By Mark Ferguson for COIN VALUES

Not finding the coins you want to buy? You’re not alone.

Collectors and dealers alike are finding it increasingly difficult to locate the coins they want to purchase for collections and inventory. This is as true for high-end, multimillion dollar trophy coins as it is for problem-free circulated coins, including those costing less than $100.

Scouring auctions is probably the best way to eventually find what you’re looking for, but other sources exist.

In a slow market, sellers are often reluctant to consign coins to auctions for fear of not receiving as much money as they believe their coins are worth. However, during the past five years, auctions have been the preferred way to sell collections and individual coins. Many dealers are even consigning coins to major auctions, believing they have the best chance of receiving top dollar by selling this way. Read Full Article

By Mark Ferguson

Proof gold coins are collected by a minority of collectors. Their prices begin at several thousand dollars each, and many mintages are extremely low, often fewer than a couple dozen pieces per issue.

Because of space considerations and the small percentage of collectors regularly collecting them, Proof gold coin values are not included in the print version of Coin Values magazine.

Instead they are listed on our Web site, CoinValuesOnline.com.

During the past year, we’ve embarked on a significant expansion of the grades and varieties for which we list values, in most series.

In fact, this expansion has been so enormous that, for a few areas, we need do additional research in order to confirm values.

Pre-1934 Proof gold was one of those areas. But now you can find values for virtually all of these issues on our Web site, from Proof 60 through either Proof 65 or Proof 66. Read Full Article

By Mark Ferguson COIN VALUES

Describing today’s collector of modern coins in 25 words or less is a challenging if not impossible task. We’ll use Jefferson 5-cent piece, struck since 1938, to illustrate how those with an interest in the same series can take dramatically different approaches while pursuing the common goal of building a date set.

Jefferson 5-cent coins are an ideal area for low-budget fun, as the vast majority of dates can be found – Proofs included – for well less than $10 apiece. By spending a few dollars at a time, it is possible to obtain all but a handful of dates in Uncirculated condition.

That thrifty approach certainly appeals to many collectors, but others want to go for high-grade “investment quality” pieces with low grading service population numbers. They are also willing and able to pay hefty sums for coins in a series long known for rock-bottom prices. Read Full Article

By Mark Ferguson

The previous sustained important bull market in coins was during the inflationary days of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Then an important market fundamental came into play when Professional Coin Grading Service in 1986 and Numismatic Guaranty Corp. in 1987 began grading and “slabbing” coins. Gradual use of the Internet followed, which has greatly enhanced coin trading.

Then, beginning in 1999 the State quarter dollars were introduced, stimulating the greatest bull market in coins ever!

Now enters what may be another important market fundamental: CAC, originally known as Collectors Acceptance Corp.

CAC offers two services: One is reviewing and approving or rejecting the grades of coins assigned by PCGS and NGC. The second is making a market in the CAC-approved coins. Read Full Article