The “aha!” moment may occur upon a closer look at an unusual coin received as change.
While old coins provide a tangible connection to the past, few people would be excited by a dusty box of coins at a garage sale—until they read about a rare coin selling for millions. There are significant opportunities for appreciation if you choose wisely.
In the world of investing, anything that has the potential to be purchased low and sold at a profit merits consideration. Accordingly, traditional investment vehicles such as stocks and bonds have been joined by investment-grade coins.
One of seven made, a 1787 New York-style Brasher doubloon sold for $9.3 million in 2021 is a great example of how rarity can drive coin values. (Courtesy of Heritage Auctions)
Because there are so many coins to choose from, ranging from the Roman denarius to misprinted coins, it’s wise to decide on a theme for your collection. This approach allows you to focus on and learn about specific coins or categories, such as age, history, design, or material composition, in order to make wise acquisition choices. There’s no such thing as having too much knowledge….