Whether you’re a fan of Donald Trump or not, one thing is sure…he didn’t give much quarter to China. Granted, they may be our largest trading partner. On the flip side, according to US Customs agents, they also are our greatest retail threat. That’s based on the endless counterfeit goods manufactured in China and exported to the United States.
From faux fashion handbags and shoes to pharmaceuticals, electronics, watches and more, of the $1.7 billion worth of imitations seized by U.S. law enforcement agencies, about $1.2 billion of it originated in mainland China. Among those trade goods are fake gold and silver coins. Ask any coin dealer and they will attest to the legions of counterfeit collector coins from China.
That can be especially troubling for relatives of someone who has bequeathed a coin collection to a loved one who, in turn, is interested in selling them. Of all the questions I’ve been asked over the years, the most common is, “How do I get the most for my collectibles when I sell?”....
The first step, of course, is knowing what you have. I can’t begin to count the times I’ve seen “rarities” that appear to be something quite valuable but turn out to be altered or complete fakes.
Just in time for the holidays, but ideally suited for any time, is a new book with sound advice on how to maximize returns on any coins someone may acquire. As noted on the cover, Cash In Your Coins – Selling the Rare Coins You’ve Inherited just may be, “the book that belongs in every collector’s safe deposit box.”
Author Beth Deisher knows what she writes. For years she was the editor of Coin World, the leading weekly hobby publication. Cash In Your Coins takes readers and coin owners through the careful steps to a.) assure coins are genuine, and b.) make sure owners can maximize the return for the coins they have.
Covered in the 336-pages is a detailed overview of every coin type issued in the US beginning in 1794 extending to the present. The book offers details on Identifying coins; Coins vs. paper money; Uncirculated and proof sets; How to find an honest buyer; and Possible tax consequences. Also included are case studies with over 900 full-color photos and illustrations.
Finally, the impressive section on counterfeits is invaluable. Deisher covers how to identify fakes including popular bullion coins allegedly struck from “gold” or “silver.” For years, expertizing services have been authenticating rare coins and sonically sealing them in special “slabs” confirming the judgement of the experts. Sadly, the Chinese have now begun to fake even the plastic slabs the coins are in. The book shows how to identify those fakes as well.
Printed by Whitman Publishing, Cash In Your Coins retails for $19.95. It is available at many coin dealers as well as larger bookstores. Because of the pandemic, most may wish to order it online directly from the publisher. For more information log onto www.Whitman.com.
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With the Covid pandemic escalating, many children and parents will find themselves again facing the reality of homeschooling. While it may be trying for some, a few secret tools can be of big help. One of the best already being used by teachers is easily accessible to everyone online. Better yet, it’s completely free.
The American Numismatic Association has an extensive series of programs on their website tailored specifically to educating kids through coins. Topics include: World War I; The State I’m In; Roman History; German Hyperinflation; Current Events On Coins; and much more.
Sound boring. Wrong! The lesson plans are creatively crafted, fun and interesting. Many of the modules also have PowerPoint presentations with loads of pictures and illustrations.
The courses are applicable for students from grade school through high school and touch on everything from ancient and US history to current events and math. Whether for teaching, curiosity or just for fun, it’s worth checking out at www.Money.org/teacher-tools.
For more collecting advice, visit www.peterexford.blogspot.com