| In most situations, people use the terms value | | | | anywhere from 85% to 95% of the retail price |
| and price somewhat interchangeably. While the | | | | the coin would sell for currently. The downside to |
| meaning of the words is similar, when you are | | | | this is that when gold prices fall, the value of your |
| looking to get accurate old coin prices, you should | | | | bullion will fall as well. |
| understand that in many instances, "value" and | | | | It's important to be realistic when you are gauging |
| "price" are not the same. The price of your coin is | | | | price versus value. On the one hand, it can feel |
| generally considered to be whatever you paid to | | | | like a major coup when you pick up coins for less |
| obtain the coin. In this instance, price equals your | | | | than the retail price from a dealer or elsewhere. |
| purchase price. The value of your coin, by | | | | But you must be certain that the coin's value |
| contrast, is considered to be what you would | | | | makes the price worthwhile. Buying a coin that |
| receive if you sold the coin today. Because coin | | | | has been graded by a reputable coin grading |
| dealerships are in the market to make money, | | | | company, for example, will have more value in |
| the price you will receive if you sell is often | | | | the long run than purchasing from unofficial |
| considerably less than the price you paid to buy. | | | | sources. |
| Therefore, the value of your coin collection may | | | | The difference between value and price in the |
| be less than the old coin prices paid to amass the | | | | numismatics world is a significant one, and it is in |
| collection. | | | | your benefit to research the accurate pricing and |
| The exception to this rule can be found in bullion | | | | valuation of coinage in your collection before you |
| coinage. Because bullion is more closely tied to the | | | | attempt to buy or sell. Understanding the |
| value of the precious metal, versus the value of | | | | difference between what dealers will pay, versus |
| the coin for aesthetics, rarity, or other issues, the | | | | what they'll expect you to pay when you buy can |
| value of your bullion coins will fluctuate along with | | | | help you to make wise choices that will increase |
| the pricing of the precious metal comprising the | | | | the value of your collection, while minimizing the |
| coinage. For example, as gold prices rise, the value | | | | costs to you. |
| of your gold bullion coins will also rise - typically | | | | |