American Gold Coins
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American gold coins have been sought after by collectors for the possibility of great worth, especially if the money is rare, in good condition, and is in high demand. US coin dealers have set prices and dollar amounts of worth on many types of United States money. The worth is determined by four main factors. Scarcity or rarity is the main factor for discovering the worth. The rarer the legal tender, the higher its value. Many believe that old money is automatically given a high value. In realty, age is not considered. For example, many thousand year old Chinese coins often sell for only a few dollars because there is a plethora to choose from. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel, however, may sell for $1 million or more because there only 5 known to exist in the entire world. If the money is in fair to excellent condition, the value will also be higher. Collectors money is usually assigned a grade. This process is very similar to the grading standard with diamonds or other precious metals. A flawless and rare metal can be worth much more than legal tender that is rare, but in bad shape.
A bullion value is determined by the precious metals a piece of money contains. These tenders usually contain gold, silver or platinum, and their worth is based on the melt value. American gold coins, if rare and in excellent shape, can be worth much more than the melt value. The demand of the legal tender also dictates its value. If collectors are in hot pursuit of a particular metal, then they may be willing to pay much more that its book value to obtain for their own collection. US coin dealers can provide a novice collector with a catalog to correctly identify the legal tender for the purpose of discovering its worth. The most popular catalog is the "Guidebook of United States Coins" by R.S. Yeoman. This is commonly called "The Red Book", by collectors. It provides retail prices for United States collectible legal tender. It is available for viewing in many public libraries, major bookstores, and collectible shops. When seeking the value of world money, the "Standard Catalog of World Coins" by Krause and Mishler should be consulted. These volumes are also available in libraries bookstores and collectors shops.
For adjustable priced money, the most current way to access worth and value is through the Internet, newspapers, magazines, and auction sites. These places can provide any collector with all the information they need to value legal tender for collection or for a sale. American gold coins are probably the most liquid asset an investor can own. They are traded throughout the world everyday. The gold market never closes and international trading centers operate 24 hours a day. Financial experts recommend that investors diversify their portfolios by adding gold as a foundation to an investment plan. In fact, gold tends to move in the opposite direction of paper investments, so a well balanced investment plan should certainly include the golden asset. US coin dealers working with financial advisers suggest that investors use the golden asset in 5%-10% of all their investments. Christians are encouraged to participate in retirement plans that include investing their money for future gain and preparation. The goal for investing is to create a long term gain, not gamble on short term profits. "Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven" (Proverbs 23:4-5).
The market for rare pieces of coinage has been dominated for commerce in the United States from 1838 to 1933. Rare American gold coins are the biggest individual segment of the rare coinage market. They are also the most important. A rising market in the golden metal creates profit for investors and collectors alike. Until 1933, the Unites States produced golden coinage as money in denominations of $1.00, $2.50, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00, and $20.00. The combined mintage exceeded 100 million pieces, but very few of these pieces exist today. Most have been lost or destroyed. US coin dealers estimate that 95% of the mintage has been lost from mishandling, collector hording, or melting. In the nation's history, only twice has there been melting of golden money. The first melt was in 1834 because the metals intrinsic value exceeded the face value. The second melting happened in 1933, when all golden money was recalled by the government and melted down. Of the remaining coinage, not many are actively traded today, but they are among the nation's most popular collector tenders. Quality is suggested by collectors for those interested in building a legal tender investment portfolio. Obtaining the rarest that can be afforded is also recommended. Seeking professional help and purchasing only PCGS and NGC certified coinage will secure the value of any United States golden coinage collection.
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