Rare Coins hold a unique allure for collectors and investors worldwide, and among the most sought-after are Pre-1933 United States Rare Gold & Silver coins.
These coins possess historical significance, exquisite craftsmanship, artistry, and limited availability, making them highly desirable among collectors and investors. But what truly distinguishes a United States rare gold or silver coin as a "GREAT" coin?
One of the most significant factors when establishing the value of a coin is how scarce or rare it is.
If a limited source or few specimens exist, it only makes sense that these types of coins will have a much higher value and sell for considerably more than a coin that is easier to obtain and more readily available in the rare coin market.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 reasons that contribute to what really makes a United States Rare Gold or Silver Coin a "GREAT" coin!
1.) Rarity & Scarcity:
To put it plainly, "Great" coins are rare! Or, some coins have such amazing stories behind their history that the demand for them is extraordinary, which ultimately makes them scarce to rare, due to their lack of availability in the rare coin market.
Some coins have low survival rates due to low mintage output, heavy circulation, exportation, loss or damage, and mass melting, creating their scarcity and rarity in certified higher Mint State grades.
The $5 Gold Indian Head Half Eagle in higher Uncirculated Mint State condition is a great example.
The $ Indian Head Half Eagle series experienced certain years where almost their entire mintages were melted before they even had the chance to leave the mint! This has resulted in low survival rates for each of those years, which in turn accounts for their rarity.
Great coins are precious, extremely valuable, and desirable throughout the world. No matter what coin we discuss, its condition is critical when establishing its value. The coin's grade indicates the amount of wear the coin has experienced since its initial striking.
Coins with alluring stories, low survival rates and in superior condition, such as the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar or the 1933 $10 Indian Head Eagle, fetch astronomical prices at auctions and are considered among the greatest treasures in numismatics.
The rarity factor intensifies the exclusivity of these coins, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors worldwide.
2.) Value/Quality/Condition:
The scarcity or lack of availability, combined with investor and collector demand, significantly impacts the value of any rare coin.
Quality can be associated with a coin's eye appeal, including how much of its original luster remains, how well the coin is struck, and its coloring or toning.
Coins that are well preserved tend to become more scarce because when an investor or collector finally obtains one, the coin tends not to come back on the market for long periods of time, sometimes decades.
As one might expect, the condition of a coin, often referred to as its grade, is another crucial factor in determining its greatness. The better the condition, the higher the grade, which significantly impacts its value.
Ninety-nine percent of the time, a coin in certified Uncirculated Mint State condition will sell for a much higher price than a coin in the same condition with the same date and mintmark with unattractive toning or unsightly bag marks.
Coins in pristine condition, displaying sharp details, lustrous surfaces, and minimal wear, are highly sought after and coveted by numismatists, collectors, and investors around the world.
3.) Demand:
Great coins command the attention of a wide range of collectors and investors. Demand is a key driving force when determining the value and price of a coin.
Collectors and investors aren't interested in damaged or weakly struck specimens, nor do they want a coin with zero eye appeal. Collectors and investors love coins with great stories or something that makes them unique.
The $2.50 Gold Indian Head Quarter Eagle and the $5 Gold Indian Head Half Eagle were both created by esteemed Boston sculptor, Bela Lyon Pratt with an exciting, new, innovative and daring unique "incuse" design.
Their design is pressed into the coins surface instead of raised above them as in the traditional coin press technique.
The incuse design makes these coins "unique," coupled with both denominations being the last of their kind, keeps them in very high demand.
A great example of demand and its relationship with its value is the 1909-Lincoln-S VBD cent.
With a mintage of 448,000 and even though several thousand examples have been authenticated, graded, and certified in Uncirculated Mint State condition, prices always remain high. The reason? This coin ranks as one of the most popular and widely known coins of all cents/pennies.
Therefore, the coin is always in high demand and even though many examples are certified in higher-grade Mint State condition, their value remain high and continue to rise as time goes on. Some argue that the 1909 Lincoln-S VBD penny is the most popular coin of investors and collectors in the entire run of United States coinage.
Collectors and investors love coins with great stories, and the Lincoln-S has one. It is ranked 14th among the "100 Greatest U.S. Coins." This is reflected in its immense demand and popularity, and in turn makes it a "GREAT" coin!
4.) Historical Significance:
Every coin ever minted has a history behind it. "GREAT" coins also have a "great story" to tell.
Take for instance Carson City Morgan Silver Dollars and Carson City Gold Coins, they have an extraordinary history, legendary stories, and an allure all their own.
Their connection to one of the most legendary eras in United States history, the heydays of the "Wild West" in the late 1800s, give them a historically significant background. Many coins in each series come with exciting stories to be told.
Think of Jesse James and his gang robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches. Outlaws, dusty boomtowns, saloons, and Wyatt Earp and the O.K. corral during this time in American history.
When it comes to "great stories," there is the "King of all Morgans," the 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar.
This coin became the rarest non-proof coin in the entire Morgan silver dollar series in a very mysterious fashion and under very mysterious circumstances.
In 1895 the Mint recorded having produced 12,000 Morgan Silver Dollar circulation strikes and 850 Proof coins.
To this day, only about 750 1895 Morgan Dollars have been found and authenticated, graded, and certified, all of them proofs!
So what happened to the 12,000 circulation strikes?
There are many theories, but most likely, we will never know for sure.
So why is the 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar the rarest non-proof coin in the entire Morgan Dollar series? Because none exist!
An 1895 Morgan Dollar circulation strike has never been discovered.
Therefore, an 1895 Proof Morgan Dollar is a "GREAT" coin!
There probably isn't a series of coins produced by the United States Mint with a more storied, mysterious, and politically controversial history than the Morgan Silver Dollar.
Besides the 1895 coin, the Morgan Dollar series has a few other "GREAT" coins in it.
This is one of the many reasons why the Morgan silver dollar series continues to be the most popular, collected and invested in U.S. silver coin series ever and holds the title of "King of America's Coins."
Historical significance is a crucial aspect that elevates a rare coin to greatness. United States gold and silver coins often depict iconic figures, represent significant moments in American history, or mark important milestones in the nation's development.
For example, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, minted from 1907 to 1933, features Lady Liberty and symbolizes the country's rising prominence on the global stage and is considered to be the most beautiful coin ever produced by the United States Mint.
Coins with ties to important historical events or influential personalities hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and investors.
Rare gold and silver coins from the United States carry a rich history.
Collectors and investors are drawn to these coins for their ability to bring them back in time to a specific era and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
This historical significance adds a layer of desirability, making these coins highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
5.) Eye-Appeal:
"Great" coins have a certain beauty to them. They have "eye appeal." Which is "how does the coin look to you?"
It only stands to reason that attractive coins are valued higher and are much more sought after by collectors and investors than unattractive coins regardless of their grade.
Great coins are aesthetically pleasing to the eye by nature. There is nothing like viewing and holding a 150-plus-year-old coin with beautiful eye appeal, a sharp crisp strike, and in remarkable condition.
Additionally, a coin's eye appeal, including its overall aesthetics, toning, and originality, can elevate its desirability.
Well-preserved, aesthetically pleasing coins are more likely to be deemed "GREAT" by numismatic experts, collectors, and investors.
6.) Design and Artistry:
Great coins are struck well, which brings out all of the coin's artistic design highlights. They are always in higher demand than a weakly struck example. There is nothing like viewing and owning a rare gold or silver coin with sharp crisp design elements when it comes to its strike.
Although, there are exceptions. For instance, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the U.S. Mint worked with inferior coin presses and can't be blamed for less-than-perfect strikes to a coin. So it only stands to reason that the first coins that came off the coin press from a new die were more likely struck better before the die had a chance to experience wear.
Design and Craftsmanship:
The artistry and craftsmanship exhibited in rare gold and silver coins are essential elements that contribute to their greatness.
United States coins feature intricate designs, meticulously executed by renowned artists, sculptors, and engravers. From the flowing hair on early coinage to the meticulous details of later issues, the artistic quality is undeniable.
Coins like the Morgan Silver Dollar, Carson City Gold Coins, the Indian Head motif of Early 20th century gold coins, and the exquisite $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle exhibit the artistry and attention to detail that make them stand out as great coins, admired not only for their numismatic value but also as miniature works of art.
7.) Investment Potential:
All "great" coins have exceptional investment potential.
Great coins are usually the key-date in their particular series, have low mintages, and low survival rates, especially in higher Uncirculated Mint State condition.
They carry a proven history and track record of consistent price appreciation and growth in value over time.
In the world of investing, there are countless opportunities available for those seeking to diversify their portfolios and protect and grow their wealth.
One investment avenue that has stood the test of time is Pre-1933 United States Rare Gold & Silver coins, particularly the "Great" ones.
These coins hold both historical significance, rarity, and intrinsic value, making them an appealing choice for astute investors looking for stability and an exceptional opportunity for long term investment rewards.
8.) Market Demand and Investor Interest:
The market demand and investor interest in Pre-1933 United States Rare Gold and Silver coins are influential factors in determining their greatness.
The popularity of these coins among collectors, investors, and institutions drives their value.
When a coin captures the attention of a wide audience and commands high prices at auctions and sales, it attains a certain level of greatness within the numismatic, collector, and investor community.
While past performance does not guarantee future results, Pre-1933 United States rare gold & silver coins have shown a solid track record for long-term growth in value and wealth preservation.
As these coins become scarcer over time due to loss, damage, or increased collector demand, it only makes sense that their values will only increase.
Notable auctions and private sales that have been made public have seen rare coins achieve staggering prices, highlighting the significant returns that can be obtained by investing in these numismatic treasures.
Collecting and investing in rare coins requires careful research and working with a numismatic expert like Minuteman Rare Coin Company is essential.
Keeping up to date with the latest market trends and collector and investor demand is extremely important, as they can can greatly impact rare coin values.
9.) Intrinsic Value:
Beyond their historical appeal, U.S. rare gold and silver "Great" coins possess intrinsic value that stems from their historical significance, low mintages, low survival rates, fixed/low supply, high demand, artistry and craftsmanship, and especially their overall scarcity and rarity.
Additionally, the intricate designs, limited mintages, and excellent condition of these coins contribute to their inherent worth, further enhancing their allure, as collectors and investors are willing to pay a premium to acquire them.
10.) Diversification and Risk Reduction:
The investment potential of United States rare gold and silver coins lies in their ability to diversify an investment portfolio.
By including rare coins alongside traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate, investors can reduce the overall risk of their portfolios.
Rare coins have historically demonstrated a low correlation to other asset classes, which means their value does not fluctuate in tandem with other markets, such as the stock or real estate markets.
This characteristic provides stability and minimizes risk of an overall investment portfolio. United States Rare Gold & Silver coins act as a hedge against inflation, high interest rates, long term growth in value and preservation of wealth, offering a level and layer of protection during economic downturns.
Investment Factors to Consider:
When considering investing in rare gold and silver coins, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and seek advice and guidance from a reputable numismatic expert such as Minuteman Rare Coin Company.
We will guide you through the process of the key factors to consider when adding a new coin to your collection.
Including a coin's condition, rarity, historical significance, and market demand.
10 Reasons That Make a United States Rare Gold or Silver Coin a "Great" Coin! Conclusion
A United States rare gold or silver coin becomes truly "great" when it encompasses a combination of historical significance, rarity, condition, investment potential, design, and collector, investor, and market demand.
These coins serve as tangible links to the past, showcasing the rich history, artistry, and cultural heritage of the United States.
Whether treasured for their numismatic value, historical context, or aesthetic beauty, these coins continue to captivate and inspire collectors and investors worldwide, solidifying their place as truly remarkable treasures of American numismatics and American history.
United States "Great" rare gold and silver coins offer a unique investment opportunity, combining historical significance, intrinsic value, and exceptional financial gains. As with any investment, careful consideration and due diligence are essential.
By diversifying an investment portfolio with these numismatic treasures, investors can grow and preserve their wealth, reduce risk, and own a piece of American history.
Remember, investing in rare coins should be approached with a long-term perspective, as their value often appreciates over time.
With the right guidance, research, and a passion for American history, rare coins will enrich your life and bring you long term joy with exceptional investment opportunities.
At Minuteman Rare Coin Company, we pride ourselves on our numismatic expertise, years of experience, and market knowledge.
The coins we acquire and recommend to our clients are carefully selected through a close and thorough examination. We hand pick only the choicest collector and investment-grade coins to acquire.
Our clients can always be 100% assured that the coins they acquire from our expert advice and our company will meet or exceed all of your collecting and investing objectives and goals without exception.
We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service!
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Sincerely,
Edward Walsh, President
Minuteman Rare Coin