There is a feeling of pride and joy that comes from building a quality collection of coins.  The United States has been producing her own coinage since 1793 and each piece represents a unique time in our history.  Ancient coins have been minted since about 600BC so the hobby offers countless opportunities for your collecting interest.

The production of coins is a complex and expensive operation.  The issuing country controls the designs, purity and weight of the coins issued under their authority.  Years ago coins were made of gold and silver being worth close to their bullion values unlike today’s coinage of base metal coins that are symbols of their value.

Beware of Counterfeits.

Individuals have altered and even reproduced the coinages that have become valuable.  These counterfeits often were made from base metals but are always illegal products.  Some are very easy to detect but others are very sophisticated and difficult to uncover.

How Can I Identify Them?

Before you venture into the market, take time to research the genuine coins you hope to purchase. Familiarizing yourself with their distinct features could help you spot counterfeits in a single glance.

Aside from the appearance, you should also know the rare coin’s proper weight and size, but many counterfeits are made to the original specifications.  There are often tell-tale signs of counterfeiting that an expert can help you recognize.

In addition to studying and verifying the nuances of rare coins, you can avoid a significant amount of counterfeits by staying away from bargains offered at flea markets and on websites. Instead, choose expert dealers who are willing to build a relationship with their clients.

Another safeguard is to have your coins certified by one of the recognized certification services.  We here at Coins Plus are a submission center for the three most recognized services, PCGS, NGC and ANACS.  You can have your coins certified through us or choose your next coin from our certified inventory.

If you are looking for genuine rare coins to fill out your collection, start your search at Coins Plus of Cincinnati, OH. They have been guiding local numismatists through the coin buying process since 1972. Today, they are regarded as the only "National Award Winning and PNG Dealer” in the city. For more on their current selection of coins and gold bullion, call (513) 621-1996, or visit them online.