How to collect Rare Coins

What you need to know about Rare Coin Collecting

 Have you ever tried collecting rare coins? It can be great fun and a good investment.

Rare coin collecting is one of the few hobbies that are not just a mere pastime or leisure activity.

Coin collecting can get quite fascinating and many people get quite caught up in their hobby..

Coins are often thought of as works of art because of the beauty of their designs
(Some of which are quite exquisite).

In very early days coins were utilitarian and featured just the amount the coin was worth or the Sovereigns head
to enable people who could not read not to be cheated in commerce.

Early coins were mostly made of silver or copper with a few being made of gold or electrum
(an amalgam of gold and other precious metals)

In more recent times the design of the coin has become a portion of its worth to collectors.

 Coins will often portray the history of a nation by engraving and important historical event or anniversary
into the design on the coin.      

Seldom do people know the secret that coin collecting can also be quite a good way to make money.

Hard to find rare coins can turn out to be valuable and when found can be a good investment.

Rare coins have risen in value by anything from 300% to over 1000%.

So Rare coins that cost $1000 each in the 1970s could now be worth over $50,000 each today on average

This amazing increase in worth outstrips most other investments. (especially stocks and shares !)

So what is the big secret behind the increase in this part of the coin market ?

It is quite simple really, rare coins have always been a good hedge against inflation and recession.

Big investors know this and many have a large piece of their investments in rare collectable coins.

In most unstable conditions (such as we have at present) rare coins maintain their worth.

When Governments seek to stabilise the economy by printing more money,
the value of printed money may lose its value- Zimbabwe is a classical example  as was pre-WWII Germany.

Many experts contend that rare coins are a more stable investment evn than gold bullion

since Gold Bullion relies heavily on the daily gold price for its worth.

So What should you purchase ?

Early Coins are my personal choice - Exceptional Quality Roman Coins in Gold or Silver
(yes Roman Gold Coins Do exist !)

My second Choice in Rare Coins would have to be Medieval Gold and Silver Coins of
the period between Edward IIIrd to James Ist as these are possible to obtain and rise steadily in value.
(Gold Coins in this era often fetch astronomical prices)

In American Coins, Early Gold is definitely the area to collect as these are avidly collected and would be
easy to sell if needed. Prices are currently high but may well rise again.

If you prefer to collect Modern Coins then I would suggest sticking to PROOF Coins
As these normally come with a C.O.A (Certificate Of Authenticity). A Proof coin is one that is specially struck and has never been circulated (indeed some proof coins are struck several times to enhance the sharpness of detail on the coin).
Proof coins are normally SLABBED (encased in plastic) and may come with a valuation certificate too.

This article is not intended as investment advice and as with all investments,
coins can go down in value as well as rise.

If you are thinking of collecting rare coins either as a hobby or for other reasons, I suggest
you need reference books to advise you.

Apart from identification you need to know how many of a particular type of coin was produced
in order to judge its worth.

 This article may be freely published providing the Author Bio Section is also included

Proof Silver Coins Ending Soon on eBay:

1976 US Bicentennial Silver Proof 3 Coin Set w/COA

US $17.49 (7 Bids) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:45:13 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Mint Condition COIN SCALE-Silver Proof Sets OUNCES TROY

US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:45:16 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

1986 Silver Proof half dollar Liberty Coin US nice USA

US $18.85 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 18:47:26 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Purchasing coins through online auctions is still one of the best ways to find good deals on some really rare and valuable coins. Due to the current economic downturn, many collectors have found themselves faced with having to part with some of their collections, or perhaps even their entire inventory. This presents a good buying opportunity for buyers who are well-prepared and know just what types of coins that they are looking for.

When purchasing coins through these online auctions on places such as ebay, it's certainly wise to confirm that the seller is reputable within the ebay online community. I myself never purchase any coins of real value from any seller who have a feedback score of under 98%. As a matter of fact, I usually will only deal with sellers who maintain a feedback rating of 99% or higher, and will often be willing to pay more to do business with these sellers. I find that the extra money that may be involved in the purchase price, or winning bid amount is well worth the peace of mind that you it comes time to actually pay for the coins. With the more experienced sellers that have a high feedback score, you can rest easy knowing that the chances are pretty darn good that the transaction will completed without any problems.

The obverse of the coins depicts the initial walking liberty design crafted by Adolph A. Weinman that was initially used on the United States Silver Half Dollar put out 1916 to 1947. The reverse of the coin shows a gorgeous rendition of an American eagle with a shield which symbolizes our nation's pride.

Collector's Proof versions of the American Silver Eagle are put out by the United States Mint and are minted through a specialized procedure utilizing reflective coin blanks that are placed manually through the coin presses that have been equipped with special dies. Every coin is then pressed numerous times producing a highly-detailed frosted image which appears to float over a smooth, mirror-like background. The proof coins are then thoroughly inspected for quality and then positioned inside of a hard-plastic casing for protection. The coins are then placed inside of an attractive velvet presentation box that is lined in satin. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is additionally included, to verify it's source as originating from the United States Mint.

As Silver Proof Eagles are put out by the U.S. Mint, each coin's weight, purity and content are guaranteed by the United States Government. They are the only silver coins that can carry this nature of guarantee as they are strictly limited in production quantities and are offered for order through the Mint and their authorized sellers.

Proof coins that have been graded as high-grade editions by third-party verifications firms such as NGC and PCGS virtually always have a tendency to cost more than the ungraded versions, but can be worth the extra expenditure due to their guaranteed grade. It is reasonable to state that most high-grade silver eagles and proof silver eagle coins are priced more accordingly to the coin collector market, more readily than the bullion market.

Proof Silver Eagle Coins are a great addition to any investment portfolio or collection that is diversified into silver bullion coins.