Coins
The Case for Copies and Other Coins:
I started coin collecting at 12 and have put together and sold several US Type Coin collections over the years. Collecting has always been passionate fun, and sometimes even profitable. In the 80's, I was also a part time coin dealer.
At 80, I've returned once again to the hobby, but differently. I've found I much prefer copies to the original US Type Coins. The copies have these advantages:
1. They are made by superior modern minting processes, and thus are near perfect. No more dealing with Fair, G, VG, F, VF, XF, AU, UNC, MS60 - MS70, etc.
2. They are often struck as mirror-finished ultra-cameo proofs.
3. They are usually more beautiful designs in some ways, such as being Ultra High Relief.
4. They are are much larger, which makes them easier to enjoy. My largest is a 120mm 1877 gold plated coin that cost $35.
5. Most are made of .999 fine silver, and have good intrinsic value.
6. They are easily obtained, and way way less expensive. For example, I got the Intaglio Mint here in Colorado to make a copy of the 1838-O Reeded Edge Half Dollar, my personal favorite US type coin. Their copy has 2 oz of .9999 fine silver and sells for just $65, which is a little over silver bullion value. It is High Relief and is 27% larger than the original. A similar (but not as perfect) authentic version sold for $763,750!
7. And there is no need to worry about authenticity!
Of course there are disadvantages:
1. Many are boldly stamped with the word “COPY” over some part of the reverse side design. Recently mints have stopped this practice, and instead just change the wording in some places.
2. They are not the authentic versions of the coin.
To my surprise, I've found that many beautiful silver coins are being released by other US and non-US mints each year. They are reasonably priced, especially at release, and have good intrinsic silver value. Many have very limited mintage (99 - 500), so their value goes up and up quickly over the years.
Another of my hobbies is photography, as you can see here. I always combine photography with other hobbies, which exponentially increases the challenge and fun.
Fun fact: More than 1 of every 3 Americans collects coins in some fashion, according to the US Mint.
Read MoreI started coin collecting at 12 and have put together and sold several US Type Coin collections over the years. Collecting has always been passionate fun, and sometimes even profitable. In the 80's, I was also a part time coin dealer.
At 80, I've returned once again to the hobby, but differently. I've found I much prefer copies to the original US Type Coins. The copies have these advantages:
1. They are made by superior modern minting processes, and thus are near perfect. No more dealing with Fair, G, VG, F, VF, XF, AU, UNC, MS60 - MS70, etc.
2. They are often struck as mirror-finished ultra-cameo proofs.
3. They are usually more beautiful designs in some ways, such as being Ultra High Relief.
4. They are are much larger, which makes them easier to enjoy. My largest is a 120mm 1877 gold plated coin that cost $35.
5. Most are made of .999 fine silver, and have good intrinsic value.
6. They are easily obtained, and way way less expensive. For example, I got the Intaglio Mint here in Colorado to make a copy of the 1838-O Reeded Edge Half Dollar, my personal favorite US type coin. Their copy has 2 oz of .9999 fine silver and sells for just $65, which is a little over silver bullion value. It is High Relief and is 27% larger than the original. A similar (but not as perfect) authentic version sold for $763,750!
7. And there is no need to worry about authenticity!
Of course there are disadvantages:
1. Many are boldly stamped with the word “COPY” over some part of the reverse side design. Recently mints have stopped this practice, and instead just change the wording in some places.
2. They are not the authentic versions of the coin.
To my surprise, I've found that many beautiful silver coins are being released by other US and non-US mints each year. They are reasonably priced, especially at release, and have good intrinsic silver value. Many have very limited mintage (99 - 500), so their value goes up and up quickly over the years.
Another of my hobbies is photography, as you can see here. I always combine photography with other hobbies, which exponentially increases the challenge and fun.
Fun fact: More than 1 of every 3 Americans collects coins in some fashion, according to the US Mint.
