There are many ways to look for rare gold coins. Since these are usually fairly expensive purchases, it makes sense to look for something you actually like. Many collectors go for coins from eras in which they have a particular interest. Other collectors go for coins that are particularly beautiful, or for coins that have a very high collector’s value and that seem poised to increase in value fairly quickly. No matter what your reasons, you can make finding rare coinage something of an adventure and far more personal an affair than buying stocks or bonds.

If you have an interest in a particular point in history, study what type of money they used in that era. If it was prior to the 1900s, it’s likely that there are rare gold coins from that era that were once used as circulating currency. While the gold standard has always been a contentious point in politics and economics, most people didn’t actually carry gold around with them when the gold standard was in effect. The currency was backed by gold, but the era where gold was used to pay for goods and services really ends, at least in the US, during the 19th century.

In some cases, rare gold coins may not even be that old. The American Double Eagle coin, for instance, is one of the rarest—and most expensive—on the market. This coin is associated with the Great Depression and changes in monetary policies that made illegal the hoarding of gold. This historical association only adds to the value of these coins. Many individuals who are adherents to the idea that the gold standard is the best of monetary policies are particularly fascinated with that tumultuous era and any coin from that time will usually be prized by them.

The Double Eagle, however, presents an important lesson in finding rare gold coins. The 1933 Double Eagle is the most valuable of all, because they were never actually released. There are other Double Eagles on the market, but they’re not nearly as valuable. This reinforces the point that a bit of work is necessary to make sure that you’re actually getting a good deal on your coins. A numismatic organization is your best insurance against fraud. Once you find an honest dealer, stick with them. It will pay off over the long term in reliable sales.