Last updated 3 days ago
One of the most popular ways for coin enthusiasts to build their collections is through the purchase of proof sets. The appreciation for these unique coins comes primarily from the craftsmanship with which they are made. Each proof coin starts out as a planchet that is struck numerous times before being polished, leaving a detailed, shiny, and attractive end result. Once the coins have been packaged into hard, protective plastic, they are ready to be sold as a set to eager numismatics. Popular proof sets include 1975 Bicentennial sets and 1992 Silver Premier sets.
The Gaithersburg coin dealers here at Coins of the Realm can teach you more about proof sets and even help you get your collection started. To speak with one of our friendly staff about buying proof sets or other coins from our store, take a look at our website or give us a call today at (301) 637-6220.
Last updated 12 days ago
With increasing prices, many people are talking about the importance of investing in gold. If you're interested in becoming a gold collector, it's important for you to first learn about the various ways to purchase gold from your coin and precious metals dealer. Here is a guide to understanding the different types of gold:
Pure Gold
When differentiating between various types of gold, you should look at the karat amount of each item. 24-karat gold is pure gold. Lower karat amounts designate how much of the metal is pure gold. For example, a 14-karat gold item is 58.3% pure gold, whereas a 22-karat gold item is roughly 91.6% pure gold.
Solid Gold
As your gold dealer can explain, one can purchase gold in several forms, including solid gold and electroplated gold. Electroplated gold is the least desirable type of gold for most collectors, whereas the most profitable and worthwhile type of gold in which to invest is solid gold that ranges from 10 to 24 karats.
Filled Gold
Filled gold can be valuable if it contains a high percentage of pure gold. For example, a gold-filled item that is 20% pure gold can be sold for a fair price to your gold buyer. Lower percentages such as 5% or less are typically found in costume jewelry and, therefore, are not a good investment.
Do you have questions about the different types of gold? If so, stop into Coins of the Realm in Gaithersburg to speak with our resident gold experts. You can learn more about the other precious metals we buy and sell by taking a look at our website or giving us a call today at (301) 637-6220.
Last updated 18 days ago
Do you have a silver necklace that you would like to have appraised, or an antique silver water pitcher that you're hoping to sell for top dollar? If so, you should conduct a bit of research before bringing it into a shop to find out whether your item is in fact real silver.
To begin, turn your item over and look for a stamp that reads “Sterling” or a number value from 800 to 950. As you will learn in this video, such a stamp indicates that your item is in fact silver and not simply silver plated. To find out how much silver it contains, simply divide the marked number by 10 so that you come to a percentage value between 80% and 95%.
Another simple way to find out how much your silver item is worth is to bring it into Coins of the Realm in Gaithersburg. You can learn about our appraisal services by calling us today at (301) 637-6220.
Last updated 22 days ago
Whether you're getting ready to purchase your 50th coin or just getting started in numismatics, there are several tricks and tips that you can implement to create an attractive and valuable collection. As your coin dealer can attest, the strategies for collecting coins vary based on factors such as the category of coin or the type of metal from which it is made. Here are some helpful tips for collecting gold coins:
Invest in Coins Produced by Official Mints
For many novice collectors, it can be difficult to decide whether to purchase gold coins from private companies such as the Bradford Exchange or a national mint like the U.S. Mint. Although the former offers gently used coins at relatively low prices, their overall worth is less than those produced by an official mint. Furthermore, gold coins from an official mint will appreciate more over time, leaving you with a more valuable collection.
Determine Your End Goals Early
Before visiting your local coin dealer, decide what your goals are as a collector. For example, if your goals are to create an attractive collection and to have fun, choose gold coins that catch your eye. If, however, you want a good return on your investment, consider opting out of coin collecting and buying bullion instead.
Find a Safe Place to Store Your Coins
After you've made your purchases, store your new items in a safe place. Coins should be kept in an inconspicuous place, such as a hidden safety deposit box. Before placing coins into a safe, put them inside a paper envelope or an airtight plastic capsule.
The gold coin experts at Coins of the Realm in Gaithersburg are available to help you learn more about collecting. We have roughly four decades of experience in assisting clients interested in buying gold bullion, gold jewelry, and other precious metals. To learn more about buying and selling products with us, call us today at (301) 637-6220.
Last updated 29 days ago
When it comes to buying and selling gold to your coin dealer, it’s helpful to understand some of the common jargon used when discussing a given item. One of the most important words to become familiar with is “karat,” which is a term used to describe the purity level of a precious metal, such as gold.
Since gold is frequently mixed with other alloys to add strength, manufacturers can declare the percentage of pure gold in a ring, necklace, or bracelet in terms of its karat value. You should know that 24-karat gold represents 100% pure gold. This can help you figure out the percentage of gold in your other pieces of jewelry. For example, 18-karat gold signifies the presence of 75% gold and 25% other metals.
You can learn more about gold by speaking with the professional gold dealers here at Coins of the Realm in Gaithersburg. To schedule a service or consultation with us, call (301) 637-6220.
