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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Coin Grading System (numismatic rare coins)

(numismatic rare coins): Coins are graded on a 0-70 point scale devised by Dr William Shelby. The Grade of a Coin Is Everything, so it helps to understand how coins are Graded. The details can be found in the Official A.N.A. Grading Standards for United States Coins (numismatic rare coins)

published by the American Numismatic Association (ANA). (numismatic rare coins)

(numismatic rare coins) Coin grading is a term used to refer to the process of determining the condition or quality of a coin, and its full identity. It is essential to know what the grade is of a particular coin, because, as a general matter, the higher the grade of a coin, the higher its numismatic value.(numismatic rare coins)

(numismatic rare coins) Coins are graded on a 0-70 point scale devised by Dr William Shelby. The details can be found in the Official A.N.A. Grading Standards for United States Coins published by the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Under this method of grading, the higher the point scale accorded a particular coin, the better its quality.(numismatic rare coins)

(numismatic rare coins)The process of grading a coin is partly subjective and partly an art, rather than a true science. Accurate grading requires many years of skill and experience. However, determining an approximate grade is possible for even the novice coin collector.(numismatic rare coins)

The basic point scales that define coin grades, are as follows:(numismatic rare coins)

1. Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) (numismatic rare coins)

Mint state uncirculated coin in perfect condition, showing no traces of wear, and no blemishes, scratches, handling or contact with other coins. The best quality coin possible.

2. Choice (Gem) Uncirculated (MS-65-69) (numismatic rare coins)

An above average uncirculated coin which retains all of the original mint brilliance or luster, and has a very few contact marks on the surface or rim, which are barely noticeable.

3. Brilliant Uncirculated or BU (MS-60-64) (numismatic rare coins)

An uncirculated coin having no traces of wear but which has a few contact marks, surface spotting or lacks some of its original luster.

4. Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55 & 58) (numismatic rare coins)

A coin having very light wear on only the highest points of the design but no other defects and with most of its luster remaining.

5. About Uncirculated (AU-50) (numismatic rare coins)

Coin has evidence of light wear on many of the high points but at least half of the mint luster is still present.

6. Extremely Fine (EF-40) (numismatic rare coins)

The coin design is lightly worn in most places but all the features remain sharp and well defined.

7. Choice Very Fine (VF-30) (numismatic rare coins)

Light even wear on the surface and highest parts of the design but most major features and the lettering are sharp.

8. Very Fine (VF-20) (numismatic rare coins)

Minor features such as some of the finer hair detail, feathers, etc. will be moderately worn. Shows moderate wear on high points of design. All major details are clear.

9. Fine (F-12) (numismatic rare coins)

Moderate to considerable even wear over most features and the lettering. A lot of the details are worn through but you can still see a good deal of the design. 10. Very Good (VG-8)

The entire design is weak, but a few details are visible. Well worn throughout but coin rims still visible.

11. Good (G-4) (numismatic rare coins)

Heavily worn but design and legend still visible although quite weak in spots. Many details are gone.

12. About Good (AG-3) (numismatic rare coins)

Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date and legends worn smooth and barely discernable.

Have fun collecting your Perfect Coins! (numismatic rare coins)

Robert L Taylor, JD

Copyright 8 2006 Robert L TaylorFind Article, JD
(numismatic rare coins)

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Rare Coins (numismatic rare coins)

(numismatic rare coins): One good form of investment is to buy rare coins (numismatic rare coins) that over the years have grown in value. This type of coin, particularly in the United States, boasts extraordinary value presenting a wonderful opportunity for rare gold collectors (numismatic rare coins). With prices at nearly five year lows, coupled with the availability of the choicest coins in the market, this it is the best time to collect rare coins (numismatic rare coins) . Rare gold and silver coins (numismatic rare coins) are in demand especially among investors, since they provide the needed balance to stock portfolios thereby reducing over all risks and generating a large amount of profit. Financial analysts recommend placing a 10-20% of discretionary funds in precious metals like rare coins (numismatic rare coins) even for those who own gold mining stocks.

Rare coins (numismatic rare coins) are very good performing financial assets in their own right. A recent market analysis of rare gold and silver coins conducted by Coin Universe shows that $1,000 invested in U.S. rare coins (numismatic rare coins) during the 70’s would now be worth on the average nearly $58,000. If we review history, paper assets like bonds, stocks and treasury bills lose value while gold, platinum and silver rare coins (numismatic rare coins) appreciate in value. Having rare coins (numismatic rare coins) in your portfolio will dramatically reduce its volatility and protect your investment from economic uncertainties such as inflation.

Rare coins (numismatic rare coins) that can only be traded should be certified and graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, two leading independent grading firms. They should come with a complete money-back guarantee. Some firms specialize in finding the right rare coin (numismatic rare coins) to suit the buyers’ needs and budget. Others carry rare coins (numismatic rare coins) at an affordable price.

By Kent Pinkerton
(numismatic rare coins)

Monday, June 9, 2008

The True Value of a Gold Coin (numismatic rare coins)

(numismatic rare coins)

(numismatic rare coins): The use of coins dates back to ancient times, and they have been with humanity ever since. Coins (numismatic rare coins) stayed in usage even after the world adopted paper money. Coins (numismatic rare coins) offer a sense of permanence and history that bills lack. This is especially true of the gold coin. Coins (numismatic rare coins) of any material that are kept safe for a long time tend to increase in worth.

Many coins (numismatic rare coins) no longer in circulation are of great interest to coin collectors. Also called numismatists, these collectors love old and rare coins (numismatic rare coins). Gold coins (numismatic rare coins) are especially popular. This is because the gold coin (numismatic rare coins)has a high collection value, and an even higher market value. They can be worth hundreds of dollars. Certain rare coins (numismatic rare coins) can be worth thousands, or even millions, of dollars. American monetary history is full of rare coins in high demand by collectors. Some of the more famous coins include the gold and silver buffalo coins, or the renowned St Gaudens Double Eagle. Coin collecting is a popular hobby, so there are many sources (in the form of books and websites) supplying information about the value of specific coins. (numismatic rare coins)

There are many ways to get these rare coins (numismatic rare coins). Sometimes, people find them lying around the house. It's easy for someone to drop a coin and completely forget about it. Of course, the collector cannot rely on finding a rare gold coin in his or her house. Auctions are another method of obtaining rare coins (numismatic rare coins), though these can get quite expensive. Perhaps the most convenient way is through a website.

Sites like GainesvilleCoins.com carry many different types of coins (numismatic rare coins). This particular website is one of the most reputable, and is sure to be a great resource for any coin collector. (numismatic rare coins)

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Numismatic rare coins: Rare Gold Coins

Numismatic rare coins:

Numismatic rare coins: The desire for people to collect rare (numismatic rare coins) and valuable items is noticeable in today?s society. People go to many places, and sometimes travel great distances to obtain a particularly rare item to add to their collection (numismatic rare coins). Rare gold coins (numismatic rare coins) are a particular interest for some collectors. From 1838 to 1933 the United States minted tens of millions of gold coins (numismatic rare coins) to put into circulation, both for use in the U.S. and for overseas trading.

However, very few of those coins (numismatic rare coins) still exist today. Most of these coins (numismatic rare coins) were either lost or melted down by the government. It is believed that less than five percent of the original gold coins (numismatic rare coins) produced during this time still exist today. Of the coins (numismatic rare coins) that are left today, very few of them are actually traded in the market. The majority of the coins have been hoarded by collectors for their personal portfolio.

Rare gold coins (numismatic rare coins) can come from any country, but the coins (numismatic rare coins) from the United States have been known to be the most popular among collectors all over the world. It is well known by collectors that the gold coins to come from the United States are higher quality, making them more aesthetically pleasing. Because of this, the gold coins (numismatic rare coins) from the United States are more likely to attract serious demand.

The main difference between buying gold coins (numismatic rare coins) and regular gold bullion coins is the amount you would purchase. Gold bullion coins (numismatic rare coins) are usually bought in bulk, mainly for investment purposes and not for collection. To purchase rare gold coins (numismatic rare coins), people usually first consult a professional to recommend specific coins (numismatic rare coins) to you.

If you intend to start collecting rare gold coins (numismatic rare coins), you must first do your research. Rare gold coins are graded by organizations such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) (numismatic rare coins). It is important that you only invest in coins (numismatic rare coins) graded by them. These two organizations are the leading grading services, and their standards are widely accepted around the world.(numismatic rare coins)

By Eric Morris
Numismatic rare coins

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