If you’re new to collecting coins, you’re probably curious what each piece is worth. As part of an intricate industry, they vary in mintage, grade, condition, and a variety of other factors that influence their value. Coin collecting is an enticing hobby, and whether you want to add to your assortment or sell to a silver and gold buyer, understanding the key determining factors behind their worth is vital. 

Mintage

Mintage makes a major impact on a coin’s worth, so when you start collecting, carefully inspect each piece. Mintage is the precise number of coins that the U.S. mint produced; this could be in the millions, or it could be limited to just a few hundred. Rare pieces are worth much more than common ones, so the less that are minted, the better for collectors. At the end of each year, the dies that print the year are destroyed, so only those that are still in circulation exist. Older pieces and limited editions are the most lucrative, so be on the lookout.

Demand

When you head to a silver or gold buyer, demand makes a difference. If you come back at a later date, you might notice a drastic change in value. What’s popular varies from year to year. In 2009, for example, the U.S. Lincoln cent was redesigned, drawing in a new generation of coin collectors. When new editions, redesigns, or rarities become popular, interest rises, so take them to a dealer while they’re still high in demand. 

Grade

The ideal coin to collect is anything uncirculated, which are pieces that appear as if they come off the press, but they’ve never been amongst the general population of money. Since most people didn’t start collecting change until the 20^th century, pieces earlier than that are rarer and more expensive. To obtain a high value, the ratio needs to include a high number of circulated coins compared to an incredibly low number of uncirculated ones, instantly upping the expense.

Condition

Even if you find a coin that has never been amongst a stash of regular money, it could still experience wear and tear, scratches, and scrapes as it’s transported over time. When adding to collections, pay close attention to grade and condition, as a high-quality piece that appears to be straight off the press will fetch you significant money.

Whether you want to make some extra cash off your coins or add to an existing collection, you’ll find a great value at R & S Rare Coins, in Cabool, MO. The local experts offer cash on the spot, as well as an impressive selection of gold and silver coins, bullion, and estate jewelry. With top-notch customer service, they’ll help find exactly what you’re searching for, making collecting efficient, stress-free, and fun. Visit the website for more information, or call (417) 962-5213 to speak with a knowledgeable staff member.