Archive for the ‘Rare Coin & Paper Money FAQ’ Category:

Supply and Demand

Like any other market, the prices on coins, currency, & collectibles is based on supply and demand. Supply and demand in simple terms says that I can have an item that there are only 5 known in the world, but if there is only one buyer, chances are it will sell for very little because the buyer has so many choices. It might not even sell at all! Converesly, I can have an item that 10,000 are available and we have 100,000 people that want these items, it’s a good bet we will get good money for this item and quickly. In a nut shell, that is supply and demand.

Does age determine an items value?

The age of an item does not necessarily add value. We sell authentic antique Roman coins that over 1000 years old for less than $20 each. On the other hand, we would pay $2000+ for a 1995-W United States Silver Dollar! Why? Because of our old friend supply and demand.

What determines the price of rare coins and paper money?

Date – Condition – Supply & Demand are the 3 factors that determine price values on most collectibles. Simply put, regardless what the book, internet, paper, or what I saw it on the internet selling for, an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it in cash. If I have an item that a book or expert says is worth $10,000 and I take it everywhere on earth and the best offer I can get is $5000, this means that the real value is $5,000 cash in hand, not the listed book or expert price.