Rare U. S. Coins

Finding Rare U.S. Coins

sean — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:14:13 +0000

Coin collecting was started only as a hobby for most people, however you can hear what other people say (or you probably have heard yourself) about news of people cashing in on their old coin; and that encouraged more people to go on a coin-collecting streak. If you are one of those people who want to invest in coins, here are several places to start your collection.

Coin Shops:

Many shop owners are dealers that know a lot of information about coins and are selling coins too. These coin shops are a valuable place to find and gain more information about coins and coin collecting. These coin shops can be costly, though, as they are anticipating selling their coins for a profit. With enough knowledge and/or having someone who know a great deal about coin collecting at your side, you can get great prices for your coins.

Coin Shows:

There are times when your local mall will have an exhibit from several coin dealers and that will let you see all of the collections and allow you to buy some coins for a lower price due to the competition. You will probably also see several new coins that are available and suitable for your collection.

These coins shows are great not only for sellers and buyers but also for coin enthusiasts who want to see rare and hard to find coins.

Mail Orders/Web Sites:

There are thousands of dealers worldwide and most of them have websites that allow buy coins and pay for them through mail order or through any online payment system such as Paypal. You should do your research on these companies and read their terms carefully to make sure that you can get your money back when you have a problem with the coin you purchased and/or received.

For every legitimate web site, there are may be hundreds of fake web sites that are just attempting to get your money. You should always ask for feedback from previous customers before paying anybody online and remember not to give out any password or pin numbers.

Flea Markets:

It would be surprising place to find rare coins at a flea market, but stranger things have happened. These places have different ideas about pricing which is due to their lack of understanding of how a coin should be priced. You will find overpriced coins but if you are lucky you might find a rare coin somewhere in those stacks of coins that will make it worth your while.

Flea markets sellers are usually looking for a quick sell and would probably give you discounts when you buy their items in bulk. Try to buy other items and get your coins added as a bonus.

Auctions:

If you are looking to invest in really, really rare coins, the best place to go would be an auction. Auctions are the only place where you can find people selling their rarest and most expensive coins. Several of these auctions are happening online at the same time and most of the sellers are looking for the highest bidders. You must be aware and warned that some of these sellers are frauds and will not make the price you pay worthwhile. You should try to learn more about these coins and their worth before trying to buy one from an online auction.

Other Coin Collectors:

Coin collectors usually have duplicate coins that they are willing to sell for a price lower than its market value. The only problem is it is hard to find another coin collector that collects the same coins as you. The best places to look are online groups, forums and (if you have one) local groups.

Other coin collectors are the best people to turn into when you want to start your own collection. They can offer you tips, discounts and some might even be tempted to give you some of their coins to kick-start your collection.

Coin collecting is like any other investment the value will fluctuate: they may depreciate in value and/or gain value at any time. The best way to profit in coin collecting is keep updated with the news and the prices of the coins. This will not only help you in not being fooled by merchants but by learning how to price a coin even without a price list.

Coin Collecting as a Hobby

sean — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:09:05 +0000

Coin Collecting as a Hobby

Most people engage in different activities that they consider hobbies. When people consider a particular activity as a hobby, it means that people find that activity pleasurable in that they enjoy collecting different kinds of coins.

In this context, it does not necessarily follow that the coin collector will focus more on the monetary value of the coins. When the focus of coin collecting delves more into the monetary value of the coins than the gratification the collector obtains, it is no longer deemed a hobby but an investment.

History tells us that the main reason other generations collected coins was the value that coins would someday attain. The ancient form of coin collecting was even labeled a hobby “fit for the kings” because ancient coins were so valuable that only the kings were capable of collecting them.

Today’s coin collection is no longer limited to the “kings” or the affluent. Anyone can now consider coin collecting as his or her hobby. The popularity of coin collecting continues to flourish as more and more people collect coins. That is why it is now known as the “King of Hobbies”.

Why Such Popularity

One of the many reasons coin collecting is considered by many as one of the most popular hobbies in the world is based on its ease of access.

When somebody wants to start coin collecting, he can start any time, anywhere. Some people start coin collecting with the coins that they have in their pockets. This phase of coin collecting is known as the “accumulator” stage, where collectors try to accumulate as many coins as they can often using their “pocket change”.

After the collector gets the “hang of” accumulating coins, the hobby becomes more expensive. This is because true hobbyists are willing to pay the price as long as a particular coin will enhance their collection and will beauty to their “masterpiece”. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Coin collecting as hobby is a pleasurable activity that any person can use to create a feeling of gratification..

Is now the time to buy, hold or sell rare U.S. coins?

sean — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:31:01 +0000

With unemployment rising to 10 percent levels, tight credit markets, housing foreclosures rising 15% along with bankruptcies during early 2009, it is little wonder that activity in the rare U.S. coins collecting market is declining. The state of the economy creates a condition of uncertainty at both the macro and micro levels of the economy. People are generally conserving their cash resources and waiting for evidence that the economy is improving before resuming their collecting and trading of rare U.S. coins. The question, of course is this: how long before we see the wider economy turn for the better?

Another indicator within the rare U.S. coins market is the activity of dealers. Dealers are travelling less and report diminished retail and wholesale activity. There is a lack of fresh offerings for sale especially those more desirable ‘A’ and ‘B’ type coins certified CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation). Rather we see an abundance of ‘C’ and ‘D’ graded coins, which are less viable as collector items for both dealers and collectors. It has been observed that dealers are using the internet to clear their holdings of ‘C’ and ‘D’ class rare U.S. coins at a discount. However it is important to bear in mind, that collecting or investing in those classes of coins is not advisable. Quality is the key and the ‘eye appeal’ is the benchmark to follow.

Other indicators of slowing market activity for rare U.S. coins, is the buying and selling trends of collectors. There is evidence that collectors are curbing their buying patterns and in many cases are offloading some of their holdings from their portfolio. However history tells us that in any market condition, some will make bank, while others will not. For example, the current market condition, where supply ranks over demand, means that those with surplus cash can find bargains in the market, and add to their portfolios.

For those with buying power for adding to their rare U.S. coin holdings it is important to follow the principle of only buying ‘quality’. Quality and value are linked. For example, value is determined by quality, supply, and demand. In a receding market, inferior items, namely the ‘C / D’ grade coins are in less demand, while ‘A / B’ grade coins still command demand. Quality and value will prevail, but sellers need to be flexible on price setting in order to entice conservative buyers in the current economic cycle.

So, as noted above, the current economic downturn is both a curse and a blessing. A curse for those collectors with limited cash reserves, while a potential blessing for those with strong cash reserves. In short, the current times present excellent buying opportunities especially for ‘A / B’ grade coins. For those collectors who do not have the spare cash, do your best to hold onto your coin assets. Despite speculations, the turning of the current cycle is unknown. But what known is that the economy does more in cycles, and if history is our guide, the rare coin market will recover again in the future.

According to some reports, there are some sections of the rare coin market that are faring better than others. For example, early copper items appear to be holding their value. Morgan dollars, especially common dated, and the early commemoratives are declining in market terms. Similarly slow performance is evident for Indian Head Cents and Lincoln Cents. Most early ‘A / B’ type items continue to hold their trading value mainly due to the scarcity factor. These examples offer interesting buying opportunities.

In light of the above, what might be a good plan for rare coin collectors and investors in this current down cycle? It is a simple strategy, buy ‘A / B’ grade coins with an element of rarity. Coins with this profile will always hold their value in a down market and appreciate in value when the market cycle turns. And direct your research efforts finding items with the ‘CAC’ certification.

The collectible and rare U.S. coin market has proven to be stronger than most other investment asset classes. However, as history shows, ‘all boats rise / fall with the tide’. This means that although the collectible and rare coin market has outperformed other investments in recent times, it cannot be immune from pressures from the wider market sentiments.

So to recap:

Do your best to hold your rare coin assets;
If in buying mode, look for most early ‘A / B’ rare type pieces
Focus on rare coins that carry the ‘CAC’ certification

Half Cent Coin History

sean — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:56:44 +0000

Introduction

The half cent was among the first coin strikes authorized by the U.S. Congress on April 2, 1792. Designed by Adam Eckfeldt and first released in 1793, it was minted at the Philadelphia Mint periodically until 1857. Its metal composition was of copper and weighed of 6.74 grams. It is the smallest-denomination coin ever minted in the United States. Its small buying power and large size 22mm, led to its unpopularity at that time in history. Production of the Half Cent discontinued production on February 21, 1857.

Though it may appear strange nowadays, the U.S. government once issued a coin worth less than one cent: the half cent. The copper Half Cent started in production on April 2, 1792. During its 64-years in circulation the Government stuck five basic design types of the tiny (0.93-in) coin. The Philadelphia Mint was the choice of location for stricking the first batch of Half Cent coins. A mint Mark was not forged on the coins. The Half Cent's designers and engravers are amongst the most renowned in U.S. Mint history: Adam Eckfeldt, Robert Scot, John Gardner, Gilbert Stuart, John Reich and Christian Gobrecht. Designs for the Half Cent were also translated for use other coin denominations throughout the years. Below is a brief summary of the Half Cent coinage designs.

Liberty Cap

The 1793 Liberty Cap was the first half cent struck and as a result, is a highly coveted coin for today's coin collectors. The obverse design, is believed to be based on sketches made by Mint Director David Rittenhouse, although it is not known for certain who actually finalized the design and the dies for the first Half Cents strick. The obverse features a portrait of “Liberty” facing left. Her hair is flowing behind her, and ascending from the back of her head is a pole that supports a liberty cap. The reverse features a laurel wreath of leaves and berries which circle the value, “HALF CENT”. In 1794 the “Liberty Cap” half cent saw its first design change after only one year of circulation. This design, “Liberty” is facing to the right. While there were many different forms of this design type, the most famed change, other than the direction of “Liberty”, is that she now is wearing her liberty cap. There are varieties which do place the cap held upright by a pole. The reverse remained the same as the previous designs, with a wreath circling the value, “HALF CENT”.

Draped Burst

Starting in 1800, the Half Cents design changed with the introduction of the "Draped Bust" form. The obverse featured a larger version of “Liberty” facing right. The reverse was graced with the existing wreath already in use. The laurel wreath is a close copy of that seen on 1797 Cents. It displays 16 leaves on the left branch and 19 on the right. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the border and the value “HALF CENT” is centered on the coin with the fraction, 1/200 at the coin's lower edge.

Braided Hair

The last design variety in the “ Half Cent” series is the “Braided Hair”. The designer, Christian Gobrecht, used the same Braided Hair conception he used on the cent of 1839. A bust of “Liberty”, facing left, graces the obverse. Her hair is braided into a bun. She wears a tiara inscribed with the word "liberty". The reverse side was a re-introduction of that used on the 1809 rendition. The denomination, “HALF CENT”, is bordered by a wreath, tied at the bottom with a bow, and circled by the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.

have a penny that might be worth something, need answers.?

sean — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:02:56 +0000

I just found today a penny minted in 1946, with the wheat around it and a 's' below the date. Abraham Lincoln on the dated side and ' One Cent ' on the other with the wheat circling. Any idea on what it might be worth ? Not a coin collector myself, but this seems pretty cool.

my fellow u.s. coin collectors out there what coin or series of coins do you think are sleepers or undervalued

sean — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:00:15 +0000

i personally think the whole 1932-1964 silver quarter series is under valued also i think the wheat cent will rise in value in 2009 when they make new lincoln cents Related posts:Coin Collectors or People who know about coins. Help?have a penny that might be worth something, need answers.?Is there a difference between the Lincoln Memorial [...] Related posts:

What Is The Best Way To Dispose of / Sell A Coin Collection?

sean — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:59:17 +0000

When someone dies and leaves a collection of coins, what is the best way/place to sell the coins? Related posts:What is the best way to sell a coin collection?What’s a good way to store a large coin collection?Coin collection?I am trying to inventory a coin collection, is there any good software that I can use?I have [...] Related posts:

How to Sell Rare U.S. Coins

sean — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:48:03 +0000

Coin collecting and, especially, collecting rare United States coins is an increasing popular bobby in the U.S. and abroad. This article gives some tips for when it is time to liquidate some of your holdings.

Given the popularity of this hobby, then is no shortage of buyers for rare and valuable U.S. coins to add to their collection. A quick scan of Ebay listings, for example, demonstrates a vibrant and active market of both sellers and buyers.

This article offers a few tips for to improve the selling process.

a) Know the market value of your coin offerings.
- Use rare coin appraisal services in your local area.
- Use online resources like Ebay for example. Browse or use the search box to find other items for sale that match the items you want to sell. Reviewing these offerings gives you an insight into what buyers are paying for that particular coins.

b) These tips may sounds like a 'plug' for Ebay, but the nature of the Ebay marketplace is a powerful indicator the peer driven supply and demand patterns for a broad range of consumer products. In this light, the seller, you, can not only use Ebay for researching the market value of your rare U.S. coin offering, but also use this platform to actually achieve the selling objective. Take some pics, and I mean quality photographs that are 'in-focus', write an honest description and publish. Done.

c) Here are some some some other resources for selling items from your coin collection online:

List of certified coin dealers
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=1&pub=5574652925&toolid=10001&campid=5335871170&customid=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lgdocument.write('Ebay for selling and buying
Sell Coins
Heritage Auction Galleries
Numismatist Advertising

“30 out of circulation Lincoln Wheat Coins U.S. Minted 1909-1958, Awarded by International Home Shopping???

sean — Sat, 02 May 2009 09:43:13 +0000

This roll of wheat pennies is in a white wrapper with blue stars and says ; Awarded by International Home Shopping, Canton, Ohio. Recorded and Filed As: Historical Coinage registration:5821 Sweepstakes Winner:91 what are they worth? Related posts:lincoln wheat penny- blue rollLincoln Wheat (1909-1958)registration #5821have a penny that might be worth something, need answers.?wheat pennies Related posts:

indian head coin value?

sean — Sat, 02 May 2009 09:43:06 +0000

I just found a silver coin in my mom's room.
it is dated 1893, silver, and has an indian head on it.
on the back is just the wreath, but there isnt a price value on the back...

what is the value of this coin in mint condition? in poor condition?
there arent any markings on the back as to indicate the value.

it also has a hole in the top, the original owner must have wanted to wear it. i have a feeling this will destroy any hopes of selling it, but how much WOULD it be worth?