Collecting coins is a hobby which is not just fun. It is also a great way to invest your money. This is because coins carry significant value the rarer that they become. Of course, one of the biggest determining factors about how much a coin is worth is the condition that it is in. The best condition that coins can be in is considered to be mint coins. These are the coins which look like they just came straight from the mint. Because these are so sought after, there are a number of people willing to fake quality standards. So, how can you make sure that you are getting a genuine mint coin?
There are a few different ways in which you can make sure that you are buying mint coins. You will need to have special gear so that you will be able to take a closer look at the coin itself. You will have to know what you are looking for in terms of wear. You will also have to be sure that you are getting a coin from a third party grading service that you know and trust. These factors will help you to get a quality coin that you can be proud of.
Getting the Tools
The most important tool you can have when trying to determine if you have mint coins is a 10X power lens. This is simply put – a magnifying glass. Using it will allow you to see many of the fine details of the coins. You will be able to see everything from the areas around reliefs in the coin face to the ridges or sides or the coins. This way, once you know what to look for, you will be able to see it.
What to Look For
It is easiest to find determining factors for mint coins if you know what you are looking for. You are looking to make sure that the coin does not have any scratches or divots in it which will cause the value of the coin to drop significantly. You will also use the glass to make sure that the coins have a luminescence which is simply from the shine of the coin and not from a thin layer of shellac or other methods which can be used to make the coin look shinier.
What Third Party Grading Services to Trust
Many collectors will purchase mint coins based on the grade that they have received from a third party grading service. It is important to make sure that you trust the grading service before you agree to purchase anything. There are some services which are better known in the industry than others. The best known of these grading services include:
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Independent Coin Grading (ICG)
Choosing from among these grading services will allow you to have better peace of mind that you are buy a coin which is actually worth something.
Photo Credits: mallix
Originally posted 2010-08-17 04:52:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Buying and Selling Coins, Coin Certification, Coin Grades, Identifying Coins
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