7 Deadly Pre-1800 Coin Collection Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them Forever)

I’ve Watched Collectors Bleed Money – Save Yourself the Agony

After thirty years in the coin game, I’ve seen too many collectors bleed money from the same avoidable mistakes with pre-1800 coins. These aren’t just old pocket change – they’re fragile historical artifacts. Modern collecting rules don’t apply here.

Let me show you the seven costly errors I’ve witnessed in auction houses and private collections. Consider this your cheat sheet for protecting your wallet and your treasures.

Mistake #1: Falling for Pretty Fakes (The Heartbreaker)

Spot Counterfeits Like a Pro

• Details too sharp for coins that should show wear
• Uneven coloring that looks painted rather than aged
• Weight that feels “off” compared to genuine specimens

Golden Rule: Never, ever buy raw coins from mystery sellers without third-party grading. That “1792 Half Disme” bargain? Might cost you five figures in regret.

Your Fake Coin First Aid Kit

When that Spanish piece of eight looks suspicious:

1. Do the gravity test: (Weight in air)/(Weight in air – Weight in water)
2. Hunt for modern tool marks under magnification
3. Verify against PCGS CoinFacts or NGC’s database

Mistake #2: Murdering Original Surfaces

How Well-Meaning Collectors Destroy History

Those hairline scratches on the forum’s 1799 dollar? Criminal. Usually caused by:

• Cotton gloves catching on rough surfaces
• Homemade “cleaning” with kitchen ingredients
• Cheap plastic holders that eat away at metal

Time-Tested Preservation Tactics

For delicate pieces like your Fugio Cent:

Touch only the edges with nitrile gloves. Use archival-quality holders with acid-free paper. Keep humidity around 35-40% with silica gel.

Mistake #3: Sleeping on Die Varieties

That “die crack” discussion? Here’s why you should be obsessed with these quirks:

Mistake #4: Ignoring European Goldmines

While everyone fights over US colonials, smart collectors find treasures like that 1204 Spanish coin. Build your European edge with:

• Krause’s World Coin catalog (your new bible)
• Spink & Son guides for British coins

Mistake #5: Date Translation Disasters

Roman numerals trick even seasoned collectors. That 1374-1375 coin?

MCCCLXXIV = 1000 + 300 + 50 + 10 + 10 + 4 = 1374

Always triple-check against mint records – medieval dates often follow local calendars that’ll trip you up.

Mistake #6: Auction Adrenaline Overspending

That New York Excelsior coin calling your name? Before raising your paddle:

1. Set hard limits using GPAnalysis data
2. Add 20% for buyer’s fees immediately
3. Know the return policy cold

Mistake #7: Underestimating Error Coins

That double-struck British penny isn’t defective – it’s payday. Pre-1800 errors are like finding dinosaur tracks in your backyard. Document properly with:

• Angle-lit macro photos showing every detail
• CONECA certification for attribution

Become the Collector Others Envy

The gap between a $500 coin and a $50,000 beauty? It’s these seven avoidable mistakes. Remember: pre-1800 coins are living history. Treat them with respect, arm yourself with knowledge, and your collection will become both a source of profit and pride.

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