If you want to learn how to start collecting coins but aren't sure where to start, you'll be glad to learn there are all kinds of resources online and offline that can help point you in the right direction. Before you spend a lot of money on coin supplies or a collection you may later regret, 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. Soon you'll be proudly calling yourself a "numismatist"-which is the formal name for a coin collector!
Decide What Kind Of Collection You Want To Build
Are you collecting coins because you delight in discovering rare coins, or are you just trying to make money off a collection? Do you view collecting coins as a fun hobby or a monetary investment? The answers to these questions will determine what kind of collection you want to build.
Educate Yourself On Coin Values
Read online, pick up coin collecting books at the library or hobby store and develop a relationship with an experienced coin dealer who can guide you through purchases. Subscribe to a coin collecting magazine such as Coin World. You'll also need a book on coin grading-this is how the value of each coin is determined.
Learn About Coin History
Are you interested in finding the rarest coins? Do you want to collect only pennies, only nickels or only coins from a specific time period that interests you? Maybe you're interested in foreign coins, military coins or coins that are particularly unique in value or substance. You'll find your niche as you visit coin shows, go to coin trading shops, read in magazines and talk to other coin collectors.
Start Slow
Start your collection slowly, buying only coins that intrigue you or that are truly a good monetary investment. Watch out for deals that look too good to be true; this is where you'll want to contact the coin dealer with whom you are developing a relationship. Make sure the coin in question was professionally graded. Don't assume any coin is properly graded if a professional doesn't grade it. Also take the time to preserve the value of your coins by keeping them in proper coin storage units.
Have Fun!
Don't get too stressed out over your collection. To avoid experiencing buyer's remorse after a purchase, make sure you do your research before every transaction. Make sure the coin really is as rare and as valuable as claimed before you take out your wallet.
 | Beginning coin collecting can be daunting for the newbie, but a little hand-holding will get you through the terrifying early stages. |
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. |
