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| collectible coins | proof and mint set coins | collectible quarters | collectible coin jewelry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coin Collecting GuideAt HSN, we know that value is important to coin collectors.One way to ensure you get what you pay for is to purchase graded coins. That's why we rely on an independent, third-party grading companies. Each graded coin we sell comes with a Guarantee. Read on to find out more about how coins are graded using the Sheldon Grading Scale. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions. What is numismatics? How is the value of a coin determined? What is the most valuable U.S. coin? What is encapsulation? Can the appearance of encapsulated coins change over time? What is the best way to handle my coins? What is the current most popular collectible U.S. coin? What is a proof coin? What is the coin grading scale? |
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| Q: What is numismatics? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | The collection and study of coins, paper money and metals. Coin collecting is, by far, the most popular. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: How is the value of a coin determined? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | It’s based on several factors, including denomination, mint rarity and, most importantly, condition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What is the most valuable U.S. coin? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | The 1933 St. Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle. There is only one existing that has been legally monetized. It sold at auction in 2002 for $7,590,020. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q: What is encapsulation? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | Encapsulation helps protect your coin from the elements. Once the coin is graded by an independent grading company, it’s placed in a sonically sealed and tamper-evident holder, providing many years of protection. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q. Can the appearance of encapsulated coins change over time? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | Yes. Oxidation, the natural process of air reacting with the surface of a coin, may still continue after encapsulation. To further limit environmental exposure, store your coins in a temperature-controlled, low humidity area, such as a bank safe deposit box. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q. What is the best way to handle my coins? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | Very carefully. If your coins are not in protective holders, hold them only by the edges. Never touch the surface of your collectible coins, as oil from fingerprints can reduce the value. Cleaning your coins can also decrease their value. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q. What is the current most popular collectible U.S. coin? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | The U.S. State quarters. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q. What is a proof coin? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | Proofs are coins made especially for collectors. They are struck with highly polished dies, on highly polished blank coins (planchets) under even higher pressure to produce the best quality coins available. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Q. What is the coin grading scale? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A: | Dr. William Sheldon developed the Sheldon Grading Scale in 1948. It ranks coins on a scale of 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| the history of coin grading Two key elements in establishing coin value are rarity and condition. Rarity is easy to establish, as there is widespread agreement on the rarity of most coins. Evaluating condition is more of a challenge. In the early years of coin collecting, three general terms were used to describe a coin's grade: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As the collector market for coins grew rapidly in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it became apparent that a more precise grading standard was needed. Some coins were simply "more fine" than others, and some uncirculated coins showed more luster and far fewer marks than others. Terms like "gem uncirculated" and "very fine" began to be used, as more precise grading descriptions allowed for more precise pricing for the booming collector market. the sheldon scale In 1948, a well-known numismatist by the name of Dr. William Sheldon attempted to standardize coin grading by proposing what is now known as the Sheldon Scale. His scale, which runs from one to 70, was originally devised specifically for large cents, but it is now applied to all series. The Sheldon Scale was a vast improvement over grades such as "good" and "fine", but there was still substantial room for disagreement among two parties based on subjective opinion. For a buyer with an untrained eye, this was a problem. If you were unable to distinguish between an MS-63 and MS-65 coin, you were at the mercy of the seller who established the grade. Even a one-point difference in grade could mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars difference in value. With so much riding on opinions that varied widely, it was difficult for collectors to justify purchasing coins of any significant value. guaranteed authenticity and grading expertise Coin grading was raised to a new level of consistency with the founding of independent coin grading companies. This unique approach is to have each coin evaluated by a minimum of three full-time grading experts with decades of experience. The graded coin is designated with its grade, attribution and registration number, then sonically sealed in a secured holder ideally prepared to provide protection and easy storage. Certified coins offer guaranteed authenticity and grading expertise so that collectors may buy and sell even the most expensive coins with a greater confidence. Millions of collector coins and a remarkable number of the world's finest known coin rarities, have been found through coin grading. |
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