Collector's Guide
Step-by-step instructions for beginners. Term dictionaries, storage guides, legal and tax advice.
Articles (310)
Page 8 of 16
A Review of Finds from a Collectors' Meet-up: From a USSR Ruble to British Crowns
At a collectors' meet-up in the Spanish city of Valencia, which took place on November 5th, an interesting coin was acquired—a 1924 Soviet silver ruble. It is a very nice specimen, although it lacks mint luster.
Offline MeetupsCollector's Guide
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What is Coin Slabbing and Why a Collector Needs It
For many collectors, the terms 'grading' and 'slabbing' may be unfamiliar. This refers to the process of assessing a coin's condition and subsequently packaging it in a special plastic case called a 'slab.' This process helps protect the coin and officially certify its condition, which directly affects its value.
Collector's GuideExpertise
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Euparkeria: South African Silver Investment Coin from the 'Age of Dinosaurs' Series
This review focuses on a one-ounce silver coin produced by the South African Mint Company. This piece is the eightieth ounce of silver added to a private collection this year. The coin comes in its original factory packaging, which is a cardboard blister pack with a detailed description and specifications.
InvestmentsCollector's Guide
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Silver Price Hits Record High: An Analysis of Key Growth Factors
The price of silver has shown a significant surge, reaching $38.67 per ounce. This figure is one of the highest in the last decade, attracting increased attention from both investors and collectors.
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The Hidden Potential of Silver: Investments, Risks, and Future
Silver has long attracted the attention of investors as a potentially undervalued asset. Experience dating back to 2008 shows interesting dynamics when comparing different asset classes. Specifically, a portfolio consisting of a basket of metals has demonstrated significantly better results compared to a portfolio of a basket of currencies.
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Organizing a Collection: Sorting an Album of Russian Empire Coins
In one of the collection albums designed for coins of the Russian Empire, disorder had developed over time. The specimens were arranged chaotically, which made their review and inventory difficult. A decision was made to restore order and systematize the collection in chronological sequence.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
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The 1926 Gold 'Double Eagle': History of the Legendary U.S. Coin
The focus is on a 1926 American $20 gold coin. This specimen is known as the 'Double Eagle.' It is considered the largest U.S. gold coin of its time, weighing nearly 34 grams and containing a troy ounce of pure gold.
History of ThingsCollector's Guide
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The Mints of Australia and Their Famous Products
The minting of Australian coins is concentrated at two key facilities. These are the Royal Australian Mint, which is primarily responsible for issuing coins for domestic circulation, and the Perth Mint, which is a world leader in the production of investment coins made from precious metals.
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The 1996 British 2 Pence Coin: History and Characteristics
Two-pence coins were first minted on February 15, 1971. Initially, they were made of bronze with a copper content of up to 97%. This practice continued until 1992.
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Overview of US Coins from the 1960s-1980s: From Cents to Silver Dollars
The review begins with the smallest denomination coins. The first one presented is a 1-cent coin from 1988. This coin was received as a gift and kept in an album. The obverse features a portrait of Lincoln. The specimen's condition is considered fair, and its edge is smooth. A distinctive feature of American coins is their 'coin alignment,' meaning the obverse and reverse are rotated 180 degrees relative to each other.
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Australian Investment Coins: A Guide for the Beginner Collector
The question of which investment coins to buy has no single answer, as the choice is deeply personal. Every collector has their own preferences, goals, and financial capabilities. Therefore, giving universal advice would be incorrect.
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The Rare 1974 Aluminum Cent: The Story of a $500,000 Coin
American one-cent coins, also known as pennies, are familiar to many. Today, the value of such a cent is about 80 kopecks, which is almost equal to one Russian ruble. Although it is still a circulating denomination, it is gradually being phased out.
History of ThingsCollector's Guide
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Australian Lunar 2024: Review and Investment Potential of the 'Year of the Dragon' Coin
A new addition has appeared on the numismatic market—the Australian Lunar, dedicated to the symbol of 2024, the Chinese dragon. These coins, made of gold and silver, have already begun to reach the first buyers and collectors.
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NGC Grading Results: From High Grades to a Complete Fiasco
To reduce the cost of the coin grading process at NGC, collectors often team up to share the expenses for shipping and paperwork. This time, a batch of five coins was collected and sent for expert evaluation.
ExpertiseCollector's Guide
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A Numismatist's Toolkit: From Catalogs to Microscopes
The primary tool for anyone involved in coin collecting is a catalog. It serves as the main source of information for identifying and evaluating specimens. There are various catalogs covering specific historical periods and regions.
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Numismatics for Beginners: How to Start Collecting Coins
Numismatics is not only the collection of coins but also an auxiliary historical discipline. It studies the history of minting and monetary circulation, revealing important aspects of the past.
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Not-So-Simple Copper: Grading and Examination of Rare Three-Kopek Coins
Among numismatic artifacts, one can find not only genuine specimens but also historical counterfeits. An example of such an object is a counterfeit 1913 three-kopek coin, preserved from an old collection. This coin was most likely produced by casting, as evidenced by its characteristic porosity.
ExpertiseCollector's Guide
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Hunting for German Coins: Finds at a Numismatic Fair in Spain
Several German Empire 2 Mark coins were acquired at the numismatic fair in Valencia on November 16. One of the finds was a 1902 commemorative coin issued to honor the 50th anniversary of the reign of Friedrich I.
Offline MeetupsCollector's Guide
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The World of Vintage Brooches: From Coco Chanel to Flea Market Finds
A brooch is a piece of jewelry or costume jewelry that is pinned to clothing. However, modern fashion has expanded its use: today, this accessory can be seen on bags and even on shoes, which speaks to its versatility.
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The Morgan Dollar: History and Characteristics of the Famous US Coin
Among the many silver coins in the world, the 1 dollar coin of the United States of America, known as the 'Morgan dollar,' holds a special place. This coin is hugely popular among collectors due to its expressive design and historical value.
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