Are you just getting into the world of coin collecting? At first, it seemed like a simple way to make a bit of money and learn about a new hobby. Now that you are in to it a bit more, you realize there is a lot to learn in the world of coin collecting. It isn’t just as easy as picking up a coin and throwing it in a box. You need to know coin values, what certified coins are, how to identify a coin and all kinds of stuff.

Rare coins are given their value based on a number of factors. Some of those factors include the rarity of the coin, or how many were put in to circulation or on the market when they were produced. The fewer coins made initially, the higher the value they have to begin with. Coin types that flood the market in high numbers will have a lower value.

Another way to evaluate a coin’s worth is by checking the metal it is made of. Not all coins are made of pure silver or gold. There are metal mixtures, or composites that make up a lot of coins in today’s money system. A trained coin dealer can look at your coin and tell you what your coin is made of.

Certifying Coins

Even when you have a coin dealer or a coin collector look at your coins, the value they place on it is dependent on their skill set as well. In order to get a true value on your coin or group of coins, they should be sent to get certified. A company that certifies coins gives them a grade based on several factors including rarity, condition of the coin and metal used in the coin.

There are companies that deal only with grading coins. These companies are usually independent from coin dealers or coin collectors and strictly work on placing values on coins. People from all over the country send them a coin or several coins for testing. During these “tests” the expert will look at the coin and grade it. The grade is what determines the end value of the coin. You do not need to have your coins all be certified coins, but if you are an investor or serious coin collector, you may want to think about it. People who see you have certified coins will know you know the value of those coins and what your collection or coin is worth.