Whether you’re starting a coin collection or you already have one, one thing is for sure: there’s more about this hobby than meets the eye. Either way, you still need to familiarize yourself with the basics of coin knowledge and understand not just what makes a coin collectible, but also your collection value.

While NobleSpirit deals in a wide range of collectibles, we specialize in rare stamps and coins. NobleSpirit founder, Joe Cortese, has been collecting and dealing in stamps and coins for over forty years, and has acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. If you’re thinking about investing in numismatics, or you already have a coin collection but aren’t sure how to best determine its value, we have a staff of numismatic experts that are here to offer some insight.

Types of Coins

In the world of rare coins, not all coins are collectibles. According to Joe Cortese, the founder of NobleSpirit, there are four main types of collectible coins. The first is gold. Gold coins are usually issued in small numbers to increase their value as collectibles. The highest standard for gold purity is 99999.

Silver coins with 99.999% purity are in high demand by coin collectors. Silver requires little maintenance and can endure extreme temperatures. Another silvery metal, platinum, shares some of the best qualities of gold, including its high resistance to rust and decay.

The fourth type of collectibles are innovative coins. Their inherent value doesn’t come from the type of metal but the artwork and design. These coins often have multiple colors and holograms, high relief, and plasma effects. If your coin collection falls under one or more of these types, chances are your collectibles are highly valuable.  

Coins Worth Collecting

In the world of collectibles, the rarer the coin, the higher its value. Even if the coin doesn’t belong to any of the above four types, its scarcity will make it an instant collectible sought after by collectors. For this reason, the numismatists at NobleSpirit place a high value on 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. It’s a one-cent coin with the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, at the back. Joe Cortese, who has been dealing in rare coins for over four decades, advises coin collectors to start their collection with Lincoln pennies and if you happen to come across the 1909-S VDB, the value of your collection will skyrocket overnight.

Other rare coins worth collecting include the 1921 Peace Dollar, a silver dollar designed by Anthony DeFrancisci to commemorate the end of WWI. The 1916-D Mercury Dime, a product of the Denver mint with only 264,000 coins in circulation at the time, is another sought-after rare coin. And also, be on the lookout for either the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter or the 1932-D Washington Quarter. They will cost you a pretty penny, but their value and prestige are preserved over time.

NobleSpirit Explains How to Care for Your Valuable Coin Collection

Joe Cortese is the head numismatist here at NobleSpirit, and he always stresses the importance of caring for your collectibles and rare coins to maintain the collection value over time. The way you handle and store your coins plays a big role in preservation. You should always use cotton gloves and avoid touching the coins with your bare hands. Don’t use latex gloves, since they’re covered with powder or chemical lubricants that can be deposited onto the surface of the coin.

Hold your coin gently by the edges between your thumb and forefinger and never hold it by the reverse or obverse surfaces. Finally, you should never try to clean your coins yourself. That could damage the finish of the coins and decrease their value. You should always send your coins out to be cleaned by a professional service that specializes in rare numismatic material.