Rare coins add beauty and value to a coin collection. There could be so much history in your hands. A soldier in World War I could have had a Liberty quarter with him. A Morgan Silver Dollar can be from the Wild West. As a coin collector, you can be a guardian of these treasures and can turn them into an investment.
Which coins are worth keeping? This selection is based on design, popularity, and the potential to increase in value after some time. Since they are very popular, these coins are a target of counterfeit coin doctors. Avoid buying coins from eBay or Craigslist since you are not sure if the coins you are seeing are from a reputable coin dealer and have been certified by a grading service.
- 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. In 1909, the US changed the design of the one-cent coin from an Indian Head to President Abraham Lincoln. This is to remember the 100th anniversary of President Lincoln’s birth. It was a success with the public, despite Victor David Brenner’s three initials on the penny’s reverse on the bottom of the coin.
- 1921 Peace Dollar. This was designed by Anthony DeFrancisci and was first produced in December 1921. The idea came from the peace that came after the “Great War” from 1908 to 1910. DeFrancisci created a beautiful design of Liberty on the front and an American Eagle on the reverse.
- 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 required the US Government to purchase large amounts of silver to turn them into silver dollars. George T. Morgan initially engraved the design to be used on a half-dollar. It was changed and adapted for the silver dollar by 1878. Around two million pieces were printed in the Nevada branch mint facility.
- 1914-D Lincoln Cent. Around 1,193,000 of these coins were produced. What makes this coin desirable is that there are uncirculated 1914-D samples which are scarcer than the more popular 1909-S V.D.B. coins. These coins have also maintained their value over time.
- 1955/55 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent. This is another popular coin for penny collectors. This is the most famous error coin produced by the US Mint. The error was because of a coin die that received two impressions that were a bit offset from one another. Mint workers discovered the error after printing about 24,000 coins. These were already mixed with properly produced coins. A lot of people pulled out their coins from circulation. Local coin shops were buying them as fast as they could find them.
Coin collecting can be a fun hobby, as you collect and scrutinize coins. Be mindful that making money on hobbies generates a tax liability, too. So, before you decide to turn your collectibles into a business, examine what taxes you’ll be liable for your profits.
If you have a coin collection that needs an estimate, or if you are ready to sell, contact Blackwell Auctions. One of the best coin auctions in Florida. If you are interested in finding out more about consigning or selling to Blackwell Auctions, please contact us at 727.546.0200.
