Diversify with older coins
Its tempting with all the new issues and mint marketing to think that new issues are the only game in town. I am a big fan of new issues don’t get me wrong. They create a community hubbub like no other as everyone is on the same wavelength all at the same time.
While it is tempting to always be thinking of the next release its wise to save some budget for high quality older coins. Why? well if for no other reason than diversification if nothing else, however there are better reasons too.
Older coins vary more - that variety can make them more interesting.
Older coins have an established value trend - while value is not everything none of us like to lose cash!
Older coins show craftsmanship that is now absent - while moderns are computer generated many times older coins are from dies that have been hand engraved often by masters.
Charles 1 - Unite
Where should you start?
Information is pretty much everything and my advice is to start by reading. Buy a copy of Spink Coins of England and read it, look at the variation of mintage, see what varieties are out there and see what rare dates are and then decide what type of collector you are? Hammered, Early Milled, Later Milled, By Theme, By Country, By Year set, By type set - there is no one right answer. Personally I buy on beauty and quality because i believe that when i change it up again there will be many people out there who can appreciate that same beauty and quality.
Beautiful and ultra Rare Edward VIII HalfCrown
What should I spend?
Everyone has a budget that is specific to them. Some low, some high. My advice is to buy 1 rather than 5 coins and spend more on each coin you buy. My advice is to buy less frequently but higher quality. In terms of absolutes there is a sweet spot of £100 to £500 per coin that seems to be enough to get good quality coins that others will also want.
(c) Sovereign Rarities - The New York Sale 2020
Where can I get advice?
There are lots of good dealers out there and many dealers and collectors can be found on the Numistacker Facebook Group. You can use the group to buy, sell or just ask for advice. A good alternative is the Silver Forum too. You can post pictures on these groups and ask those that know about value, varieties, collectability etc and learn from their answers.
Over the last few years I have been collecting some nice examples of older coins. They do not have to be very very old and they do not have to be Gold. Here are some PCGS graded coins that are considered to be nice collectible condition coins. One or two are the best or pretty near the best examples out there but many are capable of being eclipsed. The thing is that they are “good enough” to take pleasure in owning them while at the same time not expensive enough to break the bank.
