My Deep Dive into Identifying a DB Dollar Variety
June 27, 2025Can Silver Coins Be Restored? My Practical Insights as a Collector
June 27, 2025
Curiosity got the best of me recently when I wondered: just how many gold and platinum coins do I actually own? What began as a simple tally turned into a wonderful trip down memory lane through my collection. It showed me patterns in my collecting habits, brought forgotten treasures back to light, and reminded me of lessons learned over decades in this hobby.
My Personal Inventory Breakdown
When I finally added everything up, I was genuinely surprised to count 41 gold and electrum coins (remember, gilt doesn’t count!) spread across categories that trace my collecting journey. Starting with limited funds taught me patience, but persistence really paid off. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 7 in my Ancient & Medieval collection
- 2 in my Roman Twelve Caesars set
- 15 in World Coins
- 17 in US Coins
Most are small bullion pieces with a few pre-1933 issues mixed in for flavor. Platinum and palladium haven’t made their way into my collection yet, but I’m always looking for interesting pieces.
Collector Stories and What Drives Us
Talking with fellow collectors over the years has shown me how differently we approach gold and platinum. Some focus entirely on artistry or historical significance—I know folks with just 2-5 special pieces who’d rather spend their budget on affordable ancients. Others with 6-10 coins often chase specific designs or stories, sometimes sparked by a friend’s recommendation. Then there’s the other end of the spectrum—one acquaintance owns about 200 coins, mostly modern US commemoratives in Proof and Uncirculated condition. Sadly, many of those have lost their collector premium and now trade near melt value, showing how markets can shift.
For those with larger holdings (26-50 coins), many built their collections through savvy buys like quarter and half eagle Indians back in the 1990s. Storage becomes crucial at this level—like me, most use bank vaults for security. Without a proper inventory list, it’s easy to lose track!
Where History Meets the Grading Room
The coins that truly captivate me are those steeped in history. Take the aureus—I once thought owning a Roman gold coin was impossible, yet now I proudly have two, even in lower grades. One commemorates Titus and the Colosseum’s opening, proving that a coin’s story often outweighs its metal value. My Antonius Pius aureus (NGC Choice VF, Sear 4028) shows Victory advancing with wreath and palm—a common type, but stunning. Having it professionally graded gave me peace of mind about authenticity and preserved its value.
Late Roman solidii from emperors like Honorius offer surprisingly accessible entry points into ancient gold. A solidus of Honorius (RIC X 1206b, Sear 20916) depicts the emperor in military dress, with fascinating die variations like “AVG GG” suggesting co-emperor periods. Always record details like RIC and Sear numbers—they’re invaluable for research and future sales.
Hard-Won Tips for Your Collection
Here’s what I’ve learned that might help fellow collectors:
- Start small and focused: Limited funds shouldn’t stop you. Buy what genuinely interests you—whether it’s artistic beauty or historical significance. Electrum or fractional gold can be perfect starting points.
- Grade wisely: For key coins, professional grading by NGC or PCGS confirms condition and helps with resale. Terms like Choice VF clearly communicate wear levels.
- Storage and security: Use bank vaults or quality home safes. Disorganization leads to forgotten gems, so keep a digital inventory.
- Smart buying and selling: Shop during market dips, and consider trading duplicates for rarer dates. Be cautious with modern commemoratives—many lose value over time.
Watching the Market’s Ebb and Flow
Gold coins can be unpredictable. Pre-1933 US issues often maintain collector premiums, but modern bullion might not. Platinum pieces occupy a specialized niche—I’ve watched collectors sell theirs to fund gold acquisitions. Focus on coins with lasting historical appeal, like aurei. Yes, some emperors’ coins cost five figures, but they tend to hold value well.
Parting Thoughts
Counting my coins gave me that wonderful “aha” moment all collectors understand. This hobby isn’t about the number of pieces—it’s about the journey each coin represents. Whether your collection fills a single tray or multiple boxes, it’s uniquely yours. Keep discovering, stay organized, and above all, enjoy the adventure. Every coin has its own tale.
