Shopping For Ancient Coins? 3 Solid Tips For Finding A Reputable Dealer

Whether you are looking to expand your current  collection or are looking to get starting in the world of coin collecting, it shouldn't be hard to find a local coin dealer with a quick online search or by looking in the yellow pages of your phone book. Check the local dealer's online website for store hours and see if you need to make an appointment, as some dealers may not accept walk-ins. If there is no website, a quick phone call will suffice in gathering this information. Once equipped with these details, you will want to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable dealer. Here are three helpful tips to ensure you are.

1. Utilization of Recent Price Guides

As a buyer, you want to ensure that you are not overpaying for your ancient coins. This can be difficult to do since you aren't the seller, but you can do your research. Ultimately, you should make sure that the dealer you do business with is using the most recent price guide. For example, there is a widely-distributed price guide known as the greysheet, or more formally called the Coin Dealer Newsletter, which is published on a weekly basis. 

2. Sets a Certain Grading Standard

Most coin dealers use likely ANA grading standards. It is a good idea to be somewhat familiar with the grading scale so that you can understand why a coin has received the grade that it has. This way if you are looking for (at minimum) a coin that doesn't have any traces of wear, but it is okay if some of its luster is lacking, then you will know under ANA grading standards that MS-60 and above is what you should keep your eye out for.

3. Member of a Professional Organization

When you locate a coin dealer who is a member of a professional organization like the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), you can rest assured that you can trust them. After all, their professional reputation and membership in this organization will be riding on each and every transaction that they make. If they partake in dishonest transactions, their membership privileges can be revoked at the tip of a hat. 

Before you go shopping for ancient coins for sale, it is important that your arm yourself with the aforementioned tips. This advice will help ensure that you find a reputable dealer like Beaverton Coin & Currency, which will increase your chances of finding the type of ancient coin that you are looking for. If you end up having a bad feeling about one coin dealer, keep searching until you find one that you feel comfortable with.