Coin Buying Advice - Information & Tips on Where & How to Buy Coins
Your Guide offers coin buying advice, articles, and tips. There are several ways to build a collection of rare coins, some of which might be new to you. Get the most for your money whether you buy U.S. coins, Canadian coins, or ancient Chinese Cash coins. Articles tell how to find ethical coin dealers, negotiate the lowest prices, find unsorted lots, and more.
Chattanooga Coin
Chattanooga Coins is a self-proclaimed coin wholesaler who sells at high retail prices. Much of their material is close-out leftovers from TV promotions and large estate purchases where they have picked up the bulk leavings after other dealers buy the rare material. This article is a review of their products and services.
Chattanooga Coins is a self-proclaimed coin wholesaler who sells at high retail prices. Much of their material is close-out leftovers from TV promotions and large estate purchases where they have picked up the bulk leavings after other dealers buy the rare material. This article is a review of their products and services.
Which Mint Sets Make the Best Investments?
Many people buy U.S. Mint coin sets, such as the Proof sets, annual Uncirculated sets, and the speciality sets such as the Bald Eagle Commemorative 3-coin Set and other commemorative sets. But how do you know which sets will skyrocket in value, and which sets will languish below issue price for years? I have the answer in this FAQ about which Mint sets to buy.
Many people buy U.S. Mint coin sets, such as the Proof sets, annual Uncirculated sets, and the speciality sets such as the Bald Eagle Commemorative 3-coin Set and other commemorative sets. But how do you know which sets will skyrocket in value, and which sets will languish below issue price for years? I have the answer in this FAQ about which Mint sets to buy.
Rare Coins - What is the Difference Between a Grade Rarity and a Mintage Rarity?
An understanding of rare coins is essential if you are going to buy supposedly rare coins, especially the ones in PCGS and NGC type holders. There is a big difference between a grade rarity and a mintage rarity; one might be a sucker's bet, while the other is proven solid gold. Learn which is which and why in this article about rare coins.
An understanding of rare coins is essential if you are going to buy supposedly rare coins, especially the ones in PCGS and NGC type holders. There is a big difference between a grade rarity and a mintage rarity; one might be a sucker's bet, while the other is proven solid gold. Learn which is which and why in this article about rare coins.
Top Coin Picks for 2008
I am often asked what my favorite coins are, or what coins and coin sets sold by the U.S. Mint might be the best investments for the long run. It is impossible for me to make a "Top 10 Coin Recommendations" list that applies to everyone because we all have different budgets and collecting interests, but I will share my personal Top 10 Coin Picks for 2008 along with the reasoning behind them in t…
I am often asked what my favorite coins are, or what coins and coin sets sold by the U.S. Mint might be the best investments for the long run. It is impossible for me to make a "Top 10 Coin Recommendations" list that applies to everyone because we all have different budgets and collecting interests, but I will share my personal Top 10 Coin Picks for 2008 along with the reasoning behind them in t…
Coin Collector's Survival Manual by Scott A. Travers
Coin Collector's Survival Manual is the best insider's guide to the coin collecting hobby I have ever found. Author Scott Travers exposes the dirty little secrets of professional coin dealing in an easy to grasp, simple manner of writing that even newbie collectors can follow. Read my entire review on this page.
Coin Collector's Survival Manual is the best insider's guide to the coin collecting hobby I have ever found. Author Scott Travers exposes the dirty little secrets of professional coin dealing in an easy to grasp, simple manner of writing that even newbie collectors can follow. Read my entire review on this page.
What is the Wholesale Coin Price Guide that Coin Dealers Use?
How can I find out about the wholesale coin market and learn what dealers pay for coins? This FAQ tells you about the insider's guide to coin prices and how to get a sample copy for yourself.
How can I find out about the wholesale coin market and learn what dealers pay for coins? This FAQ tells you about the insider's guide to coin prices and how to get a sample copy for yourself.
Insider's Tips for Buying and Selling Coins
Insider's tips for dealing with coin dealers. Learn how to get the best deal when buying coins, and how to get the most money when selling coins. Find out where dealers get their wholesale coin prices so you know how much they pay each other, and never overpay for, or undersell coins again. Understand how the wholesale coin market operates.
Insider's tips for dealing with coin dealers. Learn how to get the best deal when buying coins, and how to get the most money when selling coins. Find out where dealers get their wholesale coin prices so you know how much they pay each other, and never overpay for, or undersell coins again. Understand how the wholesale coin market operates.
Insider's Tips for Buying and Selling Coins
Insider's tips for dealing with coin dealers. Learn how to get the best deal when buying coins, and how to get the most money when selling coins. Find out where dealers get their wholesale coin prices so you know how much they pay each other, and never overpay for, or undersell coins again.
Insider's tips for dealing with coin dealers. Learn how to get the best deal when buying coins, and how to get the most money when selling coins. Find out where dealers get their wholesale coin prices so you know how much they pay each other, and never overpay for, or undersell coins again.
Cherrypicking Etiquette and Technique
Cherrypicking is the act of searching through coins looking for specimens that have been overlooked for some reason. Some people search through rolls of coins they get from the bank at face value, looking for errors and varieties or just old coins. Some people cherrypick by looking through coin dealer stock, trying to find overloooked varieties. This article deals with the techniques and etiquette involved in cherrypicking at coin shows and dealer stores.
Cherrypicking is the act of searching through coins looking for specimens that have been overlooked for some reason. Some people search through rolls of coins they get from the bank at face value, looking for errors and varieties or just old coins. Some people cherrypick by looking through coin dealer stock, trying to find overloooked varieties. This article deals with the techniques and etiquette involved in cherrypicking at coin shows and dealer stores.
The 2007 ANA World's Fair of Money in Milwaukee
ANA 2007 World's Fair of Money coin show photo gallery, along with generous commentary and my observations and opinions about the coin show displays, exhibits, and coin dealers.
ANA 2007 World's Fair of Money coin show photo gallery, along with generous commentary and my observations and opinions about the coin show displays, exhibits, and coin dealers.
Are the Coin Prices in Most Coin Catalogs Accurate?
Coin price catalogs and coin value guides, such as the Red Book, Trends, coin price magazines, etc., all have one common flaw - the prices in them are not of any value at all to a coin collector trying to appraise his own collection for sale. This article explains why.
Coin price catalogs and coin value guides, such as the Red Book, Trends, coin price magazines, etc., all have one common flaw - the prices in them are not of any value at all to a coin collector trying to appraise his own collection for sale. This article explains why.
Secret Insider Tips to Get Rolled Coins From Banks
Most coin collectors find that getting rolls of coins from their local banks isn't easy. An expert in the hobby of searching bank wrapped rolls of coins reveals the secrets to finding plenty of rolls of coins to search.
Most coin collectors find that getting rolls of coins from their local banks isn't easy. An expert in the hobby of searching bank wrapped rolls of coins reveals the secrets to finding plenty of rolls of coins to search.
Coin Show Etiquette
People who are about to attend their first coin show often feel a little intimidated. With fancy words like "bourse" (to describe the trading floor) and lots of money changing hands for, well, money, it can be a bit intimidating to the new coin collector attending his first show. Find out all about the do's and don'ts of coin show etiquette.
People who are about to attend their first coin show often feel a little intimidated. With fancy words like "bourse" (to describe the trading floor) and lots of money changing hands for, well, money, it can be a bit intimidating to the new coin collector attending his first show. Find out all about the do's and don'ts of coin show etiquette.
How Do I Start a Coin Collection For My Children?
Many parents and grandparents would like to start a coin collection for their children, but they don't know what to collect. Learn how to start an investment collection, and what coins you should buy.
Many parents and grandparents would like to start a coin collection for their children, but they don't know what to collect. Learn how to start an investment collection, and what coins you should buy.
Top 5 Worst Coin Investments
This article contains my personal list of "do not buy" coin types. I am reluctant to tell anybody else what they should invest in, since nobody can predict where the market will go, but I am willing to share my own personal 30 years' worth of experience in what I personally do not collect...and why.
This article contains my personal list of "do not buy" coin types. I am reluctant to tell anybody else what they should invest in, since nobody can predict where the market will go, but I am willing to share my own personal 30 years' worth of experience in what I personally do not collect...and why.
How to Find a Local Coin Dealer
When you want to find a coin dealer, you probably shouldn't go to the Yellow Pages first, because there are many people listed there who are really just pawn brokers, junk bullion buyers, and other non-experts. This Quick Tip page will show you exactly how to find a local, Certified coin dealer near your location.
When you want to find a coin dealer, you probably shouldn't go to the Yellow Pages first, because there are many people listed there who are really just pawn brokers, junk bullion buyers, and other non-experts. This Quick Tip page will show you exactly how to find a local, Certified coin dealer near your location.
How Can I Avoid Silver Eagle Coin Fraud and Other Fake Silver Coins?
Coin fraud is an unfortunate reality of coin collecting, but it's easy to educate yourself about fake coins and coin fraud subjects. This article teaches out how to spot fake silver coins, especially fake silver eagles from China.
Coin fraud is an unfortunate reality of coin collecting, but it's easy to educate yourself about fake coins and coin fraud subjects. This article teaches out how to spot fake silver coins, especially fake silver eagles from China.
Why is it Important to Use a PNG Coin Dealer?
Learn what the PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild) is and why it is important to use dealers who subscribe to the PNG code of ethics.
Learn what the PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild) is and why it is important to use dealers who subscribe to the PNG code of ethics.
What are the New Liberty Dollar Coins?
New Liberty Dollars are being circulated by an organization called NORFED (National Organization for the Repeal of the Federal Reserve Act and the Internal Revenue Code.) These silver dollar coins, and a $500 gold dollar coin are not legal tender coinage issued by the U.S. Mint. Learn more about these new Liberty Dollars.
New Liberty Dollars are being circulated by an organization called NORFED (National Organization for the Repeal of the Federal Reserve Act and the Internal Revenue Code.) These silver dollar coins, and a $500 gold dollar coin are not legal tender coinage issued by the U.S. Mint. Learn more about these new Liberty Dollars.
The "Graded Coin Value" Fraud at Online Auctions - Learn to Protect Yourself
If you are buying coins from online auction sites such as ebay, you should be very wary about claims of coin values based on slabbed, or grading services' grades. This is an increasing problem on ebay, especially, so before you buy encapsulated coins, learn how this coin fraud is prepetrated, and a very simple method to avoid becoming a victim.
If you are buying coins from online auction sites such as ebay, you should be very wary about claims of coin values based on slabbed, or grading services' grades. This is an increasing problem on ebay, especially, so before you buy encapsulated coins, learn how this coin fraud is prepetrated, and a very simple method to avoid becoming a victim.
Find Rare Coin Dealers Who are Honest and Ethical Using These Tips
Coin Dealers are fairly easy to find. But how do you know you're getting a reputable, honest coin dealer? We invest a lot of money in our coins, so we want to get the best prices we can. However, price isn't everything. What if your coin turns out to be fake? Will the rare coin dealer be aaround in five years to issue a refund? Learn how to find honest and ethical rare and gold coin dealers.
Coin Dealers are fairly easy to find. But how do you know you're getting a reputable, honest coin dealer? We invest a lot of money in our coins, so we want to get the best prices we can. However, price isn't everything. What if your coin turns out to be fake? Will the rare coin dealer be aaround in five years to issue a refund? Learn how to find honest and ethical rare and gold coin dealers.
Start a Coin Collection on $4
This tutorial will show you how to start a coin collection on $4. We talk about where to get the coins to start your collection (at face value), how to clean and sort them, how to mount them for display, and how to store them. Starting a coin collection from circulating coinage is very easy, if you know what to look for!
This tutorial will show you how to start a coin collection on $4. We talk about where to get the coins to start your collection (at face value), how to clean and sort them, how to mount them for display, and how to store them. Starting a coin collection from circulating coinage is very easy, if you know what to look for!
Invest in Morgan Dollars, Consider These Points
Morgan Dollars are a popular investment vehicle for coin collectors these days. Before you invest in Morgan Dollars, however, take a moment to consider a few thoughts about rare coin investing, because although there are some excellent investment options out there in Morgan Silver Dollars, there are also some pitfalls to avoid.
Morgan Dollars are a popular investment vehicle for coin collectors these days. Before you invest in Morgan Dollars, however, take a moment to consider a few thoughts about rare coin investing, because although there are some excellent investment options out there in Morgan Silver Dollars, there are also some pitfalls to avoid.
Buy Rare Coins From Sunken Treasure Ships, Consider These Tips
Before you buy sunken treasure coins, take a moment to think about what you are buying. Is there a lot of marketing hype making the coin seem more valuable than it is? Has the coin been certified, and by whom? Is the coin from a recovered sunken treasure that is getting a lot of publicity now, but might be forgotten tomorrow? Here are some things to consider when buying rare coins.
Before you buy sunken treasure coins, take a moment to think about what you are buying. Is there a lot of marketing hype making the coin seem more valuable than it is? Has the coin been certified, and by whom? Is the coin from a recovered sunken treasure that is getting a lot of publicity now, but might be forgotten tomorrow? Here are some things to consider when buying rare coins.
Know the Difference Between Price and Value
There is a big difference between the value of a coin, and the price of a coin. Your Guide explains what the difference is, and how you need to take this concept into consideration when you buy and sell your own U.S., Ancient, World, or other coins.
There is a big difference between the value of a coin, and the price of a coin. Your Guide explains what the difference is, and how you need to take this concept into consideration when you buy and sell your own U.S., Ancient, World, or other coins.
Database of Counterfeit Coins at the Coin Forgery Network
The Coin Forgery Network is one of the internet's largest databases of fake and counterfeit coins. They have listings, with photos, of coins from ancient to modern and everything in between. If you are buying coins that haven't been authenticated and encapsulated by a reputable grading service, check your prospects here before you buy them.
The Coin Forgery Network is one of the internet's largest databases of fake and counterfeit coins. They have listings, with photos, of coins from ancient to modern and everything in between. If you are buying coins that haven't been authenticated and encapsulated by a reputable grading service, check your prospects here before you buy them.
How Rare Gold Coins are Priced
U.S. gold coins present an interesting pricing dilemma for dealers, both on the buying and the selling end. Many U.S. gold coins of the latter half of the 19th century are so common that they aren't even worth a premium over their bullion value, even in some better grades. Before you buy U.S. gold coins, consider the points in this article.
U.S. gold coins present an interesting pricing dilemma for dealers, both on the buying and the selling end. Many U.S. gold coins of the latter half of the 19th century are so common that they aren't even worth a premium over their bullion value, even in some better grades. Before you buy U.S. gold coins, consider the points in this article.
How to Avoid Coin Fraud on Auction Sites
Before you buy coins on any major auction site, such as Ebay, you should educate yourself about the numerous types of fraudulent behaviors and deceptive practices being perpetrated there. Unfortunately, fake coins are a real problem on auction sites, but you can avoid being stung by observing a few simple rules.
Before you buy coins on any major auction site, such as Ebay, you should educate yourself about the numerous types of fraudulent behaviors and deceptive practices being perpetrated there. Unfortunately, fake coins are a real problem on auction sites, but you can avoid being stung by observing a few simple rules.
Is this Coin Really Rare? Some Factors to Consider
Although rarity is a factor in determining the value of a given coin, understanding what determines this rarity is important when evaluating how much weight to give to the rarity factor. Just because a coin was minted in low numbers doesn't necessarily make it valuable. Legislation, melt-downs, new hoards, and other points must be considered too.
Although rarity is a factor in determining the value of a given coin, understanding what determines this rarity is important when evaluating how much weight to give to the rarity factor. Just because a coin was minted in low numbers doesn't necessarily make it valuable. Legislation, melt-downs, new hoards, and other points must be considered too.