Where to Buy Coins

Looking for new items for your growing coin collection? You can find coins in a number of sources, depending on what type of coin you want at acquire.

A great place to start is with your local coin dealer. Look for dealers in the Yellow Pages, or check the local retail directory for coin or hobby shops. Most dealers are happy to talk to fellow coin enthusiasts, and will gladly help you find what you are looking for. There’s nothing like talking face to face with another coin enthusiast to keep you interested in your hobby.

You can easily find a number of online coin dealers by simply entering “buy coins” in your search engine. In fact it can be overwhelming, and sometimes difficult to know if all of these dealers are legit. There are advantages to buying coins online, though. For one, you can take your time and thoroughly investigate the coins before deciding to buy. You can also easily compare prices with other dealers for the same or similar coins. And being able to see photos of the coins will help you determine their overall quality. Make sure the dealer you are considering has a solid background in coin collecting, and if in doubt ask for references.

Not only a great place to meet other coin enthusiasts and get the latest news from the industry, coin shows and conventions are a fantastic place to meet dealers and buy coins. The variety of coins at a show is usually quite large, and you’ll be able to comparison shop and find some unique items. To find a show near you, check with your local coin dealer or hobby shop, or check listings online.

A growing area, online Internet auction sites are an interesting way to buy and sell coins. Aside from general interest sites like eBay, many auction houses often have coin divisions that sponsor online or in-person auctions. Make sure you do your homework beforehand and know how much you are willing to spend on a particular item, to avoid getting caught up in the auction frenzy.

If you are looking for something very particular, or want coins for investment purposes, you might consider using a coin broker. These specialists will scour their sources to find what you are looking for, and generally take a commission on the sale. You can find coin brokers online, or ask your local dealer for a referral. You might also check with some of the popular coin collecting magazines for brokers.

Get involved in your local coin club. You’ll not only meet other like-minded coin collectors, but you’ll also find some good sources for buying and selling. Check with your hobby shop, or look online to find a club near you.

Consider getting a subscription to one of the many coin collecting magazines on the market. You’ll get lots of industry news and tips on your hobby, and you’ll also find a wealth of ads from dealers and individuals looking to buy and sell coins. Just be sure you are working with a reputable dealer.

Don’t overlook the local sources for coins. Antique sales, garage sales, flea markets, estate auctions and other local opportunities can turn up a wealth of interesting finds. In fact many collectors enjoy the hunt itself almost as much, if not more than, having the actual coin in their possession. It’s the thrill of the chase, the time spent out of doors exploring new places and meeting new people appeals to a large number of local collectors.

However you choose to acquire your new coins, be sure you know what you are buying, and understand what it’s worth before you part with your money.