Old Coin Information

Old coins are often quite valuable.

Collecting old coins can be a sound investment, as well as an excellent hobby. To get started collecting coins, you need to have some basic knowledge about coins.

Composition

Old coins were made out of precious metals, usually gold, silver or bronze. The coin's color can often give you an idea what metal it is made from.

Country

The country that the old coin was minted in is usually written somewhere on one of the faces of the coin. This information helps you to identify the coin.

Date

Most coins have a date on the front of the coin. This is extremely important in the overall value of the coin as one date may be worth significantly more than another.

Denomination

Coins generally have their denomination written on one of their faces as well. Words like "one quarter dollar," or "half pence" will tell you the denomination of the coin.

Condition

When finding the values of old coins, the condition of the coin is extremely important. Learning how to grade coins is a time-consuming process, but coin price guides and coin dealers can help you grade coins when you first get started.

References

• "The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Coins"; Marc Hudgeons, Tom Hudgeons Jr, and Tom Hudgeons Sr.; 2006

Resources

• Coin Collecting—The Hobby of Kings