Why Collector's Coins are Worth the Investment | The Royal Mint (2024)

We often get asked why some 50p coins cost more than their denomination and there are a number of reasons why this occurs.

There are two types of coins: those which go into circulation and those which don’t. The latter includes commemorative coins and bullion coins.

Many of these coins are available in a range of editions, including Gold Proof, Silver ProofBrilliant Uncirculated and Bullion editions. These are minted to the size and shape of an official UK coin but their greater value is found in their composition – a precious metal, a superior finish or both.

For example, a Silver Proof 50p coin is worth a lot more than a 50p you will find in your change and it will not be as common as a 50p coin in circulation.

Brilliant Uncirculated coins are struck to a higher standard than circulating coins, but they retail at less than Proof coins; ideal if you’re thinking of starting a collection or marking a special occasion.

Like Proof coins, a coin that is ‘uncirculated’ will not have the wear or scratches that a circulated coin usually has. Uncirculated coins are made using the same method as circulating coins, but are struck multiple times with greater force. They also have enhancements such as early strikes, special cleaning and special packaging which make them an attractive purchase.

Read more about coin striking standards

Why Spend More on a Coin?

The Quality of the Metal

Depending on the metal a coin is struck in, its cost may be more than the denomination in which it appears. A gold Proof 50p coin is minted to the shape and diameter of a circulating 50p but its metal is far more valuable than the circulating, cupro-nickel 50p coins you will find in your change.

Craftsmanship

Circulating coins are struck once, giving a complete finish. Any scratches and imperfections are not removed and remain as part of the unique appearance of the coin. Bullion coins have a similar standard of finish, but are made from precious metals and all minor blemishes are removed. They are bought for their intrinsic cash value and kept as a financial asset. Commemorative Brilliant Uncirculated coins are struck twice. This extra strike gives much more definition and makes the details of the design really stand out. Proof coins are struck several times and due to the extra time it takes to produce them, there are usually fewer Proof coins minted which often makes them more sought-after by collectors.

Mintage

Gold and silver Proof commemorative coins are minted in limited numbers. This makes them valuable and more collectable as there are less of them produced, and many collectors are keen to add them to their collections.

Discover more about Coin Mintage Figures

Authenticity

Our commemorative coins come with an assurance of authenticity. Brilliant Uncirculated coins have the full specifications printed on the packaging and Proof coins come with a Certificate of Authenticity, including the Maximum Coin Mintage and Limited Edition Presentation figures. With their high-quality presentation and limited numbers, Proof sets are often sought-after by collectors and generally speaking, Proof coins have a higher mark-up than Brilliant Uncirculated coins.

There is no right or wrong way to collect. It all depends on your motivations and preferences. If you are willing to pay the extra cost for coins that are more attractive, are older with historical significance and scarce, or you are looking for a coin gift for someone, then commemorative coins and sets could be the best option for you.

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Why Collector's Coins are Worth the Investment | The Royal Mint (2024)

FAQs

Why Collector's Coins are Worth the Investment | The Royal Mint? ›

These are minted to the size and shape of an official UK coin but their greater value is found in their composition – a precious metal, a superior finish or both. For example, a Silver Proof 50p coin

50p coin
The British decimal fifty pence coin (often shortened to 50p in writing and speech) is a denomination of sterling coinage worth 1⁄2 of one pound. Its obverse features the profile of the current Monarch since the coin's introduction in 1969. As of October 2022, five different royal portraits have been used. Fifty pence.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Fifty_pence_(British_coin)
is worth a lot more than a 50p you will find in your change and it will not be as common as a 50p coin in circulation.

Is it worth buying collector coins? ›

With coin collecting, as with collecting other items, the more rare the coin, the more valuable it is. investing in rare coins has the advantage of potentially providing significant profits. However, it also has downsides to consider, including the fact that earning money investing in rare coins takes time.

Are US mint commemorative coins a good investment? ›

Collectors and investors often consider US Mint coins a valuable addition to their portfolios. These pieces hold historical significance, potentially increase in value over time, and offer diversification.

Are national collector's mint coins worth anything? ›

#2 - National Collector's Mint

National Collector's Mint advertisem*nts imply that Freedom Tower coins and other medals have meaningful amounts of precious metal in them when in actuality, they do not. Additionally, they produce a large quantity of "tribute coins" which are copies of genuine U.S. coins.

Are collectible coins an investment? ›

Subjectivity in grading means there is real inherent risk in coin investing. Expect to hold your investment for at least 10 years before possibly realizing a profit. That's because dealers usually sell collectible coins at a markup. It's how they make their money.

Are rare coins going up in value? ›

Like most markets, investing in rare and collectible coins is as vulnerable to volatility and price swings as any other — and many coin experts expect plenty of volatility in 2024 due to the broader economic climate. This means certain rare coins will significantly rise in value in the coming months.

Should you keep commemorative coins? ›

In our experience, a commemorative coins' value usually lies in the fact it's a collectable item. If it's rare, it will probably be worth far more than its face value. Non-circulating commemorative coins are particularly sought after and treasured by collectors for their aesthetic appeal or rarity value.

What are the most wanted coins to collectors? ›

8 Rare Coins Worth Millions That Are Highly Coveted by Coin...
  • 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. ...
  • 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. ...
  • 1913 5C Liberty Head Nickel. ...
  • 1804 Silver Dollar Original — Class I. ...
  • 1787 $15 Brasher, Breast Punch. ...
  • 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar. ...
  • 1894-S Barber Dime. ...
  • 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin.
3 days ago

What is the most valuable coin from the U.S. Mint? ›

When it comes to valuable coins, nothing compares to the 1933 Double Eagle. The Double Eagle, the last gold currency struck in the U.S., sold for a whopping $18.9 million in 2021. First minted in 1907, the coin features an image of Lady Liberty on its obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse, Smithsonian reported.

Can you sell coins to The Royal Mint? ›

Yes, at The Royal Mint we also buy gold, silver and platinum coins from other Mints, this includes South African Krugerrand coins, Austrian Philharmonic coins and Canadian Maple Leaf coins.

What coin are coin collectors looking for? ›

Such coins include the Morgan dollar, the Mercury dime, and even Washington quarters, says Zivi. While some of these coins may have collectible value independent of their silver content, such as some of the Morgans, the value of common coins is boosted by their bullion value.

How do you find the value of collector coins? ›

The value of a coin is based on its date, mintmark, mintage, and condition. Run an online search to identify what kind of coin you have, then contact a local coin dealer to assess your coin's value. Check recently sold eBay listings to see what people are paying for your coin type.

Is it a good time to sell collectible coins? ›

“For the consumer, the first three or four months of the new year are often the best time for selling gold and silver rare coins,” said Fuljenz, who explained that dealers typically increase their inventories for the busy spring season.

Who is buying rare coins? ›

Park Avenue Numismatics is the best place to buy rare coins and sell rare coins for Cash. Our experts have been in this business for more than 30 years and have the experience to identify and buy rare coins.

What years of coin are worth money? ›

9 of the most valuable coins in the world
  • The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. ...
  • The 1787 Brasher Doubloon. ...
  • The 1787 Fugio cent. ...
  • The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar. ...
  • The 1343 Edward III Florin. ...
  • The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny. ...
  • The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. ...
  • 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel.
Mar 12, 2024

What year coins are worth collecting? ›

Cents
NameValue in circulated conditionValue in uncirculated condition
1877 Indian Head Cent$600+Up to $130,000
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (Wheat Reverse)$675+Up to $65,000
1914-D Lincoln Cent (Wheat Reverse)$160+Up to $11,000
1955 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse$1,600+Up to $30,500
2 more rows
Apr 14, 2023

How do I get the best value for a coin collection? ›

The rarer the coin, the higher the value in most cases. Before you bring your coin collection in for an appraisal, try to sort them out based on things like the year, the condition, or the type. This will make it easier to gauge the value of each coin and will help you keep track of the value of each item.

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