THE INSIDER'S GUIDE To U.S. COIN VALUES

ALL THE LATEST GOLD COIN PRICES

- BY SCOTT A. TRAVERS

Expertise on coins can take many forms, but whatever your degree of involvement, the following coin-collecting overview shows the basics of how and why people get started and what to look for as you're collecting.

HOW COIN COLLECTORS GET STARTED

At one time or another, possibly without even realizing it, just about everyone thinks about coins as an investment. It happens, for example, when a really old coin turns up in your change or in your travels, or when you get a coin that just doesn't look right. When it happens, we invariably want to know two things: What's it worth, and will I make more money if I sell it now or later?

You don't have to wait for scarce and valuable coins to come along; you can go looking for them. And you can make money by buying and selling scarce coins. Many such coins today are authenticated and graded by independent experts and then encased in special plastic holders. This process assures the buyer that the grade, or level of preservation, is being properly stated by the seller. “Certified” coins change hands readily on nationwide trading networks and greatly enhance the appeal of rare coins to traditional investors.

Coins go up and down in value frequently. The trick is knowing how to thrive whether the coin market is rallying or is in one of its characteristic cyclical downturns.

WHY PEOPLE ACQUIRE COINS

People save coins for a number of different reasons. Some find them appealing as miniature works of art. Others are intrigued by the rich historical significance they possess. Many simply enjoy the challenge of pursuing something rare, elusive and valuable. And, not least of all, many are attracted by the marvelous track record rare coins have achieved as good investments.

Billions of dollars are spent on rare coins every year, and U.S. coins are by far the biggest segment of that market.