Coin Collecting for Beginners

Coin collecting started as a noble cause, literally. The first people to collect coins for simple gathering purposes were the rich. They were the ones that could stockpile coins and didn’t have to worry about spending them. In fact, Caesar Augustus amassed a great quantity of coins. He would keep some but give others as gifts to other noble patrons. Whether you’re noble or not, here is the beginner’s guide to coin collecting you’ve been looking for, for the rich and poor alike.

By its very nature, the phrase “collectible coins” sounds like an expensive endeavor. In fact, this misnomer may be the reason why would-be collectors never start collecting at all. The real truth to starting a coin collection starts with personal preference and ends where you decide. Your interest in coin collecting, likewise, may be different than anyone else’s. Perhaps you like the color, the year, the type of metal or the coin’s shape or other interesting tidbits. A beginner should start their assemblage based on whatever they see fit. The art of coin collecting is something that grows from a seed of interest into a flower of enjoyment.

If you are a total newbie, beginner or neophyte to the world of compiling coinage then do not fret. Perhaps you don’t have the money to start with anything too expensive. Well, you don’t have to. All you have to do is to start with an idea of something you like about coins—foreign coins or pennies from the early 1900s by example. The former may be hard to find if you don’t travel much, but the latter can be gathered by luck. First, look in old clothes that may be stored at your grandparent’s house; or, look in the pockets of jackets (etc) in stores; heck, go all out and intentionally go to flea markets checking the seat cushions of antique furniture. Whatever the case and whatever your pocketbook, there’s always a way to start collecting your type of coin. The stories you could tell about acquiring this or that coin always makes for better table talk than simply paying money for it.

Once you decide on your personal niche, no matter how unique, start thinking of a place to put your coins. Rather than stack them on your dresser, think of a way to individually display them; be proud of your collection, even if no one else understands it. You can use paper or plastic sleeves made for coin collectors. If you don’t have the money, you can make your own pockets for the coins and attach them to a piece of cardboard. Moreover, you can use Ziploc Baggies or dice bags. Anything can work if you put your mind to it. Additionally, look for coin books at flea markets or garage sells. Libraries carry loads of books or can order them for free from other libraries. You’ll be able to catch up on the latest trends and learn about your personal collection, all for the simple price of time.

If you’ve got more of a budget, there are all sorts of knick-knacks you can buy to protect, improve and display your coins. From coin holders that are made of unbreakable plastic to hardback books, to display albums to tubes, to plaques, to folders, to boxes and snap cases, you’ll always be able to find something to improve the look of your collection. Consider buying the book on whatever niche you’re interested in; a magnifying glass and a loupe make great additions to any collection. If you’ve really got a special coin, then you may want to have a special case and a special place to store it. If you keep up on the coin collecting, all the while taking care of what you’ve got, then you’ll not lose interests later when you could be assembling a coveted collection. The secret is patience and determination to complete your personal collection.