Metal Coin

Collectible Coin Buyers Beware!

There are pitfalls to be avoided when it comes to buying collectible, precious metal coins.  Most coin dealers are reputable and professional. But a few are perfectly willing to take advantage of novices. And then there are the bad apples found in every business who will rip you off. Whether buying from a professional dealer in his store, a private collector, a telemarketer, by mail order or from an online auction, here are some factors to watch out for.

Grading

A coin's condition is key to its value. Determination of a coin's condition is called grading. There are professional, third-party companies that examine a coin, assign a grade and then label and seal it in a protective holder. The major grading companies guarantee their certification - provided the holder remains intact. This can impart a sense of confidence as to a coin's value. The problem lies in fact that grading is subjective - grading companies often differ in their evaluation. And if you purchase an over-graded coin, you are bound to be disappointed when you try to sell it.

Non-certified coins

Loose coins or those sealed in little cardboard holders are usually graded by the seller – and the potential for overgrading is substantial. Compare any such private grading to a standard grading system before purchasing. You can learn about detailed grading standards from the ANA or any number of books and other websites.

Private Mint Commemoratives

You've seen these offered on TV. They commemorate some special event and are usually nicely packaged in a lovely case. They may be pitched as "strictly limited to two per household, but call now – quantities are limited". Purchase these if they have a special meaning to you, but don't buy them as investments. These mintages are stamped out in quantities that greatly exceed demand and often contain a minimal quantity of precious metal. They are rarely resold at a profit.

Professional Affiliation

Make sure your dealer is a member of a professional organization. The ANA (American Numismatic Association) is the most respected coin organization and they have a code of ethics which they enforce. Check out the CARE (Consumer Awareness REsources) program at their website: www.money.org for information on their various education, advocacy and mediation programs. While a dealer's professional affiliation does not guarantee square dealing, complete lack of membership in any industry group could indicate a problem.

Online Auctions

The sight-unseen nature of online coin auctions opens the door to various potential problems. Often, listed coins are simply being dumped by dealers who can't sell them in their store. They set a high reserve or minimum and simply relist coins which don't sell - until an unsophisticated bidder meets or exceeds their inflated price.

Bid only on listings which include a clear close-up photo of both sides of the coin.  When a purchased coin arrives, compare it to the listing to ensure it wasn't switched. For certified coins, be sure the photo includes the capsule label with the serial number clearly identifiable. Frenzied bidding wars can take you far above the coin's value. Consult a price guide, know your maximum and stick with it.

Assorted Red Flags

A dealer urging you to buy right now….prices are rising rapidly! If the price really is going up – why isn't he holding the coin until he can make more money himself?

Bargains prices too good to be true. And investigate any guarantees of future profit.

Take possession of the coin.  Do not arrange to make payments on an expensive item unless you truly know the dealer's background. If you cannot purchase it outright – don't buy it.  You could be left with nothing but worthless receipts while the company is long gone with your money and coin(s).

NEVER buy from any "All Sales Final" dealer. Know the dealer's return policy.

If it doesn't look right – don't buy it. Coins can be doctored or altered to improve their appearance.  Many of these camouflage methods can be spotted under magnification even by inexperienced buyers.  Have some knowledge of what a good coin looks like before you attempt to purchase any coin.

"Rare coins" How rare could it be if it's being marketed on a shopping channel? And what grade "rare" coin is being offered?

Coin collecting and investing can be fun and lucrative – as long as you understand the game!

 

About the Author

Nick Flamel is a longtime risk management consultant. He is also the proprietor ofhttp://www.GoldInformationCenter.com, a website that promotes gold as the ultimate inflation hedge. There you can find further details on how to use gold as a hedge and how to generate income from any gold you may own.

 

i have a 1776-1876 Centennial dollar metal coin and i was wondering what it is worth?

i have a 1776-1876 Centennial dollar metal coin and i was wondering what it is worth? it is from 1776 but the other side said 1876

It is not a coin but a medal. Many medals and tokens were made for the centennial of Independence celebration held in Philadelphia in 1876. The medal was minted in 1876 not 1776. To get an idea of value you can go to eBay and put in centennial medals and check to see if the one you have is listed for sale. EBay and I do not get along, but it is a good place to get a general idea of an items value, as long as one knows what he has otherwise it would take too long to search. Hope this points you in the right direction. Also maybe the legends on the medal can help you also narrow it down.

Diggin History #65 - Awesome Old Coin spill~ metal detecting

Treasure Cove Coin Collector Metal Detector Set $136.99 Begin the adventurous hobby of hunting for buried coins and collecting coins, jewelry, precious metals and other treasures with this metal detector and coin collector set from Treasure Cove.

Silver Mercury Dime Coin Desk Set $26.99 Get today organized while you enjoy the look of yesteryear. As handsome as it is handy, this new desk set includes fountain pen, letter opener and magnifying glass. All of these pieces are beautifully engraved with a classic scrollwork design.

American Coin Treasures Lincoln 1943 Steel Penny Cuff Links $29.49 These exquisite, collectible cuff links highlight a Lincoln 1943 steel penny design. These cuff links also feature a 19 mm diameter coin face and include a certificate of authenticity.

American Coin Treasures Morgan Silver Dollar Pocket Watch $123.99 A delightful marriage of technology and history, this distinctive watch is designed with touches of antiquity to compliment the .900 Fine Silver Morgan Dollar. Equipped with quartz movement and layered in pure 24k Gold, this watch is a test of time.

American Coin Treasures Silver Mexican Libertad Angel Pendant $35.49 Celebrate Mexico's heritage with this silver Mexican Libertad Angel pendant. This fine silver necklace features a real Libertad coin, minted a the Moneda de Mexico, the oldest mint in the Americas.

Buffalo Nickel Turquoise Earrings $28.49 Display your true American spirit and pride by wearing these beautiful Buffalo earrings. The dangling earrings showcase turquoise beads surrounding a Buffalo Nickel with the obverse (Indian Head) facing outward.

American Coin Treasures Silver Mercury Dime Pendant $60.99 A genuine mercury dime, minted from 1916-1945, serves as a unique and historical pendant on this necklace. This pendant hangs securely from an 18-inch sterling snake chain with beaded detail.

American Coin Treasures Shipwreck Coin Key Chain $28.49 A wonderful gift for yourself or a loved one, this keychain features a salvaged coin set in a splendid nautical design bezel.

American Coin Treasures Silver Mercury Dime Cuff Links $39.49 These exquisite, collectible cuff links highlight a Silver Mercury Dime design. These cuff links also feature a 17.9 mm diameter coin face and include a certificate of authenticity.

American Coin Treasures Silver Barber Dime Beaded Necklace $25.49 This genuine Silver Barber dime make a unique jewelry piece. Designed by noted Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, this famed coin was minted between 1892 and 1916 from fine silver.

tribal metal coin Necklace Set $21 tribal metal coin Necklace Set

Tribal metal coin Necklace Set $21 Tribal metal coin Necklace Set

McGill Metal Coin Changer $20.99 0% 1 Each 5.75" Height x 3.56" Width x 2" Depth Chrome-plated steel Handy coin changer fastens to belt and dispenses coins efficiently, reducing risk of spilling. Four-barrel model includes pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. Coin changer features chrome-plated steel construction. Made in U.S.A. Cash Handling Sorter McGill McGill, Inc Metal Coin Changer NO1 No Not Applicable Steel www.mcgillinc.com

COIN-COIN, COIN-COIN! $16.95 COIN-COIN, COIN-COIN!

Bountyjr Coin Collect Kit $79.99 JUNIOR METAL DETECTOR & COIN COLLECTING KIT

Okito Coin Box With Hole $16.19 Okito Coin Box With Hole Most Unique Coin Trick Ever! Includes: A half dollar placed in the metal container then vanishes, appears, and even penetrates. Hole in cover so you can see the coin.

Earrings: Silver Coin $4.99 Authentic round silver metal coin earrings made in India. Great costume jewelry accessory for a belly dancer or gypsy costume.

Necklace Gold Coin Mesh $20.99 Gold Coin Mesh Necklace Cleopatra or Egyptian themed necklace Includes: Gold color metal 17 in necklace with slide latch.

Oakley Eyeglasses Coin $230 Oakley Eyeglasses Coin - Prescription optical wear that is comfortable durable elegant tough and innovative Oakley Eyeglasses Coin are available online at Frames Direct. Childrens Unisex Metal

Coin Bracelet $85 Step into another era with this rustic coin bracelet. Alternating discs hang from an edgy antique brass chain bracelet that fastens with a lobster clasp. The attention grabbing discs are engraved with intricate designs reminiscent of optical illusions. Metal: Brass platedMeasurement: 7 ½ inches longPendant measurements: 1 ¼ inches by 1 inch, 1 inch by ¾ inch

Okito Coin Box Without Hole $16.19 Okito Coin Box Without Hole Most Unique Coin Trick Ever! Includes: A half dollar placed in the metal container then vanishes, appears, and even pentrates.

Belly Dance Coin Belt Gold $12.49 Beautiful gold metal coin belt is the perfect addition to any belly dancer or gypsy Halloween costume.

Coin Operated Locking Dual Sanitary Napkin/Tampon Dispenser, Metal, White $255.99 Coin operated (25¢), dual slots. All-metal. Holds 15 #4 napkins HOS4147 and 23 Tampax® tampons HOSTAMPAX (sold separately). Separate locks for supplies section and coin box. 10w x 7-1/4d x 24h. Material(s): N/A; Color(s): White; Height: 24 in; Maximum Height: N/A.

Sign Hampton Coin Purse $190 The beautiful champagne calfskin coin purse is embossed all over with the Swanflower??? pattern. The decorative ruthenium metal is entirely set with Satin crystals that add a touch of glamour. This practical accessory has one zipped coin pocket, two gusseted pockets and one flat pocket. Another flat pocket on the outside adds to space practicality of the item. Size: 10.4x8.3x2.5 cm x cm

Heroine Coin Purse $130 With ???Love??? embossed in silver tones, this heart-shaped coin purse is a joy to behold. Made of gun metal, calfskin and Satin Crystal Mesh, the purse has a palladium hook and a Swarovski medallion as the zip puller. It makes a great gift for romantics. Size: 7,5/9,5x9,5x1 cm x cm

Coin Producer $26.99 Design allows for the production of 10 or more coins, one by one, at your fingertips. No fumbling, no awkward moves. Just push out with your thumb and a gleaming 50 cent piece appears at your fingertips. The use of two units allows for a tremendous double hand production. Flesh color/metal.

Black Leather Coin Wrap Bracelet $95 Black leather coin wrap bracelet has a one-of-a-kind style. Flat deerskin leather winds several times, fastened with 18K yellow gold plated metal, and attaches on both ends to a central gold plated coin. Stand out with this unique bracelet. 18K yellow gold plate and deerskin leather.

Treasure Cove Coin Collector Metal Detector Set $166.99 Begin the adventurous hobby of hunting for buried coins and collecting coins, jewelry, precious metals and other treasures with this metal detector and coin collector set from Treasure Cove.Perfect entry level model8-inch waterproof search coil detects a quarter buried up to 4.75 inchesAdjustable discrimination settings allow detector to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metal typesAdjustable stem lengthFront mounted 1/8-inch headphone jackExclusive ACW processorEasy-to-operateLow battery indicatorRequires one 9-volt battery (not included)30-40 inches long x 7 inches wideSand sifting scoop and metal detector carrying case includedWhitman's 2-in-1 Magnifyer included for examining your discoveriesWhitman's foam map of the states with slots to collect that state's U.S. QuarterTwo U.S. Quarters (50-cents) included to help begin your collectionModel TC-1006CC

2011 U. S. Coin Digest $15.95 This easy-to-use, full-color coin reference is great for growing your collection, and helping decide if you can take advantage of today''''s strong precious metal values with the coins you own...

Hammered Coin Silk Knot Necklace $163 Hammered coin silk knot necklace is absolutely charming. A 3/4 inch in diameter hammered coin comes in your choice of brass, copper, or non-tarnish German silver. Customize your necklace with up to six letters stamped into the metal. Pendant dangles from a nude-colored silk cord that measures 15 inches long as a choker or 17 inches long as a regular necklace. Necklace fastens with a spring ring clasp.

Jesus Coin $39.98 Jesus Coin

Goldtone Liberty Nickel Coin Necklace $29.86 This Liberty Head Nickel is the centerpiece of this striking goldtone pendant. This coin is accented by pale blue and amber stones and hangs from a 24-inch chain. Style: NecklaceMaterials: Base metal, US coinClasps: Lobster claw Dimensions: 1.75 inches x 1.75 inches x 0.06 inchesChain length: 24 inchesIncludes a certificate of authenticityAll weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information.

Out For The Coin $17.44 Out For The Coin

American Coin $18.81 American Coin

Currency & Coin $16.68 Currency & Coin

Baiser de Coin-Coin Le $7.95 Baiser de Coin-Coin Le

Goldtone Buffalo Nickel Coin Moneyclip $32.53 This spectacular goldtone moneyclip shines with a genuine Buffalo Nickel that was minted between 1913 and 1938. This moneyclip from American Coin Treasures features the buffalo reverse of the nickel. Genuine Buffalo NickelMaterials: Base metalDimensions: 1.875 inches long x 1 inch wide x 0.125 inchesCertificate of authenticity