Best Collectible Coins

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Contributor, Benzinga
September 11, 2024

Want to jump straight to the best collectible coins? American Gold Eagle, Platinum American Eagle, Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf and the 2021 $10 ¼-ounce Red-Tailed Hawk are some of the best collectible coins, available at Priority Gold and Advantage Gold.

Collectible coins are a fascinating and rewarding hobby for many enthusiasts around the world. These coins hold historical significance and can provide valuable insights into different eras and cultures. Collectors are drawn to the intricate designs, rare minting errors, and precious metals used in these coins. Each piece tells a unique story and can spark curiosity and intrigue.

As these coins increase in rarity and demand, their value can appreciate significantly over time, making them a wise financial choice for many collectors. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a beginner looking to start your own collection, the world of collectible coins offers a wide range of options and possibilities to explore.

In this article, we bring to you four of the best collectible coins.

What is Coin Collecting?

Coin collecting can be categorized into two main categories, bullion and numismatic. Numismatic collectors look for unique coins that are rare and have historical value. Numismatic coin collectors might specialize in various sub-niches like ancient Roman coins.

Bullion investors seek coins made of precious metals like gold, silver, palladium or platinum. These investors are more interested in the underlying value of the precious metal, not just the coin's historical value. However, both types of investors see these coins as long-term investments that can hedge against inflation.

Why Collect Coins Instead of Bullion?

The biggest advantage of being a numismatic coin collector is that vintage coins can be worth more than bullion coins. An ancient Roman coin that has some gold content but is extremely rare and in demand could be more valuable than a pure 1-ounce gold coin.

Unlike standard bullion coins, these rare coins can’t be reproduced, which can increase their value. On the flip side, they’re less liquid than standard bullion coins. As a result, vintage coins can be harder to trade, and their dealers aren’t as regulated.

For example, many standard precious metals brokers like the partners mentioned in this guide must register with the IRS because they offer self-directed IRAs. You can also use the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) database site to look up your potential precious metals dealer’s history.

What to Look for in the Best Collectible Coins

The three main factors to consider when looking for the best collectible coins include mintage number, coin grade and demand. The Guide Book of United States Coins is a good starting point when determining a coin’s mintage number and demand. Aside from this, dealers like the Chicago Gold Gallery offer free appraisals.

Ensure that each potential coin is in good condition, meaning that it doesn’t have cracks, doubling or missing elements. These small details can have a huge impact on a coin’s valuation. It might be tempting to clean your coins but doing this removes luster and patina, which decreases the value. Be sure to store the coins in mint condition to preserve the most value.

Best Collectible Coins

Many rare coins can have unexpectedly high values. The following list focuses more on bullion coins since this category offers greater liquidity and regulation.

American Gold Eagle

The American Gold Eagle coin is a 1-ounce coin that contains 22-karat gold. This coin is especially unique since it’s made with U.S.-sourced gold. It’s even more popular with investors since the U.S. government guarantees each coin’s weight, purity and gold content.

Platinum American Eagles

Platinum American Eagles are the official platinum bullion coin of the U.S. and have been in existence since 1997. Platinum is a lesser-known precious metal, but it’s still worth $1,043 per ounce, much more than silver’s spot price of $24.

Platinum is rarer than silver, and it has many uses that gold or silver can’t replicate. It is a component in catalytic car converters to convert harmful engine emissions into less-harmful substances.

Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf

The Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf is one of the few palladium coins backed by an official government. The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) personally guarantees each coin’s purity and weight. Each 1-ounce coin is composed of 99.95% palladium, with traces of other metals like copper to ensure durability.

Like platinum, palladium is rarer than gold and has unique purposes like aircraft spark plugs and catalytic converters on automobiles.

2021 $10 ¼-ounce Red-Tailed Hawk

This newer gold coin is composed of 99.99% fine gold and features the late Queen Elizabeth II. Like the Canadian Palladium Maple Leaf, the RCM guarantees the quality of each coin.

These coins are especially valuable because of their limited supply, fine gold quality and connection to the reputation of the late queen. Because of this, these coins have been trading at higher valuations than their spot prices.

How to Buy the Best Collectible Coins

The best way to start buying collectible coins is through a trusted partner like Priority Gold or Advantage Gold. You can call each company’s trading desk where associates will walk you through the buying and selling process.

Most reputable brokers insure the coins when they’re sent en route to your location. These partners also make it easy to set up a self-directed IRA, which you can learn more about below.

How to Buy the Best Collectible Coins With an IRA

With a self-directed IRA, you can invest in non-traditional assets like precious metals, real estate and collectible coins. Like a traditional IRA, you can select your self-directed IRA as tax-deferred or tax-free (Roth).

Fortunately, each partner in this guide can help you create a self-directed IRA in less than 30 minutes. Not all collectible coins qualify to be placed in an IRA.

How to Trade or Sell Your Collectible Coins

Most of these partners simplify the trading and selling process. Generally, you can trade each collectible coin for a product of a similar value.

You could also sell your coins back to the broker, which can save you time and money. Outside third parties like jewelers and cash-for-gold stores usually charge higher fees than these brokers.

Are the Best Collectible Coins a Good Investment?

The best collectible coins can be a good investment, especially if you’re looking to diversify your portfolio from traditional assets. These coins can match or even beat the rate of inflation.

Rare, vintage coins can have much greater value compared to traditional gold or silver coins. However, these unique coins have minimal government oversight and can be illiquid. If you’re concerned about these factors, you can buy bullion coins through a reputable broker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What are the best coins to collect?

A
The best coins for beginners are simple bullion coins like the American Gold Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf brands. These coins are more liquid than vintage models and are guaranteed by the U.S. and Canadian governments, respectively.
Q

What is the most collectible coin?

A
One of the most iconic and valuable coins in the world is the 1933 Double Eagle Gold coin. With only a handful of these coins known to exist, they have become some of the most coveted treasures in the numismatic world.
Q

What coins increase in value?

A

Coins that typically appreciate in value are those that are rare or in high demand among collectors. Rare coins are often part of limited mintages or feature unique attributes, such as minting errors or historical significance. These factors make them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike, driving up their value over time. Additionally, coins with popular designs, themes, or historical connections tend to attract more interest from collectors, which can also lead to higher value appreciation.