| Coins have been always been a part of our | | | | though the rim is still clearly visible, the design is |
| country's history. Prominent people are featured | | | | almost worn off and only few details of it are |
| on them. A change of government is sometimes | | | | clear. |
| accompanied by a change of currency. The look | | | | * Good (G-4) are coins that are heavily worn but |
| and feel of these coins reflects the | | | | the design and the legend are still visible. Much of |
| advancements in technology as scientists find | | | | the details are gone. |
| more complex metal combinations. | | | | * About Good (AG-3) are coins that are very |
| Coins' being of historical value is one of the many | | | | heavily worn that some of the lettering and the |
| factors why people collect them. Beauty and | | | | original design are not discernible anymore. |
| variety also contribute to the collector's growing | | | | Damaged coins come across frequently in the |
| numbers. | | | | course of a collector's quest. Most collectors steer |
| To be a collector, you must be aware of how to | | | | off coins that have undergone cleaning or |
| ascertain the worth of your coins. Who knows, | | | | re-polishing. Corroded, scratched and drilled into |
| you might just be holding on to a very rare | | | | coins are also a big turn off. Although it's |
| artifact, or one that would cost millions on an | | | | sometimes hard to find one, it's better to find an |
| auction or bidding. | | | | untampered specimen. |
| First step in being a coin collector is to look up | | | | The question on most beginners' minds is this: |
| literature. You need to be in the know of what | | | | How much do I get paid for a particular coin. The |
| coins are available out there, where to get them | | | | answer is: It varies everywhere. It depends on |
| and how to get them. This is extremely valuable | | | | the qualities of the coin as well as the guide the |
| to one who'd see the coins as a form of | | | | buyer is using. For a general idea of pricing, here's |
| investment. | | | | a quick list. |
| You also need to determine four things before | | | | 1. U.S. wheat cents (1958 and earlier) that were in |
| you take a coin to your collection. You need to | | | | circulation goes for a few cents to 3 dollars each. |
| identify them, have them authenticated and | | | | 2. 1943 "steel pennies are very uncommon and of |
| examine them for damage. This would be vital | | | | high value 1943 cents set on a normal bronze |
| points to consider in collection coins. | | | | planchet. They are tested to determine if it |
| To identify them, you need to look at your coins | | | | attracts magnets and if so, it is plated using |
| very thoroughly and note the shape, the colors, | | | | copper. They are sold for 5 to 50 cents if |
| and the writings. You also need to verify which | | | | circulated, and up to a dollar or two if not in |
| country issued that coin. If there is no | | | | circulation. |
| denomination on the face of the coins, it's just a | | | | 3. Silver dimes, quarter and half dollars from 1964 |
| token or probably a medal. | | | | or earlier are composed of almost 90% silver. So |
| Authentic coins should be treasured and prized. | | | | their amount depends on their silver content. |
| They're hard to find, especially if they are rare, | | | | 4. Silver dollars from 1935 and up are collector |
| limited issues. A lot of fakes and counterfeit coins | | | | favorites and can be usually be sold for more |
| are available in the market, so beware! | | | | than their value in silver . The less common the |
| The value of your coin will depend upon its grade. | | | | date, the higher the pricing goes. |
| Coin catalogs usually have their own, specific | | | | 5. Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth about one |
| grading guidelines but here's a general list of them. | | | | dollar. |
| * Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) is an | | | | 6. Bicentennial quarters, half and dollars are usually |
| uncirculated coin. It should show no apparent | | | | worth what's on their face value. |
| damage and be in top shape. It is considered to | | | | 7. Coins in commemoration of the wedding of |
| be the best quality of coin possible. | | | | Prince Charles and Princess Diana are spotted to |
| * Uncirculated (MS-60) is another uncirculated coin | | | | cost from $5 to $30. |
| having a few scratches on contact marks and | | | | 8. A coin with two heads, tails or those that have |
| that have lost some of its sheen. | | | | different designs of two coins have no value to |
| * About Uncirculated (AU-50) is a coin which has | | | | collectors because they are coins that have been |
| evidence of light wear on most parts but still | | | | change to introduce a novelty item. |
| retains at least half of its original sheen. | | | | There are also the kinds of coins that are made |
| * Extremely Fine (EF-40) is coin wherein the coin | | | | by mistake. These are called 'mules' and are often |
| design is lightly worn off but the features can be | | | | produced because of an error in pairing different |
| still distinguished and are still quite sharp. | | | | dies. Expect rare coins like these to cost a little |
| * Very Fine (VF-20) is another coin wherein some | | | | higher than most. |
| of fine details like hair or eyebrows are mostly | | | | So with these things in mind, have fun in making |
| worn off. There is evidence of modest wear on | | | | your own collection grow. Who knows what part |
| some points of the design but all major parts are | | | | of history you'll discover by finding rare |
| still clearly etched. | | | | specimens. |
| * Very Good (VG-8) is a coin wherein even | | | | |