Many people have hobbies, whether it is collecting stamps or collecting rocks, or even investing activities that include stock market or Forex investment trading. Nevertheless, coin collecting is one of the more financially-sound hobbies someone can get into. Not only is it a thrill to own coins from all over the world, but many of those coins can and will go up in value, especially rare coins or coins that were damaged during the minting process. Some people have coin collections that are valued at millions of US dollars.
What Makes a Coin Collectible, Valuable or Rare?
There are certain criteria that make one coin more collectible, or more 
valuable than another one is. For instance, coins that were minted in the same year may have two very different valuations. This is because a coin that comes from a batch that has a small mintage is more difficult to find.
Anyone who is not trained to grade collectible coins, even just a mid-grade coin may appear to be in perfect condition. Coin graders use specially-produced coin collecting supplies and tools to appraise the quality of the coins. What one person may think is a perfect and valuable coin near mint condition quality may actually have a scratch on it too small for the naked eye to see.
Any coin, whether it is a collectible coin or not, should be stored in coin collecting books plastic sleeves so the coins will not touch each other and cause scratches. These books and plastic holders are made to keep the coins tight and in their place to protect them. All coins should be tucked away safe somewhere, but to keep them as safe as possible and to keep them rising in value, coin collecting books are necessary. They are also a very convenient way to display your collections without worrying about others touching the valuable coins.
More than Face Value, but Numismatic Value
Just because all coins hold value as part of a countries money supply, does not mean they are collectible coins. For example, an ordinary penny from the US is only worth a penny and you would not want to go through measurable lengths to get their hands on some as they are in fact almost everywhere. You certainly would not want to pay for a cent for more than one penny, unless you are buying uncirculated pennies from a U.S. mint.
However, if there is certain penny that was minted from a mold in which there was a crack in the mold which is reflected on the penny, then this would be considered a valuable and collectible coin as it is an incorrectly struck coin. Once a mold is found to have defects, the country’s coin minting institution removes the defected plate from the engraving process and no more coins are minted from it. It is very rare to find any coins with defects and sometimes only one or two are allowed to slip by the quality control standards. Of course, these incorrectly struck coins can become very valuable due to their rarity.
Even a coin that looks old and worn could be very valuable, especially if it is from a country that produces little or no coins. Collection costs include the actual purchase of the coin, whatever online shipping or traveling expenses incurred with the purchase, possibly coin cleaning supplies, storage costs, and any marketing and selling costs you have if you also sell your coins.
Your coin collection is not only valuable, it is a source of constant joy to you. There is nothing quite the same as viewing an old coin that has a design no longer made, that shines and glistens, and has a date maybe over 100 years ago. It is not only valuable, it is a piece of history.
Sites to Purchase Rare Coins
There are many great online sites that you can visit to purchase valuable coins. However, due to the valuable nature of coins, it is best to start your collection by visiting a coin store in your area. Establish a good relationship with the retailer and you will end up getting better deals. Also, by purchasing locally, you can voice your complaints, return coins, and even elevate your problem to the Better Business Bureau to resolve any issues with a local retailer. You can actually physically take ownership of the coin upon purchase instead of paying for mail insurance and being nervous about the coins actual arrival. And if you have old gold jewelry or gold scrap, you probably will get a fairer prices from a local purchaser than someone over the Internet.
But there are many reputable coin collecting retailers, also. Try GoldDealer.com for free quotes on coins and free delivery. Other retailers include CoinLand.com and ZoomCoin.com (which offers a Best Price Guarantee). Don’t forget you can also purchase coins directly from the U.S. Mint.
Collectible Coins Websites
- To sell collectible coins, you may want to try AmericanCoins.com. They have over 25 years of experience and will provide you an appraisal on your rare coins.
- Canadian collectible coins – if you are a collectible coins Canadian fan, an online retailer that has received almost perfect customer reviews ins Ha.com/WorldCoins.
- For a collectible coins price guide, try doing a search on “coin price guide” at Amazon.com. A Guide Book of United States Coins 2011 and 2011 Handbook of United States Coins both have almost perfect 5 0ut of 5 star ratings from those who have purchased the books.
- CSN collectible coins – The Cable Shopping Network sells collectible coins, including Roman coins, shipwreck-recovered coins, and coins from around the world.