Maybe you inherited a large coin collection recently, or a coin caught your eye when you got handed change. Either way, if you’re looking to sell a coin, it can be hard to know if you’re getting a good deal when you sell it. Many people think that coin prices are only based on how old the coin is. In fact, there are many more determinants than age alone. Just like diamonds get graded on their “4 C’s”, coins are graded on the following characteristics:

Trust is a very important aspect in any kind of business. Risk is a reality all businessmen live by every day; but when trust is established between them and the stakeholders, things get much easier. Trust becomes more important on the consumer’s end. Consumers spend their resources in the hopes that producers will do what they advertise. Taking gold trade for example, people who sell gold coins face serious risks every day. Gold is a very expensive item; thus making it vulnerable to scams and frauds. People who sell gold coins need to always be sure that they deal with honest and reputable dealers every time. So how can a seller ensure that s/he is dealing with a credible dealer? What are the things to look for in a reputable gold coin dealer?

History of Gold Coins

Starting from the 5th or 6th century B.C.E, coins have been used as a form of payment throughout history. The first coins are said to have been made of electrum: a naturally occurring metal made from silver and gold. Over time, coins made of pure gold became standardized by civilizations like the Roman empire, eventually being accepted by economies around the world. The increase in gold imports from Africa increased gold coin minting throughout Europe until World War I. In the United States, the California Gold Rush was responsible for the mass production of gold coins and a shift to the gold standard; the U.S. economy had previously been backed by a dual gold and silver standard but switched over to solely gold after the gold rush.

People get by financial hiccups and challenges today by selling personal valuables. The economy has caused some serious blows on average consumers, and it is a good thing that many of those affected learned to do business.

There are many collectors who take great interest in rare and unique coins. Whether you recently inherited a large coin collection, or a coin caught your eye when the cashier handed you your change, it is frequent that collectors choose to buy, sell, or trade their valuables. Either way, if you’re looking to sell a coin, it can be difficult to know the value of the coin, or if it's worth anything in the first place.

Many people think that coin prices are only based on how old the coin is. In fact, there are many more determinants than age alone. Just like diamonds get graded on their “4 C’s”, coins are graded on the following characteristics: