Collecting The Seated Liberty Half Dollar
May 30th, 2008 by cashcowIt’s no secret that a mint condition seated liberty half dollar is worth a lot more than ones in fair or poor condition. In almost all cases a coin which appears to be in excellent condition will be significantly more collectable than one which is damaged. Of course older coins are generally more valuable to collectors, but more than just age can affect the value of a specific coin. Everyone knows that old and rare coins are desirable, but there is more than just age and scarcity that go into determining a coin’s value to collectors. Market value is as much a determination of demand as any other factor.
The less you handle your coins the better. Scratched, dirty, or coins marred from handling have less value than those in mint condition. Any type of touch or fingerprint could lessen the value of your coins, so only grasp them by the edges when absolutely necessary.
The most prized seated liberty half dollars in your collection should be stored in an excellent holder that safeguards against fingerprints, dust, and even moisture. Aside from the typical stapled or taped packets that provide average protection, there are other protectors out there that can do a better job and guard against moisture as well. When selecting a storage space for your collectible coins, make sure they are not in an area given to dampness, such as a cellar or basement.
Cleaning coins is not recommended and if necessary should be left to an expert. Removing the patina that develops on an old coin could also decrease its value, as collectors might prefer coins with this evidence of age.