Coin collecting can be an exciting hobby, and can provide collectors with insights into different eras and history.
Numismatics are considered a long-term investment, as many old currencies and coins retain their value over time.
What is the value in coins?
The value of coins are derived from two main factors:
- The first factor that contributes to the value of a coin, is the actual physical metal that the coin is made from. Valuable collectable coins are made from pure precious metals, such as gold and silver or bronze. In this regard, the metal itself retains its value, measured by the number of ounces of the metal, multiplied by the market rate at any time.
- The second factor that adds to the value of a coin is the numismatic or collector value. This factor only applies to antique coins and rare coins. If a coin is minted, it will have a higher collector value, due to its rarity.
Moreover, a lot of coins are rare to find and collectors may have pieces that are displayed in museums worldwide. Having a coin collection is comparable to having a piece of history at hand.
Tips for collecting coins and starting a coin collection
Start your coin collection by researching eras that interest you. You do not need a big budget to start investing in coin purchases
It is recommended that you learn about the coins before buying them, research their history, how they are graded and what is the market price for the coin. There is a wealth of information online for you to compare and ensure you are getting a good deal.
After conducting research, start collecting the coins that you like. It could be related to the intricate design on the coin, its history or the story behind it.
When you are ready to buy coins, make sure to check their authenticity and that the price is fair, before making a purchase.
The trick is to start small coin collections and add to them over time.
View Bellamysworld's range of numismatic coins and bank notes here
How to handle coins and store them
There are few things to keep in mind when handling and storing your coin collection:
- Even though coins are made of metal, they still need to be taken care of.
- The surfaces of coins is very delicate and may be damaged if it is not handled properly.
- Coins are made from different metals. Each metal reacts differently to temperatures and exposure to different environmental factors.
- Safely store coins to retain their value over time.
- Use cotton or latex gloves when handling coins.
- Touch the coin from its edges and avoid touching the surface.
- Lastly, never clean a coin with any chemicals or products as the coin patina is an integral part of the coin numismatic value.
Resources to learn more about coin collecting
Seeing that numismatics come from different eras and each coin has a historical context, here are some resources to get you better informed.
- Buy books on coins, especially those related to eras that interest you.
- Visit credible websites and be wary of those that present false information.
- Magazines on coins include a plethora of information to help you add to your coin collection.
- Visit museums that have coin collections and learn from the guides that provide needful information.
Here are some of the most valuable coins in the Bellamysworld collection
Greek silver coin, dating back to the Antiochus I era. Its weight is 16.80 grams. It depicts Apollo sitting on the back of the coin. It dates back to 261 – 246 BC.
This Greek silver coin of Alexander the Great. It was minted by Ptolemy I. The coin depicts the head of Alexander the Great on the front, along with elephant skin and a spear on the back. It dates back to 310 – 306 BC.
Greek silver coin Demetrios II dates back to 130 – 125 BC. It depicts Seleucid King with Zeus on the back.
Gold Dukat coin, dating back to 1833. It originates from Hungary, with detailed inscriptions on both the front and back.
View the complete collection of numismatic coins and bank notes on Bellamysworld
