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How to Search for Old Coins

In 2008, a group of rare Swedish gold Dukats dating from the 1600s were purchased from a garage sale for $5. It transpired that the coins were stolen property, but it still proves the point that old coins can turn up almost anywhere. Obvious sources include dealers, coin shows, the Internet and traditional auctions, but don't overlook less glamorous routes such as garage sales. Those who relish the great outdoors and welcome a challenge might even consider investing in a metal detector.

Instructions

- 1
  Check noticeboards and newspapers for news of private sales and auctions. When looking for coins at a yard sale, check inside boxes, tins, bags and envelopes. Old coins sometimes get mixed in with buttons and badges. It's even worth looking inside the pockets of old coats because people use them as hiding places, then forget what they've put there. Auctions will usually have small, valuable items such as coins in a glazed cabinet under the watchful eye of the porter, but that shouldn't deter you from going through mixed lots, opening up boxes and pulling out drawers just in case the auctioneer has missed something.
- 2
  Search the Yellow Pages under Antiques as well as Coin Dealers and Supplies. If you're after a specific coin and you're happy to pay the going rate, then a established coin dealer should be your first port of call. Alternatively, if you're more interested in tracking down a bargain, then a better bet might be to trawl through some general antiques stores.
- 3
  Go along to a coin show if you'd like to see lots of old coins under one roof. These meets are held all over the country and can run for several days. For a list of coin shows, visit the 2-Clicks Coins website.
- 4
  Browse the Coins categories of online auction sites. There will be subsections covering most areas of specialization. Vendors range from established dealers to one-off amateurs. Buying a vaguely described item from someone who doesn't know what they're doing is a risky strategy, but if all goes well you may end up with a bargain.
- 5
  Purchase a metal detector and go out looking for buried treasure. Retailing in the $50 range, metal detectors are available from most online hobby or home security sites. Best suited to areas with several centuries of habitation, this can be a rewarding pastime, but be cognizant of local bylaws and ask permission before detecting on someone else's land. You should also bear in mind that a detector makes no distinction between old coins and other kinds of metal, so you may end up the proud owner of a collection of nails.

Coin Collecting