| Answers to Common Questions
How old is the coin collecting tradition? Probably almost as old as the first coin of 2,500 years ago. The desire to collect beautiful, history-laden artifacts is basic to human nature. As tangible pieces of history, coins put us "in touch" with great eras of the past. As a poet said, "The Bust outlasts the Throne/The Coin, Tiberius." The coin collector gets to enjoy these fascinating treasures, while building an heirloom collection. How large is the coin collecting market in the United States? There are millions of coin collectors in the U.S. today, and the number may continue to grow. Because the supply of classic coins is forever fixed, they can become more elusive and coveted as time passes. What are the benefits of coin collecting? Coins are a wonderful hobby and there's a real sense of accomplishment and pride in building a collection. We recommend that your foremost goal in collecting be enjoyment. No future gains can ever be guaranteed. What's the difference between numismatic coins and bullion coins? Bullion coins have a value strictly based on their intrinsic gold or silver content. Numismatic coins with a gold or silver content have a "double dynamic" -- their value is also based on their relative scarcity and demand in the collecting market. What coins should I collect? Above all, buy what you enjoy. The most satisfying collections reflect the owner's individual tastes and interests. ICC offers an exceptionally wide range of numismatic coins for you to choose from , and we're always on the lookout for special values to bring to your attention. Plus we're always willing to do a free search for any coin or grade you don't find in our offers. Just call us toll-free 1-800-451-4463, fax 1-800-229-3239, or e-mail info@iccoin.com for professional assistance. What is "grading" and how important is it? Grading is a vitally important professional evaluation of a coin's condition, based on official standards of the American Numismatic Association (ANA). ICC's ANA-trained grading staff upholds the strictest standards, hand-selecting and double-inspecting every coin, so that you get exactly the grade you're paying for and nothing less. See our Coin Grading page. Are uncirculated grades always better choices than circulated? Far from it. In many cases, carefully-selected circulated grades may be better values than costly mint-state specimens of a particular coin type or date. Generally, we like to choose a grade that seems to offer the best value, weighing relative scarcity against affordability. What's the importance of different dates and mintmarks? Different issues in a coin series can have vastly divergent levels of scarcity and value. For example, Morgan silver dollars dated 1895 are far scarcer than those dated 1896 ... and an 1895 "S" (San Francisco mintmark) issue is tougher to find in most grades than an 1895 "O" (New Orleans mintmark). Our lengthy experience is an excellent guide for you in deciding which dates and mintmarks to buy. How should collector coins be handled and stored? Always hold a coin by its edges, preferably over a soft surface, so it won't be damaged if it falls. Try never to touch a coin on its obverse or reverse sides, since the oil in your skin can leave fingerprints. It's recommended that you store coins in a dry place. We generally ship coins in protective envelopes or holders, which provide good permanent storage.  |
Updated
May 5, 2008 In our Yahoo Shopper ratings, most gave our website an "EXCELLENT.""This is the best website I've found for ordering coins and a very clean site for viewing" - J. C., TennesseePrices are subject to change. All orders subject to acceptance. International Coins & Currency |
