will decrease the market value of the coin.
Coin collecting can be a lot of fun. By deciding on a specific period to commence with then incisive for it, the collector will have a touch valuable as an investment.
