Top 5 Questions Every Beginner Coin Collector Should Ask

Are you looking for a fun hobby? Coin collecting might be an undiscovered interest that you find enjoyable. Collecting coins is not only fun, but it also gives you a glimpse of history. Coins can date back to several decades or even centuries ago. You get to see different historical figures on the faces and even national icons such as the Maple leaf and the eagle when beginning a new coin collection.

As a beginner, you might not have enough knowledge about coin values or if it is a good idea to clean a dirty coin in a collection. Its okay to make mistakes as a rookie, but it is necessary to ask important questions to help build a quality collection.

Where do I store my coins?

To maintain the value of your coin collection, you need to store them properly. Specialized coin folders, sleeves, holders and other containers will protect your collection from the elements. Placing your coins in such containers will ensure the quality as well as value. The way you hold a coin may also damage its surface; always hold your coins on the edges and not on its face. The oil on your hands may transfer to the surface, damaging it over time.

How do I determine coin value?

Determining coin values varies across the vatain coins stand out because of their rarity, mistakes on them or limited mintage. These are generally more valued compared to other coins on the market. Having a coin appraised by a professional is the best way to determine the real value.

Where do I find the best coins for my collection?           

Shops such as Colonial Acres have an extensive inventory of coins that you can add to your collection; from ancient to commemorative and other types. Choose a store that has a good record with previous customers to ensure the quality of coins you purchase.

Can I clean my coins?

In some cases, it is better not to clean a dirty coin, especially if it is decades old. Some coins lose their value after cleaning, and may even deteriorate their surface even more. Some cleaning solutions contain chemicals that may erode a coin. Experienced collectors will know that you cleaned a coin because of its unnatural sheen and glimmer. The most cleaning you can do on a coin is soaking it in water to remove some of the dirt and dabbing it gently to dry.

What do I do with error coins?

                                           

Some of the rarest and most valuable coins are the ones with errors on it. If you find an error coin, it is best to keep it as it will increase the value of your coin collection.

Consider asking yourself these questions as you begin your new coin collection. You will be able to learn more about the collection process and make smart decisions as you add to your coin collection.

Coin Profiles: US Twenty Cent Coin

Coin collecting is a hobby that has stood the test of time. Often called as numismatics, people all over the world have fallen in love with collecting coins that tell a story or has more perceived value than what meets the eye.

In old manuscripts about the Roman Empire, it was depicted that Emperor Augustus collected coins that were old and foreign to his land. It can be said that this hobby was only afforded by royalty as it was not cheap to buy and trade these coins.

As years go by, the hobby of collecting coins has gone widespread, reaching almost every nook and cranny. Most beginners would start with affordable coins and once their collection grows, move up to collecting those that has more than just face value.

One of the more interesting coins that numismatists, or people who collect coins, look for is the US Twenty-cent piece. This coin was struck from 1875 to 1878. Quite amusing is the fact that the last two years when these coins are produced were reserved only for coin collectors!

This coin has proven to be quite a failure because it was confused for the already existing quarter dollar coin during that time. The two coins looked identical in size with the twenty-cent piece measuring 22 mm and quarter coin at 24.3 mm. Both coins feature the Liberty Seated design on their obverse or front sides and an almost same eagle on its reverse side. This resulted to poor demand, which prompted the abolishment of this certain coin by 1878.

The US Twenty-cent piece was designed by William Barber and weighed 5 grams. It is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. More than its metal composition, this coin is more memorable for its history, being one of the coins with the shortest mintages in the history of America.

As you see, there are a lot of things that you can learn about culture, history, and the people behind the minting of coins in different parts of the world. That is the reason why coin-collecting is not only a hobby but a tool on preserving a little piece of history in our hands.

If you want to start on your first coin collection or wanting to grow your current one, it is important to have a reliable partner who can help you expand your hobby further. Colonial Acres Coins has been in the industry for more than two decades of helping people find that prized coin that will complete their collection or to provide resources for those who want to start on the craft. If you want to start on numismatics, visit Colonial Acres today and learn the tricks of the trade the fastest way!

Understanding Coin Toning

Toning might make your coins look better, but there is a chance that it may lose value despite its new sheen. Valuing a coin based on its toning presents problems for the collector.

Is the coin more valuable or not after toning?

What is coin toning?

Toning describes the light patina or discoloration that appears on the surface of a coin because of the oxygenation of the chemicals in the air. The level of the tone depends on the metal. This process may take months or years; you shouldn’t worry about it if you stored your collection properly.

Toning is a natural process, especially if the coin is decades old. It may take centuries for a coin to reach its least attractive and darkest look.

Will toning add value to your coin collection?

Several factors affect the value of a coin, but the highest value goes to coins that retained their surface appeal. If a coin is unattractive, unless very rare, no one will likely purchase them and their value low; an attractive and toned coin will be worth more.

As the cliché goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Coins with a natural shine to them will always be worth more, but there is also a market for naturally toned coins. Always remember that the value of a coin will rely on its natural look, especially if it is a rare or old coin with limited mint.

What are the toned coins you will likely see?

The toning of a coin will depend on the type of metal. Older coins will display more color variation because of the less pure metal and multiple blends to produce it. Some metals also react faster and tone easier when exposed to certain environments.

1. Copper – the tone you will likely see is an orange to reddish-brown sheen to a full brown to almost black.
2. Gold – the coin will be bright yellow to orange, in some cases, the coin will look reddish.
3. Silver – the tone will be bright silver to brown or black. In some cases, you will see rainbow-style colors on the surface of the coin, which add to its value.
4. Nickel – the coin will have a silvery appearance to a grayish tone.

Toning is a natural process, but there are “coin doctors” who artificially tone a coin to increase its value. Watch out for these types of coins to avoid a scam. A coin that is artificially toned will not be as valuable as a naturally toned coin.

Find out more about coin toning and other essential tips for your coin collecting at Colonial Acres.

Cataloguing Your Coin Collection

Coin collectors are different from accumulators because the former keep a catalogue of their collection.

A written record of your coin collection allows you to monitor what you currently have, track its value and set future goals. A catalogued collection also makes it easier for your heirs to sell if they do not want to keep it. The records must contain the details of each coin, how much you bought them for and their current value. This makes sure that your heirs are paid properly when they decide to liquidate it.

Ways to Catalogue Your Collection

Coin cataloguing is not difficult, but it can be tedious, as you have to be detailed about your recording. There are several ways to catalogue your collection for your reference.

Notebooks

Notebooks are an old-fashioned way to catalogue your coin collection. Using a pen and ruler, start making columns to jot down detailed information about your coins. Here are some of the basics that your catalogue must have if you use a notebook:

1. Country
2. Variety
3. Year
4. Mintmark
5. Grade
6. Purchase date
7. Purchase price
8. Date sold
9. Sale price
10. Quantity

Checklist

A checklist is a simple way to catalogue your coin collection while you plan on which coins to add. Notebooks allow you to get creative, but a checklist is more organized. It has a type, denomination, year and mintmark for United States series coins. You can add more sections to your checklist to make it comprehensive, especially for tax purposes.

Spreadsheets

Simple programs such as Microsoft Excel let you monitor your coin collection and transactions. This program makes it easy for you to delete and add lines to each column and row, sort your coins and lets you calculate their value. It is also easy to add information using Excel.

Cataloguing Software

For enthusiasts, you can get software specifically for cataloguing your coin collection.

Some are free, some are at an affordable $20-$30 and others are pricier with more features. Its ease of use, user-friendly screens and a feature to allow you to organize your collection, pricing information and coin revaluation based on current prices are some of the things you should look for in software you buy.

You get what you pay for when you purchase coin-cataloguing software. Look for a product that has a free trial version or a refund guarantee if you do not like it.

These different coin-cataloguing methods will help you monitor and update your collection. Find out more about coin cataloguing at Colonial Acres Coins.

Advanced Coin Collecting Supplies You Need to Know About

Advanced coin collectors need better supplies as they increase their collection. As you move forward in your hobby of collecting coins, you will discover that you have several options. There are also supplies that allow you to inspect and authenticate your coins on your own.

These advanced collecting supplies allow you to achieve your goals as an experienced collector.

Digital Scale
This tool lets you determine the weight of a coin. The weight is one of the factors that determine the authenticity of a coin. A digital scale also helps you identify if a coin you bought or planning to buy is an error coin.

A majority of digital scales lets you choose the unit of measure. It is important that the tool you purchase measures in grams with an accuracy of 0.01.

Digital Caliper
This tool is also known as a sizing gauge and is used to measure the diameter of a coin. To use this tool, place a coin between its jaws and slowly close it until it touches the opposite sides of the coin. A coin that was struck broadly or on an incorrect planchet, will not have the correct diameter. You can easily choose the unit of measure using the digital readout. Get a caliper that has an accuracy of 0.01mm.

Stereo Zoom Microscope
This tool enables you to inspect a coin at a high level of magnification. Choose a microscope that comes with dual eyepieces and optics to get you the most accurate image of a coin’s surface. The unit you purchase must also come with a mounted light on its neck to illuminate the coins you inspect properly.

A magnification range between 10X and 45X provides you with the best view of the coins you inspect. You can also use a stereo zoom microscope to authenticate a coin and identify die varieties.

Coin Cataloging Software
This tool enables you to keep track of the coins you have in your collection. Get software that has the following features:

1. Updated coin values and prices
2. Database of types of coins
3. Coin characteristics

​Natural Daylight Camp

To get the price grade of a coin, it is important to have this tool that provides a broad spectrum of colors and natural white light. A majority of indoor lights make uncirculated copper coins look redder than they actually are. On the other hand, fluorescent lights make silver coins look brighter than they appear to be. This tool enables you to identify if a coin is about uncirculated or uncirculated.

These are some of the advanced coin collecting supplies you must have to help you keep track, authenticate and inspect your collection.

Importance of Getting Your Coins Professionally Appraised

As a coin collector, it is important to know the value of the coins you want to purchase. You might get the short end of the stick because you failed to identify a value of the rare coin. You might pay more or get less for a coin inappropriately appraised. In such situations, a professional coin appraiser is a must-hire.

Determining Coin Value
The untrained eye will not be able to determine if a coin is worth its hefty or cheap price tag. Professional appraisers have the training and experience that developed their keen eye for details. They will help you determine the value of the rare coin you want to add to your collection.

Many new numismatists overpay for coins that are below their assigned grades, and only find out after trying to resell them. Avoid overpaying or underselling the coin in your collection with the help of an appraiser.

Identifying Rare from Common Coins
One of the less obvious mistakes of coin collectors is that they purchase unpopular or common coins that they plan on reselling.

There are coins that are too common or unpopular to have much value outside of your collection. A professional appraiser helps you determine which coins will have value, once you try to sell them to other numismatists. Their experience will help you identify which coins have value from the ones that do not have any. Appraisers can also identify which are rare form common coins that are worth an investment.

Facilitate Trades
Appraisers help you facilitate an exchange with a fellow hobbyist. It helps make the trade as even as possible, especially if it involves complete collections of rare coins or bullion. Some of these trades may cost five, six or seven figure coins, which makes a professional important and beneficial for all the parties involved.

Selling Your Collection
There are certain coins that will sell for a good profit at auctions, while others will not do as well. An appraiser will help you determine and suggest which coins you should sell at an auction and which ones to keep. They also re-analyze coins that you can resubmit for grading. There are rare coins that might increase in value after you resubmit them for grading.

These are some of the advantages of hiring an appraiser for your coin collection. A professional’s eye is different from a collector as they provide you with a detached and unbiased view of your collection.

The Lincoln Cent: The Longest Running Coin Series

Coin collection is a wonderful hobby that preserves remnants of history in a form of a coin. There is, of course, a wide variety of coins that may have not existed long enough to gain historical value but in the future, may have their timely values.

Coins have existed for a long, long time, and since the start of coin collection, coin series of different categories began to develop. The longest running coin series in the history of The United States is the Lincoln Cent Series, and also among the longest running coin types in the world coinage history.

The U.S. Lincoln Cent has been designed by Victor David Brenner. His initials are associated with the coin design he created. His initials, VDB, are found in the Lincoln Cent first releases at the time of President Theodore Roosevelt, although they were later removed because of some issues. These coins first came into circulation in the year or 1909.

There were six types of Lincoln Cents issued in 1909 which are the Indian Head Cent 1909, Indian Head Cent 1909-S, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909 VDB, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909_S VDB, Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909 and the Lincoln Wheat Cent 1909-S. In 1918, the VDB was restored to the coins and it remains on the coins to this day. These letters are found at the base of Lincoln’s bust.

In 1942 and 1943, there was a change of coin metals made, including the Lincoln Cent Series. Because of WWII and the needs for copper and tin skyrocketed for military use, the U.S. Mint left only a small trace of tin in the cent alloy and changed the metal from bronze to brass. 1942 Lincoln Cents are then made from both of these alloys.

In 1943, the Mint decided to remove all traces of copper and resorted to cheaper alternatives in making the cents. 1943 Lincoln Cents were made from alloy composed of steel coated with a thin zinc layer. This resulted to a poor coin condition. It shone like a dime when new, but corroded after the zinc layer wore off. These were the coins nobody wanted, since they did not work on vending machines. In 1944, the Mint was forced to resume making brass-alloy coins, and in 1947, the Lincoln Cent returned to the bronze alloy it used before WWII.

There was also this Doubled Die Lincoln Cents Saga in 1955. This was because of a minting error resulting in a coin die getting two impressions hubbed into it. An estimated number of 20,000 to 24,000 coins were doubled die coins, but they were let out to the public nevertheless.

The Lincoln Cents have gone through a lot in the last hundred years since it first came out. Because of this, this coin series is a must-have for professional coin collectors out there.

Whether you are a beginner or have already been in the coin-collecting hobby for some time, Colonial Acres Coins will be able to help you in every step of the way. With more than a decade in the business, it is our aim to help numismatists grow their collection and eventually, spread the love for coin collecting.

Coins to Collect Under $100

There are different kinds of coins from special events, limited edition or coins minted decades ago. As a numismatist, you can collect a few coins without spending more than a $100.

2015 $20 Canada's First Submarines During the First World War
The summer of 1914 was an eventful year for the Royal Canadian Navy as it was still in its infancy years when the threat of war hung over it. Two new submarines added to the navy’s fleet to guard the west coast helped a young Canada to bolster its coastal defence.

Coin features:

• Costs $89.95
• 99.99% pure silver with a limited mintage totalling 7,500.
• This is the second coin in the Canadian Home Front series.
• It highlights the country’s war effort on its home front.

This is a commemorative coin that is a noteworthy addition for numismatists who have a naval, history or military-themed collection.

2015 $1 1oz Captain Jean-Luc Picard Star Trek The Next Generation
Capt. Jean-Luc Picard was the commander of the Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise and a renowned Starfleet office, diplomat and archaeologist. He commanded the Enterprise for seven years during important skirmishes, which included the defeat of the Borg invaders in 2366 and 2369.

Coin features:

• Costs $99
• The reverse side of the coin has a coloured image of Sir Patrick Stewart OBE as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard.
• The design includes the traditional ‘P’ mintmark of Perth Mint.
• The coin comes in a housing of a replica of a Star Trek transporter machine, which lights up when you open the lid.
• Each purchased coin comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

2015 $20 Columbian Yew Tree- Forest of Canada Fine Silver Coin
The Columbia Forest lies in a series of mountain ranges situated approximately 600km from the pacific coast in British Columbia. It is the world’s only inland temperate rainforest where a majority of its moisture is snow rather than rain. The Western Yew, a slow growing and long living tree is also one of the few species of coniferae that lacks cones. It instead produces individual seeds in berry-like casings.

Coin features:

• Costs $99.95
• Part of the series of coins that displays the beauty and diversity of Canada’s forests.
• Crafted in 99.99% pure silver and comes in a selective colour to highlight the distinctly crimson fruit of the Western Yew.
• An ideal gift to tree-lovers and British Columbian numismatists.

These are some coins under $100 that you can consider adding to your coin collection. Find more unique and collectible coins under $100 at Colonial Acres.

Coin Value 101: Demand

Collecting coins, or numismatics, is an activity that has lasted for many, many centuries. At the start, people collected coins for their face value but as time progressed and history books were written, more and more collectors have seen more than just the coin’s face value but its historical and cultural significance as well.

There are different factors that can determine a coin’s value. The most common component that can immediately valuate your coin is its melt value or the precious metals that it is made of and its corresponding value when melted. However, more and more people are looking for coins that have richer history more than just its intrinsic characteristics. The reason for this is that these coins will have more possibility of higher demand in the future. Collectors love the stories behind the things they collect and this usually has more significance and appeal.

The value of the coins still depends on economics like everything else. This means that it is very reliant on supply and demand. Demand can change over time based on different trends and as we mention time and time again, research will play a lot in numismatics.

It is hard to rationalize that there is but one specific factor that would determine a coin’s value because it really is not the case. Demand for a certain coin is also reliant on its grade and its rarity. While it may be true that you have a coin that is sought for by many collectors, it will not be valued as high if it is in a poor state or if there are other collectors who can offer them at a much competitive price.

When determining a coin’s value based on demand, one thing to look for is the pricing trend. Check whether the price is consistent for several years If you see unusual spikes, it may mean that there is an increased demand among collectors at the particular moment. Waiting until the popularity wanes may mean being able to get it at a better price.

Coin collection is a fun hobby but takes time and effort to master. One needs a lot of research and connections to be able to find certain types of coin that will fit the bill of your collection. There are many ways how you can start as a numismatist: you can connect with those who have been in the business to gain as much information, you can learn from websites and other resources to gain access to relevant information about collection coins or you can also look for reliable numismatic firms that can help you jumpstart this newfound hobby.

Numismatic firms, like Colonial Acres Coins, offer a convenient venue for coin collectors to find the coins that they need for their collection. Colonial Acres for example does not only sell coins, they also engage in buying. Colonial Acres Coins is one of the leading numismatic firms in Canada with more than twenty years of serving different collectors with the resources and coins that they need.

What coins should I buy?

Coin collection has a very broad coverage. Coins are made diversely and uniquely, forged with the influence of time, culture, and economic progress. Because of this, each collector has a wide variety of coin categories to choose from. A collector could specialize in coins by category of era, civilization, material, money value, theme or design, and many other categories. So, if one starts a collection of coins it is best to determine which category you will focus on, although there are some who collect all coins they like regardless of category.

Every coin collector wants to keep an eye out for good coins. Good coins have higher values than deformed or damaged ones. Because every one aims for their coins to be at the best shape, it is important to keep in mind the traits of good coins. What kind of coins should you buy?

1. Authentic

If you are going for silver or gold coins, the material matters most. Make sure your coins are authentic and not some fake coin. There are many ways to determine whether they are real or not. For example, silver can easily be tested with the use of neodymium magnets. Hover the magnet above the silver. If it's fake, it will stick.

2. No tarnish and minimal to no scratches

The best coins are at their best shape. No toned parts, no scratches. Coin collectors who have the eye for rare collectibles are very keen at inspecting the coin. Any scratch or tarnishing will greatly depreciate the coin's value.

3. Rare

Of course this isn't ideal for beginners. Rare coins are low in supply, as the name suggests. Because it is in low supply, the value of these coins increase overtime. The fewer they get, the more likely they become collector coins, and the coin value will skyrocket.

4. Graded Coins

The two most popular coin grading companies are PCGS and NGC. Their grading of coins is considered a reliable standard for determining the value of your coins.

Now that you have a few tips on what to check on your coins, you may go on a coin hunt to add a new batch to your collection. Remember though, that the best and the most serious coin collectors have one thing in common: a trusted coin partner or numismatic dealer.

Colonial Acres has been a trusted coin dealer company for more than twenty years, and the core of the business was founded on trust. If you want to get serious with your coin collection too, Colonial Acres should be one of the places you should check out.