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How to Determine the Condition of a Rare Coin

Rare coins can be worth a lot of money. Collectors are willing to pay high prices depending on the rarity and condition of a coin. Whether it is part of a collection passed down by your family for generations or you happened across a hundred-year-old coin while walking down the street, it is important to know how to determine the condition of your coin, as this is one of the first things a collector will take into account.

Instructions

- 1
  Look first for cracks. Coins that have major cracks are clearly in bad condition, but even hairline cracks, particularly if visible with the naked eye, will be looked on unfavorably by a serious coin collector.
- 2
  Hold the coin to the light and look at its luster. Coins made of precious metals, such as gold and silver, are far more likely to keep their shine than a copper coin.
- 3
  Check if the image on the coin has been tarnished or if it is still clearly visible. Often the images relate to specific periods in history and are very important when assessing the condition of a coin.
- 4
  Look for evidence of coin toning or discoloration. This primarily occurs with copper and silver coins, and can actually increase the value of a coin, if the discoloration adds to the aesthetic.
- 5
  Take your rare coin to an official coin grader for an accurate assessment of its condition and market value.

Coin Collecting