Jeff Garrett

Jeff Garrett, founder of Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries, is considered one of the nation’s top experts in U.S. coinage — and knowledge lies at the foundation of Jeff’s numismatic career. With more than 35 years of experience, he is one of the top experts in numismatics. The “experts’ expert,” Jeff has personally bought and sold nearly every U.S. coin ever issued. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t call on Jeff Garrett for numismatic advice. This includes many of the nation’s largest coin dealers, publishers, museums, and institutions. In addition to owning and operating Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries, Jeff Garrett is a major shareholder in Sarasota Rare Coin Galleries. His combined annual sales in rare coins and precious metals — between Mid-American in Kentucky and Sarasota Rare Coin Galleries in Florida — total more than $25 million. Jeff Garrett has authored many of today’s most popular numismatic books, including Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795–1933: Circulating, Proof, Commemorative, and Pattern Issues; 100 Greatest U.S. Coins; and United States Coinage: A Study By Type. He is also the price editor for The Official Redbook: A Guide Book of United States Coins. Jeff was also one of the original coin graders for the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). He is today considered one of the country’s best coin graders and was the winner of the 2005 PCGS World Series of Grading. Today, he serves as a consultant to Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), the world’s largest coin grading company. Jeff plays an important role at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Numismatic Department and serves as a consultant to the museum on funding, exhibits, conservation, and research. Thanks to the efforts of Jeff and many others, rare U.S. coins are once again on exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History. Jeff has been a member of the Professional Numismatic Guild (PNG) since 1982 and has recently served as president of the organization. He has also served as the ANA President and as a member of the ANA Board of Governors.
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Recent Articles by this Author

Dahlonega Mint Gold Coins

Southern Gold Coins: Why Charlotte, Dahlonega, and New Orleans Issues Still Matter

Southern gold coins combine history, scarcity, and real collecting appeal. As a result, they have become one of the most popular segments of United...
1852 Gold Dollar. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC.

Collecting Gold Dollars: Jeff Garrett

Why U.S. Gold Dollar Coins Offer a Smart Collecting Alternative By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) In recent weeks, the price of gold bullion...
OldSchool Library

The Importance of a Numismatic Library

A strong numismatic library helps collectors make smarter decisions and enjoy the deeper history behind every coin. Numismatics rewards knowledge. The more you learn about...
This is an image of a 1986 American Silver Eagle.

A New Normal for Silver?

Gold and silver prices have delivered one of the most volatile trading periods in decades. Many active dealers and collectors did not experience the...

Jeff Garrett: Toned Coins – A Matter of Taste

Attractively toned coins continue to be one of the most enigmatic segments of the rare coin market   By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)...
Silver Bars

Jeff Garrett: Silver Price Points Matter

By Jeff Garrett for NGC Silver’s Historic Surge Is Reshaping Numismatics Jeff Garrett and other industry experts weigh in on the historic rise of silver prices...
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Looking Forward to 2026 – Semiquincentennial and New Coins

By Jeff Garrett on NGC New circulating coins from the US Mint are one reason that next year looks great for the numismatic hobby. Next year...
1942/1 Mercury Dime graded PCGS MS66FB. Image: Stack's Bowers.

U.S. Overdate Coins of the 20th Century: Jeff Garrett

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ...... Mint errors are one of the most complicated segments of the rare coin market. We receive...
New 1804 and Saint Gold coins for 2026

Jeff Garrett: The Best of the Mint

The US will celebrate its 250th anniversary with the release of five popular and historic coins, each struck in gold. In anticipation of the nation's...
Shrinking Dollar. Image: Adobe Stock / CoinWeek.

Inflation’s Impact on the Coin Market: Jeff Garrett

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ...... For decades, inflation in the United States has been a key consideration for anyone considering investing...
Eye Appeal in Coins

Eye Appeal Rules Current Rare Coin Market: Jeff Garrett

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ...... In the eyes of the collector, coins with eye appeal and quality are today's trend The rare...
2000-W 22 Karat Gold Sacagawea Dollars were struck to mark the launch of the "Golden Dollar" program.

The Incredible 2000 Sacagawea Dollars

By Jeff Garret for NGC Want to collect this series? Start by looking at the assorted inaugural 2000 issues and deciding what your budget is. The...
This is an illustration of a 1911 Gold Coin on fire.

Gold and Silver’s Surprising Impact on the Rare Coin Market

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company... The steady rise in gold and silver prices in recent months has stunned nearly everyone. The price of...
Image: Stack's Bowers.

The Stellas Are in a League of Their Own | Jeff Garrett for NGC

The Stella patterns of 1879 and 1880 are among the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. By Jeff Garrett for NGC - Original article...
Oklahoma Worlds Fair of Money Coin. Image: Minted Assets / CoinWeek.

Jeff Garrett: Private Mints in the United States

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) …… Private mints predate the establishment of the United States Mint and continue to strike important coinage today. Last week, I had...
Safe Box. Image: Adobe Stock.

Is Your Collection Safe? : Jeff Garrett

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) …… Keeping your coins secure has become more difficult in recent years, but there are steps you can take to protect...
2025 American Gold Eagles. Image: NGC / CoinWeek.

Jeff Garrett on Collecting American Gold Eagles

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) …… Although this modern series can be demanding, there are strategies that can help collectors who are ready for the challenge. Next...
1895 Liberty Head Double Eagle and an 1880-CC Morgan Dollar. Image: NGC / CoinWeek.

How Do You Invest $10,000? : Jeff Garrett

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ...... The current state of the economy makes it a challenge to decide where to invest, but...
Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth inside the Durham Museum. Image: NGC.

The Byron Reed Collection and Exhibit: Jeff Garrett

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ......   While doing research on various numismatic books and projects, one of the most interesting and rewarding...
Left: Winged victory by Saint-Gaudens. Right: A 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold $20 from NGC Coin Explorer.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ High Relief Masterpiece: Jeff Garrett

By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ......   Next year, in 2026, the United States Mint will issue a series of coins and medals...

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