Rare Us Coins: Best Upside Investments

Rare coins can be a great investment, adding beauty and value to any collection. The best types of investment coins are rarer, key date coins issued by the United States, in the best grade you can afford. If you can't afford a high-grade coin, then purchasing common coins in the finest grades you can afford is a good alternative.

One of the most popular US coins is the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. This coin is considered the Holy Grail of Lincoln pennies due to its scarcity, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Another popular option is the Morgan Silver Dollar, which was minted from 1878 to 1904 and then again in 1921. These coins are made from 90% silver and 10% copper, and certain years can be purchased just above the silver spot price.

When investing in coins, it's important to beware of counterfeiters and coin doctors. It's recommended to buy coins from reputable coin dealers and have them certified by a third-party grading service.

Rare coins

Artistic Beauty and Popularity

Look for coins with intricate and unique designs that appeal to collectors. The more desirable a coin is, the higher its value tends to be. The Peace silver dollar, for instance, features an obverse design emblematic of liberty and an American eagle on the reverse, symbolizing peace.

Historical Significance

Coins with historical stories attached to them are often more valuable. For example, the Standing Liberty quarter, carried by soldiers during World War I, or the Morgan silver dollar, which may have ridden with pioneers in the Wild West, hold a special place in history.

Scarcity and Limited Mintage

Coins with low mintages or limited production runs are typically rarer and more valuable. The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent, for instance, was only produced for a short time due to a change in design, making it the "Holy Grail" of Lincoln pennies.

Error Coins

Coins with minting errors can be highly sought after by collectors. An example is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, which is considered the most famous error coin produced by the United States Mint.

Condition and Grading

The condition of a coin is crucial to its value. Look for coins that are free of defects and have eye appeal. Grading services provide an assessment of a coin's condition, with higher grades indicating better preservation and potential value.

Counterfeits and Reputable Dealers

Be cautious of counterfeits and always purchase rare coins from reputable coin dealers. Have the coins certified by a third-party grading service to ensure their authenticity and grade.

Long-Term Potential

Silver coins

American Silver Eagles

The American Silver Eagle is the official investment-grade silver bullion coin of the United States Mint. It is guaranteed for weight, content, and purity by the U.S. government. The American Silver Eagle consists of 1 oz of .999 fine silver with a face value of one dollar. The American Eagle program first debuted in 1986, with the Silver Eagle featuring an obverse design depicting the Walking Liberty design. The design was updated in 2021, now displaying an eagle in flight adding an oak branch to a nest.

Canadian Silver Maple Leafs

The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf features the iconic single maple leaf, a powerful symbol of Canada. Since its introduction in 1988, the Silver Maple Leaf has consisted of 1 oz of .9999 fine silver, making them among the finest of all silver dollar-sized coins globally. The Silver Canadian Maple Leaf coin offers good liquidity and value. It also features an added security measure with its unique design of a light diffracting pattern of radial lines.

British Silver Britannias

These famous British silver coins were initially introduced in 1987 and display a portrait of a mature Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the Standing Britannia in a horse-drawn chariot on the reverse. In 2012, the Royal Mint increased their purity from .958 fine to .999 fine silver. The high silver content, along with the vast respect and recognizability commanded by the Royal Mint, makes Silver Britannias an excellent value with good potential for liquidity.

Mexican Silver Libertads

Struck by one of the oldest North American mints, la Casa de Moneda de Mexico, the Silver Mexican Libertad coin is one of the most famous silver bullion coins available today. Released in 1982, these silver coins consist of .999 fine silver and come in various sizes, including 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz, among others, to fit any portfolio or budget. The artwork featured on the Silver Libertad is both beautiful and essential to the history of Mexico. Its legendary design and limited mintages make the Mexican Libertad silver coin a sought-after addition to any coin portfolio.

Somalian Silver Elephants

The Somalian Silver Elephant series is part of the African Wildlife Coin Series, which celebrates the well-known fauna of Africa. In 2017, the series expanded to include a variety of sizes, perfect for any budget or collection. It is now available in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kilo silver coins. Since their release in 1999, Somalian Elephant silver coins have held enormous potential for return on investment. Particular issues of these coins, when graded as MS-70, have produced a return on investment of more than 300%.

Morgan Silver Dollars

Morgan Silver Dollars were minted from 1878 to 1904 and then again in 1921. These silver coins are struck from planchets comprised of 90% silver and 10% copper. Although particular Morgan Silver Dollars command high numismatic premiums, lower-quality coins from years with large mintages can be purchased just over the current silver spot price. Morgan Silver Dollars are extremely popular among silver collectors and investors due to their wide recognition.

Bullion coins

• American Gold Eagle Coins: These coins are produced by the United States Mint and are made of 22-karat gold. They feature a design of Lady Liberty on the obverse side and a bald eagle on the reverse side. American Gold Eagle coins are highly sought-after by investors due to their high purity and ease of liquidity.
• American Gold Buffalo Coins: The American Gold Buffalo coin is another popular option produced by the United States Mint. It is modelled after the 1913 Buffalo Nickel and features a Native American chief's profile on the obverse side and an American buffalo on the reverse. American Gold Buffalo coins have a higher purity than American Gold Eagle coins at 24 karats.
• South African Gold Krugerrand Coins: The South African Gold Krugerrand is one of the oldest and most trusted gold bullion coins, first created in 1967. These coins are produced by the South African Mint and are made of 22-karat gold. The lower purity makes them more durable, and they are a great option for those concerned about the longevity of their investment. South African Gold Krugerrand coins are available in weights ranging from 1/50 oz to 2 oz.
• Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coins: The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is a 24-karat gold coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. Released in 1979, it was the only competition for the South African Gold Krugerrand for years and is still considered one of the world's purest and most popular gold bullion coins. It features a maple leaf on the obverse side and Queen Elizabeth II's image on the reverse. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins offer a wide variety of weights, from 1/25 oz to 1 ounce, accommodating investors with different budgets.
• Chinese Gold Panda Coins: The Chinese Gold Panda is a 24-karat gold coin produced by the People's Bank of China. It is a favourite among collectors because its design changes yearly. The obverse side features the Temple of Heaven, while the reverse side features a panda design that differs each year. Chinese Gold Panda coins offer the widest variety of weights on this list, ranging from 1/20 oz to 1 kilogram.

When investing in bullion coins, it is important to consider factors such as the manufacturer, purity, recognition, and overall growth potential. It is also essential to conduct thorough research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Key date coins

One example of a key date coin is the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent. This coin was issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. It featured Victor David Brenner's three initials on the penny's reverse, which was a new trend at the time. However, after the United States Mint facility in San Francisco produced 484,000 of these pennies, the initials on the reverse were removed. This change created instant scarcity, making the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent a highly sought-after coin for collectors.

Another example of a key date coin is the 1914-D Lincoln Cent. While not as scarce as the 1909-S VDB coin, the 1914-D coin is still considered desirable due to the lower number of uncirculated specimens. This coin has maintained its value over time, especially for intermediate and expert collectors.

Other key date coins to consider include the 1916-D Winged Liberty Head Dime, the 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter: Type 1, and the 1932-D Washington Quarter.

Numismatic coins

• Artistic Beauty and Historical Significance: Numismatic coins often feature intricate and aesthetically pleasing designs that showcase a country's history, culture, or important figures. The Peace silver dollar, for instance, was designed by Anthony DeFrancisci to commemorate the "Great War" and features an emblematic design of liberty on the obverse and an American eagle symbolizing peace on the reverse.
• Popularity with Collectors: The demand for certain coins among collectors can drive up their value over time. The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent, for example, is considered by many to be the most popular U.S. coin. Its popularity stems from it being the first design change to the one-cent coin in 100 years, commemorating Abraham Lincoln's birth centennial. The limited initial production of this coin, with only 484,000 minted, further adds to its desirability among collectors.
• Rarity and Scarcity: Numismatic coins with low mintages or limited production runs tend to be more valuable. The 1916-D Winged Liberty Head Dime, also known as the Mercury dime, is a great example. With only 264,000 coins minted in Denver in 1916, it is extremely rare and sought-after by intermediate and advanced collectors.
• Condition and Grading: The condition and grade of a numismatic coin can significantly impact its value. Look for coins that are free of defects, have eye appeal, and possess characteristics that meet the standards of third-party grading services. For example, an investment-grade 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent should have a rich, deep copper color typical of a coin over a hundred years old.
• Long-Term Value Appreciation: Numismatic coins with a track record of maintaining or increasing their value over time are ideal for investment purposes. The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent has consistently maintained its value and prestige among collectors of United States coins. Similarly, the Morgan Silver Dollar, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, is highly recognized and sought-after by silver collectors and investors.
• Avoid Counterfeits: When investing in numismatic coins, it is crucial to be cautious of counterfeits and "coin doctors." Avoid buying coins from online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist. Instead, establish a relationship with a trusted and reputable coin dealer to ensure the authenticity and quality of your purchases.

In summary, numismatic coins offer a unique blend of historical significance, artistic appeal, and collector demand that can make them a worthwhile investment. Remember to do your research, buy from reputable sources, and consider the factors mentioned above to make informed decisions when investing in numismatic coins.

Frequently asked questions