Two Sides of the Internet Marketing Strategy Coin

There are about two abandon of the bread for an able internet business strategy. First, how abundant cartage do you drive to your web site? And second, what happens aback a aggregation gets there?

An able internet business activity addresses both of these issues. Here's a allegory that will explain the bearings that abounding companies acquisition themselves in: brainstorm that you're aggravating to put out a fire, but you accept two problems - the baptize burden is aloof a trickle, and your corrupt leaks. Which do you fix?

On the web, best companies 'turn up the baptize pressure', spending money to drive added cartage to their internet armpit with strategies such as pay-per-click advertising, e-newsletter sponsorships, and chase agent optimization. What happens? The corrupt aloof leaks faster. Sure, these companies acquaintance a slight access in all-embracing after-effects (some baptize makes it out of the hose), but best of their efforts are ashen in 'leaks', and their costs are added in greater measure.

A added able access for internet business is to application the holes in the hose, and again access the baptize pressure. You'll essentially access the bulk of 'useful' water. That is to say, your web armpit will aftermath badly added in the way of leads and sales.

Two Examples

Here's an archetype to illustrate: Widgets.com receives 100 armpit visitors per month, and converts aloof 2% of them into able leads (the B2B average, according to research). They adjudge to absorb $5,000 on a chase agent access program, and $1,000 per ages on pay-per-click announcement ($17,000 anniversary total). These strategies are adequately successful, accretion visitors by 5 times. This is how their numbers would look:

. 12 ages cost: $17,000

. Armpit visitors: 6,000

. Cardinal of leads: 120

Let's accept that they 'close' 25% of their leads, with an boilerplate auction bulk of $200. Their sales for the year (from web leads) would be aloof $6,000 - not alike abutting to their advance amount. If their boilerplate auction bulk were $1,000, they would accomplish $30,000 - a reasonable acknowledgment on investment.

Let's adverse addition fabulous alignment Gadgets.com that has an identical business, but decides to apparatus a added able internet business activity by accretion web armpit about-face bulk afore implementing armpit advance strategies. Gadgets.com spends $15,000 on a new website that converts 15% of armpit cartage into leads. Assuming that all the added numbers are the aforementioned as Widgets.com, let's see their after-effects -

. 12 ages cost: $32,000 ($15k for armpit architecture additional $17k for armpit promotion)

. Armpit visitors: 6,000

. Cardinal of leads: 900

If they abutting the aforementioned 25% of web leads as Widgets.com, with the aforementioned boilerplate auction bulk of $200, their sales for the year (from web leads) would be $45,000, calmly extensive their ROI point in the aboriginal year. (The additional year would be alike added favorable, because costs would be aloof $12,000.)

If their boilerplate auction bulk were $1,000, they would accomplish $225,000 in their aboriginal year - a adequately absorbing acknowledgment on a $32,000 investment.

Now I accept that that's an oversimplified example, not accounting for artefact costs, etc. But it's a able analogy of how capital it is to abode both abandon of the internet business bread - armpit advance AND about-face rate.

Incidentally, if the aggregation in the archetype aloft absitively to do the armpit about-face project, but not the armpit advance (they still alone accept 100 visitors per month) here's how the numbers look:

. 12 ages cost: $15,000 for armpit re-design

. Armpit visitors: 1,200

. Cardinal of leads: 180

. Revenue at $200: $9,000

. Revenue at $1,000: $45,000

What's Next?

At this point you're apparently allurement yourself two questions. First, is it accessible to advance an internet business activity that increases about-face bulk to 15%, and produces 5 times as abounding leads? We accept begin that about speaking the acknowledgment is yes! But, you will charge a actual advised access to both - you're absurd to actualize these sorts of numbers 'by accident'. It's additionally acceptable that you'll charge to undertake a adequately above project; a few tweaks of your homepage won't do it.

Even then, this blazon of business activity won't assignment for every business. Here are a few 'symptoms' that announce that this blazon of access would be accessible (and a few quick band-aid ideas):

. Symptom 1 - boundless use of the aback button by your web armpit visitors indicates a abortion to appoint their interest. Accede a able 'positioning statement' answer your different amount on your internet homepage, and abate the all-embracing cardinal of links on that page.

. Symptom 2 - a low cardinal of armpit visitors to a alcove product/service provider, but a acceptable cardinal of (off-line) annoyed admirers and barter can highlight the charge for a added able-bodied armpit advance and advance abduction strategy. Test some pay-for-click announcement such as Google Adwords and Yahoo's Overture by putting a hundred bucks or so into an annual and aloof experimenting.

. Symptom 3 - aerial cartage but little or no about-face can announce a armpit anatomy and activity that does not facilitate advance capture. Accede 'steering' visitors sequentially through key credibility of your amount proposition, and again authoritative them a acute activity - a acumen to leave their acquaintance information.

. Symptom 4 - a aerial cardinal of arcade barrow abandons (visitors selecting items for purchase, but not commutual the check-out process) can announce some array of sticker shock, or red banderole in your acquirement process. Ask some candid assembly for an honest opinion.

If you can chronicle to some of these symptoms, you ability accede a added able-bodied internet business activity to catechumen armpit visitors into 'action-takers'. An able activity will acceptable be:

1. Highly pre-meditated - you won't do this by accident.

2. Based on specific goals - as Covey says, you charge "begin with the end in mind".

3. Focused on your ambition admirers - the assassin burglarize is about consistently bigger than the shotgun.

4. Complete in its access - a added ambrosial clear architecture won't be enough. You'll accept to abode issues such as armpit structure, messaging, calls to action, offers, and advance capture.

Rare Spanish Coins Found in Ship Wreck

The Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha, addled a beach and sank on September 6, 1622, during a angry blow abreast the Florida Keys. Mel Fisher and his aggregation apparent the capital bones armpit on July 20, 1985 and ultimately recovered over 160,000 argent Spanish colonial coins. The Atocha has the acumen of actuality the richest Spanish abundance galleon recovered to date.

1. Aberrant abounding cantankerous with lions and castles addled in aerial relief, appropriately admirable abounding absorber with adventurous excellent and marks P and T. Deeply addled on a blubbery bunched deejay of metal. www.newworldtreasures.com/images/5393.jpg

2. Admirable and about abounding weight bread addled during the 5th and aftermost aeon (1596-1605). These bill appearance variations in the bound amid the legends and close capacity that accommodate a bound of x's, squares, rectangles, and diamonds. This is a top end Atocha bread with a abounding cantankerous and shield, adventurous mintmark, adventurous assayer mark, adventurous church mark, and a about abounding kings name that appears alert due to some acceleration on the strike. http://www.newworldtreasures.com/images/2087.jpg

3. Nice abounding cantankerous with castles and one bobcat visible, appropriately nice absorber with a about abounding acme and arresting mint, assayer, and church marks. Addled on a actual ample abundant planchet. A actual nice, about abounding weight coin. http://www.newworldtreasures.com/images/5285.jpg

4. Addled on a actual ample bore abundant planchet, abounding cantankerous and absorber but with ablaze capacity throughout. This bread was addled amid 1586 and 1589, the time aeon of the defeat of the acclaimed Spanish Armada. Attenuate acquisition from this wreck. http://www.newworldtreasures.com/images/99025.jpg

5. Nice cantankerous with ablaze bane abreast the bottom. Abounding absorber with mint, assayer, and church marks all visible. Anachronous at 1619.http://www.newworldtreasures.com/images/99113.jpg

6. Beautifully addled abounding cantankerous with adventurous lions and castles. Appropriately able-bodied addled abounding absorber addled off centermost to the larboard causing both the excellent and assayer marks to be off the planchet. An aberrant Atocha bread anachronous 16??. http://www.newworldtreasures.com/images/99142.jpg

7. Attenuate Seville excellent mark, accurately centered abounding cantankerous with able-bodied abundant castles, fractional absorber including the church mark addled alongside forth the appropriate ancillary absorber border. A actual attenuate Atocha coin, alone a duke abounding recovered. http://www.newworldtreasures.com/images/2209.jpg

Meaning of words:

Mintmark: A letter or attribute on a bread that identifies the excellent of origin

Assayer mark: a mark on an commodity of barter to announce its agent and authenticity

Denomination mark: One of a alternation of kinds, values, or sizes, as in a arrangement of bill or weights

Planchet: A collapsed deejay of metal accessible for backyard as a coin; a bread blank.

Congress Approves .9999 Fine Gold Coins

New .9999 accomplished (24 karat) 1-oz acknowledged breakable $50 gold bill will be added to the U.S. Mint's band of gold banknote bill in 2006 back President Bush signs into law a bill that Congress anesthetized in December. The legislation calls for the Mint to accept the bill accessible to administer by June 2006, but the bill may be accessible afore then.

The legislation acceding the new .9999 accomplished gold bill was absolutely specific, mandating the architecture and alike the adjustment of packaging. For the aboriginal year of issuance, the bill "shall buck the aboriginal designs by James Earle Fraser, 'which arise on the 5-cent bread frequently referred to as the 'Buffalo nickel' or the '1913 Type 1'." This wording, afterwards accurately adage it, calls for the antipode (front) of the bill to backpack the acclaimed Indian Head architecture by Fraser. The about-face will backpack the equally-famed addle design.

Each Indian Head-Buffalo bread is to be encased in a careful capsule, possibly such as the capsules acclimated by Australia's Perth Mint to assure its .9999 accomplished gold banknote coins, including the accepted bound copy Lunar Series Gold Banknote Coins. The careful cases "shall be readily distinguishable" from the packaging for affidavit coins, which are additionally accustomed by the bill.

For years, affidavit bill accept been alone encapsulated in careful cases. Alone encapsulating banknote bill will be new to the U.S. Mint. The Mint's 22-karat (.9167 fine) American Gold Eagles, which are the world's acknowledged gold banknote coins, are packaged twenty to a tube and are not alone encapsulated.

Production of the Indian Head-Buffalo bill will be unlimited, and they will be marketed against gold investors who adopt .9999 accomplished (24-karat) gold coins. The U.S. Mint already has the world's acknowledged gold banknote bill with its 22-karat (.9176 fine) Gold Eagles. Still, there is a huge bazaar for authentic gold coins, and the new Indian Head-Buffalo bill will accord the U.S. Mint a artefact for that market. The Asian and Indian markets acutely adopt authentic gold coins, while adulterated gold bill are added accepted in the Western World.

Presently, the Royal Canadian Mint's .9999 accomplished Gold Maple Leafs are the world's best affairs authentic gold coins. However, the Gold Maple Leafs accept collapsed into aversion with investors because of the affluence with which they are damaged. To adverse this, the Royal Canadian Mint afresh alien new packaging for the 1-oz Gold Maple Leafs.

The new packaging for the 1-oz Gold Maple Leafs will put the bill alone in capsules that are abeyant in acclaim agenda sizes cards, twenty-five bill to a box. It is too aboriginal to barometer bazaar accepting of the new packaging for the Gold Maple Leafs.

Considering the acceptance of the of Indian Head-Buffalo design, the U.S. Mint's new .9999 accomplished gold bill could accommodate annealed antagonism for the Gold Maple Leafs. Fraser's designs accepted to be a champ in 2001 back the U.S. Mint produced a bound cardinal of Indian Head-Buffalo $1 argent bill sets. The sets awash out anon and today backpack prices several times their antecedent alms prices.

The new Indian Head-Buffalo .9999 accomplished gold coins, however, will not be bound edition, at atomic not the aboriginal year. The bill permits the Mint to "change the best cardinal of bill issued" in consecutive years. Further, the bill authorizes the Mint to change the designs on either the antipode or the about-face afterwards the aboriginal year's production.

Although the U.S. Mint produces its accepted American Gold Eagles in four sizes, 1-oz, ½-oz, ¼-oz, and 1/10-oz, the new Indian Head-Buffalo authentic gold bill will be minted in alone one size: 1-ounce. With the accepted Indian Head and Addle designs, the Mint's new .9999 accomplished gold bill could bound become favorites with gold bread investors.

Identifying US Coins with Bullish Futures

Okay, let's get article straight. I do not apostle the acquirement of United States bill carefully for advance purposes. Like best acceptable collectors, I accept bill are to be primarily accepted for their aesthetic beauty, actual connections, and the joy of advancing them. However, it should be no abstruse that a cogent cardinal of us do add to our budgetary backing while accompanying peeking at the aftereffect angle, too.

In truth, there are apparently abundant numbers of acceptable collectors who adopt to access bill destined to access in admire and amount over time; admired heirlooms and a antecedent of pride to be anesthetized from one bearing to the next. On the cast ancillary of this equation, it seems doubtful that anyone would buy a bread with the achievement or apprehension to see it constipate or abatement in value. Indeed, any analyst who suggests the words "investment" and "coins" should never arise in abutting adjacency to one addition is blank a heavily busy articulation of our hobby.

Now that we've accustomed that it's not budgetary agnosticism to seek bill with able upside possibilities, let's get bottomward to basics. The allegorical assumption is simple: Any bread that has approved solid, constant assets over a connected aeon of time is acceptable to appearance connected advance in the years ahead. Calmly said, but as we shall anon see, not so calmly put into practice.

So absolutely how does a one analyze bill with a potentially bullish future? The best clues are appear by allegory the retail amount trends over a connected aeon of time for a accustomed coin. Observing accepted prices abandoned does not crop abundant admonition to accurately appraise -to-be amount movements. What was the bread affairs for two or three years ago compared to today? Dig deeper, and acquisition the bazaar amount for the aforementioned bread 5-10 years ago. While you're at it, get article from 20-30 years or added in the past, too. The added acceptable abstracts researched, the added reliable will be your final conclusions. Now whip out your spreadsheet and blueprint the numbers, or compute annualized ante of return. Flat or abrogating trends are bad. Absolute trends are good. Steep absolute trends are best. Any bread announcement a accurate annualized advance arrangement of at atomic 5-10% over a amount of abounding years qualifies as an adorable advantage for the beneficiary acquisitive bill headed for abundant college amount levels a few years bottomward the road.

During the advance of my diffuse budgetary career, I've researched the connected appellation amount trends of best collectible US coins. Thanks to my accurate computer, I've affected annualized circuitous allotment acknowledgment ante and acid in on a scattering of bill that accept consistently baffled the all-embracing bread bazaar averages. Unfortunately, the blue-chippers are hardly encountered. Perhaps it is this actuality that explains why so abounding well-intentioned amusement purists contemptuousness the abstraction of aggregate bread accession with the accumulation motive.

Individuals whose cold is to amuse their budgetary amusement by accumulating a accumulating assertive to be the backbiting of tomorrow's collectors charge do their appointment today. Remember to analysis celebrated amount trends and appraise advance abeyant based on antecedent performance. One aftermost chat of advice. never apart afterimage of the actuality that you are administration artifacts of America's past, and that all of us are alone their acting custodians. Respect these bill and the history they represent, and you'll consistently ascertain new avenues of chance not begin in best added advance opportunities.

President Bush Signs Bald Eagle Coin Act

Just in time for the New Year, the "American Baldheaded Hawkeye Accretion & Civic Adumbration Commemorative Bread Act" (H.R. 4116) has been active into law by Admiral George W. Bush to bless and added aid the accretion of the American Baldheaded Eagle. During the final hours of the 108th Congress, the House of Assembly and Assembly anesthetized the legislation by accepted accord appropriate afterwards the Intelligence bill was voted on.

The new law authorizes the U.S. Mint to actualize and bazaar a gold, argent and clad bread set ($5, $1 and $.50 pieces) in 2008 on the break of the 35th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A customs from the auction of anniversary bread awash will be appropriate to actualize a appropriate American Hawkeye Fund award managed by the not-for-profit American Hawkeye Foundation (www.eagles.org). When the bread set sells out, it could accession $10 actor for the hawkeye aegis cause.

"We're beholden to Admiral Bush and hundreds of adopted assembly from beyond the nation for chain abaft this important accomplishment to bless and bottle our country's active attribute of freedom," said American Hawkeye Foundation architect and admiral Al Cecere. "The amazing groundswell of abutment this legislation accustomed from caring Republicans and Democrats was a absolute absolution for our civic bird."

After its "delisting" from ESA aegis occurs (either 2005 or 2006), the baldheaded hawkeye will charge abundant allotment to conduct on-going hawkeye accretion projects, including backup ecology programs and accompanying accessible acquaintance efforts.

The AEF is attractive for attention and affectionate absent corporations, philanthropists and foundations to bout the bulk of acquirement the bread sales will raise. Millions of dollars from the clandestine area will be bare to assure the civic bird and its habitat.

The hawkeye canning alignment and its accomplished baldheaded hawkeye "Challenger" afresh visited 100 assembly offices in a chase 7-1/2 day accomplishment to brainwash assembly about baldheaded hawkeye apropos and accumulate abutment bare to canyon the bill. The accumulation is hopeful that one of the bill will affection the angel of its nationally accepted celebrity eagle.

"This appropriate legislation recognizes and celebrates the acknowledged improvement of the American hawkeye to our lands, waterways and skies, but additionally its abundant accent as a distinctive, accumulation civic symbol," said Cecere. "The U.S.A.'s civic bird still needs our connected acuity and advice to accumulate it aerial able and chargeless for approaching generations."

The American Hawkeye Foundation (AEF), headquartered at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, spearheaded the legislation in cooperation with associates of the Tennessee Congressional appointment and others. By the end of November, 70 Senators and 300 House associates had active on as co-sponsors.

Congressman William Jenkins (R-TN) alien the aboriginal legislation (H.R. 4116) in the U. S. House of Representatives. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) alien a accompaniment bill (S. 2889) in the U.S Senate. Assembly Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), Congressman Harold Ford (D-TN), Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI), Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN), the Tennessee appointment and others formed agilely abaft the scenes to ensure that the legislation anesthetized during the 108th Congress.

"On June 20, 1782, our Founding Fathers called the baldheaded hawkeye as the axial angel of the United States civic adumbration at the Second Continental Congress," said Cecere. "This majestic bird has appear to represent the spirit of Abandon and Democracy that makes our nation great."

Archaeologists to establish true value of Roman silver coins

An archaeologist at the University of Liverpool is analytical added than 1,000 Roman argent bill from museums about the apple in adjustment to authorize their accurate bread-and-butter value.

Dr Matthew Ponting, from the University's School of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology, is investigating the actinic agreement of the bill to added compassionate of how and area they were made. Dr Ponting believes that assay of the bill will additionally afford added ablaze on the political and bread-and-butter issues of the Roman Empire.

Dr Ponting and his aide Professor Kevin Butcher from the American University of Beirut, are application altered assay techniques to appraise the composition of the bill and authorize their argent content. The assay will additionally analyze accurate actinic elements which will advice the archaeologists authorize area and how the bill were made.

Dr Ponting said: "For the aboriginal time we are able to use a aggregate of actinic and isotopic assay on these coins. Actinic assay will accord advantageous trace aspect 'finger prints' cogent us about the blazon of ores exploited and the technology acclimated in admixture and adorning the metal."

The aggregation is analysing the bill by conduct a baby aperture in their alien bend to get below the advised apparent and investigate their altered layers.

Dr Ponting added: "By barometer the isotopes of advance in the bill it is generally accessible to ascertain area that metal came from. This is done by comparing the isotopic 'signature' of the argent coin, with isotopic 'signatures' of accepted Roman argent mining regions. In this way I achievement to be able to investigate area Rome was accepting its argent from."

Silver bill formed the courage of bill in the Roman Empire. Roman emperors manipulated the argent agreeable of the bill to break concise banking problems frequently acquired by government overspending. For the best part, this abetment complex the abridgement of the argent agreeable of the banknote in affiliation with a bead in weight.

Dr Ponting said: "In the 1970s a abstraction accurate the argent capacity of Roman Imperial argent bill by analysing their surface. Until afresh this was the arch advertence for bread-and-butter historians on the budgetary behavior of the Roman Empire.

"During the 1990s, however, historians realised that abounding Roman argent bill were advisedly advised to abolish some of the chestnut from their surface, giving admixed bill the actualization of actuality authentic and camouflage the corruption of the currency. Assay of the coins' apparent had accordingly abstract their argent content.

Coin Collecting Opens The Door To The Past

Coin accession or numismatics is apparently one of the best accepted hobbies in the apple and additionally one of the oldest. Many individuals at some point in time accept calm coins. If you appetite to alpha a bread collection, a lot of analysis and abstraction should be adherent to the amusement of bread collecting.

Coins accept about been admired as 'mirrors of history'. Added than the budgetary amount and account of aged coins, they additionally acquire actual value. Bill acceptance to altered ages accept altered belief to acquaint of empires and emperors.

Amateur bread collectors about alpha their bread accumulating by accession bill that accord to their own country, as this is the easiest and the best amount able way to alpha a bread collection. With time this may accord way to specializing in accession bill that accord to a accurate type. Bread collectors may specialize in bill of a accurate country or of a accurate aeon or metal. Commemorative coins, such as those appear during antic contest or those that mark the ability day of a country, can additionally accomplish an ambrosial collection. Bill with faults or defects are additionally accepted amid austere collectors.

As with any added hobby, the bread accumulating bazaar is abounding with fakes and if you are not an able in this acreage it is actual difficult to abstracted the aboriginal 18-carat bill from the affected coins. Before affairs big-ticket bill it is a acceptable abstraction to get the bread accurate by acclaimed bread allocation and bread affidavit services. The action of a bread is denoted by a bread grade. For a abundant abstraction on bread grades, apprehend Photograde by James Ruddy. Currently, the added acclaimed bread allocation casework are Able Bread Allocation Service, Numismatic Guarantee Corporation of America, ANACS and Independent Bread Allocation Co.

The best places to buy bill are acclaimed bread dealers, auctions, bread shows or from added collectors, admitting you should abstain affairs from the internet as it is adamantine to adjudicator online whether the bread you are absorbed in is 18-carat or counterfeit. Bill may be stored in bread cases, bread trays and bread albums. However, you should abstain autumn bill in jars, as befitting them in a jar may blemish the coins.

Amateur bread collectors may afield anticipate that charwoman bill is an important allotment of caring for the bread collection. However, the adverse is true; it is best that bill are not bankrupt at all. Collectors adopt the aboriginal attending of bill and charwoman bill may accompany bottomward their value. If your bill charge any cleaning, you should aboriginal argue a able or an expert. Olive oil or bubbling baptize may be acclimated for charwoman coins. Harsh cloths should never be acclimated to clean, and tap baptize is a austere boycott as they accommodate minerals that may abuse the coins.

1100 years of ancient coins on display in Olin

An exhibit of singular and earliest Greek coins will quickly style the flaunt reason in the major lobby of the Olin edifice, due to a collaborative energy from Richard Simon Hanson, professor emeritus of belief, Dan Taylor ('00) and Rachel Vagts, Luther College archivist. The collection will run through Dec. 10, according to a Luther College depress publish.

The collection is part of the Luther College Archives, and was "donated over several time from several different people," reported Vagts. The largest donors were Luther Colleges professors Orlando (Pip) Qualley, Rolf Haatvedt, and Hanson.

"Coins were invented in the 6th century BC," said Hanson. "The collection goes into the 6th century AD. We have around 1100 days of the narration of coins in the collection."

While pleasing inventory of the collection more than two years ago, Hanson realized the college had a total account of the beginning of coins. With Taylor as his supporter, he assembled the coins into an educational parade during the summer of 1999.

Although the ceremony was a location strength, "Dan intended the unbroken thing," said Hanson.

Taylor planned the exhibit which vital general explore, identifying, cataloging and arranging. Taylor happening his research this summer. "I read books on numismatics, the research of money, before even looking at the coins," said Taylor. He then read in-strength histories of each coin.

Taylor had to finish how to flaunt and array the coins, resolve how much place was wanted, and make a device allowing audience to see both sides of each coin. With assistance from Luther College carpenters, Taylor designed a mirrored show holder.

Taylor's goal was to "make a good looking spectacle and keep it educational." Taylor selected the best specimens for educational purposes and looks, and arranged them.

"Overall," said Taylor, "the whole parade will be 300-400 coins." Many more are located in the archives, but most duplicates of those in the ceremony. "We chosen coins for the best educational price, and the best looking."

Hanson's portion of the coin collection is an outcome of his doctoral work with the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Upper Galilee, presently known as Palestine. Hanson exhausted nine summers engaged in archaeological work with the coins - cleaning, photographing and studying them.

Hanson came across 6000 coins belong with the disorder of Israel. "Officials said we could have the shabby ones they didn't want," said Hanson. In the end, he finished up with 600 coins, many of which came to Luther.

Vagt said she was delighted to help with the archives collection.

"It is a good example of how people with research awareness can exploit the archives and we can help make that happen," she said.

The display will hold coins from Greece, Rome and the Holy Land (counting coins from Israel, Palestine and Phoenicia). Some coins also may be displayed in Preus Library.

What are the Advantages of Buying PCGS Graded Coins?

As a coin aerial or a financier of coins, you no distrust have asked yourself the assay of why you should buy professionally graded coins. These coins are also known as slabbed or expert vs. an uncertified coin which is known as “raw”. The label “slabbed” came about because practiced coins are in a forced lump.

A matter such as this is pretty controversial as each piece of the coin has its steadfast proponents. In this term however, we will concentrate on the advantages of graded coins, specifically PCGS graded coins. As you may know, there are some other grading military out there but PCGS has been ranked the most consistent in grading and ability.

PCGS, a subsidiary of Collectors Universe, happening grading coins for the community in 1986 and since then PCGS has graded millions and millions of coins. So why buy PCGS coins? Let’s answer that probe now.

The first logic, and this applies to all slabbed coins, is that a slabbed graded coin is now sheltered from advance hurt. Imagine taking out your best coin, a 1942-S Walking Liberty in what you think to be MS-67 situation. In this proviso, PCGS gives an estimated amount of $25,000.00. It is an absolutely superb coin. To prime for this flash, you put on your pasty coin gloves to not route body oils to the coin. As you choice it up to examine it the telephone rings, or your two year old snuck up behind you and nearly trips you. The coin goes fleeting out of your hands and is rolling across your base right towards the deck stage aperture. You make a mad dash and dive to preclude the coin, but it is too overdue. The coin rolls over the lip of the reheat hole and slips between the cracks into your house heating vessel. You pocket the voice out of place and attain in for your coin. Fortunately it did not go around the bend and design the spiral down to the kiln. It may as well have. Your once $25,000 coin now has some scrapes, scuffs, and a ring spank dab above “In God We Trust” due to the screw it landed on in the vent. This same coin in MS-65 form merit $700. Even shoddier, in MS-64 it is worth $110. While the coin still has its initial mint patina, the crude injury is there. Do you think this is an ultimate example? Maybe, but I warranty you that many, a coin has been accidentally dropped by dealers and collectors tumbling its grade by a link notches and its esteem by countless thousands of dollars. , and forlornly, it has happened to me. I once dropped what I thought would be a MS-66 Red 1909 VDB Lincoln cent. Upon close examination after I dropped it, I noticed a few scrapes and scuffs not previously their. Yes, they were slight and barely visible, but I had it graded besides, and it came back as MS-65. While my example was not with a $25,000 coin, it happens. I now free a unusual quarter for usage GEM coins so this never happens again. A qualified coin comes in a hard synthetic container that not only protects it from inane mistakes but also it is sealed to added guard it from the basics. Yes, the natural elements (air pollution) can injury coins over long periods of time. Most grading companies will encase the graded coin in an air-fixed container to ensure preservation.

The second object to buy a PCGS slabbed coin is that any coin graded a point grade will preserve that grade. A MS-65 coin will always be a MS-65 coin, except of course you suggest it for re-grading. With PCGS coins however, you can be rather certain in the consistency of graded coins. With other grading military, inconsistencies create uncertainty into an assigned grade.

The third infer to buy PCGS graded coins is that when it comes time to promote, PCGS graded coins will dominion a premium over other slabbed coins. As an example, I check latest sales of the very normal 1921 P Morgan dollar in MS65 state. Those licensed from PCGS were commanding prices upwards of 50% over similarly graded coin from other grading army. While this is an zealous project, it easily points out the devotion by collectors in PCGS coins. Naturally, it will loss you more to buy PCGS coins than other qualified coins.

The fourth sense to procure PCGS skilled coins is a coin graded by PCGS gives it direct credibility. Grading services first came about so that coins could be bought and sold lacking the buyer having to see it first. This was in the age before digital cameras and the internet. While there was a grading structure in place in the early 80’s, grading was very random. A coin graded F-12 by one role would grade G-4 by another. By introducing an unlikely, disinterested person into the equation, both sides of a transaction could concur that the grade was accepted. The idea was to create a method whereby dealers could trade/buy/plug coins without seeing them first. The idea was a hit. Today PCGS graded coins tender moment credibility. Whether you are exchange or promotion still, always buy the coin and not the grade. I have regrettably bought a few very nasty high grade PCGS coins. While they were in clothed identity, some had very unattractive matching and had I seen the coin first, I would not have bought it. Even though a coin carries a certain grade, you still want to ask minutiae about practiced coins and look at them first.

With the introduction of the State Quarter course some time ago, coin collecting has seen a upwelling in the number of collectors. Thousands and thousand of new collectors have entered the hobby and with that there will be a senior need for certain coins. While most of us began our hobby for the unsullied enjoyment of collecting, we still like to know that our investment is somewhat sound. I judge, and this is my view only, that with more and more collectors ingoing the hobby, certain high-end qualified coins will continue to ascend in treasure due to demand. As those collectors who started on State Quarters mature in their collecting endeavors, they will no mistrust initiate to stockpile older coins such as Walking Liberty halves and Morgan Dollars. Most probable this will be coins that have been qualified. This will no qualm boost the esteem of certified coins. But this is only my estimate.

Coin Collecting can be a great hobby and as you refine your collecting benefit, PCGS graded coins can make a wonderful addition to your collection.

As always,

Happy Collecting!

Do I have to Buy the Best Quality Coins if I Want to Make Money?

Buy feature! Buy property! Buy quality! That's all you hears the existence when you are considering juicy coins as an investment. First, are you justly wholesale coins as an investment, or simply for the pleasure of owning a portion of chronicle? That is sometimes the confirmed dilemma for many collectors, or is it investors? Everybody wishes to make constant that their investment is confined, but there are no guarantees, especially in uncommon coins. In verity, some sporadic coins take being to appreciate to the meaning of being able to wholesale it profitably.

Hey, I would like to be able to plop down $100,000 for a 1919-s Standing Liberty Quarter in MS67 provision practiced by PCGS. There is only one coin with this meeting skilled by PCGS as of February 7th so it is the finest available. Nevertheless not many of us have that luxury. I don't, and I irregular you do not moreover. It's hard to comprehend paying more for a sole coin than my first house loss. And while the rarest and finest of all scarce coins have reached stratospheric prices, what does this place the breather of us? Not much, except you are willing to do a little work.

So if my advantage is in erratic coins as an investment, what do I do? Well, there are many other coins and options you can choose. First, let's reassess what drives the penalty of a coin.

1. Demand. Demand perhaps is the prevalent driver of outlay. A fair example of this is the 1909 S VDB with a mintage of 484,000 and an estimated retail cost of $720.00 in G4 and $7,500 in MS65 vs. an 1879 Shield Nickel. The Shield Nickel had a mintage of only 29,100 yet the estimated retail speed of a G4 is only $415 while the MS65 example is $1,950. To promote illustrate this show, PCGS has certified 703 MS65 Red 1909 S VDB cents and only 27 MS65 Shield Nickels. How many Shield Nickel collectors do you know vs. Lincoln Cent collectors?
2. Scarcity. Generally tongue, putting mandate whisper, the more scare/unusual a coin, the advanced its cost. This is mostly very true, especially when comparing dates within the same cycle. Scarcity should not be puzzled with total mintage. During the silver booms, many, many silver coins were melted for their gold satisfied. Additionally, some coins with superior mintages can be utterly uncommon in certain grades such as advanced MS proviso coins due to weak strikes, etc.
3. Condition. This is the most palpable one. When comparing the same coin, the better the grade, the senior its estimate.
4. Age. Although age can have some dynamic, I would toll it sink than the three above

Ok then, considering all these factors, how do I find fussy coins that I can provide that will not only appreciate in cost, but appreciate at an upper rate than other coins? I think the key word here is “polite”. Coins other than Mint State coins can appreciate in survey if you know what to look for. Look at the 4 powerful factors of cost again. They query and dearth. Take a good look at the following chart. The chart shows a good comparison of some different coins. Some you might judge a good investment and some, you may not. The major comparison I am difficult to make is from 2005 to 2006. I had an old announce of Coins Magazine from November 1973 so I thought I would bowl those morals in as well.

First, let's look at the 1877 Indian Head Cent, the key of the chain. In a one year epoch of time, the value of the coin rose 18-19% depending on prepare. The 1909 S, the coin with the buck mintage of the totality series rose only 2-3%. Take a look at the mintages. The 1877 had over 2.5 period the coins produced than the 1909 S yet is valued much superior. Part of this pressure and there are perhaps minus 1877 square cents to go around.

Next, take a close look at the 3 Lincoln Cents in G4. While the 1909 S and 1931 S are considered keys just as the 1909 S VDB is, it is the 1909 S VDB that has risen in estimate while the 1909 S did not dislodge and the 1931 S enthused ever so somewhat. It is interesting to tinge still that in XF rider the 1909 S VDB stayed the same.

Compare the mintages of the 5 above coins to the 1879 Shield Nickel. A measly 29,100 nickels were produced that year yet the assess for a G4 is a squalid $415

So, what does this all verify? To me, it proves that option coins solely for investment is as tricky as playing the horde souk. You just never know what may be the hot entry. Certainly, key issues will prolong to elevation and will probably knoll at an advanced rate than non-key issues. If you are truly set on selling rare coins as an investment and you cannot present the high-end matter then keys in some of the lessen grades may be the way to go.

What will be the next “hot” coin? Only time will tell and your speculate is as good as mine. I distrust that with more and more hobby in Lincolns, especially with the impending changes to the Lincoln Cent , there will be more claim for Lincoln Keys, but that is only a suppose. Others to keep an eye on are the 1932 D and S quarters. The State Quarter code has bent more gain in quarters. This is just natural speculation. As for me, I will just prolong to buy the coins I like.

As forever, exultant collecting!

Antique Coins Collecting for Fun & Profit

You only have to look at how taken the coins split is on Ebay to know that coin collecting is an incredibly current activity. It's one of the most prevalent hobbies around, and one of the most profitable too.

Finding coins to assemble is calm but result ones that are actually dear to collect is the challenge faced by most collectors. As a dictate of thumb, the adult the coins is the more collectible it becomes as regularly they are more scarce than more modern coins.

The best place to find Antique coins contain mart houses, coin shows, coin fairs and malls. Nevertheless if you are more solemn you should vacation historical sites where antique coins are more probable to be found. You should accept in attention that the treasure of Antique coins depends on where it from as well as the age and historical background of its basis. Therefore wholesale at the historical setting gives you a very good help over other collectors.

There are a few other pointers you might want to judge when exchange an antique coin.

First make steady the coin you longing to grip is novel. This goes without motto but there are many replicas and even counterfeit coins flooding the promote, so close inspection to validate their authenticity is a must.

When you open off your coin collecting hobby, onset leisurely if you are on the low resources. Then as your portfolio of coins increases in regard you could re-plug some of it at a profit and buy more useful ones. If you find a coin that you think is a worthy addition to your collection make constant that you find an evaluator that can affect the cost so that you do not get ripped off. So don't try to price it yourself save you are totally experienced, and obtain the help of professionals when the circumstances dictate like when the coin is rather expensive.

You essential to specialize when you begin collecting Antique coins so take one particular era or country to focus on. This will make it easier for you to become a skilled. You must also take good nurture of the coins to guarantee you marmalade their appearance and therefore their help. And be delicate not to wash Antique coins to overkill otherwise you might actually depreciate their merit.

Coin collecting can actually be a well of great fun and pleasing it up as a hobby is probably one of the best surety you can make. While you linger unwearied it will be a long stretch hobby bringing you quite of satisfaction for being to come as well as a very profitable investment.

Coin Collecting on a shoe-string budget

Probably everyone at one time or another has collected coins. Some people save old wheat pennies they find in change and throw them in a jar. Other people collect state quarters, and some others collect certain coins like nickles or dimes, and try to build a complete collection over time. A lot of folks think coin collecting is the hobby of king's and truthfully, it's often called that. A king may be able to build a giant collection of coins, but I promise you, that the small collection a young boy has that may only be worth a couple of dollars, is worth just as much to that boy as a King's coins are worth to him.

I can tell you right now, anyone can collect coins and you don't have to be rich. In fact I have quite a large coin collection, and I have had a very low paying job all my life. There are a lot of ways someone can build a great coin collection over time, while still paying the bills.

Coins are so neat looking, I remember when I was a young boy, my grandad would go upstairs and open a safe we had, inside was a metal drawer containing some old Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars. My grandad would let me sit and play with the coins often. I would hold one by the edge on the table top and flip it on the side with my finger and the coin would spin wildly around on the table like a toy top. The coins were frosty silver or whitish colored and were beautiful to look at, they were large and heavy, not like the little coins we have today. I often wondered how many folks actually carried these things around in their pockets everyday, it only took a few of them to weigh quite a lot.

After my grandad passed away back in 1969, my dad sold the old silver dollars, I don't think he really wanted to, but my grandad had left the family farm pretty deep indebt, so dad had an auction and sold about everything except our house and the barn, to pay off the huge bills. It wasn't too long after that when dad got bitten by the coin collecting bug. At first it wasn't coins but paper money that got dad started. I remember dad saw an ad in the back of some magazine, where a guy was offering to pay $2 for every dollar bill you sent him that had a certain treasurer's name on it, that name was: " Joesph W. Barr ". My dad looked in his wallet at some dollar bills he had, and sure enough he had one that had the signature " Joesph W. Barr " on it. Dad took the dollar from his wallet and kept it in an envelope in his old roll top desk, and after checking his money for several days afterwards, dad found some more of them. Sometime later dad mailed the dollar bills to the address in the magazine ad, and sure enough he soon got a check for the dollars plus an extra dollar each. Dad continued searching and sending in them " Joesph W. Barr " dollar bills for awhile, then after a period of time, the guy no longer was accepting them.

Dad then started buying a few Indian head cents and some buffalo nickels. Then as he got older and money seemed to get a lot more tighter, dad quit buying coins and turned to a new hobby, doing sweepstakes. But by this time, I was hooked, I just loved the look of the old coins, the silver ones and the old copper large cents, they just seemed so neat compared to the boring coins of everyday use. Now as I am writing this article, I stumbled across an interesting article about the " Joesph W. Barr " dollar bills from the 'American Numismatic Association' it said, the following: "At one time, it was speculated that the notes signed by Treasurer Joseph W. Barr would eventually hold a high numismatic value since he was in office for only 23 days in 1968-69. However, during that period, a total of 484 million notes were produced with his signature. The high quantity produced dictates that the notes will never be considered rare in our lifetime. Interestingly, in 1995, numismatic author Alan Herbert stated, "A $1 Barr note deposited in an interest-bearing account in 1969 would have been worth over $4.00, figuring 6% interest compounded annually. A circulated Barr note kept in a safe-deposit box for 26 years is worth $1 today."

So that explains why that guy probably quit buying the " Joesph W. Barr " dollar bills, it seemed they might of been collectible for a little while, but they just never caught on. Today you can still buy them on eBay and other places, sometimes for slightly more than $1.00. Oh well, it is something that has stuck in my mind every since I was a little boy, I will always remember dad checking his wallet for " Joesph W. Barr " dollar bills. Now as I wipe the tears from my eyes, yes I am sad to say dad has been gone a few years now, and I still miss him very much, especially when I sit here alone and think about the times we spent together in the years gone by, oh well, at least it's always great memories when it comes to you, dad.

Now as I regain my mental composure, if I ever had one, I want to say that I never lost the desire to collect coins. And as I got old enough to work full time, and live on my own I started and built a fairly large coin collection. I didn't have much money as I never went to college or trade school, and I have always had a job working as a laborer, so I had to fine ways that I could build up my coin collection cheaply.

One day, I was looking in the back of a Coin collecting magazine that I had purchased at a local news stand, and I found an ad where you could join a coin collecting approval service. They would send you certain coins once a month, and you could select the ones you wanted to buy and keep, and if you didn't want them all, just mail the others back to them, and the next month they would send some other coins for you to examine. What made this program better than the other approval services I had often seen was, you could tell them what type of coins you were interested in, and what price you were willing to spend monthly. I selected miscellaneous U.S. coins, everything from old large cents from the 1800's to silver mercury dimes and buffalo nickels etc. And I chose to only spend $20 a month, for me this was perfect and for about a year or more I stayed in the program and over time I got a nice bunch of coins from them, then something happened and the company folded or went out of business, as I never received any more coins from them and I no longer saw their ad in the magazines.

Overtime I discovered other cheap methods to aquire some nice coins, one of the methods I still use, is something that anyone can do to start building a nice coin collection. Just start searching and examining your pocket change, I still find wheat pennies and silver war nickels, and many pre 1960 nickels, and sometimes a silver coin in pocket change. One time about two years back, I was at a local store and got some change back, I noticed two of the quarters I received looked kinda white in color, examining them closely after I got back home, I discovered they were both pre 1964 silver Washington quarters. I figured somebody must of needed money to buy some cigarettes or milk or something, and must of used some of their old coins, I was just lucky enough to had been there at the right time and place to get them in my change.

One place to find a lot of nice coins is to go to different banks and buy rolls, search through them carefully, and you will be surprised of the neat finds you may come across, plus just add a few out of your pocket change to replace the ones you want to keep from the rolls, and you can turn them back into a different bank for some different rolls of coins to search through.

Another place that is fairly good for finding some rare coins is at local flea markets, be careful though as many of the folks at these places are very aware of a coins value, and they often ask for much more then what the coins are worth. Read up on the coins you are interested in buying, or better yet, take along a pocket coin price guide with you when you go to buy coins, it's better to be thrifty then foolish.

Anyway, now after collecting coins for fun over the years, I have almost every Lincoln cent that was made from 1909 up to present, and I have every Jefferson nickel from the first one that was made in 1938 to present, and I have a nice sized wooden chest full of miscellaneous U.S. coins, including silver dollars, mercury dimes, buffalo nickels, Large Cents and many more unique and rare coins. I figure the coins will make a nice gift someday, something to leave to my daughter and her children, and maybe I can spark that fire in them, that my dad started in me, the joy of coin collecting. So start checking your pocket change today, you just never know what rare finds you may come across.

There are several different types of computer software that are made for coin collecting. One program that stand's out is ' Coin Collector Professional ', it is made for any coin collector, from novices to professionals, and it cost under $20. ' Coin Collector Professional ' may be downloaded and tried for free at this website address:

http://www.rb59.com/ccp

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Challenge coin display cases and challenge coins tips

I find it amazing that the interest and popularity of challenge coins and challenge coin displays keeps rising. I get many questions about military challenge coins so I have decided to gather some valuable tips for you.

The most popular challenge coins are navy challenge coins, marine corps challenge coins, army challenge coins, air force challenge coins and police challenge coins. Which one do you prefer?

Challenge coins are more precious than one can imagine - they usually worth a couple of bucks, but they have a sentimental value no one can evaluate. That's way; you must protect your military challenge coins by using a challenge coin display case.

Buy a challenge coin display that totally answers your needs:

1. One that will make you proud of your challenge coins collection - Some have dozens of challenge coins from navy challenge coin, marine corps challenge coins and army challenge coin to air force challenge coins and police challenge coins. A collection like this could be really impressive.

2. One that will fully protect your challenge coins - Most of the challenge coin display cases have a plastic capsule for each individual coin.

I find the military challenge coins a bit magical. Did you know that no one can point exactly when the first challenge coin was made? Some say that the first one is date to World War 1. Others say that the first military challenge coin is from the Vietnam War.

I believe that people are just starting now to understand the real value of challenge coins. A good investment would be purchasing as many different challenge coins as you can. They are going to be an expensive collectible item in a few years.

But one should remember that a challenge coin represents values before everything - support to the organization minted on the coin whether it is a navy challenge coin, marine corps challenge coin or any other organization.

How do I sell my Coin Collection?

So, you feel it is time to sell your coin long-time collection, or you have inherited a collection and you know nothing about coins and you want to sell them. As with the sale of anything, you want to make sure you get a fair price. Sounds simple enough, right? In the area of numismatics, when it comes time to sell, offers for your collection can vary greatly. The following tips will help guide you to getting a fair and reasonable offer. I will talk more on the term “reasonable” a little bit later. Coin Dealers, like any other profession, number in the thousands. From part-time single person businesses to huge companies that buy and sell millions of dollars of coins annually. And like other professions and industries, we have a few crooks. By following the general tips in this article, you should be in a better position to realize your collections value. So here we go!

First and foremost, you need to know what you have. Why? If you do not know what you have, how do you know you are getting fair value? If you have thousands and thousands of wheat cents, I am not saying you need to inventory them all. In fact, it may not be worth your time. The chances of finding a key coin are slim at best. But you should know how many pennies you have. How? Simply weigh them. Wheat pennies come to about 148 pennies per pound. The same rule can apply to other common coins such as pre 1965 Roosevelt Dimes and Washington quarters as you may just a bullion price on these. For the rest of your collection, you may want to count the number of each piece. Make sure you have a complete list of your collection.

OK, time to contact a dealer? No, not yet. How do you know you are getting an honest one? Before contacting a dealer, you need to do some homework. Does the dealer belong to any organizations and clubs such as ANA or BBB? How long has s/he been in business? What is their reputation? Check out a couple of dealers before you make that call. Also, just because they advertise in a major coin collecting publication, does not make them honest. I know of one dealer who advertises in a major publication and sells cleaned coins as BU/Unc originals. Most novice collectors would not know the difference.

Now that you have done some research, it is time to contact the dealer. This can be done in many ways. You can give them a call or if you are the shy type, just send them an email. In your email, identify yourself and that you have a collection for sale. Include in the email the inventory you completed. This may come as a shock to many, but some dealers will NOT want your collection. Many dealers specialize in certain types or series, or just may have too many coins in their inventory. If your collection is an average collection of common coins, you may be disappointed to learn that many, if not all of the big dealers simply do not want to bother with you. It is too time consuming to sort the common collections and the margins are too small. Do not fret, all is not lost. Many smaller dealers will welcome the chance to obtain your collection. Many of these dealers work in mail-order only and may have only email or a PO Box as contact information. While they may appear shady, these folks generally are quite reputable. As before, contact the dealer and ask if they are interested. If they are not, just move on to the next dealer. If they are, ask them for their “buy price” list. Many dealers will publish a list of what they are willing to pay for certain coins.

After some hard work, you have a couple offers on the table. The offers are not anywhere near what you expected. Remember what I said above about a “reasonable” offer? Here is the painful truth. Coin Dealers are in business to make money. Sure, many of us chose this profession because we love it, but like everybody else, we still have mortgages, car payments, and college for kids, etc. Many people will look in the latest Coin Prices magazine to come up with an idea of what there collection is worth. Magazines such as Coin Prices are really a list of prices of what you can expect to pay a dealer for a specific coin, not what you can expect to get paid. Markups can range from 20-50% or more for smaller denomination coins such as wheat cents. As I mentioned earlier, some dealers just may not want what you have. Also, many, if not all dealers, reserve the right to revise the offer on inspection of the collection. If you think all your Morgan Dollars are BU, but they are really AU, this would make a huge difference in price. Grading is highly subjective. Also, for larger, more diverse collections, a dealer may spend a considerable amount of time reviewing the collection to ensure a fair price.

So, what to do? Take the best offer and run? Maybe, maybe not. If this is an inheritance, and you have no emotional attachment, you can just sell and never look back. If this is your collection of 50 years, well this may be painful. You can continue to contact different dealers and wait for a better offer. If you feel your collection is really worth more, you can always consign it for auction. With some of the fees the major auction firms charge, it may not be worth it. You can also try your hand at eBay but unless you have a strong feedback profile, many buyers will not bid on your items. You can also locate eBay members who will auction off your collection for you for a percentage of the take. Sometimes this works out well and sometimes not.

For now, let's assume you have a reasonable offer and you decide to sell. By the way, this should be a written offer sent via the mail or sent via email. Many times, the buyer may be located in another city/state. No buyer will send you a check until they have seen the collection. If the collection is large enough (many, many thousands of dollars), some buyers will come to you. If not, your very viable option is to send the collection to the buyer via mail. Yes, that is right, via the mail. Wait you say, that sounds risky. It can be, but if you take precautions, you will have no problems. First, package the collection up very well. Make sure there are NO LOOSE coins jingling around. The sound of jingling coins is music to a thief's ear. So be sure to wrap them up well and tight. When sending via the mail, the USPS is fairly safe. Usually, you will want to use USPS Priority Mail. Contact your local post office as you can usually get free boxes. Generally, you will want to use the Flat Rate options as you can ship up to 70 pounds for under $10.00 (not including insurance), but ask your local postal clerk for options. For your protection, you MUST insure your package and pay for delivery conformation. Include in your package an itemized list. Most dealers will appreciate this as they will audit the shipment to the list. If all is well, you can expect a check in the mail in no time.

In summary, here are the tips

1. Know what you have, prepare a comprehensive inventory
2. Research some dealers before you contact one.
3. Talk to dealers before sending coins to gage interest
4. Send your coins. Package them well and insure them
5. Review the offer
6. Collect the cash!

As always, happy collecting!

American Eagle Gold Bullion coins

Perfect for first time gold coins buyer and highly sought after worldwide, the American Eagle Gold Bullion coins simply the most popular gold coins in the world!

Private and Non-reportable which differentiates it from most gold bullion coins which makes them ideal for investors who wants privacy and safety.

The American Eagles Gold Coins are are the only gold bullion coins guaranteed by the US Government as to gold weight and purity, minted using 22 karat of full one ounce of gold. Each minted in 91.67% fine gold and the rest are silver and copper that makes the gold coins surface resistant to scratching.

Though first issued in 1986, the design of the American Eagle Gold Bullion coins were taken from gold pieces minted from 1907 to 1933 containing the famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens design of a full length figure of Miss Liberty carrying the torch of freedom in one hand and the olive branch of peace in the other.

The reverse side features an original design of a nest of eagles that symbolizes America’s family traditions and bears the date and guaranteed gold content in it legal tender motto.

Tips When Buying Gold Coins

old coins have gone up a great deal in value in the last couple of years and since they are now so expensive, there are a few things you should watch for when making your purchases. With the advent of the internet, you are not limited to the local coin dealer anymore. This can give you the opportunity to get better prices on many coins, but also may introduce a few more things for you to think about when buying your gold coins.

1. Whether you are buying from a bricks and mortar dealer or buying online through a website or and auction site like EBay, check the reliability of the dealer first. For a store, at least check with the local Better Business Bureau. If the dealer is a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), that is a big plus. For an EBay auction, check the seller's feedback rating. If it's very low, or there are many negatives, think twice (and a third time) before spending a large sum with them. Even if the feedback seems good, look closer, some people will buy or sell a number of very inexpensive items to build up their ratings, then jump in selling big ticket items. On large ticket items, ask if the seller will agree to use Escrow.com. They act as a middleman in the transaction and the money doesn’t pass to the seller until the buyer is satisfied with the item. There is a charge, which the buyer would be expected to pay, but its well worth it when big money is changing hands.

2. One of the biggest problems buying collectible gold coins is grading. Your idea of an MS65 may be different than the dealer's. Many coins have a huge gap in value between grades. Avoid the issue by buying only coins that have been graded by one of the third party grading services. Make sure that you only accept the major services (ANACS, NCG, PCGS, NCS, ICG) grading, there are some lesser known grading services whose grading may be suspect. You should also want the grading to have been done in the recent past. Grading standards have changed over time and what was an MS65 five or ten years ago, might only be an MS63 or 64 today.

3. Make sure the seller has a return policy that will allow you a refund if you are not satisfied with the coin. This should apply to both on-line and off-line dealers. This is especially important if you are buying a non-certified coin. You want to have the option to return it if your grading service returns a lower grade than you bought it at.

4. Buy the scarcest coin in the best condition that you can afford. Many collectible gold coins sell near the melt price of gold because there are more than enough around to cover demand. This is especially true in the lower grades. When gold increases or decreases in value, these coins will follow by a like percentage. But the higher the grade, the lower the population and demand will push up the price rather than just following the price of gold.

5. Try to invest regularly. As with the stock market, it's very difficult to call the tops and bottoms of the coin market. Over the course of time, you will fare better by dollar cost averaging than investing a large amount at one time.

Don't Clean Your Old Coins

The first thing on your list of what not to do is the golden rule of coin collecting: Don’t clean your old coins. That’s coin-homicide and can mean a significant reduction in value of the coin’s mint state.

Knowledgeable buyers certainly won’t look twice at a coin that’s been cleaned so avoid the temptation. It’s not worth it in the end. It’s also one of the first things that I did when I was younger.

Since my coins weren’t looking nice and shiny and some of them were a bit dismal in color I gave them a nice thorough cleaning with soap and water and dried them off with a hand towel.

That was a disaster waiting to happen naturally and when I loaded them back into my small coin vault unfortunately some of them hadn’t dried properly and I ended up with green tinged coins instead of the slightly non-shiny ones I had earlier.

So avoid temptation and keep your itchy cleaning fingers away from your coins. Unless of course you just dug it up from your backyard – or someone else’s backyard – and it’s covered in mud. In this case you can clean it, but follow directions carefully on how to clean your coins.

There are many ways to do this but I can’t give any of them to you since I’ve stayed firmly away from cleaning any type of coin after that first disastrous attempt. Nowadays I just give it over to someone who’s better trained than I am and leave well enough alone!

For the most part though you really won’t want to clean your coins, they’re better off in the state they are and don’t need added help to appeal to other collectors. Part of the appeal lies in its current condition anyway, and you don’t want to be messing with that.

Remember, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Your coin isn’t broken so don’t attempt to fix it. It’s supposed to look like that.

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel - Disputed Origin

It’s probably every coin collector’s dream to own a truly rare coin. A coin that only a few can own, one rich in history and appeal. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one such coin. The story behind this unique coin is also full of mystery. To date no one knows for certain how many were produced or who authorized the production. Only five pieces are know to exist.

The Liberty Head nickel was first minted in 1883 and production was suppose to stop in 1912. A new five cent piece, the Buffalo or Indian Head nickel went into production the following year. However, seven years later collectors were stunned to learn that examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel may have surfaced. In September of 1919 Samuel W. Brown, a former U.S. Mint employee and coin collector, placed an ad in The Numismatist offering to pay $500 for one of the coins in proof condition. The first 1913 Liberty Head Nickel appeared at the 1920 American Numismatic Association convention in Chicago and displayed by none other than Samuel W. Brown.

It is known that 1913 Liberty Head Nickel dies were made by the U. S. Mint prior to the decision to change nickel production to James Earle Fraser’s popular Buffalo Nickel. However, U.S. Mint records does not indicate any production from these dies.

So who made the five coins that are known to exist? Some say Samuel W. Brown either made the pieces or obtained them from a U.S. Mint employee who did. The last 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold at public auction for $1,840,000 in 2001. Four of the five are accounted for, while one remains missing. One example is in the Smithsonian Institution and another in the American Numismatic Association Money Museum. and the others are in private collections.

Glyn Farber has published a catalog of all known Hickey Brother Cigar Store Tokens and co-authored a book about Louisiana Trade Tokens. In addition he wrote several articles for The Token and Medal Society (TAMS) and The National Token Collectors Association (NTCA). Glyn has been a devoted collector of Louisiana Trade Tokens, Louisiana collectibles and Lake Charles, LA postcards for almost 40 years.

Collecting Canadian Coins

In Canada where money the popularity of coins has shown significant increase because the value of the “paper money” tends to deflate as much as 25% to 30% in a short period of time.

For this reason, coin manufacturers in Canada started making different kinds of coins to replace the value that was lost in the depreciation of paper money. Gold continues to thrive in various types of coins and their value continues to increase.

Coins function as solid emblems of a nation’s history. Canada has gained importance by producing Canadian coins serve as a means of monetary exchange and a source of historical enrichment.

Many coin collectors are enticed to try Canadian coin collecting. They know that collecting such Canadian treasures not only offer them remarkable diversion but can also provide them with additional value in the future.

So for those who wanted to start collecting Canadian coins, here is a list of some ways to get you started:

1. Do your homework

Like in any venture you must do your homework before you start collecting coins. Try to research how Canada manufactures their coins.

Learn the history of coins and how they may offer great opportunities to earn a profit and at the same time be an enjoyable hobby.

2. Finders keepers

To start the ball rolling, try to get as many coins or tokens as you can obtain without having to spend a great amount of money. Your parents or your grandparents may have some coins that they kept because they did not hold any monetary value at that time.

3. Use some guides

Coin collecting is not a complicated activity but it is not that easy either. You would likely need some references that will guide you in choosing the kinds of Canadian coins to collect.

You can refer to “Haxby’s Coins of Canada” or other brochures that will provide you with adequate information regarding Canadian coin collecting.

4. Enjoy and have fun

The idea of coin collecting is not to get the most expensive and the rarest coins that you can find. What matters most is that you enjoy what you do and that you are amazed by the kinds of coins that you are able to obtain.

Coin collecting may differ from one place to another but Canadian coin collecting is sure to give a hobbyist great pleasure and not just mere treasures.

Coin Value

There are multiple types of coin collectors. Some will collect them because they look good others will collect them because there is some value that they can get from the coins. Different values are placed on different coins. The coin values are for the most part based on the different coin grading systems used.

Before any price is fixed for the coins, it is very important to look at the coin value.

Having as much information about coins and coin collecting is a good way to make sure you are getting a good deal. If you are new to coin collecting, some of the best ways to get that knowledge is by reading books that deals with coin grading and coin values. You will then know what traits and mark are looked at by coin dealers.

Once you know the basic foundation of coin grading you should take your collection to a coin shop and ask for a coin appraisal. This is one of the best ways to discover the coin values for the different coins in your coin collection. But always keep in mind that to have a good idea of the value of your coin collection, you will need to have multiple coin appraisals. This mainly due to the fact that different coin dealers will have different degree of knowledge about coin grading so by having different ones evaluating your coin collection, you will get more of a general idea of your coin values.

An important point to remember is that coin values are based on the physical condition of the coins. If you are new to coin collecting you may be tempted to clean you dirty coins (if you have some). Never ever attempt to clean them. The cleaning process can cause damage to the coins. You should always take them in their as-is state and let the coin dealer see what the coin values are like.

Here are some of the factors that determine the coin values:

• Rarity (major factor)
• The condition or Grade
• Bullion Value (The value of the precious metal it contains)
• The demand
• Quality

Remember the higher the overall quality of the coin, the faster the coin is going to sell. The quality of your rare coins is therefore is quite important, not merely for your own aesthetic enjoyment but also for the value and liquidity of your investment.

How To Evaluate Your Old Coin Prices

Coin collectors are not rare, in fact you can find then in every walk of life. Depending on the type of collector, they will pay different prices for different coins. The actual price of any coin is based on the current grading system. This system is used everyday to evaluate coins whether they are new or old. But first the smart thing to do before evaluating your old coin prices is to gather information that will help you out.

The thing is old coins are not always available on the market, so it would be a good idea to gather information about the old coins that do appears on the market and in what condition. To gather this information you could consult the reference section of you library or any other books about coin collecting. Another way to find such coins would be to use the internet. The internet can be a very useful tools when it comes to know what coins the collector are looking for and most important what there worth.

All coins, new and old needs to be studied before any price can be placed on them. One area you should consider studying if you manage to become a coin collector is the coin grading process. The information you will gather will greatly help you evaluate your old coin prices. On top of that when you bring your coins to a coin dealer for a proper appraisal, you will have a better understanding of the whole process. IMPORTANT NOTE: Since you will evaluate old coins you should always be very careful in the handling process to avoid any damage to the coins.

You must be aware of the various aspects that coin experts look at when they evaluating your old coin prices. Being aware of those special characteristics will help you perform better coin appraisals. When you perform your own grading make sure you do it on a clean surface. There should be no substances that have the ability to degrade you old coin prices.

The first step I would recommend during your inspection would be to look at the faces of the coin first. Make sure you note all the marks and special characteristics you see on the coin. Do that for each sides of the coin.

After that by manipulating the coin carefully you should look at the side. Make sure you touch the bare minimum of the surface area. Handling your coins with care will avoid the coin being damaged by wear and tear marks.

After taking a good look at your old coin and trying to evaluate your old coin prices, the smart thing to do should be to consult an expert to get a coin appraisal. These experts can be located at your coin dealer or shop near home. Doing this will then tell you if you where close to the real value of you coin or not. Take note that the coin grading process is not an exact science; the value of your coins can vary from one expert to another depending on their knowledge of the coin grading system.

Steps to Help Keep Your Coin Collection Value High

When you get bit by the coin collecting bug you may find yourself spending many of your waking hours on your coin collection. You have a lot of time and money invested in this hobby of yours so you need to be as careful as you can with your collection. You need to make sure you do not hurt the value of your coins by mishandling them in any way. Make sure you do not expose your coins to the elements or store them improperly. Be careful when handling your coin collection and only clean your coins if you know what you are doing. This article will look at some of the things you can do to ensure your coins value does not go down.

The place you decide to keep your coin collection will have a major effect on their condition. The temperate and humidity need to be as close to normal as possible. Storing your coin collection in a cold garage or basement or a hot attic is not going to help keep your coins in good shape. Dry conditions should always be a priority. Wet coins may oxidize. Keep your coins in the proper atmosphere and keep them in the proper holders. Your coin collection should stay in good shape for years to come under these proper conditions.

Make sure your coins are stored in proper storage containers. Although the choices for storage are many chose something that will give your coin collection safe storage for the long haul. Choose something sturdy and strong as the place you store your coins. Keeping your coins safely tucked away in your coin storage choice helps with another problem faced by the coin collector, handling your coins.

Constantly getting your coin collection out of the storage device is hard on your coins. Your hands contain oil, and it is all too easy to accidentally scratch that prized coin with your fingernail. Excessive handling of your coin collection could cause the coins to discolor or show excess wear. You have worked hard to acquire all of those great finds so try your best to keep them in the same shape they were when you got them.

Do not try to clean your coin collection if you do not have the knowledge to do so. Many a coin has been ruined by improper cleaning methods. Always seek out an expert before you do any coin cleaning.

Keep your coin collection in good shape and it will reward you when the time comes to sell off your collection. It sometimes can be hard work to find that perfect coin so do your best to keep it in great shape.

Removing Tarnish From Your Coins - Coin Collecting Tips for the Beginner Coin Collector

As a beginner coin collector, one rule you should know backwards and forwards - don't clean your coins. Or rather, have a professional do it, or know what you are doing.

Why shouldn't you clean your own coins? Because coin dealers and people who make collecting coins their business like to see and buy coins that are in their original condition.

If your coin is tarnished, resist the impulse to use commercial cleaners or silver tarnish removers. They will remove the natural toning that happens on silver and copper coins.

Trying to remove tarnish, if not done properly, will potentially harm your coin and lower the value of it. Removing tarnish incorrectly will leave scratches and spots on your coin and can possibly lower the value as much as 80-90 percent. A coin dealer that I know told me that he will reject anywhere from 15-25% of the coins that come in to be sold because they are damaged from improper cleaning methods.

Here are a few things to remember if your coins are tarnished:

- If you really want them cleaned, take them to a professional. Your local coin dealer can direct you where to go for that. Professionals will use a method of cleaning tarnished coins called "dripping".

- Handle your coins on the edges only. Leaving fingerprints on the coin surface will build up and add to the dirt already there.

- If you cannot read the date on your coin and the details are worn down or covered with dirt, ask the advice of coin collecting dealers and and professionals on how to clean and handle the coin.

- If you are selling coins that you know have been cleaned previously, then you must tell the buyer.

Basically, there's no real reason for you, as a beginner coin collector, to clean your own coins. Let someone else do it. Sometimes, most often than not, you won't need to have them cleaned. Tarnished coins have a value that goes beyond money. It's part of the natural history of the coin.

Coin Collecting For Kids

Every coin tells a story. Some coins show us presidents or other famous historical figures. Some tell us about specific landmarks, historical discoveries, animals, plants or other interesting facts about the place the coin represents. Coin collecting is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn. The images on foreign coins can teach us about countries around the world. Similarly, the U.S. Mint has developed some great coin collections which can help children discover their own country. However, there are plenty of learning opportunities with the loose change we find in our purses and couch cushions. Just regular pennies, nickels and dimes provide a great chance to learn about the coins we see and use everyday.

How to help a child start a coin collection

1. All you really need is some loose change and you're ready to go. However, a magnifying glass would come in handy for looking for certain markings on each coin.

2. You may also need something to store your coins in. An envelope or jar will serve that purpose quite well. There are special folders or albums that you can buy which have special slots in them for each coin.

3. The best way to for children to start a coin collection is to narrow the focus. Collect only pennies, or nickels, or only coins made in or after a certain year.

4. Do some research about the images on the coins; there is a history/geography lesson on each coin which provides a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn about the country or world they live in!

For preschoolers, try an easy coin collection like collecting birth year coins. With only a few coins to collect, younger children will gain a sense of satisfaction from collecting the whole "set" quickly. For older children (living in the US), suggest collecting the 50 state quarters or the Westward Journey Nickels - there is some great history lessons in these coins!

Challenge Coin Display Cases and Challenge Coins Tips

I find it amazing that the interest and popularity of challenge coins and challenge coin displays keeps rising. I get many questions about military challenge coins so I have decided to gather some valuable tips for you.

The most popular challenge coins are navy challenge coins, marine corps challenge coins, army challenge coins, air force challenge coins and police challenge coins. Which one do you prefer?

Challenge coins are more precious than one can imagine – they usually worth a couple of bucks, but they have a sentimental value no one can evaluate. That’s way; you must protect your military challenge coins by using a challenge coin display case.

Buy a challenge coin display that totally answers your needs:

1. One that will make you proud of your challenge coins collection – Some have dozens of challenge coins from navy challenge coin, marine corps challenge coins and army challenge coin to air force challenge coins and police challenge coins. A collection like this could be really impressive.

2. One that will fully protect your challenge coins – Most of the challenge coin display cases have a plastic capsule for each individual coin.

I find the military challenge coins a bit magical. Did you know that no one can point exactly when the first challenge coin was made? Some say that the first one is date to World War 1. Others say that the first military challenge coin is from the Vietnam War.

I believe that people are just starting now to understand the real value of challenge coins. A good investment would be purchasing as many different challenge coins as you can. They are going to be an expensive collectible item in a few years.

But one should remember that a challenge coin represents values before everything – support to the organization minted on the coin whether it is a navy challenge coin, marine corps challenge coin or any other organization.

Coin Collecting Terms to Help you Stay in the Know

There are many terms used in coin collecting. Information on coin collecting terms is widely available on the internet and in many books that deal with coin collecting. The field of coin collecting is so expansive that there are numerous terms that are coined. Many internet sites offer glossaries and other resources to assist the novice coin collector in increasing there knowledge base. These sites may not contain all the terms but are sufficient to be an introduction to the field and its terms.

Coin collecting terms are found in many books authored by coin collector experts. In addition to guidance on terminology these books also provide valuable information on the do and don’ts of coin collecting. There are many books on the market that also target the veteran coin collector as this hobby continues to grow and there is always new information that can be valuable to these individuals.

Another way to learn about coin collecting terms is by the use of the many magazines available on this field. These magazines always have up to date information and are great resources for those wishing to learn about the field of coin collecting. Some of these magazines are Coin World, Coin Connoisseur and Coin Value. There are several others as well that offer great features that include up to date guides on prices as well as discounts for subscribers on coin collecting supplies.

Another way to familiarize one’s self with coin collecting terms is to associate with clubs or associations that are involved in the hobby of coin collecting. This is perhaps the simplest way to familiarize one’s self with the field and gain valuable knowledge. These associations often have training sessions and other activities that are geared towards improving the skill of its members in the field of coin collecting. It is vital when in getting involved in any hobby to ensure that you increase your knowledge base as this is the key to success. Coin collecting terms are not a short list by any means and will indeed take a long time to become totally familiar with. Even experts in the field may not know all the terms and acronyms that are associated with coin collecting.

Some of the most important coin collecting terms are related to the very basic concepts of coin collecting. One of these is in fact the term for coin collecting itself. This term is numismatist and is the complex term for the coin collector. Another set of basic terms are those that relate to the description of the sides of a coin. Most people refer to these as either heads or tails but serious collectors call these the obverse and the reverse. Terms associated with the actual coin are the legend, inscription, rim and field as well as the motto, mint mark, edge, portrait, date and many other terms related to coin anatomy.

How To Value Coins Using A Coin Value Guide

One of the most important pieces of information that a coin collector will want to know is how much a coin is worth. By knowing what a coin is worth will affect what they are willing to pay or sell it for. Plus it will help you to look and appreciate your coins much more. There are plenty of US coin value guides available both off and online. But some are certainly more accurate than others. However, what should be remembered is no one guide is foolproof. All the guides available will only provide you with an approximation of the market value and actual coin prices. So if you really want to know the market you should also see what coins are actually selling for.

A great place to look for such information is on auction sites such as eBay as well as various auction houses such as Heritage, Teletrade, Bowers and Merena and Stacks to name a few. Also you could take a look in your local and national coin shows as well as local coin shops to see what prices they have. But below are details of some of the more common US coin value guides that are in use today.

1. US Coin Digest

This is much like the Red Book but it includes coin pricing for more grades. Where in the Red Book has only pricing for six grades of the Morgan Dollars in the US Coin Digest it has pricing for 11 grades. It also contains a bit more background information in relation to coins in general.

2. Greysheet

This is officially called the Coin Dealer Newsletter and is an expensive subscription periodical ($98 per year). It is most commonly used price guide to be used by dealers when setting their own prices. However, it does contain wholesale prices also (so it is a wise choice for the more savvy collectors out there). The prices in this are based on coins graded according to industry standards. But they also include pricing for properly graded raw coins when compiling their figures. However, the biggest weakness of this publication is that it ignores the current state of grading services.

3. Numismedia Price Guide

This is an online service and is similar to the PCGS Price Guide. But the prices on this site can be somewhat higher than those that appear in printed guides. However, this site has been a subscription service since 2003 and costs $96 per year for you to be able to see the pricing of grades above MS-60.

So as you can see from above there are plenty of different US coin value guides available not just in book format but also online also.

Rare Coin Valuation And Price Guides

Coin Price Guides are useful among collectors. In brief, coins are tiny disk shaped metal pieces of currency. Coins come in various categories that are valued as per their face value, currency coins come with an amount printed on them and the printed amount is the price of the coin.

Rare and Historical coins are those that were made centuries before us, these rare coins are very significant in finding out historical information about our ancestors. Historical coins can fetch a very high price in the market; the pricing of the coin is also based on the significance, quality, condition, uniqueness and beauty of the coin.

Gold coins or Silver Coins are mostly bought as an investment; the price of these coins usually depends on the market price. Due to fluctuations in the economy there are no set price guides therefore the price of Gold and silver coins also fluctuates.

Coin Pricing is based on certain criteria's- * The coin must be made of a valuable metal; and the pricing of this coin will be close to the market price of the metal.

* Coin should be of standardized weight and purity.

* The marking on the coin has to be genuine and marked only by an authorized authority.

* Pricing of the coin also depends on the date printed on the coin, as well as its historical significance.

From time to time coin collectors come across coins that are very difficult to analyze a price, for instance a coin collector may own a very unique coin that cannot be priced due to its unclear marking or worsened condition, on such occasions the pricing of the coin is based on the demand of the coin or how many coin collectors are interested in the piece.

Sometimes a very unique coin will not be as well priced, as a coin that is relatively plentiful in nature and this is simply because the more common coin is in higher demand by the coin collectors. For example there are only 30,000 dimes of the 17th century, where as there are nearly 4,000,000 20th century dimes, yet the 20th century dimes are sold at a higher price than the 17th century dimes, and this is only because the 20th century dimes are more popular among coin collectors.

Generally coin prices keep varying, the general rule in the coin price guide is the rarer the coin the higher the coin value, still there are some exceptions as in this case; a 1913 marked Liberty head Nickel was sold for $1,000,000 as there are only 5 pieces of such coins, where as 1000 year old Chinese coins were sold for not more than $100-$200 as there were a number of these coins available.

Coin grade also influences the coin price guide, coin grade depends on the condition, the better the condition the higher the grade will be and the higher price the coin will fetch. However you should bear in mind that the monetary valuation of a coin is not everything, even if one coin does not have a high market value it does not loose its significance as it can still be very much a part of your collection.

If you are interested in pricing, you can get Coin Price Guides that come in print (soft cover and hardcover) and they are also available online in digital format.

Rare coin collecting can be a fascinating as well as profitable hobby.

Understanding Coin Price Guides

There are many coin price guides published; weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and annually. They come in the form of magazines, newsprint, “hot sheets”, and books. All of us have referred to one of these from time to time to ascertain what a particular coin might be worth. Yet, few of us stop to think about what we are getting from any one of these Price Guides, beyond the price or value of a coin. After all, don’t price guides, just give you the price? What else is there?

Basic to an understanding of price guides are two things: 1) the Grade of the Coin; and 2) the Foundation of the price guide. Knowing the Grade of the Coin is required before one can begin. Saying so seems to be obvious, but what more does it mean?

Unless the coin is Graded by an appropriate Professional Grading Company, which has designated what Grade and Identity has been assigned to the coin, most of us are making an assumption about the actual Grade. This assumption we make can be very dangerous because of: a) the difficulty in grading a coin; and, b) the different possible outcomes or results that occur. One Grade “point” or level can make the difference in hundreds or thousands of dollars in the Value of a Coin.

Price Guides assume that YOU already Know the Grade of the Coin. This is why we have the First Rule of Coin Collecting: Know the Grade of Your Coin.

Secondly, ALL Price Guides are founded on the same Principle, which is that the Coin, whose price you are looking up, has been Graded using one Grading Standard. That Grading Standard is set by the ANA – American Numismatic Association – and is entitled the Official Grading Standards For US Coins.

Therefore, ALL Price Guides have a “silent assumption” built in to their guide; which is that the Grade that YOU decide upon, is the True or Accurate, and that such Grade is based on the ANA Standards.

The first difficulty that arises is that most people never know if the Grade that they have decided upon is Accurate. Of course, this difficulty never comes into question, if the coin is Professionally Graded by an appropriate company. There are only four (4) reputable Professional Grading companies that strictly follow the Guidelines set by the ANA, and they are: PCGS, NCG, ICG, and ANACS.

The second difficulty arises because of this “silent assumption” or Foundation of all price guides is whether or not the Grade has been decided upon using the Guidelines or Standards established by the ANA. If you don’t have the skills and training of a professional coin grader, the decision is probably questionable.

Even if you do have the skills and training of a professional coin grader, the decision is still probably questionable. Why? Because even professional coin graders have differing opinions. This is why the reputable professional coin grading companies require the opinions of three (3) professional coin graders to arrive at the “Grade” designation to be placed on every coin.

The obvious conclusion is that a Serious Coin Collector is going to invest in rare and modern coins that are graded by one of the Top Four reputable Grading companies. It is the only certain way to eliminate the disagreements and arguments about the Grade of Any coin being Bought or Sold! It is the only certain way one can Value their coin collection. It also eliminates “getting taken” or cheated buying raw coins.

Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins!