| Coin collecting has been referenced as The Hobby | | | | older coins dating back to the beginning of our |
| of Kings. Those who collect coins are known as | | | | Country until 1982 and the Modern Issue Coins |
| Numismatic Collectors. The word Numismatic | | | | which include every year thereafter. The big |
| comes from the Latin Word, Numisma, meaning | | | | boom in the Modern Issue coins began with the |
| Coin. The term Numismatist is used to describe a | | | | introduction of the 1985 Silver American Eagle |
| person who studies the history and beauty of | | | | coin. |
| coins and other forms of currency. There is a | | | | There is a distinction between the value of Bullion |
| difference between an avid Numismatist and an | | | | coins and Numismatic Coins. Bullion coins are |
| average Coin Collector. | | | | valued for the content of Silver and a couple of |
| An avid Numismatist greatly appreciates the | | | | dollars extra to cover the minting costs. To |
| studies of coins as to their history¸ usage | | | | determine the value simply check the Spot Price |
| and artistry. Not all of these people feel the need | | | | of Silver and add about three dollars to it and |
| to be a collector; they just enjoy the subject of | | | | there you have it. Numismatic coins, on the other |
| the coin itself. On the other hand a Collector is | | | | hand, are not solely tied to the Spot Price of |
| just the opposite, they look to collect but they | | | | Silver but have a value that is based upon all |
| know little about the coins that they are collecting. | | | | things previously discussed as well as their |
| Some are both. | | | | condition. |
| Back in the Middle Ages you had to be wealthy if | | | | In 1949 Dr. William Sheldon developed a system |
| you were going to collect coins. Most of these | | | | of grading coins which has become known as The |
| collectors were either Kings or Nobles and | | | | Sheldon Scale and it goes from 1 to 70 points. |
| because of this fact Coin Collecting became | | | | There is no score higher than a 70. (This score is |
| known as the Hobby of Kings. In this day and age | | | | like getting 100% plus all of the extra credit points |
| anyone can collect coins and be a part of the | | | | on a test paper.) This grading system is used |
| hobby of kings. | | | | today in all coin grading. Mint State 70 (MS-70) |
| By studying the history of the coin you can get a | | | | indicates that there are no flaws, no scratches or |
| better understanding of what was taking place | | | | bag marks. They are perfect and as such are |
| during that period of time. Coin collecting is | | | | rare and will cost more. Only 10% of all coins |
| considered to be a great way for parents to | | | | graded will grade as a MS-70. |
| teach children about the value of obtaining tangible | | | | Only Third Party Professional Graders have the |
| assets, but it can also make history and art come | | | | knowledge, experience and equipment to |
| alive in the minds of small children. | | | | determine a Mint State 70 coin. Once the coin is |
| You see, each coin was designed by a notable | | | | determined to be of this high quality (or graded) it |
| artist, engraver or sculpture of the day of its | | | | is encapsulated in a hard plastic slab, which is |
| issue and is considered to be a work of art. The | | | | sonically sealed to protect the coin from damage |
| American Silver Eagle was designed by Adolf | | | | from things such as: finger prints, body oils, |
| A.Weinman, for instance. This design first | | | | scratches, discoloration and tampering. |
| appeared on the 1916 half dollar. | | | | There are only four top tier Third Party grading |
| There are at least three categories of coin | | | | companies recognized in the Numismatic Industry |
| collectors, those who collect old coins which date | | | | today ANACS, NGC, PCGS and ICG and it is |
| back to the Roman and Greek times through the | | | | recommended that you only purchased coins that |
| Middle Ages, those who collect coins from around | | | | have been graded by one of these services to |
| the world and those who collect US Type Coins. | | | | ensure that you have not purchased counterfeit |
| US Type coins are divided into two categories...the | | | | coins or coins that have not been graded properly. |