How to Tell If You Have Rare Coins

‘How to Tell If You Have Rare Coins’ Posted by American Coins & Gold

 

Whether you are an experienced coin collector or not, rare coins are an exciting discovery that can can prove to be very valuable. Not only are rare coins an interesting find, but they are also a profitable way to make the most of your pocket change. American Coins & Gold has 6 locations throughout New York and New Jersey brimming with impressive coin selections. Below, they explain how to tell if you have rare coins on your hands:

Examine the Coin as a Whole

Before you inspect individual aspects, look over the coin as a whole. This includes the front and back, the portrait, and its overall appearance from afar. Does the coin appear normal, or does something stand out? Sometimes, rare coins are easy to diagnose. If something’s missing or you notice cracks within the piece, these are more than just mistakes — they’re worth money. Look over the portrait from the forehead to the chin for any interesting marks, and don’t forget the rim. If some thing appears abnormal, take it to your local coin dealer for a professional opinion because you may have a rare coin on your hands!

Look Over the Lettering

The lettering of a coin is one easy location to discover rarities. Examine each one carefully, paying extra attention to anything that strikes you as odd. If the coin is dirty, clean it off first, as debris can create clumps that disguise a rarity or make perfectly normal lettering look slightly off. Look for missing and doubled-up letters or unique inscriptions, and check both sides thoroughly. If something stands out, set it aside.

Inspect the Mintmark

The date and mintmark are the easiest way to diagnose valuable rare coins. Errors in these two key areas can still be found in circulation, and they could score you a fortune. Re-punched or over-punched mint marks are one winning discovery, as is doubled text. However, be careful as there are many counterfeit rare coins that might look like the real deal. Your best bet in this case is to have the rare coin professionally appraised.

Check the Die Rotation

Die rotation refers to the angle in which the coin turns from top to bottom. The rotation should be even, with both sides matching up if you flip over the coin. Die rotation is closely adhered to during the creation process, so if you notice any odd rotations, you could have a rare coin. The larger the variation, the more rare and, thus, the more valuable the coin.

Have you found rare coins among your collection? Take them to American Coins & Gold today. The staff will help you determine how much the pieces are worth and offer you fast cash in return. Their team has over 20 years of industry experience, and you can trust them to give you a fair price. Find a location near you online, and give them a call if you have any questions!

Have more questions about how to tell if you have rare coins? Give us a call today!