The spare change in your wallet may not be worth much, however, due to their rarity, certain coins have turned into valuable collectables.  Both historic and modern coins have made some people a small fortune!

This post delves more into the wonderful world of coin collecting, and why it could be a worthy investment.

What Types of Coins Are Valuable?

Obviously, not all coins are valuable. Your average 1p coin is still worth 1p. So just which coins are valuable? Let’s take a look:

Historic coins

Historic coins that are no longer in circulation can often gain value over time. Generally, the older the coin, the more valuable it is. However, scarcity plays an important part too and some old coins are worth more than others simply due to their rarity. The condition also makes a difference, and some old coins can be valuable simply due to being well preserved.

Old hammered coins used up until the 15th century can cost upwards of £500 each, while milled silver shillings containing monarchs like Queen Victoria and Queen Anne can similarly be worth hundreds. Historic coins from other countries can also be worth a lot of money such as historic US quarters and French francs. 

Gold coins

Some coins were historically forged using gold, making them even more valuable. Many government mints around the world continue to produce commemorative gold coins every few years, which instantly become valuable collectables. When investing in these coins, it is often useful to have a knowledge of gold as well as a knowledge of coins. Gold is valued based on its weight and is often traded through specific gold dealers. Researching questions on technical terms such as what are bullions and what is GOFO could help you when navigating this form of coin investing. 

1-ounce regular sovereign coins are the easiest to value as they are generally worth the exact value of gold per ounce (which is currently just over £1,800). Other gold coins may be worth less or more depending on their weight, age, condition and rarity. 

Rare modern coins 

Some modern rare coins have become valuable collectables too. Such coins include £1 coins and 50p coins that were produced in very limited numbers. These are the types of coins that may already be in your wallet without realising!

For example, a double-dated single market 50p from 1992 could be worth as much as £60 due to only 109,000 being put into circulation. The Kew Gardens 50p released in 2009 has also become a valuable collectible - with some selling for £245 on eBay. 

Where to Find Collectable Coins

There are many ways to acquire collectable coins. The first option is to get lucky. Check the change in your wallet and check any other places (such as old boxes in your attic) where old or rare coins may be lurking. You can also get a metal detector and hunt for old historic coins, as some people do!

Buying coins is an easier way to obtain valuable coins, however, you need to be careful where you buy them from. Some people will overcharge you or try to sell you fake coins. This is why some coin collectors prefer to buy purely through gold dealers, trusted coin-collecting sites and coin shows.

While the likes of eBay are riskier, you can still find many trusted sellers here with good reviews. You may also find naive sellers here listing old coins for very low prices, simply because they do not know the value of them. Second-hand stores and car boot sales may also be placed to look for underpriced coins, although this requires a degree of luck and you will need to be knowledgeable about coins and their value.

Gold coins are best purchased directly through The Royal Mint or bullion dealers. Prices can vary so it’s worth comparing rates.

When purchasing high-value collectable coins, it could be worth getting them authenticated first if they do not already come with a certificate of authentication. This can ensure that you don’t buy a coin that is fake and worthless. 

Are Coins a Good Investment?

Coins can be a good investment because, generally speaking, they only ever increase in value. Many older coins have proved this, doubling or tripling in value over the space of a few decades. 

They are also small and easy to collect without requiring a huge amount of space. On top of this, they are fairly low maintenance compared to some other collectables. Most people store coins in cases or plastic pockets within albums. They are easy to hide away, which can reduce the need for expensive security measures. 

There are plenty of resources online where you can learn about coins and develop an understanding of what is valuable. Unlike some collectables, coin collecting has been around for centuries and has a huge community. This makes educating yourself and trading coins fairly easy. 

Coin Collecting vs Investing

If you want to make money from your coin collection, you do need to be prepared to part with your coins when the time comes. Certain coins may be a better purchase as they may be more likely to attract value in a shorter time (such as buying gold coins during a gold price boom). There may also be ways of increasing the value of individual coins such as collecting sets.

Many people become attached to their collections and don’t want to sell them. This is fine if you’re happy being a collector. But if investment was your initial purpose, it could make for a bad investment!

Of course, you could always aim to pass down your coin collection to your family for them to sell and benefit from. This could make it a valuable form of inheritance.

Conclusion

There are many ways to make money by investing in coins. However, you do need to educate yourself to make a good investment. It’s also important to understand the difference between collecting and investing.

While coin collecting can be an enjoyable hobby and potentially a profitable investment, it involves risks and uncertainties. The value of coins can fluctuate based on various factors, including market conditions, precious metals value, rarity, demand, and condition.

It is important to conduct thorough research and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any investment decisions. Additionally, be cautious when purchasing coins, as there is a risk of encountering counterfeit or overpriced items.

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