I just started a coin collection and I have about 16 coins from around the world. And I know they're not worth anything-I just like to look at them. However-I was wondering if anyone knew of any good coins to buy whose value will increase in a few years. Thanks-waterbed22
If we knew that we would be buying all we could and not telling anyone ;--) It all depends on the market....one day a coin may go up...the next...it may go down. The big thing is to collect what you like...not what anybody else tells you to. Speedy
And that is all fine, but the fact is that some things are known to be true. Avoiding problems coins -- cleaned and retoned, damaged 'bargains' and of course fakes -- is important. That said... The mainstream of numismatics tends to be the 19th and early 20th century up to World War I (a bit later in the USA). Larger coins are more likely to appreciate than smaller ones because everyone likes larger coins. Silver is more popular than copper, but more affordable than gold. So, if you wanted to get into a collecting series that would appreciate, buy nice, large silver coins from 19th century Europe. That is pretty easy advice. It applies to ancients -- which can be a pretty narrow field, or a broad field... "Buy the nicest examples of the most popular coins." More difficult to generalize but true even so is that undiscovered rarities definitely appreciate in value. This means that you pick some area of collecting and know it at the expert level and your catalog of coins becomes valuable because you are known to be a leader in the field. When you can buy something otherwise common like an Austria 10 heller and give it three lines of detailed description, you raise the value of a common coin. Of course, selling it means finding another fan of this same narrow area. So, while these dusty little corners of numismatics appreciate in value, they are not liquid, not easy to sell out of.
Older world crowns or half crowns would be a great place to start. Also would suggest you pick up some Great Britain florins from the 1800s while they are still affordable. Beautiful coins but rising in price! Also watch for low mintage, or issue, world coins. They tend to track upward faster than coins released in the thousands and thousands. Basically, in my opinion, anything less than 10,000 is a small and limited issue! Thats what I target if I get the information in time to buy with the release as secondary prices come along very quickly. First, and foremost, enjoy what you are doing as long term prices will take care of themselves.
Mike is right there, but occasionally you will come across someone awkward like me that likes small to medium silver coins from the 17th/18th century. Think between the size of a dime and a quarter and that's my size of interest. Although i don't actively collect coins of that era anymore since i shifted my focus back by about seven centuries. But everyone is different.
I'd strongly advise you to get a copy of the Krause catalogues for world coins (used ones can be found on ebay pretty cheap) ... they have one for each of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th-to current-centuries. Look thru them to see what "strikes your fancy" and start from there. Best of luck, and, above all ENJOY IT !!!
I wonder if they'll ever bring out a 10th century Krause? I live in hope... ...expecting disappointment.
Sylvester, May I ask why you stopped the pennies at 1016? You're depriving yourself of good old Cnut the Great
New collector I started world coins about a year ago by buying a bag of mixed coins from a local coin dealer. I enjoyed them so much I bought a few pounds of mixed world coins on ebay, then a few more....Then I decided to try to collect at least one from all the countrys in the world....See where this is going...but the short version is I have a bunch of left over coins from all over, and that's after giving my grandkids, nieces and nephews each a pouch and all the coins they could stuff in it. Definately put me in a "favorite" status. If you would like a handful of mixed coins from all over, (none have high monitary value), Just send me your specifics at JonyS@aol.com use "coin talk" in the subject line. Enjoy collecting, you'll be amazed how much you learn just having fun. JonySky
I do actually have a one. Why i didn't include Cnut is because he's not an Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Saxon England proper died with Eadmund Ironside in 1016. From 1016-1066 it was Anglo-Danish. Cnut/Harthacnut/Harold's I & II + Edward the Confessor all had Danish ties. Edward the Confessor was actually Anglo-Saxon/Danish with Norman sympathies. A slight update on the dates whilst i'm on it, i've actually cut it further back to just 899-975. Most of my interest being focused on 924-939.
The joy of collecting If you are going to be a collector you have to decide not only what to collect but what brings you joy in collecting. That is why this hobby is so varried. On this forum we have people from across the globe and each has their own idea of what is beautiful and valuable. I for one collect for the beauty and history of the coins. Perhaps some day the value will go up higher than what I currently have invested in my collection, but that will go to my heirs. For me the object is to collect and admire and to learn. I have learned more history about more countries and people through collecting then I ever did in school. On the other hand I also have obtained many good friends and associates by being a collector. My personal interest is Australian Coins, for those who are interested in the increase in value If you look at the spreadhseet on www.aussie-coins.com, on the links page is an inventory sheet the sheet from the Perth mint which gives the issue price and the current price of coins issued by them, this can give you an idea of how some coins have increased in value and others have not- some have even lost value. Pick a country, Pick a series or more, spend, spend spend. Good luck in your decisions.
