Beginning coin collecting is not easy to start. Unlike, say, macramé, coin collecting involves a lot of research and a lot of variables. Luckily, its rising popularity means that more and more resources have become available on and off the Web for novice collectors. Here's how you get started.
Define Your Scope
Numismatists, that's the fancy word for coin collector, come in a variety of stripes, and the best way to start your collection is to decide which kind you are. Some people collect coins for the value that they will accrue. Others collect coins because they like the way they look. Still others are fascinated by the history that coins exemplify. And then there are those who collect for purely sentimental reasons-to mark a particular time and place in their lives.
Why do you want to collect? If the value of your coins isn't important to you, you won't have to waste a lot of time with coin grading books. If you don't care about the history of your coins, you can skip trips to the library to read about where your collection came from. Since most collectors collect for a wide range of reasons, however, it's good to be able to do both.
The next step is somewhat harder. Choose an era and a place on which to focus your collection. Don't worry; you won't have to collect this type of coin forever. But, it helps to build your collection and your expertise if you begin by focusing on a narrow range of coins.
Find a Price Guide and Learn About Grading
Coin price guides will help ensure that dealers aren't cheating you, no matter what kind of coin you are collecting. Get familiar with them early. In the modern age of coin collecting, the most comprehensive and frequently updated price guides are on the Web. Browse the well-designed Professional Coin Grading Service, check out EcoinPrices and don't skip BestCoin just because its layout is wonky.
Coin grading is a skill that every numismatist must develop, if only to avoid being cheated. Pick up a coin grading book and read them carefully. You'll learn the basics of the numeric grading system and see examples of coins graded by professionals.
Buy the Right Supplies
If you start investing time and money in coin collecting, you'll want to preserve your treasured coins. Learning the proper handling procedures is the first step-rule of thumb, don't handle your coins unless you have to-but buying the right preservation supplies is just as important. Gloves, coin tweezers, coin albums and display albums are all required kit for coin collectors.
It might take a while to pick up the rudiments of coin collecting, but thousands of numismatists can attest that it's worth the effort.
Coin grade can be tricky. The differences between two grades of coins can be so subtle that it may be difficult for you to determine what grade of coin you possess until you have it evaluated by a third party. |
When working with coin collecting dealers, you can either work with a local coin dealer, or you can work with an online coin dealer. Either way, you'll want to research your coin dealers before you trust anyone with your collectable coins. |
If you're one of the lucky few who have realized the thrill of coin collecting, you might want to learn about the history of US coins. |
Finding an online coin price guide has become a lot easier thanks to the Web. If you want to put a value on your collection or sell off some pieces, you'll need to know how to price your items. An online price guide can give you a rough estimate. |
If you want to learn how to start collecting coins but aren't sure where to start, take some time to learn about the hobby. Then build your collection slowly and steadily, searching for the kinds of coins that truly excite you. |
