Interview with Dirk Wasserthal
Founder of RareCoin.Store and specialist for modern collector gold coins
How did you become a specialist in modern collector gold coins?
My path into numismatics wasn’t a straightforward one, but rather a gradual process. It all started with postage stamps in the 1980s. Back then, I was particularly fascinated by the combination of design, history, and the fact that small objects can reflect entire eras. Later, coins were added, initially quite traditionally through my parents’ silver coins, such as those issued for the 1972 Munich Olympics.
The decisive step came in the late 1990s with gold coins. The Krugerrand was my entry point, though not primarily as a pure investment coin, but rather as a starting point to understand how modern gold issues develop in the collecting world. I quickly realized that modern collector gold coins have their own set of rules: mintages, variants, minting quality, market availability, and later also grading play a significantly larger role than many realize.
Over the years, my focus shifted specifically to issues from Central and South America, as well as Africa. These regions are often underestimated numismatically, but offer a remarkable combination of low mintages, cultural depth, and international demand. Through continuous study, market observation, and intensive exchange with other collectors, I have developed a clear specialization.
Today, I don’t see RareCoin.Store as a classic “shop,” but rather as a curated collection based on strict criteria. For me, every coin must answer the question of whether it will still be relevant to collectors in ten or fifteen years.
Do you collect coins yourself? Are there any personal areas of focus?
Yes, I am a collector myself, and a very deliberate one at that. I particularly value the Krugerrand in its proof version because it exemplifies how a coin originally intended purely as an investment can evolve into a collector’s item in its own right. Mexican gold coins also play a significant role in my collection, especially Libertad proof issues and the 200 Pesos Bicentenario.
Another focus is on so-called specimen coins or essay issues in gold. These coins were not intended for circulation but served for design or concept testing. These pieces, in particular, are often extremely rare, poorly documented, and practically never available on the open market. For me, they embody the essence of what numismatics is all about: rarity, context, and substance.
Basically, I see the current offerings from RareCoin.Store as an expansion of my own collection. The only difference is that I’m not keeping these pieces for myself, but making them available to other collectors.
Are collector coins a sensible form of investment?
Collector coins can be a sensible form of investment, but only under clearly defined conditions. The biggest difference to traditional investments is that their value does not depend solely on the material price, but also on additional factors such as rarity, condition, demand, and market acceptance.
A key advantage is diversification. Collector coins can be a valuable addition to a portfolio because their performance is often independent of traditional financial markets. At the same time, gold coins in particular offer a degree of inflation protection, as they are based on a physical asset.
However, one must not make the mistake of viewing collector coins as a short-term speculative instrument. Value increases usually occur over longer periods and require that the coins are of good quality and marketability. Anyone who ignores these aspects will be disappointed.
Are there any specific examples of successful collector gold coins?
Yes, they do exist, although one must always distinguish between individual cases and long-term market trends. Historically, for example, certain US gold coins with iconic designs and clear historical significance have performed strongly. But there are also numerous examples in the modern era, such as strictly limited proof issues, special years, or variants with documented minting differences.
A decisive factor is almost always the combination of low mintage, international demand, and high condition. Coins that are additionally certified by recognized grading companies generally have significantly higher market transparency and acceptance.
What tips do you give to investors who want to invest in collector coins?
The most important tip is: quality over quantity. A single high-quality coin is often more sensible in the long run than several mediocre pieces. Furthermore, investors should be prepared to invest time in research. Those who understand why a coin is rare and how it is positioned in the market make better decisions.
Diversification is equally important. Collecting from different countries, series, and metals reduces risk. Furthermore, I generally recommend not relying solely on your own assessment, but rather incorporating expert knowledge, whether from experienced dealers or by exchanging information with other collectors.
What mistakes are commonly made when collecting?
A classic mistake is buying without sufficient market knowledge. Many beginners are guided by buzzwords or seemingly low prices, without realistically assessing mintage, condition, or demand. Equally problematic is foregoing authentication. Uncertified coins always carry a higher risk.
The dangers of improper storage are also frequently underestimated. Even high-quality coins can lose value in the long term due to improper storage.
What role does grading play in collector gold coins?
Grading plays a central role, especially in the international market. Certification by recognized organizations such as NGC or PCGS creates trust, transparency, and comparability. It not only confirms authenticity but also objectively assesses the condition of the artwork.
For many collectors, grading is the basis for being able to trade coins worldwide without having to physically examine them. This aspect is virtually indispensable, especially for high-priced pieces.
How can you protect yourself from counterfeits when buying gold coins?
The most important protection is to buy from reputable, established dealers. Certified coins also offer a significantly higher level of security. Price comparisons are also advisable, as extremely cheap offers are almost always a warning sign.
Those wishing to delve deeper can also use physical testing methods, such as density or magnet tests. However, nothing replaces the combination of expert knowledge and trustworthy sources.
What resources do you recommend for beginners?
Beginners should first acquire basic knowledge, for example through international coin catalogs, specialist literature, and reputable online communities. Personal contact with coin dealers or numismatic societies is also valuable, as this is where experience and practical knowledge come together.
It is important to compare information from multiple sources and not to accept it uncritically.
Personal contact and exchange
Personal interaction with collectors is a central part of Dirk Wasserthal’s work. Questions about specific coins, the classification of collector gold coins, or specialized numismatic topics can be asked either directly via the contact options on this website or via LinkedIn , where Dirk Wasserthal also regularly shares expert insights and maintains a dialogue with collectors and enthusiasts.
LinkedIn offers international collectors in particular an uncomplicated way to get in touch directly and exchange information on current market and collecting topics.
