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Rare Coins

Numismatics
Definition of Numismatics... Coin collecting, or the study of currency. Coins may be collected for scholarly or historical purposes, such as to gain a deeper insight into past cultures, for financial profit, or purely as a hobby. Coins derive their perceived value not just from their actual currency value, but also from their age, rarity, and other factors. The American Numismatic Association was founded in 1891, with the goal of educating people about the study of numismatics, and now has over 33,000 members.
Why own rare coins?
To the collector, each rare coin is a work of art and a piece of American history. To the investor, rare United States coins represent a tangible investment with excellent long term price performance which has been documented in many highly respected financial publications, including The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. Until recently, the profitability of rare coins was enjoyed almost exclusively by those who possessed the expertise to recognize and acquire the finest coins. However, recent developments in the rare coin industry have opened up this promising market to virtually all investors. United States rare coins remain one of the most private of all investments which are easily stored and transported. United States coins are considered collectibles and, by federal law, cannot be confiscated in times of national crisis. Investors generally acquire coins to properly diversify their investment portfolios and for the security, liquidity and profit potential they provide.
Understanding Circulated Grades
Certified grades assigned to coins range from poor (1) to perfect (70). A coin can either be designated mint state (struck for circulation) or proof (usually specially struck for collectors). The following are the grades you may see on a certified coin and a brief description of what it means.
ABBREVIATION ADJECTIVE DESCRIPTION P 1 Poor All designs are barely recognizable AG 3 About Good Very heavily worn but part of date may be readable G 4 Good All design elements are visible but may be faint VG 8 Very Good Well worn but all designs elements clear although flat F 12 Fine Even moderate wear so that entire design is bold VF 20 Very Fine Moderate wear on high points of design but all major details clear. A pleasing circulated coin. XF or EF 40 Extremely Fine Design is lightly worn with most high points visible with slight wear or flatness. Luster may be present in protected areas XF 45 Choice Extremely Fine A bit more luster or less contact marks than previous grade AU 50 Almost Uncirculated Traces of light wear on most high points. Usually 25 - 50 percent of mint luster evident AU 53 Choice Almost Uncirculated Same as above but fewer contact marks or other imperfections AU 55 Premium Almost Uncirculated At least 50 percent of luster evident and less contact marks or other imperfections AU 58 Premium Almost Uncirculated At least 75 percent or more luster present and less imperfections
Understanding Uncirculated Grades
Accurate determination of these grades can only be done through extensive comparisons to standard grading service grading sets.
ABBREVIATION ADJECTIVE DESCRIPTION MS 60 Uncirculated No wear but may show considerable bag marks, discoloration, abrasion, detail weakness and other unsightly traits including diminished luster. Out of an original bag of coins the most imperfect coins are the MS - 60s. In some early series, for example 18th and 19 century coinage, where mint state examples are rare, MS - 60’s are coveted. In most 20th century series MS - 60s are considered too low a grade for rare coin investors to co nsider. MS 61 Uncirculated Less imperfections than MS60 MS 62 Choice Uncirculated Lighter marks and abrasions and 90 - 100 percent full luster The first really choice mint state grade. May have some strike weakness. MS 63 Choice Uncirculated A pleasing uncirculated coin with full luster. Most contact marks are on the periphery. Contact marks may be present in key central areas but are scattered. Strike may be a trifle less than full. Other minor imperfections may be present MS 64 Gem Uncirculated Less marks in key central areas, full luster, almost full detail and good overall eye appeal separate this grade from lower grades. MS 65 Gem Uncirculated Only a few marks in key central areas and minor marks on the periphery. Excellent eye appeal whether the coin is brilliant or has attractive coloration (toning). Details are strong and mint made imperfections, if any, are barely noticeable. MS 66 Gem Uncirculated Slightly more eye appealing than MS - 65. Contact marks or frost breaks are slight MS 67 Superb Uncirculated All imperfections require intense scrutiny to locate. This is a mind boggling eye appealing specimen. MS 68 Superb Uncirculated An amazing coin that experts often use a term like wonder coin to describe its eye appeal and immaculate surfaces. MS 69 Superb Uncirculated Only under intense magnification can any undesirable trait be discerned. Phenomenal eye appeal. MS 70 Perfect Uncirculated Practically nonexistent.
Grading Services
We sell numismatics coins certified by PCGS, NGC and ANACS.
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