Buy Gold Coins - Assembling Your
Coin Collection

 
The first place to go to buy gold coins is the U.S. Mint - at their website at www.usmint.gov. The Mint does not sell circulating coins, but rather proof sets, commemorative medals, and gold and silver bullion coins.
 
Currently the U.S. Mint is offering the American Eagle– 22 karat gold coins, in one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce weights, the Gold Buffalo, a 24-karat, $50 face value coin, and the First Spouse program, $10 face value, one-half ounce 24-karat gold coins featuring the portraits of the wives of the U.S. presidents.
 
There are many other locations on the Internet to purchase both new and old coins. Ebay.com is the site everyone thinks of when it comes to finding bargains, but really this isn't the case. Indeed, because of the vast popularity of Ebay and the amount of people you may be bidding against, you could very easily pay more for a coin here than you would by visiting your local coin dealer. It is very important to watch your bid prices and at the same time watch gold coin values in from a standardized price list.
 
If you do purchase from Ebay, make sure you check out the Seller's Feedback to determine their trustworthiness. Although, be aware that Ebay has recently changed their feedback rules to make it more difficult to leave negative feedback. However, if you're dealing with someone who has made thousands of transactions, chances are they are legitimate. Check the number in parentheses after their name - that is how many transactions they have done since joining Ebay.
 
Heritage Auction Galleries www.ha.com is the "World's Largest Collectibles Auctioneer," and indeed has sold many of the most famous gold coins in the world - the 1927-D Double Eagle and the 1920-S Eagle to name but two.
 
You can also purchase coins from your local dealer, or at coin shows. It's always best to establish a relationship with your local dealer, and with dealers around the country via message boards.
 

Purchase Only Professionally Graded Coins

 
There are three third-party businesses that grade coins - the P Professional Coin
Grading Service (PCGS), the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation of America (NGC) and the American Numismatic Association Certification Service.(ANACS).
 

www.anacs.com
www.ngccoin.com
www.pcgs.com


When they grade coins, they place them in "slabs" - clear plastic holders which usually cannot be reopened again with ease. (Coin dealers sometimes do break slabs open and resubmit the coins, hoping for a higher grade.) Although these coins are graded - this does not guarantee what prices they will sell for - the market for gold is currently volatile, but may not always remain so.
 
Remember the old adage – if something seems too good to be true - it is, no "probably" about it. Counterfeits and deceptive practices are a real danger in the coin world, so always deal with a reputable dealer. Make sure you do your homework and you will end up enjoying your coin collection for many years to come.
 
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