BUYING COINS ONLINE

There are times when buying Online is advantageous.

Almost every bullion coin and many others were originally purchased from a mint.  The practice of buying from a governmental mint is quite acceptable.  In fact, you probably will get a better price and have the quality coin you request, if you are willing to buy current coins.  In a few rare cases mints may have older issues, but their selections are greatest for current year coins.

Older coin sets and individual coins still in their original packaging bought from a reputable dealer is also acceptable.  If you do this, you should expect to see a picture of the exact coin.  A stock photograph is acceptable if the dealer declares no flaws, states the uncirculated grade, or claims the original case is intact.

If you are buying precious metal simply for the metal content of the coins, you do not need to see the coins.

If your purchase meets the criteria above, or if you trust your dealer, delivery to your door can be especially nice.  You do not have to spend fuel or time to go shopping for your coins.  Just remember these may be theft targets, so have home delivery only if there is a drop box into your home for your mail, or if you arrange to have to sign for the delivery.  A Post Office protects your delivery, and you were probably going to check it anyhow, so you still save fuel and time.

Buying pitfalls:

Older lower grade coins often do not photograph well.  Flaws may be missed, or, to your advantage, the coin may appear to show less detail than it has due to reflections.  This is especially true of shiny coins.  U. S. 2–cent pieces are particularly difficult to photograph.

The case you are being given may not be the original case.  Many Online sources of coins offer empty boxes for specific coins.  The problem here is that the coin may be placed in a box for cameo, but not quite fit the definition.  Even worse, the coin may be called proof but simply be a sharp, first strike coin.  While those selling empty boxes may claim they are helping collectors who damaged a box, the misuse of these boxes, and even Certificates of Authenticity, becomes a real problem.  Even a dealer cannot determine if you have the exact coin that originally was housed in a particular box or was accompanied by a specific Certificate of Authenticity, unless the case is sealed from the mint.  This problem exist for buying in person as well as Online.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.