Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about orders, shipping, coin grading and collecting. Can’t find what you need? Contact us — we’re happy to help.

Orders

What’s the best way to get started?

Learn before you buy. Read about the coins that interest you, look at recent prices and compare offers from several sellers. A little research helps you understand fair market value and build a collection you will enjoy for years.

How long will it take to receive my order?

We offer free standard shipping on all U.S. and Canadian orders. Shipping generally takes 7 to 15 business days, although delivery times may vary by destination.

Can I track my shipment?

Yes. You’ll receive an email with tracking details once your package has been dispatched.

Do you deliver internationally?

Yes. We ship to customers across many international destinations.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit and debit cards. Available options are shown at checkout.

Is online payment protected?

Yes. Our checkout uses secure payment technology with industry-standard encryption to protect every transaction.

What is your return policy?

You have a full 30 days to return your purchase if needed. Items should be returned complete and in their original condition, with any seals, cases and certificates of authenticity intact.

If there’s an issue with your order, such as damage during shipping or receiving an incorrect item, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Can I cancel or change my order?

Please contact us as soon as possible. Orders that have not shipped yet can usually be updated or cancelled.

How will I know you have received my order?

Right after checkout you’ll receive an order confirmation email. If you don’t see it within a few minutes, please check your spam folder or contact us.

How quickly do you answer inquiries?

Most customer inquiries are answered within one to two business days.

Coin Grading

What do the extra notations on certified coin holders mean?

Besides the numerical grade — MS (Mint State) for circulation strikes and PR or PF for Proof strikes — a holder may show extra designations that describe a coin’s surfaces or how and when it was released. The most common ones are explained in the questions below.

Cameo (CAM), Ultra Cameo (UC) and Deep Cameo (DCAM)

These designations apply to Proof coins and describe the contrast between the frosted design and the mirror-like background. Cameo means noticeable contrast on both sides of the coin. Deep Cameo (PCGS) and Ultra Cameo (NGC) mean strong, deep contrast on both sides — the most desirable look for a modern Proof.

“First Day of Issue”, “First Strike”, “First Release” and “Early Releases”

These labels relate to when a coin was purchased or sent for grading — not to the order in which it was struck. The United States Mint does not designate coins as first strikes or early releases, and it does not track the order in which coins are produced; new dies can be put into use at any point during a production run.

Each grading service sets its own rules. Early Releases and First Strike labels generally require the coin to reach the grading service within a short window (usually 30 days) after its release, while First Day of Issue labels require proof that the coin was bought on the release date. Some labels also name the Mint location where the coin was purchased — this refers to where it was bought, not where it was struck. Always check each service’s definition before buying coins with these labels.

Grading services offer many different labels. Which one is best?

The grade matters most. A coin certified MS70 will generally command a higher price than the same coin certified MS69, whatever the label design.

Special labels — early-release designations, hand-signed labels, show or city releases and dealer-exclusive series — add presentation and exclusivity that many collectors love, and some are only available for a limited time. They can make a collection more personal, but the grade on the holder remains the key to value.

How can I avoid over-graded, altered or counterfeit coins?

Use common sense: if a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. Buy from established sellers, favor coins certified by leading grading services such as PCGS, NGC and ANACS, compare prices and review the return policy before you buy.

Why Us?

Why should I buy from Ashcroft Coin Gallery?

We focus on what matters to collectors: fair prices, carefully inspected coins, secure checkout and friendly support. Every order is packed with care and shipped with tracking, so you always know where your purchase is.

How do you ensure coin authenticity?

All collectible coins are obtained through trusted sources and inspected before being offered for sale. Many of our coins are certified by independent grading services, which guarantee authenticity and grade.

Who can buy from Ashcroft Coin Gallery?

Anyone looking for quality collectible coins and bullion with dependable service — from first-time buyers to experienced collectors.

Do you sell or share my personal information?

No. We use your details only to process, ship and support your order, as described in our Privacy Policy. Shipping carriers receive only the information they need to deliver your package.

Learn More

What coins do people collect?

What you collect is entirely up to you and your budget — and you should only spend money you can comfortably set aside. Many collectors start with coins from major national mints, such as the U.S. Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint, because they are widely known and easy to research.

What is numismatics?

Numismatics is the collection and study of coins, paper money, tokens and medals. Collectors also study related items such as historic checks, stock certificates and other financial documents.

What is numismatic value?

A coin can be valued in three ways. Face value is the amount printed on the coin. Intrinsic (melt) value is what its precious metal content is worth on a given day. Numismatic value reflects the coin’s date, rarity, condition, mint mark and history — in the end, what a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept.

The difference can be dramatic: in 2021 a 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 “Double Eagle” — a coin with a face value of $20 and less than one ounce of gold — sold at auction for about $18.9 million.

How do numismatic coins differ from bullion coins?

Bullion coins are issued by governments as a convenient way to own gold and silver. They sell for a modest premium over the value of their metal, and their future value follows the price of that metal. Larger coins usually carry a lower premium per ounce than smaller ones.

Numismatic coins are collectibles. Their metal content is only a small part of their value; date, rarity, condition, mint mark and history matter far more, and their future value depends on collector demand. Premiums for collectible coins are usually much higher than for bullion.