Traits and Values Every Coin Collector Should Have

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Coin collectors are a unique breed of individuals who love order and history. Coin collectors can come from all walks of life but can have the same traits when it comes to coin collecting. Learn more about the common traits of coin collectors below and the varying types of collectors that span the globe.

Coin Type Collectors

Coin collectors tend to like order in their lives. Coin collections will be nicely displayed and many enjoy being a ‘type’ collector. This can mean collecting pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, etc. Type collectors tend to focus more on finding examples of a certain type of coin from a time period rather than finding date and mint mark combination for a series of coins.

Error Coin Collectors

Although coin collectors enjoy organization within their collection, there are those who seek out error coins. Such coins will be ones that have errors in place during printing. These coins are specialty coins and usually there are only a few in existence for each type. Coins may have been struck twice to have a double image on the front or back which is known as double dies. Coins can also be blank, having not been struck at all. Each error coin has a story and makes for a quite a unique coin collection.

Novelty Coins

Individuals who want a little fun in their life will be a novelty coin collector. This can be any type of coin that is considered a novelty such as a double sided coin, colored coins, pennies featuring the Liberty Bell, etc. These novelty coins can be created by private individuals, companies or be standard coins that have been modified.

Love of History

Most coin collectors commonly have a love of history. There is something so amazing about finding an old coin and imaging where the coin has been. Coins have been around for decades and each tell a different story. Some coins are created based on historic events while others are based on figures from a certain region. Each coin tells a story and history buffs love to share the stories found in each coin.

For example, quarters in the United States have a back side that represents each of the 50 states. Many beginner coin collectors will collect the 25 cent piece, trying to amass a coin from each state. The state will be represented with an animal, plant or other image that is indicative of the region.

Turn a Profit

There are coin collectors who enjoy collecting but also want to turn a profit. These coin collectors will seek out the most expensive coins to add to their coin collection. These coins can be sold for top dollar and money used to purchase even more rare coins with higher coin values. Some coin collections can be worth quite a bit with the money used for savings, education or other uses.
To learn more about coin collecting, with options for buying and selling, contact Colonial Acres Coins. You will find the staff are quite knowledgeable in the area of coins and can assist you with finding rare coins or appraising your collection.

Popular Canadian Coins of the 80’s

canadian coins 80'sHave you started a coin collection featuring coins from Canada but are unsure as to which coins are actually worth collecting? There are many coins from varying decades in the history of Canada that are interesting and unique, perfect for the new collector. Once you know the best coins in circulation as well as those that may not be in circulation any more, you can begin to add value to your collection. From the penny to the Canadian 50 cent coin, you will find several options from the 80’s to have a solid coin collection.

1 Cent 1983

In the year 1983 a 1 cent coin was created that features Queen Elizabeth II on the front and the maple leaf on the back. Similar to other penny coins, this particular coin can have an error that makes it collectible. On both sides of the coin there are small beads that outline the outer edge. The variations of this penny include near beads and far beads, meaning how close the beading is to the outer edge.

5 Cents 1980

The printing of the 5 cent coin in Canada in the year 1980 has an error that makes this coin collectible. The coin features a beaver on the back in the water, which has the date listed below. The collectible version of this coin has the date printed twice. This coin can be worth a great deal depending on the grading.

10 Cents 1980

This 10 cent coin was created in 1980 printings to include a sailboat on the back. There are two types of this coin, one with a wide 0 for the 10 cents section and one with a narrow 0 for the 10 cents portion. The value of this coin depends on the type of 0 on the coin as well as shape and grading.

25 cents 1980

This 25 cent coin was created in 1980 with two distinct categories, one with near beading and one with far beading. The coin features beading near the outer edge on both sides. The value of this coin from 1980 will be dependent on if the beading is near the edge or farther away.

50 Cent 1982

A coin with high value is the 50 cent piece from 1982. This coin can be worth as much as $350 with the right grading and the presence of small beads. Beading is located on the outer edge of this coin and when you have the smaller beads on your coin, you may have an item that is worth a great deal. Canadian 50 cent coin value can vary based on several factors including the condition of the coin, the presence of the beading size plus the grading factor. To learn the true value, you would need to have the coin appraised by an expert.
To learn more about Canadian coins from the 80’s, contact Colonial Acres Coins. The appraisal and auction company can assist you with finding coins from the 80s as well as helping you to appraise or build your collection. Contact Colonial today to learn just what services they can provide for you.

Recycle Your Old Jewellery

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Many women have an expansive jewellery collection. Earrings, bracelets, a necklace or even a brooch can help style any outfit, making one feel glamorous and complete. When not wearing jewellery, a woman can feel incomplete. So it is no surprise that many women have an expansive jewellery collection. When a collection becomes too big, something must be done so even more jewellery can be purchased! One option is to recycle your jewellery. There are several ways to do this from giving gifts to selling your more collectible pieces. Read on to see just what you can do with old jewellery pieces.

Selling your Most Valuable Pieces

When a piece of jewellery has become something that you are no longer wearing, you can consider selling the old piece. A real piece of jewellery, made of gold or silver, with gemstones can fetch quite a price, especially if the piece is an antique. Any pieces that you feel may have value or you are unsure as to how much value, have the item appraised. An expert jewellery appraiser will be able to determine the value of old coin jewellery or other pieces to help you get top dollar. Sell used jewellery at a premium so you can have extra cash for vacation, a rainy day or to buy new pieces.

Make sure you work with a qualified appraiser to ensure the value of your piece is authentic. An appraiser with a top rating in the jewellery industry as well as one with experience can be trusted to give you the best value for your items. During the appraisal process, the appraiser will need to evaluate your pieces. Each item will be reviewed for gemstone cut and clarity, metal type, condition, etc. Once this information is obtained, the appraiser will be able to give you a clear value to the piece. You can then choose to sell your jewellery pieces or hold on to them a little longer.

Trade with Friends

Another option for recycling your old jewellery is to trade with friends. Set a date and invite friends over to have a jewellery trading party. Everyone can bring a certain amount of jewellery to the party and games can be played to see who ends up with what piece. This can be a fun night with friends as well as give you the opportunity to get rid of old items while gaining something new.

Give as Gifts

Whether you have expensive pieces of jewellery you are no longer using or costume jewellery, you may have family or friends you wish to give the pieces to as gifts. Graduation, birthdays or just because, you can give you coveted pieces to the ones you love. Loved ones will cherish the piece as it has sentimental value as well as possible currency value depending on the metal and gemstone of the piece.
To learn the value of your jewellery and see if recycling your jewellery is right for you, contact Colonial Acres Coins. They can evaluate your jewellery pieces and let you know what would be the best route to go. Their experience and knowledge in this industry is vast and they can help you get the best value for your jewellery and your money.

What is Coin Recycling?

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Coins are a common form of currency across the globe. Coins have been produced for decades and used as a form of payment based the current economy. Because coin production has changed over the years, coins have become somewhat of a collector’s item. Coin values can be quite high and lead to an impressive coin collection when an individual is able to gain access to unique pieces. Coins also have the option of being recycled to help avoid the need for production. Learn more about coin recycling below.

What is the purpose of Coin Recycling?

The purpose of coin recycling is to help lower the need for coin production. The Royal Canadian Mint has a quality recycling coin program, allowing individuals to turn in coins and receive cash back. The coins turned in are then put back into circulation. This means the coins are used again and the Royal Canadian Mint does not have to create more to be circulated into the economy. Recycling coins is an efficient way to provide coins for individuals to use as well as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner in which change is provided for the marketplace.

Turn Small Change into Money

With the Royal Canadian Mint, coin collections can be turned in for cash. Of course, your high coin values should be kept in your collection but turn in any large collections of pennies, dimes, nickels or quarters to be able to paid quick cash. Even loonies and toonies can be recycled. The coins will add up fast and you will have cash that can be used for a rainy day, a vacation trip, or added to a savings account.

Start Collecting

It is easy to start a coin collection that can be recycled. Take a large jar and begin to place your loose change inside. Set a goal to fill the jar and once filled, you will be able to turn your change in for cash, maybe even earning hundreds of dollars in the process. With every coin you recycle, you will be able to preserve the environment as this is one less coin that has to be produced.

Make Collecting Fun

You can get the entire family involved in coin collecting for recycling, making the process fun. Take several jars and create one for pennies, one for nickels and so on. Be sure to keep the jars separate and see just how quickly each jar fills up. Does the quarter jar fill up quicker than the penny jar? Make the process fun and educational so that your kiddos will be excited to recycle coins as well. A pickle jar makes the perfect container for change and can hold quite a bit! Over 8,000 dimes can fit inside a four liter pickle jar which means around $840 for you!

Coin Counting Machine

To make counting your coins for recycling easy, you can use a coin counting machine. Machines are located everywhere, especially in Canada, to make it easy for you to turn in your cash. Look for these machines when you are ready to cash in!
When you need assistance with your coin collection or to learn more about coin recycling, contact Colonial Acres Coins. The company can easily assist you with information on coin collection, coin values and more.

How Much is Your Old Jewellery Worth?

Do you plan to sell your old jewellery? Plans of what you will do with the money may need to be put on hold; just because you think its valuable does not make it so. Certain factors affect the value of gold and silver jewellery. Consider these factors before you sell your old jewellery.

Get an Appraisal

The first thing to do if you plan to sell your jewellery is to have it appraised. An appraisal will let you determine the value of your gold or silver. Once you determine the price, it is easier to find a market or potential buyer.

An appraisal will also give you a reality check about the true worth of the jewellery you want to sell. If it is too expensive, you might reconsider selling them. If it is too cheap, you might as well keep them or manage your expectations.

The Value of Gold

The value of gold tends to increase during an economic downturn. It is also a recyclable material because of its malleability and resale value.

Before you sell your old gold jewellery, you have to consider the weight of its gold content. You might be thinking of X amount of money you will make from selling, but the jewellery you have lacks the gold content to reach that asking price.

The gold content of jewellery is measured in karats; solid gold jewellery is 24 karats. Items that are below this number contain less gold and other hardening materials. Buyers who know what they are looking at will only pay for the gold content and only very few will consider other metals with it.

A beautifully crafted piece of gold jewellery may have higher value as estate jewellery rather than as recycled gold. Have your jewellery appraised to know its resale value.

Get Real

Most pieces of jewellery lose value after you buy them from the store. It is good to know all the factors before you decide to sell your old jewellery.

Identify Your Market

After determining the value of your jewellery with help from an appraiser, start looking for potential buyers based on the gold content and artistry used. If the price is high enough, you might want to consider selling at an auction or at a shop like Colonial Acres.

Consider these before you decide to sell your jewellery. Determining the price of the jewellery you have will enable you to find the right market and set your expectations.