| After learning the basics of coin collecting, you are | | | | and damage on the overall eye appeal of the coin. |
| probably going to become interested in coin | | | | For the best coin collecting values you want there |
| collecting values. A coin set can be a great | | | | to be little damage at all. Most collectors agree |
| investment as they can skyrocket in prices if the | | | | that a strong coin either has a good eye appeal |
| supply and demand is there. While there are | | | | or not. |
| several ways to determine the value of a set, | | | | When looking at the different coin collecting values |
| one method is by looking at the grade of your | | | | you obviously want to have the most perfect |
| coins. | | | | mintstate coin as possible. A perfect coin will have |
| The grade of a coin refers to the condition it is in. | | | | an attractive sharp strike and original luster of the |
| The main objective behind grading is to determine | | | | highest quality. There will be no contact marks |
| whether the coin is in mintstate or if it is | | | | and absolutely no visible hairlines, scuff marks or |
| circulated. Mintstate means the coin is new while | | | | defects. |
| circulated refers to a used coin. The ideal coin is | | | | As you go down the list little details can degrade |
| perfect mintstate as you will certainly get the top | | | | the value of the coin. Things like a few light |
| coin collecting values at this state. | | | | scattered contact marks or flaws, a couple of |
| There are a few ways that you can grade a coin. | | | | small hairlines, or average luster can make a coin |
| The first is by looking at the quality of the coin | | | | drop in value. A typical mintstate coin is going to |
| die and any striking characteristics. The strike | | | | be the bottom with an unattractive and dull luster, |
| refers to the process of stamping a design and it | | | | many contact marks or damage spots, and a |
| can either be strong or weak. Typically this will | | | | heavy concentration of hairlines. |
| depend on how the coin was designed. | | | | There are several things you want to look at |
| The second thing to look at when grading a coin is | | | | when determining coin collecting values. Pay close |
| the condition and characteristics of the planchet. | | | | attention to contact marks, hairlines, luster, and |
| This will help you determine whether a coin is | | | | any scuff marks. If your coin is in perfect |
| uncirculated or not. A mintstate coin will not have | | | | mintstate it will have the highest value of any |
| any wear whatsoever. | | | | other coin. |
| The last thing to look at is the amount of wear | | | | |