If a coin collector is on your holiday gift list, these auctions offer a wide choice of places to shop. They range from budget-busting rarities to affordable choices for entry-level collectors.

As with any auction, knowledge is power, so do your research and don’t get caught up in a bidding war. There’ll be another auction soon enough.

Here’s a guide to auctions taking place through mid-December.

Heritage Auctions
Heritage is the powerhouse of high-end coin auctions. They have weekly Internet Coin Auctions and Signature Auctions including:

November 20-21 World and Ancient Coin Auction
Ends on 12/6 World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 12/13 US Signature Coins

For more information, visit the Heritage Auctions website.

Stack’s Bowers
Specializing in coins and currency, Stack’s Bowers is the official auctioneer for several major coin conventions worldwide.

November 20 Collectors Choice U.S. Coins Online Auction Live Internet Bidding
December 19 Collectors Choice Online Auction - U.S. Currency & U.S. Coins

For more information, visit the Stack’s Bowers website.

Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Legend doesn’t have any auctions scheduled until next year, but their recent Regency Auction produced some interesting results.

The market for top-quality coins was strong, but coins of lesser grades failed to bring their full prices. That may open the door to some bargains, especially for mid- and entry-level collectors

Other Auction Sources
There are other auctions periodically throughout the year at both US and foreign houses. This listing isn’t meant to be comprehensive; rather it’s a place to start. If you want to attend a live auction, an internet search will find coin auctions near you.

There are other online auction sources that have good selections of coins, including eBay and EBTH (Everything But The House), a company that holds online estate sales. These sites have thousands of coins up for bid at any given time. You can drill down to the specific type you want, from rare and ancient to culls and oddities. They offer items graded by reputable sources like PCGS and NGC as well as those hyped by private sellers. There are deals to be had, but just as with any transactions, knowledge is power, and buyer beware. That being said, eBay does offer seller ratings and a money-back guarantee on most items, and you might find a great deal.

A Final Word

Overbidding is much more common in auctions than scoring a steal. Auctioneers count on it. As long as you do your research and don’t get caught up in a bidding war, auctions can be a great way to get the coins and currency you want for your collection, sometimes even at a bargain. Pay close attention to the reputation of the auction house, know your products, set limits, and stick to them. And above all, have fun.