If you have decided to expand your portfolio or you are currently planning a safe haven for your finances, then the wisest investment you can make is in US gold coins. Now that you know what you should acquire to meet your objective, here are some of the tips to account for when investing in US gold coins.

• Stick to coins minted before 1890

The reason why the gold coins struck before 1890 are so valuable to a collection is that the expatriation of coinage from overseas into the US began around that period. Consequentially, you will know for a fact that you are investing in the real deal, particularly if you acquire the gold coinage from a reputable dealer. On a side note, if the primary reason you’re acquiring gold currency is trading, then stick to lower denomination coins, meaning dollars, quarter eagles and half eagles.

• Use a 5x glass to inspect the coins prior to the purchase

In the event you decide to go at a coin show, then remember to take your trusty magnifying glass with you. A gold coin packed in an impeccable PCGS label holder may be alluring for the naked eye and hence, you might be tempted to pay more for it than it’s actually worth. Without denying that you could end up with a good quality Charlotte half eagle for your collection, there’s an even higher chance the coinage is scratched or damaged.

• Use your budget to acquire the best coins for your collection

If you have decided to start investing in coins for a collection, then you need to learn the proper way to do so. Don’t be like the majority of collectors and spend most of your budget on gold coins with common dates, while ignoring the pieces that can add significant value to your set. Let’s assume for a second that your collection’s theme is Dahlonega quarter eagles. To truly enhance your collection, you should search for and invest in legitimate rare coins such as the 1854-D or 1855-D.

• Avoid buying ugly coins

Gold or not, there is no reason to invest in a coinage that doesn’t have good eye appeal. And yes, damaged coins fall under the category of ugly pieces you should never spend money on. The coins you should be after are those that look attractive and that stop you in your tracks just to get a closer look. Unfortunately, this kind of nice-looking coins are becoming scarce on the market, a fact that’s especially true for US gold coins minted in the 18^th and 19^th century.

• Price is irrelevant when it comes to collecting gold coins

In case the main factor you account for when deciding whether to invest in a coin or not is its price, then you will end up with a mediocre collection, at best. What is more, if you decide to sell the collection one day, you may discover that you won’t even get your initial investment for it. Don’t forget that acquiring those nice coins with good eye appeal takes time and patience.