Boston is the location where many acts of independence were first struck by early American settlers. In 1652, the Massachusetts Bay Colony established Hull Mint, named after the local silversmith John Hull, who would also be appointed to monitor the mint’s coinage. Fast forward 140 years later, post-independence to 1972. With the passage of the recent Coinage Act, Congress opened the U.S. Mint— the first constitutionally established building of the Republic— in Philadelphia.
As U.S. Mints have become more widespread over time, so have the range of precious metal coins produced by the U.S. Mint. Like the bicentennial coin series, the 2021 to 2025 Platinum Proof Coin Program, or the globally renowned American Gold Eagle coin, many of these coins display commemorative designs that encapsulate historically significant moments in U.S. history. This guide will cover how you can invest in U.S. Mint Coins.
Types of U.S. Mint Coins to Consider
Types of U.S. Mint Coins to consider will depend on your investment goals and available funding. Currently, the U.S. Mint produces the nation’s circulating, bullion, and numismatic (collector) coins. You’ll want to choose from bullion coins or numismatic coins for investment purposes. Investors can purchase gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins struck at the U.S. Mint.
A bullion coin’s value correlates to the contents of its weight in a specific precious metal. Bullion coins can offer investors an easy entry point to invest in and own precious metals. The value of bullion coins can vary by size, purity, the coin’s condition or grading, and future collectible value.
Lastly, numismatic coins have a certain inherent and intangible value determined by the coin’s condition, rarity, and precious metal content. For instance, proof and uncirculated coins are appealing because of their limited mintage numbers adding to their future scarcity. The historical and artistic worth of these coins gives them a high purchase and resale value, making them ideal collectibles and investments.
The Benefits of Collecting U.S. Mint Coins
Precious metals are a resilient asset class. They have an intrinsic value interlinked to the tangibility that stocks, bonds, and mutual funds lack. U.S. Mint coins provide risk management and act as a hedge against inflation through strategic diversification. Investing in coins from the U.S. Mint helps investors build wealth through stabilizing assets with guaranteed weight, content, and purity.
Moreover, U.S.-minted coins as investments attract premium values. Many collectors aim to hold these coins and resell them at a later date for high return rates. Eventually, the value of these commemorative coins can transcend their metal content resulting in even higher resale gains over the metal’s spot (market) price.
How to Buy and Sell U.S. Mint Coins
There are several areas investors will want to consider when selling or purchasing U.S. Mint coins:
Grading Systems for U.S. Mint Coins
U.S. Mint coins are graded based on factors such as surface preservation, strike quality, errors, and luster. The less wear and tear, the higher the value of the coin.
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The best U.S. Mint coins to purchase have historical and well-preserved aesthetic value. These coins are evaluated and graded according to Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). The coins are then categorized by their Mint State (MS) or proof condition.
MS refers to a coin struck for circulation and is sometimes called a business strike coin. These coins have a mostly matte-like finish with an MS label inscribed on the coin. The most valuable MS coins are graded on a scale from 60 to 70. A rare grade of 70 is considered flawless and of museum quality. Uncirculated and circulated commemorative coins are graded on this scale.
Proof coins, on the other hand, have a shiny luster and the letters “PR” inscribed on the coin label. The mirror-like finish occurs because proof coins are struck twice instead of just once, like circulated and uncirculated coins. Because of the intricacies involved in striking proof coins, they are much rarer.
Overall, the alluring appearance of these coins and the involved production process can fetch higher premiums. Coins that cannot be evaluated based on those categories are considered Specimen or SP coins.
Investing in Rare U.S. Mint Coins
In 2013, The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold for over $10 million dollars at auction. Rumored to be the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint, this coin ranks as one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
Additionally, it demonstrates how more than just the precious metals content of a coin can cause it to appreciate in value. The rarer the coin, the higher premiums due to market scarcity and collector desirability.
Storing and Protecting Your Collection of U.S. Mint Coins
To retain their value, commemorative coins need to be protected from all harmful elements that could result in damage to the coin or coin theft. Sleeves, at-home safes, and insured state depositories are a few options for how to store your U.S. Mint coins the right way.
U.S. Gold Bureau — Your Trusted Bulk Coin and Precious Metals Dealer
When investing in U.S. Mint coins, you’ll want to be sure you’re purchasing them from a trusted and knowledgeable precious metals dealership. Each of our Precious Metals Specialists at the U.S. Gold Bureau undergoes extensive training to ensure adequate assistance is available throughout each precious metals acquisition process stage.
As an authorized bulk purchaser of coins and bullion from the U.S. Mint and an authorized and licensed dealer of investment-grade coins, we can guarantee the origin, authenticity, purity, and quality of every product we offer.
Call us today for a best-price quote at 800-775-3504, or contact us through our live chat to learn how you can invest in American history and the future of your financial freedom by adding U.S. Mint coins to build your dream portfolio.
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byUnited States Gold Bureau