Whether you are an avid coin collector or have occupational dreams of selling coins for a living, it is important to know how to find the right types of rare coins. Numismatics can be a lifelong commitment that will reward you with outstanding payoffs, including wealth and a fulfilling and exciting hobby. Whether you are after an entire set of coins or just want to find the perfect one to add to your collection, coin collecting can take long hours and hard work to accomplish. This is because high prices, limited minting and rare manufacturing materials can cause some coins to be really hard to find. Here are some great tips for finding the next ideal coin to add to your collection.
Go to Coin Shows
Attending both local and national coin shows are a great way to come across coins you’d otherwise not see at all. Convention centers, hotels and even regular shopping malls and stores all host events that cater to numismatics lovers, and enable coin dealers and coin collectors to rent tables and sell their merchandise. These shows also are a great place to find complete collections or sets of particular coins, making investing in rare coins extremely easy to do.
Before you attend one of these shows, plan ahead and create a list of the types of coins you are searching for. It’s a good idea to know your budget for the event and consult websites, message boards and even publications about the coins you are seeking so you know how much you are willing to pay.
Visit a Coin Auction
Another promising venue to find rare coins is at a coin auction. There are tons of local and national coin auctions you can attend, as well as online auctions that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home. If you want to buy coins, keep in mind that some auctions include buyer’s fees that go up to 15 percent on each item. If you want to go to an auction, be sure to brush up on your knowledge of coin value so you do not overbid.
Form a Coin Network
If you want to have a lot of amazing and rare coins available right at your fingertips, then it is a good idea to formulate an honest and experienced network of coin collectors, dealers and experts. Having a diverse network can help you find leads on where the best and most decently priced coins can be found. You can also get advice from your coin network about what to pay for certain coins, which coins are worth the most on the market and which coins you should avoid buying all together.
Collector’s Forum
Joining a collector’s forum is a lot like joining a coin network and can give you a lot of experience and knowledge about coin collecting. You will be able to add more coins to your collection and not have to pay a purchasing fee. When looking for a coin collecting forum, just be cautious for disreputable sellers because the internet can carry a lot of them. Look for local meet and greets that also gives you some face-time with other collectors and dealers.