How to Become a Rare Coin Appraiser
- 1). Familiarize yourself with different coin types. Rare coins, particularly international coins, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In addition, the wording on manyare not written in the Roman alphabet. Learning which countries have uniquely-shaped rare coins or specific images can help you recognize their origin with greater ease.
- 2). Learn to grade coins. When you grade coins, you describe the condition of the coin. A grading term, for example, is "VF," which means a coin is "Very Fine" because it has minimal wear and the details on the coin are visible, according to the U.S. Coins Values Advisor. Other terms to grade coins include words used to describe their coloration, strikes and the different parts of the coin.
- 3). Study the history of the rare coins. Coins always have a background story, which matches the history of its country of origin.
- 4). Know market trends, the price of metals and how much coins similar to the ones being appraised have sold for recently. This information is available printed coin periodicals and professional numismatic websites.
- 5). Receive training in rare coin appraisal. Appraiser societies and numismatic organizations offer opportunities to gain accreditation as a rare coin appraiser. Having accreditation or a license in this field will increase your credibility as a rare coin numismatic professional, especially since there are no coin appraising licensing requirements in the U.S., according to Alan Herbert with "Coins Magazine."
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