Coin Collecting Basics: Your Own Coin Collecting Kit

Coin collecting is not as simple as keeping coins: it may be observed from numismatists or even coin enthusiasts that it is a systematic and somewhat complicated hobby. Certain tools must be employed to ensure both fun, discipline and to some extent, good profit. 

Here are some of the essential things that must be included in the coin collecting kit.

1. Coin Guides

Coin guides should be used, not just by beginners, but by professional coin collectors as well. 

Coin guides give tips on how to start, as well as special instructions on how to proceed with the hobby of coin collecting. 

They also provide information on coins, since different coins have different ways of grading, pricing, etc. 

It is recommended you read guides before doing starting the hobby to avoid making wrong decisions caused by lack of information. 

2. Coin Inventory Record

All items in your collection must be accounted for properly. Information like year, face value, grade, cost, trend, and remarks must always be available for reference. 

Inventory Records also help in organizing coin collections. It eliminates the redundancy of coins in the collection by showing the collectors at a glance the items in his collection. 

Coin collectors do have options in the method to be used in recording coin information. They may choose the traditional paper-and-pen method, or may use coin collecting software. 

3. Coin Containers

To avoid damaging the coins, it is recommended to invest in holders and containers that will give adequate protection.

Just remember that coins react to certain chemicals such as sulfur present in paper and PVC from plastic it is not advisable to use such materials for long-term storage. 

4. Silica Gel

The use of silica gel packets is important to maintain the moderate temperature, low humidity atmosphere conducive to coin preservation. 

5. Magnifying Glass

Magnifying glasses are a great help when it comes to coin grading. Most numismatists recommend using a 7x magnification, but generally, magnification between 4x to10x will do the job. 

The magnifying glass is a great aid in examining the quality and authenticity of the coins. Details like hairlines or scratches, which are not visible to the naked eye, are “big deals” when it comes to coin collecting as they affect the value of coins. 

6. Lamp

A light source must be placed half a meter away from the workspace. Recommended light for this purpose may be a halogen lamp, or simply a 75-watt incandescent lamp. 

7. Handling equipment

Finger marks reduce the grade of the coins. That is why serious collectors invest in surgical gloves and velvet pads to use when handling coins. 

Now our basic coin collecting kit is complete. Enjoy!

Starting a Coin Collection

It is never too early or too late to have a hobby. Some people are hobbyists for fun while others see a bigger picture; and that is to make money. Some objects that may seem inexpensive now may become valuable or priceless later. 

A few good examples are baseball cards, toys and stamps. Many people have made a fortune by collecting and selling on auction sites like EBay. Another collection that can become profitable is coin collecting. 

Getting started is as easy as deciding what kind of collection you want. Coins are made every year and some are introduced years later so focusing on a particular time period and location is important. 

Conducting research using reference books or the web can aid in coin collecting. You can learn almost anything about the coins to be collected and will help the collector discover those who want to sell coins.  

Another good source of information is subscribing to a coin publication such as Coin World or Coinage Magazine. The local coin shop can also expand the search for those antique coins outside the collector’s city or state.   

Being a member of a coin club can build the collector’s network. Some members may want to part with a particular coin in exchange for another, etc. 

Coins that are no longer used generally have more value than those that are still active, because coins in the past were made of 100% silver or gold. Since the demand for silver coins increased and they were difficult to produce they are now made of 40% and 60% copper.

After completing the collection, the coins should be stored in a nice folder or album. This will keep them clean and easy for the individual to carry around and display.

Coins can be cleaned by soaking them in any of the following liquids: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or ammonia which will remove any dirt or encrustation that’s on the coin when it was acquired. Afterwards, they should be air-dried or patted dry with a soft cloth. Rubbing or polishing the coins is not advisable since it scratches and will decrease the market value of the coin. 

Coin collecting can be a lot of fun. By deciding on a specific period to begin with then searching for it, the collector will have something valuable as an investment. 

Antique Coins as Cool Collections

Coin collecting is a fun activity and it has been very popular because it does not only serve as a hobby but as an option to generate income.
Probably the most popular types of coins that are sought by collectors are the antique coins. Antique coins may be bought from auction sales, coin shows, malls and even in tourist areas that have historical themes. Antique coins are found to vary greatly in price depending on the age of the coin, its history and country or origin.

Here are some tips that may be considered when buying antique coins:

1. The buyer should make sure that the antique coin they are buying is a genuine one. There are many counterfeit coins sold in the market today and a buyer should thoroughly inspect any coin before buying it.

2. Coin collectors should collect the less expensive antique coins when beginning. The more expensive ones can be purchased once their collection becomes larger.

3. Collectors need to consider a purchase carefully before buying antique coins. Always be aware of the scams and fraud that may occur when buying coins. Take extra care in choosing – always determine the authenticity of the coin they are considering

4. A professional coin appraiser should assess the value of the coin before you buy so that the real value of the coin will be correctly assessed. This will prevent buying a coin at an inflated price.

5. When choosing antique coins narrow down the collection of antique coins to those from a specific country or a specific era. This will make the search for collectable coins an easier task.

6. Care is always needed to preserve the value of coins. Antique coins should be given extra care in order to preserve their appearance as well as their value. A collector should be aware that antique coins do not require much cleaning as excessive cleaning will only depreciate their value. The older the antique coin looks the more expensive it becomes.

Antique coins can provide so much entertainment for collectors that anyone might consider making it a hobby. Remember to be patient in searching for these coins since they may be available in limited numbers. You must have the passion for collecting to make antique coin collection a satisfying experience.

Joining a Coin Club

People engage in social activities for many reasons; most common is sharing in the same interest and passion as other people. It is in places like these that information about a certain subject is shared and new ideas and trends are revealed that keep its members up to date with current events that happen in that club. 

A coin collection club is the same. Since the number of people who have been doing coin collecting has increased over the years, the vast network involves numerous clubs in several states. In these clubs amateurs and professionals can share, trade and bid for new items to add to their existing collections.

There is never a wrong time to join a club. The challenging part is looking for one. You can start by asking the local coin dealer for help. 

Some coin clubs can even be found on the internet and they will require that a membership fee be paid. Coin clubs often can also be found in the newspaper especially when events are advertised that invite the public to come and visit the exhibit.

If a person is still having a hard time finding a coin club then inquire at the local library or the Chamber of Commerce as they may be able help provide information. 

One benefit of being a member is that it is easier to find someone who will buy coins at a good price. Or perhaps other members may want to part with some of their coins in exchange (called bartering) for other coins. Most local coin stores only have a limited selection that is available for trading.

Another benefit of becoming a member is obtain articles which feature a certain coin collection or discover better ways of caring for a collection.  The club also informs its members about upcoming events so the individual can plan ahead to be able to attend the events.

Coin clubs are formed so that everyone who loves coins can have fun. This means that it is not only for those who have a collection at home; it is open to novices, experienced collectors who have done it for years, as well as coin experts  They build a network that enable collectors to assist others. To become a member of a club just find a suitable one and join the fun!