Coin Values

Three factors determine the value of a coin.  If you can picture a three-legged stool, and imagine what would happen if you removed one of the legs, you can immediately see what occurs when you take away one or more of the key factors that determine the value of a coin.

The three factors are: condition, scarcity and demand. For example, in our shop we sell Widow's Mites from the Holy Land that are two thousand years old.  They come in a nice folder with a certificate of authenticity, and carry a price tag of thirty-five dollars.  How can we sell a two thousand year old coin for so little?  Simply put, there are tens of thousands of them out there because every time there is an archeological dig in that part of the world, they uncover thousands of these coins.  Because the soil conditions are very dry, they are generally very well preserved. That being said, how many people do you know that collect two thousand year old Widow's Mites?

I have found that the best philosophy to employ when collecting coins (or anything else), is to collect what you enjoy.  If at some point you can sell your collection for a profit, consider it a bonus! 

Coin Values Related Terms