Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Things to Consider while Buying Gold Coins

Buying gold coins must be preceded by thorough research of ongoing gold prices in different markets. There are a number of factors that affect the value of gold. This makes is important for buyers to gather information on coins, their make, type and amount of fold beforehand. If you are new to buying gold coins, the best way to gain knowledge of the industry is to refer to The Guidebook of United States Coins, popularly as the "Redbook." The book has information on every type of every coin minted in the US.

The value of a gold coin is directly proportionate to its purity. Gold, in its purest form, is measured as 999 gold parts to 1000. Gold that is moderate in purity is measured as 917 parts to 1000. To get the price details of various coins, one could check websites that sell gold coins.

Typically, the value of older gold coins appreciates much faster than that of the newer ones. This is because old coins are generally preferred by hobby collectors.

Buying Gold Coins that are Rare

If you wish to buy rare gold coins, it is crucial to have knowledge of the industry. You can find in-depth information on the Internet. It is important to be careful when selecting the source for buying gold coins. This is because the sale and purchase of fake coins is very prevalent.

You can get in touch with experienced dealers associated with organizations such as the Professional Numismatic Guild. Such dealers must be regular attendees of coin collection events and auctions to be able to provide to sound advice.

Before you buy rare gold coins, ensure that these are graded and certified by the two leading coin grading firms - Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Coins graded by these firms are accepted universally.
The difference between buying regular gold bullion coins and other gold coins lies in the amount you end up purchasing. The purpose of buying gold bullion coins is not collection, but investment. So, these are typically purchased in large quantities. Those who buy rare gold coins consult with a professional for recommendation on specific coins.