A beginners guide to assist you in assembling a United States Rare Gold & Silver coin collection of a Lifetime!
My passion for American history is what drove me to pursue a career as a Numismatist.
Designed to provide information and guidance, this guide on collecting and investing in United States Rare Coins aims to help you navigate the rare coin market, select the "right" coins, and steer clear of common pitfalls.
Drawing from my own 30 years of experience in collecting and investing in rare coins, I will share the mistakes I've made in the hope of assisting you in avoiding them with the help of our Beginners Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins.
So let's get to it!
Successfully collecting and investing in U.S. Rare Gold & Silver coins is not a simple task, it's an art form. The most accomplished collectors and investors approach this endeavor with a long term vision, aiming to build a collection that is historically significant, rare, valuable, rewarding, and well diversified.
There is no magical "one way" or "right way" to assemble a magnificent "eye-opening" United States rare gold and silver coin collection.
Whenever I acquire a coin or coins for our clients, to add to our inventory, or my personal collection, there are 5 key things that I always keep in mind. Let's explore them.
5 KEY COLLECTING AND INVESTING TIPS:
VALUE, REWARD, PATIENCE, DIVERSIFICATION, PROFIT
1.) VALUE:
There is a reason why acquiring the highest quality coins you can afford is considered the top priority.
Assuming that you work hard or have worked hard for your money, I presume that, like me, you aim to maximize the value of every dollar you spend.
Every astute collector and investor aims to purchase the finest coins within their budget, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Acquiring the "highest graded" coin available doesn't always represent "true value." Many gold and silver rare coins graded in circulated condition, due to their scarcity or rarity in higher Uncirculated Mint State condition, can command a small fortune to acquire.
This method can also be used to assess value. While two coins may have the identical grade, there are always slight variations between them. Consider them like snowflakes - no two are identical.
Allow me to provide an illustration: The 1909-O $5 Indian Head half eagle holds significant value and is in great demand among collectors and investors worldwide, regardless of its condition. This coin boasts the smallest mintage in the entire $5 Indian half eagle series, with only 34,200 coins minted.
This coin is from the final year of minting, produced in the same year that the New Orleans Mint permanently ceased operations. It has a significantly low mintage, with a survival rate that is also notably low across all grades, not just in Uncirculated Mint State condition.
However, even if two 1909-O coins are in the same grade and condition, one of them may have a slight variation that distinguishes it as a superior coin. This difference is often referred to as "eye appeal." Alternatively, you might discover that a coin graded one level lower actually appears more attractive than a higher graded coin that is significantly more expensive.
Opting for the lower graded coin in this scenario provides better value. Not only do you save money, but you also receive a coin that appears more visually appealing. This represents true value!
2.) REWARD:
Collecting and investing in rare coins offers more than just financial gain; it enriches your life, creates a legacy, and brings joy for future generations. It should be both financially rewarding and FUN!
One compelling reason to collect and invest in United States gold and silver rare coins is the opportunity they offer to possess and cherish historic symbolic American treasures and become a custodian of American history.
Every coin you add to your collection reflects your unique passion and narrates a tale related to a specific era, event, or historical figure.
From a carefully selected set of Morgan Silver Dollars minted at the historic Carson City Mint in Nevada during the late 1800s, with ties to the legendary heydays of the "Wild West" and the American frontier, to early 20th-century gold coins showcasing a significant evolution in the design of U.S. gold coinage, these coins provide a link to American history.
Collectors and investors contribute significantly to preserving our heritage for the benefit of future generations by collecting and investing in these valuable numismatic treasures.
Pursue your passions. For instance, if you have a deep interest in the iconic era of the American "Wild West," then you should concentrate on obtaining and curating the highest quality and most precious gold and silver coins produced at the Carson City and San Francisco branch mints.
Collecting a diverse mix of gold and silver coins from Carson City and San Francisco can create a stunning and impressive eye-opening collection.
If you are passionate about the Civil War era, concentrate on U.S. gold and silver coinage minted from 1861 to 1865.
Collecting rare gold and silver coins minted at the three Southern Branch Mints in Dahlonega, GA, Charlotte, NC, and New Orleans between 1838 and 1861 is one of my passions.
They are rich in American history and have fascinating stories behind them.
From these three Southern Branch Mints, I have assembled an extensive and precious assortment of rare and historically significant coins.
To enhance your chances of success in building a valuable and impressive rare coin collection, always keep in mind that the most highly recommended coins to acquire are those that are authenticated, certified, collector-grade, investment quality, historically significant, rare, key date coins with low mintages and low survival rates, regardless of the specific type of rare gold and silver coins you choose to focus on or the approach you take.
Establishing a professional relationship and collaborating with a numismatic rare coin expert like Minuteman Rare Coin, who will support you in your rare coin collecting and investing endeavors while prioritizing your best interests, is crucial.
3.) Patience:
Patience is key, especially when putting together a collection of historically significant, valuable, and rewarding rare gold and silver coins from the United States.
For instance, just because a higher graded coin than the one I currently have in my personal collection becomes available, it doesn't necessarily mean it's an improvement. I had been seeking to upgrade a coin in my collection for many years, but two significant hurdles stood in my path.
One factor was the cost, with the price difference between my coin and the next grade up being ten times higher. Another consideration was the availability, as there were only 9 coins graded in superior condition compared to mine. Out of the two best-known examples, only one had been auctioned publicly in the past decade.
Someone I knew personally won the auction and bought the coin for a client's "tightly held" collection. This essentially meant that the coin was not going to be available on the market again for a long time, probably not until their heirs decided to sell it.
After that, I only had a mere 7 coins in a higher grade than my own to search for. It took a few years, but I eventually had the opportunity to see and buy one of those 7 coins. The issue?
Upon examining the coin, I found that I preferred the one I already possessed over the higher graded coin. My coin resonated with me due to its exquisite natural toning and original lustre, and was free from any noticeable imperfections to the naked eye. In contrast, the higher graded coin appeared rather lackluster and just plain "dull" to me.
Additionally, I had to consider the tenfold increase in cost for the upgrade. I had to question whether it was truly justifiable.
My decision wasn't primarily based on the price, as I could afford it. It ultimately boiled down to the specific coins themselves.
I decided not to choose the higher graded coin. I had a feeling that I would regret parting with my own coin. Keeping both coins would diminish the sentimental worth of my collection rather than enhance it. I am certain that if I had bought the higher graded coin, I would have quickly been seeking a buyer for it.
Never settle for less than what you desire. Never impulsively acquire a particular coin just because you "need" it to complete a series, typeset, mint set, or date run.
4.) Diversification:
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" Diversification is critical with any sound collection or investment.
United States rare coins offer an extensive range of options for collectors and investors looking to diversify their overall investment portfolio that most likely includes traditional investments such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.
There is an abundance of options that ensures collectors and investors can curate a collection that reflects their unique preferences and interests, which enable them to choose various themes, time periods, designs, eras, and coin types.
Completing diverse gold and silver series, typesets, date runs, and mint sets from different eras and designs is essential, as is having a long term vision.
I guarantee you that you will not assemble a unique and valuable U.S. Rare Gold & Silver coin collection of a lifetime in a short period of time. It takes years, sometimes decades, if not your entire lifetime.
I love the challenges and the "thrill of the hunt" of finding a coin that one of my clients or I need.
I have been collecting coins since I was 9 years old. I began investing in U.S. rare coins in my twenties. It's been 30 years now and I love my personal collection. It has enriched my life, it brings me joy! and one day I will pass my collection on to my two sons.
Every year, I view thousands of coins, but only a tiny fraction make it into our client's collections, our inventory, or my personal collection. I prioritize value in my coin selections, and you should too.
5.) PROFIT:
In addition to their historical importance, rarity, and beauty, United States gold and silver rare coins can also present a lucrative financial investment opportunity.
Although the value of rare coins may vary, those in high demand typically retain their value and increase in worth over time.
Coins with a limited supply and low survival rates combined with the growing demand from collectors and investors and the ever growing population of new collectors and investors, can lead to significant price appreciation and growth in value for certain coins and areas of the rare coin market.
Whether you choose to specialize in a particular area, series, design, or era of U.S. gold and silver rare coins or adopt a diversified approach to curating a valuable collection that stands out, it is crucial to remember that the coins most likely to offer future financial rewards by growing in value and price appreciation are those that are authenticated, certified, collector-grade, investment quality, rare, key date coins with low mintages and survival rates, and are consistently in high demand.
The Ultimate Guide to Collecting and Investing in United States Rare Coins Conclusion:
A well curated United States rare coin collection offers a fascinating blend of historical significance, storage of wealth, potential financial rewards, and enrichment and joy to ones life.
These coins serve as a link to America's past, preserving our heritage, while also providing an opportunity for collectors and investors to curate their own unique collections.
Collecting and investing in United States rare coins promises a fulfilling journey filled with discovery, knowledge, and appreciation for American history.
Remember to stay informed and seek professional numismatic rare coin expert guidance along your rare coin collecting and investing journey.
MINUTEMAN
RARE COIN:
Welcome to our vibrant community of rare coin collectors and investors! Join us and benefit from our 30 years of experience in curating historically significant, valuable, and diverse collections of United States rare gold and silver coins. Let's start this thrilling numismatic journey together!
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Take advantage of our expertise and advice to help you make well-informed decisions, select the "right" coins, and avoid common mistakes made by collectors and investors. We will guide you through the captivating and historic world of U.S. rare gold & silver coins.
Don't miss this amazing opportunity to expand your knowledge and embark on a fascinating journey into the world of United States rare coins !
Sincerely, Edward Walsh
President/CEO
Minuteman Rare Coin
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