Counterfeits
Fakes are prolific in outlets such as eBay, Facebook, Amazon, Etsy and others. The coin buyer must be diligent and knowledgeable above all else.
Grading
This is a tough one and even experienced collectors have a difficult time with it. There are many internet resources and books written on the subject but the truth is it takes many years of experience to become comfortable with it. For starters try Photograde, a series of photos displayed by the Professional Coin Grading Service to help you grade your coins.
The questions you need to ask yourself about a coin are these:
- Has this been cleaned in the past? Cleaning is usually visible as hairline scratches all running the same direction and it will be uncharacteristically shiny. A dipped silver coin will lose its luster and look dull. Never clean your coins. It destroys a great deal of their value to a collector.
- Should I send this to a grading company? That is a personal thing and involves finances. Grading is not inexpensive and you need to be certain the coin is worth spending more on. Many disappointments are in store for the poorly informed.
- These are things we can help you decide. We have looked at thousands upon thousands of coins and notes. We also have submission privileges at all the major grading outfits and can help you decide what is worth the expense. Having a coin graded not only increases its value, it also helps preserve it in its present state inside a hermetically sealed holder. The same is done with paper money.
- Should I sell or keep these for my heirs? That, again, is a strictly personal choice and we cannot help you with it. Our philosophy on coin and currency collecting is this, “We don’t own these things so much as we act as their caretaker for awhile. We study and admire them. To pass them on, whether to your offspring, friends or strangers by sale is fine whatever you so choose. Regardless, eventually they will get passed on and change hands without our interference.”
- We can help you store your collection properly. Avoid all PVC products and keep in a dry, low humidity environment, if possible. The latter is difficult in our climate near the sea but things can be done to avoid the worst.
Consignment Services
We offer professional consignment services for coin collections, ensuring a seamless process for owners wishing to sell while maximizing value through our extensive network and participation in local and national coin shows. References available.
We travel often to coin, currency & stamp shows locally and across the eastern US to shop, sell and network with other dealers and enthusiasts. Face to face is the best way to buy and sell. There are always good conversations with those who share your interests.
Those shows we rent a booth at are the best outlet for your coins. We rent tables at no less then two a month. Online auctions are another avenue but the fees take a big bite. We prefer the face to face at these shows and guarantee all we sell to be genuine. US gold and silver sell themselves. Ancients will also do well but foreign coinage, even precious metals, are a hard sell unless it is a true rarity.
Bullion, Should I Invest?
Our expertise does not extend to investment counseling nor would we presume to do so. But, should a portion of our savings or investments be in bullion as a hedge against the inevitable devaluation of our money? We believe so and most financial experts share this opinion. Gold and silver has always been and always will be of value due to the difficulty and expense in procuring its finite supply, its usefulness in electronics, industries and our perception of it.
Customer Feedback
”Key Numismatics provided excellent service while appraising my coin collection. Their expertise in both modern and ancient coins truly impressed me. Highly recommend!”