From real estate investors accounting for 34% of home sales in the third quarter of 2025 to nearly 30% of Americans owning some type of cryptocurrency, alternative assets have been all the rage lately.
Another type of alternative asset class that doesn’t typically steal the headlines is coins. According to 2022 data from CivicScience, 38% of American adults hold some type of coin collection. For those interested in purchasing coins in 2026, here are some things to know before buying.
Research Dealers
One of the most important factors when buying coins is who you are purchasing from. While you might be able to find lucrative deals on reselling platforms like eBay or even Facebook Marketplace, these types of transactions can open the door to fraud.
When starting out, buy coins only from credible dealers. Look for dealers that are members of the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). This program thoroughly vets its members, meaning the dealer you work with will be credible, responsible and trustworthy.
“Credible dealers, particularly PNG dealers, are held to a high standard of ethics,” said James Sego, owner of JMS Coins and president of the Professional Numismatists Guild. “This includes guaranteeing the authenticity of a coin, accepting returns (within a reasonable time frame) and can provide guidance on rarity/pricing.”
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Purchase Certified Coins
While it’s important to carefully select your dealer, it’s also essential that you purchase only certified coins when just starting out. Certified coins come with an independent evaluation that verifies the authenticity and value of the coin, while uncertified coins rely on the seller’s description. It’s not uncommon for certified coins to cost more, but you can ensure that you are purchasing authentic pieces.
”Certified coins are important as the top grading companies NGC, PCGS and CACG all guarantee the authenticity of the coin and the grade,” Sego said. “These two attributes are the primary drivers of value. While coins of the same grade can vary in price, you are buying into an insurance policy of sorts.”
Analyze Quality
Coin quality directly impacts value. Well-preserved coins, such as those with minimal wear and a strong luster, can warrant a higher price compared with a low-grade counterpart.
When building out your coin collection, look for quality coins. While you might be able to purchase a greater quantity of low-grade coins, you will see a much better return on your investment from targeting quality pieces. Buying quality coins is also important from a liquidity perspective. In the event you need to sell your coins, you will have an easier time offloading high-grade coins.
Use Auction Houses
Auction houses can be a great resource for finding coins as a beginner. They offer competitive bidding and provide you with access to coin options from around the world. Similarly, auction houses follow rigid standards, such as accurate coin certification, meticulous cataloging, professional authentication and high-grade security. If you are in the market for high-value coins, an auction house will be one of the best avenues as a beginner.
“Auction houses typically have large offerings and sell a lot of graded coins,” Sego said. “Typically, premium quality coins bring premium prices; however, there are times that you can find good value during any given auction.”
Leverage a Community
As with any other hobby, there are coin enthusiasts throughout the world. Join your local coin group or find a group online to ask questions and learn from. The more information you can expose yourself to, the easier coin investing will be.
While you still need to be cautious about fraud and bad actors, joining community groups can be a great way to start learning as a beginner.
Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always consider your individual circumstances and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Coin Expert: What Beginners Should Know Before Buying in 2026
