Factors that influence the value of coins and bank notes

By Paige Shoemaker

There are several factors that influence the value of coins and bank notes. For coins, the condition of the coin, date, and mint mark, is the final determination of value. Flawless, uncirculated coins are the most valuable. Coins are often graded by the following grading organizations: Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), ANACS, and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). (See "Terms for Listing or Buying.")

Unlike damage inflicted after striking, manufacturing defects do not always lessen values. These coins are referred to as "errors." Examples include: Colonial coins with planchet flaws and weakly struck designs; early silver and gold with weight adjustment "file marks" (parallel cuts made prior to striking); and coins with "lint marks" (dust or other foreign matter which may mar the surface during striking).

Damaged coins, such as those that are bent, corroded, scratched, holed, nicked, stained or mutilated, are worth less than those without defects.

The rarity of a coin greatly influences its value. Like any other collectable, there can be coin fads in coin collecting which can increase the value of a coin. In addition, a collection or set of coins can often be more valuable than each coin valued separately.

The preceding material was written by Paige Shoemaker. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.