How To Find Out If A Coin Is Valuable

Evaluating an antique coin is the main criterion needed to determine the value of a rare specimen before buying or selling it.

The value of an antique coin depends on the following indicators:

Preservation.

Precious metals (gold and silver) are prone to warping because they have significant softness. The less damage an antique has and the neater it looks, the higher its value and value.

Historical value.

If the commemorative coin is really old, associated with an important event or celebrity, this feature will increase its value in the best way.

Artistic quality.

The value of any piece is due to the unparalleled work of the artisan. The more intricate the design and relief of the image, the higher the price of the coin.

Edition.

Many ancient designs were minted in small quantities for a particular event. The rarer the coin, the more expensive it is, and the flaws give it even more value.

Value of the metal.

Gold specimens are worth much more than silver, copper or bronze specimens, but the above values can increase the value of even the simplest coin.

Thus, it is possible to determine the value of an antique coin by various factors, but the main one is its condition. It is important to understand that two absolutely identical coins of the same minting may be worth 10 times the difference in price.

Gold dealers

If you need to buy and sell coins cheaply, the best solution is to contact a dealer with whom you feel comfortable. There are special platforms where you can find gold coins for sale. Their pricing is transparent and is being updated every minute. Such dealers have experts in precious metals and coins to estimate accurate, fair pricing for you. It is important for them to satisfy you so that you become a long-term customer. But valuation is not possible under the following conditions:

• poor photo quality;
• the coin has no value;
• not enough information.

Handbooks and catalogues

The most extensive information is found in catalogues of the world's gold and silver coins. Illustrated editions are available in print and electronically, and studying them is a long but fascinating process. The data is conveniently distributed by country, era and denomination, so it won't be hard to find the right vintage piece. Thanks to the information, you can not only find out the value of vintage coins, but also determine their authenticity – counterfeit coins are easy to calculate on external signs and photos. The catalogues contain detailed data on all known collectible coins: weight; mintage; current prices; period of circulation; territorial attribute. The actual value of a vintage coin may vary depending on its condition. Also, not all catalogues take into account rare examples with defects. Their value is significantly higher.

Services of professional valuers

It is possible to determine the value of an antique coin more accurately and reliably on specialised portals, where expertise, appraisal (not buying up) is engaged for a fee.  The world of numismatics has developed a whole system based on the Sheldon Scale, where 70 is the highest score and 1 is the worst. With the help of special information, years of experience and knowledge, grading companies make a grade based on certain parameters, issue a certificate and seal the coin in a special container – a slab. The grading service makes it much easier to determine the value of a coin and then sell the desired specimen. Buying a coin in a slab is as secure as selling it.

Where should I not go to determine the value of vintage coins?

The lowest value at which they will be willing to buy is determined by:

• pawnshops;
• in banks;
• antique shops;
• flea markets, flea markets and fairs.