| | | | | country off the gold standard. All gold coins |
| Numismatics, or coin collecting, is a popular | | | | were recalled, but a handful did not make it back |
| hobby. Whether you search through spare | | | | to the mint for melting. One of these coins was |
| change for state quarters, gather coins from | | | | discovered in 1992 (and confiscated by the |
| specific years or purchase proofs as an | | | | Secret Service.) The face value of the coin was |
| investment, collecting can provide the opportunity | | | | $20, but in 2002 the coin was sold at auction for |
| to learn more about the history of our | | | | more than $7 million dollars. |
| country.Coins usually have value as currency on | | | | Another key concern is the condition of a coin. |
| the street, but how can a new collector learn | | | | Coin collectors in the U.S. use the Sheldon Grading |
| what, if any, additional value may be attached to | | | | scale. The scale gives values ranging from1, for |
| his or her collection. | | | | a barely recognizable coin, to 70 which is an ideal |
| Surprisingly enough, age isn’t the only feature | | | | but only exists in theory perfect coin. Most coins |
| that makes coins valuable. In the United States, | | | | fall in the range between 8 (for very good) to 50 |
| coins are valued based primarily on the scarcity of | | | | (almost uncirculated). Uncirculated coins have a |
| the item and its condition. For Modern U.S. coins | | | | further scale starting at 60. Anything above 66 |
| like the American Eagle silver coin, this is even | | | | is rarely seen. |
| more true. For more tips, you can visit: | | | | In conclusion, for casual collectors two pieces of |
| What makes a coin scarce? Several factors, but | | | | advice. First, don’t alter your coins. |
| often there is a strong historic tie. For example, | | | | Colorized, marked or even cleaned coins can all be |
| almost any coin in recognizable condition that was | | | | classified as altered. Alterations can severely |
| minted in San Francisco in 1870 would be | | | | limit, if not destroy any collector’s value for a |
| considered very valuable. This is because 1870 | | | | coin. Secondly, if you have questions about a |
| was the first year of operations for the San | | | | coin’s value do some preliminary research |
| Francisco location so relatively few coins were | | | | yourself – there are many organizations like |
| produced. A more extreme case can be found | | | | the American Numismatic Association where you |
| by the 1933 Sain-Gaudens Double Eagle coin. | | | | can learn more. – then if you believe you need |
| This was the year President Roosevelt took the | | | | more help, contact a reputable expert. |