Three Things That Can Affect A Coin's Value

If you obtain a collection of coins in any way, whether you receive it as part of an inheritance or buy it at a yard sale, the first thing that you'll probably wonder is what the collection is worth. It can be exciting to wonder if there's a high-value coin hiding in the collection that you might be able to sell for a significant sum of money. Your next step should be to find an experienced coin appraisal professional in your area. This expert can carefully look through your collection and tell you what each coin is worth. Here are three things that can affect a coin's value. 

Age

The age of a coin plays a significant role in affecting its value. In general, coins that are older are more valuable than newer coins because of their scarcity. There are countless pennies on the market from the last 25 years, for example, but when you find a penny that is a century old, it's unique because not as many of these coins are still in existence. It's possible that your collection features some very old coins, and you might be especially excited to learn more about their current market value.

Metal

The metal that a coin is made of also plays a role in its value. There are all sorts of metals that are used in coins, including some that aren't very valuable and some that are very valuable. For example, coins that feature a combination of materials, such as copper and nickel, may not be valuable because of the common nature of these metals. When you find coins that have real silver or gold, however, these coins automatically command a higher price because of the market value of these metals. A lot of older coins feature a percentage of real silver or gold, which heightens these coins' value.

Condition

The condition of a coin is another factor that your appraisal expert will consider when they evaluate your collection. Coins in mint condition have more value than those that show signs of wear. A coin that has been in heavy circulation may be tarnished and could even have scratches or worn areas on its surface. Some collectors obtain high-value coins and keep them safe in protective holders as a way of keeping their condition pristine. To learn more about the appraisal process and arrange the appraisal of your collection, speak to a coin appraiser.

Contact a local coin collection appraisal service to learn more.