Has Anyone Else Bought One of These? My Deep Dive into the US Mint’s 250th Anniversary Silver Eagle
June 19, 2025My Insights on Restoring Silver Coins
June 19, 2025
I recently decided to count all the gold and platinum coins in my collection, and wow – what an eye-opener! As someone who’s collected for years, I found myself thinking about everything from the incredible variety to the realities of budgeting and grading. Here’s what came out of that experience.
My Personal Collection Tally
After counting carefully, I was genuinely surprised to find 41 gold and electrum coins in my collection, though no platinum or palladium pieces yet. Here’s how they break down:
- Ancient & Medieval: 7 coins
- Roman Twelve Caesars: 2 coins
- World Coins: 15 coins
- US Coins: 17 coins
Given my tight budget over the years, this felt like a real achievement. It shows that even with limited funds, you can build something meaningful through patience and thoughtful choices.
What I Collect and Why
Most of my gold pieces are small bullion items, but I’ve always been drawn to pre-1933 US coins for their history. Platinum isn’t really my focus, though I’ll occasionally pick up a piece for its artistry or backstory. What I’ve realized? It’s never just about the metal – every coin tells a story. That’s why I love ancient aurei or solidii; holding something that circulated during the Roman Empire, maybe even commemorating events like the Colosseum’s opening, feels like touching history.
Watching Values Change
One hard lesson? Collector values can swing wildly. I’ve held modern US commemorative gold coins in Proof and Uncirculated condition, only to see their premium evaporate until they’re barely above melt value. That’s why I lean toward coins with lasting appeal – type coins or British pieces tend to hold up better. If you’re building a collection with value in mind, look beyond bullion. Rarity and solid provenance help weather market storms.
Grading and Protecting Your Coins
Getting coins graded makes a real difference for both value and peace of mind. When I sent my Antonius Pius aureus to NGC and it came back Choice VF, I knew exactly what I had. My tip? Always record details like inscriptions and mint marks. Noting ‘TR POT XX COS IIII’ on a Roman coin, for instance, helps pin down its era and authenticity. And for high-value pieces – don’t hesitate to use a bank vault. I keep some there myself; it’s just good sense.
Collecting Smart on a Budget
Building a gold collection without deep pockets takes creativity. I started with smaller denominations like quarter and half eagles – much friendlier on the wallet. Trading up has worked well for me too; moving pieces I liked less to acquire key dates helps focus on quality. Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Estate sales and auctions can turn up gems, and historical significance often outweighs perfect condition. If you’re like me and find beauty in well-worn everyday coins from history? That’s perfectly valid – collect what speaks to you.
Coins That Tell Stories
Some of my favorites include that Antonius Pius aureus (common but gorgeous) and solidii from late emperors like Honorius. Studying reverses with inscriptions like ‘VICTORIA AVG GG’ reveals quirky errors or historical clues, like references to co-emperors. These aren’t just chunks of metal – they’re time machines. And while I laugh at Scrooge McDuck jokes, they’re a good reminder: collecting should stay fun.
Counting my coins reminded me that this hobby blends history, art, and smart decisions. Whether you’re just starting or have shelves full, focus on what excites you, keep good records, and savor the journey – that’s where the real treasure lies.
