Do you own old coins that you're considering selling? Before doing so, it’s best to consult a numismatist. A professional numismatist’s role involves buying and selling collectible coins as well as investment-grade gold coins. “Thanks to their expertise, they advise individuals who wish to part with coins passed down through generations, often in the context of an inheritance or succession. Calling on a numismatist helps determine whether a coin holds genuine historical interest or is simply valuable for its metal content,” explains Philippe Saive, numismatic expert.
If the coins are of interest, the numismatist will make a purchase offer. “We can also assist clients in consigning the most valuable pieces to specialized auctions in both Europe and the United States.” Otherwise, he advises clients to hold onto them if their value is too low.
We are constantly searching for rare and high-quality coins on behalf of specialized clients
Passion or Investment?
Philippe Saive identifies three types of coins typically brought in by clients. “The first are collectible coins. These aren’t necessarily investments, but rather sources of pleasure. Such coins are sought after by collectors with a keen interest in a specific historical period or geographic region—like the Grand Duchy, for instance. They are also one of the few affordable objects that allow you to physically touch history.” In this context, the numismatist’s role is to guide enthusiasts in building collections tied to different historical eras. “We are constantly searching for rare and high-quality coins on behalf of specialized clients.”
Next come investment coins. Minted in large quantities in the 19th century, these coins are valued for their intrinsic worth—namely, the value of the metal they contain. Bullion coins, struck over the past 50 years in the 20th century, also fall into this category. “Since the switch to the euro, the price of these investment coins has multiplied. However, they are worth no more than their gold content. Buyers acquire them to diversify their portfolio. These coins hold no historical or artistic value, but they offer the potential to preserve purchasing power over time—unlike banknotes, which depreciate and often become non-exchangeable.”
Gold’s main advantage lies in its ability to preserve wealth over the long term, as opposed to banknotes, which tend to lose value and ultimately become obsolete in trade. Finally, some individuals—both collectors and investors—opt for a blend of coins. Their goal? To indulge their passion while making strategic investments. “They are history enthusiasts who also want to grow their wealth and diversify their assets. They favor coins whose selling price is not significantly higher than their gold content but which stand out from the ordinary.”
I always recommend seeking an expert’s advice before selling
Developing a New Strategy
Philippe Saive has always been passionate about numismatics. “As a teenager living near the border, I regularly attended the fairs hosted by the Cercle Numismatique de Luxembourg, which were held at the Théâtre at the time. I also frequented the now-closed Lux-Numis shop. It was my dream to practice my passion here.” However, it was in Metz that he had the opportunity to open first an office, then a boutique. After 30 years of professional activity across the border, the numismatist decided to pursue his dream by relocating to Luxembourg’s capital. “I wanted to devote more time to my craft, as researching in books, carefully cataloging coins, and writing out reference labels requires time. We’ve been here since 2023 and plan to close our Metz location by the end of this year.”
To provide personalized support and deeper expertise, Philippe Saive works by appointment only. “I always recommend that interested individuals seek expert advice—and especially avoid cleaning their coins before selling.” He also offers a curated selection of collectible coins, from Antiquity to the 19th century, available exclusively online. For this service, Philippe Saive suggests visiting the company’s website.
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