The true rarity of a coin: More than just a number! The question of the rarity of coins is as fascinating as the hunt for the treasures themselves. Unlike other collectibles, rarity is not just about a single number, such as the mintage (number of coins produced). Below we lift the veil of this multifaceted concept: The mintage plays a role, condition completes the picture: The mintage is an important factor, but only one piece of the puzzle. A highly minted coin in pristine condition can be far rarer than a coin with a lower mintage but that is heavily worn. Here is a rough guideline, althoug ..read more

Hands off the gold! Why cleaning rare coins can be counterproductive The appeal of a shiny gold coin is undeniable, but when it comes to rare specimens, you should definitely avoid reaching for your cleaning products! Here’s why: Conservation is key: Rare coins are valuable not only because of their gold content, but also because of their historical significance and original condition. Cleaning can remove patina, a natural layer that forms over time and adds to the character and authenticity of a coin. For collectors, this patina acts like a time capsule that tells stories from the coin’s past ..read more

The appeal of gold spans generations. Its timeless beauty and enduring value make collectible gold coins a fascinating meeting of passion and investment. But where do you start building your collection of these golden treasures? This guide will equip you with the key steps to embark on this rewarding journey. Knowledge is your golden key: Before you begin your search, invest time in your education. Familiarize yourself with different types of gold coins, from classic bullion coins such as American Eagles, Krugerrands , etc. to historical commemorative coins. Delve into the historical periods ..read more

What makes a coin “rare”? Some key factors can make a coin rare and potentially valuable: Mintage: This refers to the number of coins produced. In general, the fewer coins minted, the rarer and more valuable the coin is. Condition: The condition of the coin is crucial. A coin in pristine condition, with sharp details and little wear, is much more valuable than one that is worn or damaged. Misprints: Errors during the minting process can lead to errors on coins. These errors can make the coin much rarer and more valuable, depending on the type of error. Survival rates: Even if a large number ..read more

Chris Costello is a respected figure in the field of numismatics and hails from Boston. He is not only an artist but also a graphic designer, illustrator and typographer. Costello’s talent also extends to coin design, for which he has received awards for his exceptional work. His masterpieces are celebrated and appreciated worldwide. Larissa Wasserthal: Can you tell us about your path into the world of coin design? What initially sparked your interest in this field? Chris Costello: I became interested in coin collecting at an early age and was always fascinated by the detail and beauty of clas ..read more

Investing in Gold Wisely: Understanding the Cost of Gold Coins Investing in gold coins can be an attractive way to diversify your portfolio. But before you jump in, it’s important to understand the true costs beyond the headline-grabbing spot price. This guide provides a breakdown of the costs involved in purchasing gold coins as an investment. Spot price of gold: This is the market value of an ounce of pure gold, which constantly fluctuates. Follow the current price on financial news websites or directly from gold dealers. Weight and purity of coins: Most modern bullion coins weigh one ounce ..read more

“Early” and “First” Releases: What do they mean for your coins? Have you ever wondered what “Early Releases” and “First Releases” mean for coins graded by NGC? The NGC awards these designations to recognize coins received within a specific time period. Here is the breakdown: Early Releases & First Releases: Both terms apply to coins received by NGC or an approved depository within the first 30 days of their official release. These designations are listed on the NGC certification label in the coin description. Here is an important point: Early Releases is the standard: Unless you specif ..read more

You may have heard the term “Top Pop” when it came to coins. But what exactly does it mean? Here is the solution: Top: This refers to the coin having received the highest numerical grade assigned by a particular certification company (such as PCGS or NGC). Population (Pop): This is short for “population” and indicates the total number of coins of this particular type and condition that have been certified by the company. So a “Top Pop” coin is essentially the champion – the highest graded example of its kind within that particular certification company’s database. Here are some additional d ..read more

Joel Iskowitz stands as a renowned designer of coins and medals on a global scale, distinguished by his remarkable creations adorning prestigious venues such as the US Capitol, the Pentagon, and the White House. We hold a deep appreciation for his artistic prowess and are delighted to engage in an interview with Joel, delving into his creative process, inspirations, and profound insights into designing coins cherished by millions of collectors, destined to endure the test of time and captivate future generations. We greatly appreciate his design and are pleased to have the opportunity to inter ..read more

Joel Iskowitz is one of the few living artists whose artwork has been exhibited at the Pentagon, the Capitol and the White House. He has created artwork for three decades that has graced the covers of books, periodicals, journals, public spaces, coins and postage stamps worldwide. He is also an active United States Air Force (USAF) artist and has a number of oils in the USAF permanent collection. Mr. Iskowitz has been invited twice to document Space Shuttle missions and his artwork is on permanent display at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Museum. His 54 minted designs for United States coins a ..read more