| The coin collection value is the most important | | | | Collectors must also think about grade when |
| aspect of coin collecting for most collectors. Many | | | | establishing their coin collection value. Coin grading |
| people regard coin collecting as an investment, so | | | | is a method of assessing the condition of the coin |
| they need to be updated with market demands. | | | | - the grade of the coin has a high determination |
| In general, the valuation of a particular coin | | | | of the eventual valuation of the coin. If a coin has |
| depends on its condition, mint rarity and | | | | been damaged its price will be reduced. Similarly, |
| denomination which is why collectors must build up | | | | bullion also plays a role in determining value - the |
| their knowledge in these areas. | | | | presence of precious metals like Gold and Silver |
| There are many price guides which are used for | | | | increase the price of the coins as well. The |
| referencing by coin collectors. "The Standard | | | | aesthetical appeal of the coin has an effect on its |
| Catalog of World Coins" by Chester L. Krause and | | | | price as well; it makes the coin more attractive |
| Clifford Mishler manage to cover coins starting | | | | for the collector. The American Numismatic |
| from 1601, all the way down to the present time | | | | Association has a 1-70 range for assessing coins, |
| in five volumes. In the book, coins are identified | | | | where 70 represents a faultless coin. The |
| and their prices are listed. When trying to | | | | Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) and the |
| determine my coin collection value I have often | | | | Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are two |
| referred to this publication and can personally | | | | organizations that go through the meticulous task |
| recommend it as a good source of information. | | | | of grading coins. Coins that have been certified by |
| A guide book for United States coins called the | | | | these reputable organizations have a higher value |
| "Red Book" is published annually and is also a | | | | as their authenticity is more valid and reliable. ICG, |
| respected authority as a retail price guide. The | | | | Independent Coin Grading, and ANACS, handled |
| "Blue Book" and the "Black Book" are also well | | | | by the American Numismatic Association are two |
| established price guides to determine the value of | | | | other reliable grading services available. |
| a coin and thus the coin collection value. The "Coin | | | | Many people have accumulated tables of coin |
| Dealer Newsletter", more popularly known as "the | | | | values which show coin collectors the values of |
| Greysheet", is a price guide for coin dealers. The | | | | particular coins – these tables can be built up |
| Numismatic News publishes prices for dealers, | | | | over the course of a lifetime and can prove |
| bidders and retailers. There are even online | | | | invaluable when establishing the coin collecting |
| resources which maintain prices of coins like the | | | | value; they give the collector the knowledge |
| "NumisMedia" website and a price guide for U.K. | | | | regarding which coins are worthy to be collected. |
| coins maintained by Tony Clayton can be found | | | | There are also lists of coins worth collecting |
| on his personal website. | | | | available with coins that are scarce ranked |
| As a rule rare coins are more expensive but | | | | considerably higher. For example the 1909-S VDB |
| rarity does not necessarily have to do with the | | | | Lincoln cent would be one of these coins. Items |
| age of the coin. Some Chinese coins which might | | | | such as the legendary 1913 "V" nickel can be |
| be a thousand years old do not sell at high rates | | | | worth over $100,000. These hefty prices show |
| because they are common. The price of the coin | | | | why so many investors are willing to invest in coin |
| also depends on the demand for the coin. If a lot | | | | collecting and expect high rates of return to their |
| of collectors want a particular coin, its price will | | | | investments. |
| get higher. | | | | |