Whether you are looking for a coin dealer online or in person, there are some qualities that every top quality dealer will have that you should look for before doing any type of business.

Understand that there are usually two kinds of dealers: the wholesaler and the retailer. If you are looking to buy coins in bulk, then the wholesaler is your man. If, however, you are looking to buy very specific coins, then the retailer is your go to guy.

Buying coins online or in person can be a matter of personal preference. Many people prefer to deal with someone in person when it comes to something as important as money. They like to hold the coins and inspect them with their own eyes before purchasing. Others like the ease and convenience that online shopping gives them, not to mention the wide variety of sellers available online from all over the world.

Being a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild or the PNG is an excellent sign that you are dealing with a professional coin dealer. The PNG has guidelines for members, some of which might include a minimum of five years experience and a net worth of at least $250,000 and be in the business full time. Members of the PNG also follow a set code of ethics when dealing with customers.

This includes respecting contracts, giving honest advice, and never dealing with counterfeit coins. They also require that disputes between dealer and buyer be handled in the proper way. If you buy coins from a random dealer, then be prepared to either take the blow if you happen to end up with a counterfeit coin or other problem, or have a top notch attorney on your side.

Another point to consider is how knowledgeable the dealer is about the coins you are planning to invest in. If they have very little knowledge about your types of coins, then you may end up missing out on good deals or get poor advice. A specialized coin dealer can be hard to find, but will be worth the search for those looking to collect a very specific coin type.

Finding a quality dealer does not have to be difficult. Find a coin dealer who is a respected member of a guild. From there, look for someone knowledgeable and someone you see yourself being able to build a good business relationship with. Having an excellent dealer can make the entire process a joy.