Keeping Old Paper Money: Is It Worth It?

Paper money varies in value every time you change time zones or cross borders. It can be ten times the amount when you travel to Southeast Asia or the exact opposite when you travel to Europe. However, there is something about collecting paper money that is appealing to different groups of people.

Value

Value is a word that has different meanings to various people. Something may be valuable to someone, but it may not mean the same thing for someone else. Paper money follows the same principle.

Some people like collecting paper money from different eras and countries. They put a high value in these things because they want to brag about it, share their passion with others or want to broaden their collection.

Value comes in four different types when it comes to paper money, they are:

1. Book value – this is an average of many dealers’ retail prices for certain paper bills.
2. Buy price – this is the price that a dealer is willing to purchase the old bills from you.
3. Retail value – this is the price that a dealer will sell paper bills to you. 
4. Wholesale value – this is the price that a dealer would sell a paper bill to another dealer. This is also the discounted rate that a buyer would get, if they purchase in bulk.

You must also consider factors that may affect the value of the old paper bills you own; the rarity, condition and demand all contribute to the final price of bills.

The rarity is the mintage of paper bills originally produced. It is also the number of bills that are still around, whether in circulation or in a collection.

The demand of a paper bill varies according to the availability or popularity. The demand might change in another part of the world or in a different year.

The condition of the bill affects its grade from uncirculated, mint or poor. A paper bill in mint condition will obviously have a higher value than a counterpart in poor condition.

Reselling

Some collectors want to get their hands on limited mint or old paper money that no one uses anymore. If you have any of these, you might want to check online to determine their actual value. You might make a lot of extra money by choosing to sell the old paper bills you accumulated over time and through the various places, you have been to.

Storing for the Future

You might want to store some of the paper bills you already have; who knows, these might be more valuable than their current price in the future.

If you need more information on the value of paper bills you are planning to collect, visit Colonial Acres to find out more.

How Much is Your Old Jewellery Worth?

Do you plan to sell your old jewellery? Plans of what you will do with the money may need to be put on hold; just because you think its valuable does not make it so. Certain factors affect the value of gold and silver jewellery. Consider these factors before you sell your old jewellery.

Get an Appraisal

The first thing to do if you plan to sell your jewellery is to have it appraised. An appraisal will let you determine the value of your gold or silver. Once you determine the price, it is easier to find a market or potential buyer.

An appraisal will also give you a reality check about the true worth of the jewellery you want to sell. If it is too expensive, you might reconsider selling them. If it is too cheap, you might as well keep them or manage your expectations.

The Value of Gold

The value of gold tends to increase during an economic downturn. It is also a recyclable material because of its malleability and resale value.

Before you sell your old gold jewellery, you have to consider the weight of its gold content. You might be thinking of X amount of money you will make from selling, but the jewellery you have lacks the gold content to reach that asking price.

The gold content of jewellery is measured in karats; solid gold jewellery is 24 karats. Items that are below this number contain less gold and other hardening materials. Buyers who know what they are looking at will only pay for the gold content and only very few will consider other metals with it.

A beautifully crafted piece of gold jewellery may have higher value as estate jewellery rather than as recycled gold. Have your jewellery appraised to know its resale value.

Get Real

Most pieces of jewellery lose value after you buy them from the store. It is good to know all the factors before you decide to sell your old jewellery.

Identify Your Market

After determining the value of your jewellery with help from an appraiser, start looking for potential buyers based on the gold content and artistry used. If the price is high enough, you might want to consider selling at an auction or at a shop like Colonial Acres.

Consider these before you decide to sell your jewellery. Determining the price of the jewellery you have will enable you to find the right market and set your expectations.

Determining the Value of Gold & Silver Bullion

Gold and silver are investments that come in bullion or paper certificates, the prices of both are often driven by speculation or market demand. To help you make an informed investment, it is important to identify and understand the factors that affect the prices of both.

The Value of Gold

Investing in gold is one way of protecting investors against devaluation of currencies and the volatility of the stock market. However, just because you invested in this precious metal you will be free of any factors that affect its price.

Global crises affect the price of gold because people begin to lose confidence in governments or financial markets. Events that affect the economy impact gold prices because they are often used as a safety net amidst crisis.

Investing in gold is a hedge against currency devaluation and inflation. The value of currencies fluctuates, but gold, remains stable despite changing world financial markets.

Gold does not incur interest rates, unlike savings accounts or bonds, but current prices of gold are often a reflection of declines or increases in interest rates. When interest rises, the price of gold may soften as investors sell gold to make funds for other investments.

Gold is not only an attractive investment and hedge fund; there is also a huge industry that drives its prices up. The jewellery industry gets more than half the demand of gold with countries such as China, India and the United States its biggest markets.

Factors Affecting Silver Bullion Prices

Silver is another precious metal that investors take a long look at when they want to make an investment. The price of this metal is primarily driven by supply and demand, and speculation. Compared to gold, silver’s price is more volatile; lower market liquidity and fluctuations in demand between store of value and industrial uses are the main drivers of this volatility.

Silver is a common metal used in industrial production, commercial and consumer use, water purification, televisions, cars, photography, jewelry, computers and others. These varied uses play a hand in affecting the price of this precious metal.

The price of gold affects the price of silver; as demand for gold increases, it leads to a price increase which in turn will also drive silver’s price up. When gold prices plummet, the price of silver will decrease by a greater margin.

Gold and silver are precious metals that have varied uses, whether as a financial hedge or as a piece of jewelry. Knowing the factors that affect their price will help you determine if investing is worth the risk. Find out more about this at Colonial Acres.

Coin and Currency Collection: How Much is Your Stash Worth?

Are you a coin collector? It may have crossed your mind to sell or at least appraise your collection. You might think of one value but once an expert appraises it, it is lower than you thought. How will you know how much your coin collection is worth?

Mintage

The biggest factor that affects the value of coins is its mintage; it is the supply of a coin in a certain grade that is available for purchase. The initial mintage of the coin will determine its availability in the market. In most countries, once the year ends, the coin dies with that year never to be used again and destroyed.

Surviving Population

After minting, coins enter circulation and over time, certain coins are removed from circulation because of wear and damage. The treasury reclaims these coins because of their metal. Some citizens melt the coins because the intrinsic value of their metal surpasses the coin’s face value. Saved coins by collectors are the surviving population.

Demand

Several factors affect the demand of a certain coin; some coins fetch a higher price because of their limited mint. Other coins because their release was special or commemorated a certain important event or person. 

Coin dealers create demand by starting marketing campaigns for their collection. This entices collectors to see if they can find rare coins to add to their own stash.

Melt Value

The intrinsic value of coin affects its value; coins that contain precious metals such as silver and gold will fetch a high price. Coins made with silver are more valuable than their copper and nickel counterparts. However, the price of silver and gold rising or falling will also affect the value of silver and gold coins.

Condition

Coins in its finest condition possible have high values. To acquire coins that seem like they just came off the mint, a person must get them out of circulation and store them in a safe place.

Dealer Stock

A dealer’s supply of a certain coin also influences its value; if a dealer has several certain uncirculated coins in his or her stock, they are likely to lower the price to sell to collectors and reduce their inventory.

Consider all these factors when you try to get a value for your coin collection. These will affect pricing and will determine the worth of your stash, if you decide to sell your coins to other collectors. Find out more about this at Colonial Acres.

What to do with the old and antique coin collection you inherit

Coins have been used as a form of investment since old times. Your parent or grandparents may have been coin collectors back in the day, and they may have passed onto you the antique coins they have gathered through the years. If you are a coin collector yourself, then this is a gift from the heavens. You never know when there are very valuable ones in the collection. You might want to check just in case.

Now, not all who get coin collections as inheritance are collectors themselves. Bankers and businessmen back then collected coins to preserve their wealth in the form of rare coins, and these coins are passed down to their children and grandchildren. Through this, the wealth continues to live on in the form of special coins, and will help immensely when the family experiences tough times.

If you happen to have inherited a coin collection and have little knowledge about the hobby of numismatics, it is best to know the dos and don’ts in handling coins. One thing you should never do is go about cleaning the old coins with whatever cleaning agent you have. This could greatly devalue the coins.

Store the coins in a cool and dry place, to avoid tarnishing and toning. Ask for professional advice when thinking of holders and storage boxes. If you know coin collectors, you may ask them for tips in how to store the coins while preserving their value.

Everyone wants to know the value of the collection they inherited. It is wise to know the correct value, but don't just go everywhere asking dealers how much they may cost. There are a lot of dealers out there who are just waiting to grab this opportunity – some of them may fake the value of your collection and trick you into believing it is better if you sold it to them at a very low price. Let's face it, a lot of ignorant sellers fall into this trap. You shouldn't. At least have some basic knowledge about coins or if you want to take a step further, you can purchase a book regarding coin collection and coin profiles to help you determine and weigh the values your coins might have.

If you are eager to know the value of the collection, you can check trusted appraisers and coin grading companies. You can also visit coin shops that are known to give honest service. This way you'd get to know whether you can handle the collection or if they are better off sold to a collector that's more capable of handling them.

What the letter “H” Stands for on Coins

Numismatics or the study of coin and paper currency is an age-old hobby that has been engaged by many people around the world. At its infancy, only the royalties were able to afford this hobby, as it was not affordable to trade rare and high-value coins.

When coins became common, coin-collecting was extended to the masses and people have started their own collections for many reasons: some for its monetary value; others for the historic significance of certain coins they collect.

If you have already started on coin-collecting, you may have come across coins that bears the letter “H” as one of its mint mark. What does this really stand for?

Digging a little bit into history, mint marks were used to trace the origin of the coins just in case the currency encounters any problem when it begins circulating. If for example the coin had discrepancies in weight, the mintmarks allow the government to trace the mint origin and have it corrected.

So going back to the letter “H”. These coins bearing the letter “H” are actually minted at the Birmingham Mint, which was owned by Ralph Heaton. The Birmingham Mint started producing coins in 1850 in cooperation with the Royal Mint until around 1907.

What does this mean for collectors?

Well, you can now have the same date and denomination coin, but with different mintages. For example, you may have in your collection the 1900 1-cent Plane that are both struck at the Royal Mint and at the Heaton Mint. Both coins would have varying rarity and values as well.

Knowing the history of your coins will help you a lot in determining their values and how you will proceed as an experienced collector. Numismatics is more than just looking for the face value of coins; it is a science that requires research and in-depth study so that you will be able to find the coins that can fit your collection best.

Whether you are a budding collector or an experienced numismatist, it is important to be connected with reliable numismatic firms that can help your source the coins that you need in your collection or to sell the ones that you do not have any penchant for. Colonial Acres Coins provide you with more than two decades of expertise and experience in numismatics and we do not only engage in buy and sell of coins but has the sincere desire of educating collectors like yourself. When it’s coins you seek, Colonial Acres is your best bet!

Coin Profiles: US Twenty Cent Coin

Coin collecting is a hobby that has stood the test of time. Often called as numismatics, people all over the world have fallen in love with collecting coins that tell a story or has more perceived value than what meets the eye.

In old manuscripts about the Roman Empire, it was depicted that Emperor Augustus collected coins that were old and foreign to his land. It can be said that this hobby was only afforded by royalty as it was not cheap to buy and trade these coins.

As years go by, the hobby of collecting coins has gone widespread, reaching almost every nook and cranny. Most beginners would start with affordable coins and once their collection grows, move up to collecting those that has more than just face value.

One of the more interesting coins that numismatists, or people who collect coins, look for is the US Twenty-cent piece. This coin was struck from 1875 to 1878. Quite amusing is the fact that the last two years when these coins are produced were reserved only for coin collectors!

This coin has proven to be quite a failure because it was confused for the already existing quarter dollar coin during that time. The two coins looked identical in size with the twenty-cent piece measuring 22 mm and quarter coin at 24.3 mm. Both coins feature the Liberty Seated design on their obverse or front sides and an almost same eagle on its reverse side. This resulted to poor demand, which prompted the abolishment of this certain coin by 1878.

The US Twenty-cent piece was designed by William Barber and weighed 5 grams. It is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. More than its metal composition, this coin is more memorable for its history, being one of the coins with the shortest mintages in the history of America.

As you see, there are a lot of things that you can learn about culture, history, and the people behind the minting of coins in different parts of the world. That is the reason why coin-collecting is not only a hobby but a tool on preserving a little piece of history in our hands.

If you want to start on your first coin collection or wanting to grow your current one, it is important to have a reliable partner who can help you expand your hobby further. Colonial Acres Coins has been in the industry for more than two decades of helping people find that prized coin that will complete their collection or to provide resources for those who want to start on the craft. If you want to start on numismatics, visit Colonial Acres today and learn the tricks of the trade the fastest way!

Starting a Commemorative Coin Collection

A commemorative coin is unique because it was designed to honor an event, landmark or person. The United States has been producing this type of coin since 1892. Since then, there are hundreds of gold coins, dollar coins, half-dollars and special quarters with the intention of commemorating special people, places or events.

The Value of Commemorative Coins

Commemorative coins vary in value as some are more valuable than others. Proof 5-dollar commemorative gold coins can have a price tag of hundreds of dollars, while circulation grade 50 States quarters have a face value worth. Early commemorative coins can be as low as $20 or $30 for the 1892-93 Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver and Columbian Exposition half dollars. 1935 Spanish Trail and the 1928 Hawaiian half dollars can be as expensive as $1000 or more.

What is the difference between non-circulating and circulating commemorative coins?

Coins from the U.S. Mint are legal tender and some are in circulation. There are coins, which are for sale only and are not circulated. Two examples of commemorative coins in circulation are the 1976 bicentennial coins and 50 state quarters. Non-circulating commemorative coins are the 1986 Statue of Liberty coins and Olympic coins struck in 1996.

What is the purpose of commemorative coins?

These coins recognize and honor important places, things, animals, events and people. Some organizations use these to raise funds and awareness for their causes or certain individuals, things, places and others that appear on the coin.

How do you start collecting commemorative coins?

The U.S. Mint has struck several commemorative coins since 1892; you can find the coins you want to add to your collection easily. Completing the collection of commemorative coins is an expensive endeavor that is why others just collect coins that interest them or a special event that matters to them.

Coin collecting can be a fun hobby, if you know where to look for coins and how to detect fake ones. Buy recent commemorative coins from the U.S. Mint and older ones from coin dealers.

The first thing you do when you start your collection is to identify what you like. Collecting by theme is a creative way to build your coin collection and makes finding what to add easier. Are you interested in commemorative coins from a certain country or a certain year? A theme keeps you on track and with a goal.

You can also collect coins based on the metal they were struck in such as copper, gold, silver or others.

Start your collection with commemorative coins, as they are unique and quite valuable when you resell them. Find out more about this at Colonial Acres.

Detecting Counterfeit Coins

Coin collecting is a fun hobby; you get to look for coins and get a piece of history, as some are decades or even centuries old. Unscrupulous individuals will take advantage of your enthusiasm for coin collecting by selling you fake coins.

Fortunately, there are signs that help you identify a fake coin.

The Magnetic Test

Many counterfeits pass this test with flying colors, but gold and silver coins are non-magnetic. If a supposed coin is gold or silver, then it should not stick to a magnet. Fake coins made from any steel or iron will have magnetic features. Metals that have a core of lead, zinc, copper or other non-magnetic metals will not pass this test.

The Ice Test

This is an easy and affordable testing method; get ice and place the silver coin on top of it. Observe if the ice melts quickly, if it does, you have a genuine coin. Silver is one of the best conductors of heat, making it easy to melt ice if placed on it.

The Dimensions Test

This counterfeit test only works for bullion coins minted by the government. You will need a digital electronic scale that is capable of measuring at least up to two decimal points in grams. The measurements of a genuine coin are exactly how the government minted them. The slightest of deviation may indicate that a coin is a fake.

Visual Test

Silver coins have a distinct appearance and texture; it is neither too cloudy nor shiny. Use a magnifier to see if there are any mismatched surfaces, crevices, edges or text spaces. It is best to have an original coin right next to the one you suspect to tell the difference.

If possible, use a jeweller’s loupe as it has a special lens that has a higher magnifying capability.

Easily spot a fake coin by looking at the edges of a coin or its reeding. If a coin has no reeds or grooves, there is a high possibility that it is a counterfeit since minted non-reeded coins are rare.

The Bleach Test

Silver tarnishes easily when an oxidizing chemical touches it. You need just a drop, once a coin blackens then it is genuine silver. This test is risk, if your coin has any resale value; the blackened coin will lose value.

These tests will help you identify if your coin is genuine or counterfeit. You get to save money by detecting a fake coin before you buy it or add it to your collection.

Read more coin collecting tips from Colonial Acres.

Wear Your Numismatic Hat and Get Ready for Colonial Acres Auction

Kitchener, ON, October 25, 2015 /ColonialAcres.com/ Are you ready to grow your coin collection? Well, you are in for a treat because we will not only be auctioning coins; we will also be putting great numismatic finds on sale!    

One of Canada’s leading numismatic firms, Colonial Acres, is holding a numismatic live public auction sale on October 25, 2015, 12pm EST.  With more than 750 quality items this auction will give collectors a challenging, but hopefully a pleasurable time in choosing that perfect piece to complete their collection. Collections will include, but not limited to the following:

• Old coin estate collections

• Gold and silver bullions

• Old paper money

• Group lots of tokens

• Overstocked items

• Original rolls

• World paper money

• Jewellery

• Silver year sets

• Royal Canadian Mint

• Franklin Mints and so much more

If you want to see these pieces in person, visit Colonial Acres’ October 25th auction at Colonial Acres Coins, 991 Victoria Street North Kitchener, ON N2B 3C7.

So what are you waiting for? Do not miss this rare opportunity to bid for your piece for as low as $1.00! Get that numismatist hat ready and grow your collection with wonderful finds from Colonial Acres! To get updates for this upcoming auction, visit https://www.colonialacres.com/auctions/.

About Colonial Acres
Colonial Acres has been in the numismatic industry for more than two decades and was founded in 1991 in Waterloo, Ontario. The business expanded with its first flagship store on Victoria Street in Kitchener, which was built in 1996.  Colonial Acres has been buying, selling, appraising Canadian and US coins, paper money and other related numismatic items and has been one of the leading numismatic firms in Canada. More than doing pure business, Colonial Acres prides itself with the helping hand they extend to both amateur and professional coin collectors with the helpful information they post about different numismatic items in their website. To know more about Colonial Acres, visit their website at www.colonialacres.com.

Coin Profiles: Canadian Maritime Coins

Coins are made for different purposes. One of the many reasons why coins are made is to commemorate a certain event in the history of the country or state it represents. Canadian coins, for example, have a reputation for representing the many highlights of Canadian history. One of these commemorative coins is the Canadian Maritime Coins.

Canadian Maritime Bronze Coins were made from 1861 to 1947. This was in celebration of Newfoundland’s union to the Canadian Confederation. Newfoundland was the last of the independent provinces to join the confederation.

This series of coins is composed of 4 coins from different provinces that have joined the confederation. Because all the independent provinces have united into one state, which is now Canada, they produced coins to level their monetary system with that of the United States of America.  In 1860, New Brunswick dollar was made. The coins were struck at the Royal Mint in London and were dated 1861 to 1864. These dollars were made to be of equal value to the gold dollar of the United States of America.

The obverse side of the New Brunswick cent featured Queen Victoria as was designed and engraved by Leonard C. Wyon of the Royal Mint. It was a similar design to the Canadian cent and Great Britain’s halfpenny. The reverse side of the coin was unique, however. A floral wreath surrounding a crown was featured on this side—which was intricately designed. This reverse side design was from C. Hill, and this design was the basis for the Nova Scotia bronze coins also. The production of New Brunswick coins came to a stop as it joined the Dominion of Canada in 1867.

The next coin in the Canadian Maritime series is the Nova Scotia coins. These coins are highly similar to those of New Brunswick. The notable difference is that these coins were valued for five dollars to the British pound sterling. All Nova Scotia coins also ceased in production when it joined the Dominion of Canada in the same year New Brunswick had.

Also a part of the Canadian Maritime Coin series is the Prince Edward Island coins. These bronze cents were produced at a privately owned mint—which is the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Victoria, which is identical to the Jamaican halfpenny. The reverse design was based on the provincial seal. It features the mighty English oak protecting three saplings, which represent the three counties of the Island. Unlike the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia coins, the Prince Edward Island coins continued in production even after it joined the dominion in 1867.

Now the last, but certainly not the least, are the Newfoundland coins. From 1865 to 1936, bronze cents that were similar to Canadian cents were struck for Newfoundland. These cents were designed like those of the other provinces; featuring a floral wreath surrounding the crown of St. Edward. The obverse also featured the portrait of Queen Victoria. Most of these bronze cents were struck at the Royal Mint, although some that are dated 1872 and 1876 were found to have been minted by Heaton Mint in Birmingham.

After Newfoundland joined the Canadian Confederation in 1949, the move ended a colorful era in Canadian numismatics.

As a coin collector, you make sure you get an honest and stress-free deal—and this is what Colonial Acres will be happy to give you.

Coin Profile: The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coins

Coin collecting isn’t just a great hobby; for some it is a profitable activity and for others, even a profession. Some prominent figures in history have been avid coin collectors themselves. One of the famous people who loved coins is President Theodore Roosevelt.

In fact, there is one special coin that is tagged along his name. The coin is called the Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin. It is a gold coin worth twenty dollars in monetary value, but because of the ornate features, this coin is a gem to coin collectors to date.

When the United States of America became wealthy because of the California Gold Rush, the government decided to put that huge resource to use by minting gold coins in large denominations. This was also because people then didn't trust the paper money yet. Coins were still preferred over bills, because of the value of the metal used for the coins.

The double eagle coins were then minted in 1850, after the Gold Dollar Bill was passed in February 1849. These coins were twenty dollar coins. There were two different designs for the double eagle coins. First is the  Liberty Head design by J. Longacre which were minted from 1850 to 1907, and the next one was the famous Saint-Gaudens design, which was used from 1907 to 1933.

In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt requested sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to design the double eagle coin because of his fascination over ancient coins. The obverse side featured a Hellenistic Lady Liberty in a flowing gown, holding an olive branch and a torch. The reverse side featured an eagle flying over a sunrise. The Saint-Gaudens coin is known for its ornate value. It was so intricately designed that some numismatists can easily declare it to be the most beautiful American coin to ever be minted.

The following year, 1908, some changes were made to the Saint-Gaudens coin. The "In God We Trust" inscription was added over the rising sun, and the roman numerals representing the year of mintage was changed from roman to arabic. Because of these changes, the original 1907 coins were considered rare and more valuable.

If you have just started with your coin-collecting journey, it is important to know of these different kinds of coins that you may want to include in your collection further along. In the case of some coins, there is more value that what meets the eye so it is important that you do some research. Keen coin collectors are knowledgeable enough to know that they can't successfully complete a collection without the help of other collectors and coin shops.

Colonial Acres Coins is one trusted shop that has rendered service to many coin collectors over the years, both in the business of buying and selling coins, as well as providing resources that could help budding collectors. Colonial Acres Coins have a wide variety of resources and coins to  answer the demands of serious collectors.

Different Strikes of Coins

Coins are made from different strikes. There are two known varieties of coin strikes. First is the business strike, and the second is the proof strike, Now, as a coin collector, it is handy for you to know what these strikes are.

The business strike coins are made for one purpose: for public circulation. Business strike coins are the coins you trade for everyday transactions. These are the coins you get from the bank. These coins are what you use in your daily exchanges at the mall, the market and whatever place that requires your money.

Business strike coins are made from coin blanks that are stamped from long sheets of metal that come in rolls. These coin blanks are annealed so they are easier to stamp. They are then washed and upset. After that, the coin blanks are ready for the coin die. Both sides of the coin are struck by the die. These coins are then inspected and if they pass the standard, they are prepared for release and circulation. The coins are sent to the Federal Reserve Bank, and from there distributed to banks, credit unions, stores and other outlets.

Proof strike coins on the other hand, are uncirculated coins. Proof strike coins are also made differently from business strike coins. Although it is struck at both sides (the obverse and reverse) like the business strike coins, proof strike coins are struck more than once. This results to sharper features, and clearer inscriptions and details on proof strike coins.

Also, the coin die for proof strike coins are specially polished and treated. This is the reason why proof strike coins have a different appearance. The background of the coin is mirror like and polished, while raised parts of the coin give a more frosty look. This kind of profiling is also known as cameo.

Coin shops such as Colonial Acres Coins have a wide variety of both coins for collectors such as business strike, proof strike or other kinds of coins ranging from different eras of human history.  So, if you ever want to start your own collection, or are in search of good coins, Colonial Acres Coins is a shop you should make a stop for.

Famous Collections Around the World

Coin collecting isn’t just a hobby for some people. Serious coin collectors like to think of coin collecting as a profession. This is actually true especially if the collector has gathered rare coins into his collection. Coin values continue to rise the rarer they get, and these values may soar to a  =big sum of money in the future.

There are many coin collectors around the world, but there are some whose collections have become the most famous .  Among these famous coin collections is the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.  It is located in Washington DC in the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History.  It is one of the largest numismatic collections in the world and considered the largest in the whole of North America. It holds 1.6 million objects, and there are about 450,000 coins, medals and decorations.  It holds coins that were known to be found 2,700 years ago. Among its rarest coins are The Brasher half doubloon, the 1849 double eagle which is the first of the $20 gold coins,  and two  1877 fifty dollar patterns.

The Eliasberg Collection is also one of the most famous collections known. It is the first complete collection of circulating United States coins, categorized by date and mint mark. His collection includes an 1804 silver dollar, an 1870-S three dollar gold coin, the unique 1873-CC no-arrows Liberty Seated dime, a 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the very rare 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin. The only coin missing from his collection was the 1849 Double Eagle, which is considered a pattern coin by numismatists because it was made before the official production of coins. This coin is found in the Smithsonian Museum.

Also among the most famous is The American Numismatic Collection.  The main exhibit is the Harry W. Bass Collection. It is a collection that started after Bass decided to aim for a complete collection of United States-issue gold coins minted from 1795 to 1933. The collection also included the only complete collection of three dollar gold pieces including the 1870-S, and a complete collection of all U.S. Gold coin types from 1834 to 1933.

One of the most famous and timeless collections that have been auctioned for the last century is the King Farouk Coin Collection. This collection is owned by King Farouk I of Egypt who has ruled from 1936 to 1952.  Farouk was known for his insatiable appetite for coins and travelers from all over the world traded rare coins with him; some even traded him precious collections during the Great Depression because of financial instability.  The collection included the only complete set of Saint Gaudens twenty dollar double eagle gold coins. Also, some of the rare coins in this collection was auctioned and made their way to other collections such as the Harry W. Bass Collection, the Norweb Collection and John J. Pittman Collection.

Coin collecting is a good form of investment, aside from the fact that it is also a fun hobby. People will continually seek the rare coins and will pay a lot to get them. Starting your own collection is fairly easy and requires good knowledge. Colonial Acres Coins is open for sharing the knowledge to their young and new collectors-- and also has the vast array of coins that will help you start your own coin collection. Who knows? Maybe someday you will be one of the famous coin collectors the world has ever known.

Colonial Acres Coins is one of the leading numismatic firms in Canada, with more than a decade of helping coin collectors find their rare treasures.

Advanced Coin Collecting Supplies You Need to Know About

Advanced coin collectors need better supplies as they increase their collection. As you move forward in your hobby of collecting coins, you will discover that you have several options. There are also supplies that allow you to inspect and authenticate your coins on your own.

These advanced collecting supplies allow you to achieve your goals as an experienced collector.

Digital Scale
This tool lets you determine the weight of a coin. The weight is one of the factors that determine the authenticity of a coin. A digital scale also helps you identify if a coin you bought or planning to buy is an error coin.

A majority of digital scales lets you choose the unit of measure. It is important that the tool you purchase measures in grams with an accuracy of 0.01.

Digital Caliper
This tool is also known as a sizing gauge and is used to measure the diameter of a coin. To use this tool, place a coin between its jaws and slowly close it until it touches the opposite sides of the coin. A coin that was struck broadly or on an incorrect planchet, will not have the correct diameter. You can easily choose the unit of measure using the digital readout. Get a caliper that has an accuracy of 0.01mm.

Stereo Zoom Microscope
This tool enables you to inspect a coin at a high level of magnification. Choose a microscope that comes with dual eyepieces and optics to get you the most accurate image of a coin’s surface. The unit you purchase must also come with a mounted light on its neck to illuminate the coins you inspect properly.

A magnification range between 10X and 45X provides you with the best view of the coins you inspect. You can also use a stereo zoom microscope to authenticate a coin and identify die varieties.

Coin Cataloging Software
This tool enables you to keep track of the coins you have in your collection. Get software that has the following features:

1. Updated coin values and prices
2. Database of types of coins
3. Coin characteristics

​Natural Daylight Camp

To get the price grade of a coin, it is important to have this tool that provides a broad spectrum of colors and natural white light. A majority of indoor lights make uncirculated copper coins look redder than they actually are. On the other hand, fluorescent lights make silver coins look brighter than they appear to be. This tool enables you to identify if a coin is about uncirculated or uncirculated.

These are some of the advanced coin collecting supplies you must have to help you keep track, authenticate and inspect your collection.

Basic Coin Collecting Supplies You Need to Know About

Coin collectors need specific tools to preserve their coins from the elements, dirt and other factors that may decrease the coin’s value. Basic supplies such as holders, folders, albums and magnifiers are just a handful of things you need to have for your collection.

Holders
The most important supply you need for your collection is a safe place to store your coins in to protect them from damage. A majority of beginners starts using a ‘cigar box’ to keep their coins safe. However, this is an inadequate holder for coins as it does not prevent them from touching and rubbing against each other. This friction causes damage that reduces the value of your collection.

Get a holder specifically customized to store your coins. Most collectors use cardboard 2x2s as coin holders. These are 2” x 4” pieces of cardboard that has a hole in the center on both sides, and has a Mylar plastic inside. An affordable yet popular alternative is coin flips. These use Mylar plastic and measure 2” x 4”.

Albums and Folders
Another way to store your coin collection is by using a folder or album. Using a folder limits you to one side of the coin when you want to view your collection, but are affordable alternatives for beginners.

A coin album is ideal for advanced coin collectors as they are a bit pricier, but enable you to view both sides of your coin. They also provide extra protection because of the plastic inserts, keeping your coin’s surface safe form scratches and the elements.

Lighting and Magnifiers
You need to have proper lighting and a magnifier to view your coins properly. The best type of lighting is incandescent as it reveals any damage on the coins. Fluorescent lights are too mild and may make it difficult for you to spot any imperfections.

A hand lens with a magnification power of 2X to 3X is ideal for general viewing. For in-depth coin analysis it is best to use a lens with magnifying powers between 10X to 15X.

Padding or Soft Cloth
Collectors often overlook the importance of having a soft cloth or padding for viewing and displaying their coins. A coin is often damaged because it fell on a hard surface. Pads or a soft cloth will reduce the possibility of this happening.

These are some of the basic supplies you must have when you begin collecting coins. These make sure that your coin collection stays persevered over a long time.

Colonial Acres offers a variety coin collection supplies for budding and longtime numismatists.

Importance of Getting Your Coins Professionally Appraised

As a coin collector, it is important to know the value of the coins you want to purchase. You might get the short end of the stick because you failed to identify a value of the rare coin. You might pay more or get less for a coin inappropriately appraised. In such situations, a professional coin appraiser is a must-hire.

Determining Coin Value
The untrained eye will not be able to determine if a coin is worth its hefty or cheap price tag. Professional appraisers have the training and experience that developed their keen eye for details. They will help you determine the value of the rare coin you want to add to your collection.

Many new numismatists overpay for coins that are below their assigned grades, and only find out after trying to resell them. Avoid overpaying or underselling the coin in your collection with the help of an appraiser.

Identifying Rare from Common Coins
One of the less obvious mistakes of coin collectors is that they purchase unpopular or common coins that they plan on reselling.

There are coins that are too common or unpopular to have much value outside of your collection. A professional appraiser helps you determine which coins will have value, once you try to sell them to other numismatists. Their experience will help you identify which coins have value from the ones that do not have any. Appraisers can also identify which are rare form common coins that are worth an investment.

Facilitate Trades
Appraisers help you facilitate an exchange with a fellow hobbyist. It helps make the trade as even as possible, especially if it involves complete collections of rare coins or bullion. Some of these trades may cost five, six or seven figure coins, which makes a professional important and beneficial for all the parties involved.

Selling Your Collection
There are certain coins that will sell for a good profit at auctions, while others will not do as well. An appraiser will help you determine and suggest which coins you should sell at an auction and which ones to keep. They also re-analyze coins that you can resubmit for grading. There are rare coins that might increase in value after you resubmit them for grading.

These are some of the advantages of hiring an appraiser for your coin collection. A professional’s eye is different from a collector as they provide you with a detached and unbiased view of your collection.

Increasing the Value of Your Rare Coins

Are you planning on selling your collection or purchasing coins for the purpose of reselling them? It is important to know the value of the coins you purchase and the techniques for proper preservation. Doing so helps you get the ideal price for your collection when you decide to sell them.

Increasing the value of your rare coins also gets you a decent profit once you sell them.

How do you increase the value of your collection?

Avoid Cleaning Rare Coins
A rare coin has higher value when you leave it as it is. When you clean it using an abrasive or cleaning detergent, you remove its natural color, reducing its coin value. A rare coin gets hairlines or scratches and will lose its natural luster when you clean it thoroughly. Cleaning it will cost you more than half its uncleaned original value.

Cleaning a coin and selling it to a collector will not get you the value you want. A keen eye will quickly and easily detect the difference between a cleaned and an uncleaned coin.

Cleaned pennies have an unnatural, orange hue and will have blotches or streaks of color. Silver coins have an unusual and uniform grey color when cleaned. Generally, cleaned coins have a uniform reflectivity that they would normally not have.

Store the Coins Properly
Rare coins retain or increase in value when you store them properly. Scratched, marred and blotched coins lower their value that is why it is important to keep them in a holder.

Holders protect your coins from the elements and from falling. There are different kinds of holders such as 2x2 cardboards, plastic and Mylar holders just to name a few. These holders have their pros and cons, and varying price ranges. Look for one that is within your budget and can store your growing collection.

For advanced collectors there are AirTite, binders, tubes and albums. These storage supplies are pricier, but will preserve a larger collection better. AirTite holders are similar to 2x2 plastic holders but are round instead of square.

Get an Appraiser for Your Collection
There are certain coins that do well in auctions while others do not. With the help of an appraiser, you can find the right buyer and auction to get the most of your collection.

They also help you inspect and authenticate rare coins in your collection. You do not want to find yourself in a situation where you try to sell a counterfeit or severely damaged coin to another collector.

These are some of the ways to increase the coin value of your rare collectibles. Collecting coins can be a profitable hobby, only if you know how to store, authenticate and find the right market.