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Coin collectors around the world are on a constant hunt for rare coins, from precious metal and limited edition coins to uncirculated and misprint coins, these collectibles bring excellent value to their owners. When properly cared for and preserved, rare coins often increase in value over time and make a great investment both for their monetary value and their historical and cultural interest. If you are on the hunt for rare coins or have a personal collection that you want to have appraised, David Ellis and our team of experts can help!

What Makes a Coin Rare? 

Identifying rare coins takes a keen eye and a good knowledge of what is already in circulation. Knowing your currency history can help you to spot a rare gem among a pile of everyday pocket change. But what makes a coin rare? 

  • Scarcity: Some coins are literally ‘rare’, with only a few in circulation. Some scarce coins were only minted in limited supply, some were mistakes, and some have become scarce thanks to time
  • Misprints: Accidents happen in any industry including coin printing, and when they do, it can mean the start of a new obsession. Misprinted coins with incorrect lettering, missing, elements, or other errors are a highly sought after commodity, with collectors often searching for years to find misprinted coins for their collections
  • Uncirculated: Some coins never make it into circulation, meaning that they never have a chance to sustain damage. Uncirculated coins retain their shiny faces, have no pits or dents, and lack the minor flaws that make everyday coins lose their value and luster
  • Precious metals: Today’s currency is largely made from a combination of copper, nickel, and zinc, but historically, coins were made from precious metals like silver and gold. Older precious metal coins retain value both as a glimpse into history and for their purity. Though some gold and silver coins are produced today, these are not considered rare

How To Handle Rare Coins

Think you might have a rare coin on your hands? Before you bring in your collection to David Ellis, be sure you are handling your coins properly to prevent causing any damage. Knowing how to handle rare coins can save you from inadvertently reducing your items in value since even small flaws can impact how much a collector is willing to pay for a rare coin. Here are some basic tips for handling rare coins: 

  1. Use cotton or rubber gloves or a microfiber cloth to handle coins, never your bare hands
  2. Hold rare coins by the edges, not the face
  3. Keep rare coins in protective sleeves and cases
  4. Never clean rare coins – even if they are tarnished
  5. Store coins away from heat and moisture

Selling Rare Coins

Before you list your rare coin collection online in hopes that a dedicated collector will happen upon it, consider bringing your coins to David Ellis. Experts with more than four decades of experience, the team at David Ellis offers fast, accurate appraisals of precious metal coins, jewelry, scrap, and collectibles. Not only will we appraise your rare coins, we’ll buy them, too! We offer the best and most competitive prices for rare coins, and love offering our customers the best deals in town!