HCG Grading grades and authenticates US coins and some foreign coins according to their own standards.  Coin grading is a term used to refer to the process of determining the condition, quality and authenticity of a coin.

The process of coin grading, being somewhat subjective, is more of an art than a science.  Determining an approximate grading is possible for even a novice coin collector.

What coins should you collect?  Whatever appeals to you!  There are no set rules for coin collecting but you may wish to specialize.  Here are some ways to do so.

1. Collect by Coin Grading Company:  Collect coins graded by a specific coin grading company.  The holders usually store nicely together and they show uniformity when they are view or displayed.

2. Collect by Type or Series:  Collecting by type or series aims to acquire one of each type or series of coins, for example:  U.S. Gold Eagles or Lincoln pennies.

3. Collect by Time Period:  Many specialize in collecting ancient coins or coins from a specific period in history, for example:  U.S. Colonial Coins.

4. Collect by Metal:  You may wish to concentrate on coins made of a particular metal such as gold or silver coins.

5. Collect by Theme:  Consider collecting coins with a particular theme such as coins with animal designs, boat designs or various commemorative coins such as Olympic coins.  The most common theme collecting today is the State Quarters from the US Mint and other US Mint Proof Coins.

6. Collect Errors:  Some collectors focus on coins issued with some error in the coin's design, composition, date or inscription.

7. Collect Medals & Tokens:  Another specialty is the collection of non-monetary "coins" such as war medals and commemorative tokens.

The value of a particular coin is influenced or determined primarily by the following four factors:

1.      Scarcity or rarity is a major determinant of value.  As a general matter, the rarer a coin the more it is worth.  Note that rarity has little to do with the age of a coin.  Many one thousand year old Chinese coins often sell for no more than a few dollars because there are a lot of them around, whereas a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel may sell for over $1,000,000 because there are only five known specimens in existence.

2.      An uncirculated coin that is in flawless mint state might be worth hundreds of times more than the same coin in good condition but which has been circulated.

3.      Many coins have a bullion value determined by the value of the precious metals it contains.  A gold, silver or platinum coin does not generally sell for much less than its melt value.

4.      The demand for the particular coin, or how many collectors want it, will also greatly influence coin values. Some coins that are relatively plentiful may command higher prices than scarcer coins because the former are more popular with collectors.

The idea is that coin collecting is a hobby that is a great source of fun and something to share with your friends and the people you love.