Choosing the right U.S. coin dealer is important for any serious coin collector. The dealer should be proficient in the area you desire to specialize in. For instance, if you want to collect a set of Lincoln Cents, you would not want a dealer whose special interest was Charlotte gold coins. The dealer should recognize his or her area of expertise and suggest another dealer if unfamiliar with your request. Another aspect to consider when looking for a coin dealer is the view of the numismatic community. While one dealer may be reluctant to compliment another, there are some points you can establish about the dealer. The Professional Numismatist Guild (PNG) has less than 500 dealers worldwide. It has strict admission requirements suggesting that being a PNG member is an essential element in choosing a coin dealer. Other credentials to consider include the dealer's work record and his or her proof of expertise. Has he or she had articles or books published? Does he or she contribute to any pricing guides? The dealer should be one who has the respect of other dealers. An up-to-date coin dealer will be actively attending shows and auctions to ascertain current market conditions firsthand. Trust is the ultimate qualification you must find in a U.S. coin dealer. You will be spending a lot of time and money with the person you choose to work with. A long-term relationship requires your confidence in the dealer's ability to have your best interest in mind with all transactions.
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