Coin collecting is a rewarding hobby that can be both educational and enjoyable. Here’s a guide to help you begin your journey:
- Find coins in your everyday life: Look through loose change, piggy banks, and even consider getting rolls of coins from the bank.
- Focus on affordability: Start with readily available coins like [Lincoln Wheat Cents], Buffalo Nickels , or Mercury Dimes , which are often inexpensive.
- Collect what interests you: Whether it’s based on a country, series, denomination, or theme, choose coins that spark your curiosity.
- Protective gear: Use cotton or latex gloves to handle coins, and a soft cloth or pad to examine them on.
- Storage solutions: Invest in coin holders, folders, albums, or capsules to organize and protect your collection from damage.
- Magnification tools: A magnifying glass or loupe will help you inspect the fine details of your coins.
- Research coin values and history: Understand the factors that affect a coin’s value, such as scarcity, condition, and historical significance.
- Learn the art of grading: While professional grading services exist, learning the basics of grading helps you appreciate and evaluate your coins.
- Consult reputable resources: The U.S. Mint website, specialized coin collecting magazines (like Coin World and Numismatic News), and books like the “Red Book” are excellent starting points.
- Join a coin club: Connect with other collectors, learn from experienced numismatists, and discover opportunities to buy, sell, or trade coins.
- Attend coin shows and visit coin shops: Engage with dealers, examine coins in person, and expand your knowledge base.
- Explore online platforms: Websites like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) offer resources and connections to the broader coin collecting community.
- Set goals and a budget: Define what you want to collect and how much you’re willing to spend.
- Be patient and disciplined: Building a valuable collection takes time and effort, so avoid rushing into purchases.
- Focus on quality, not just quantity: Aim to acquire the best quality coins you can afford, as these will likely appreciate more over time.
Coin collecting is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the process of learning, exploring, and building your unique collection!
How should I start collecting coins?
I can help with that. Start with Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, and some of the newer quarter series (america the beautiful, state quarters, clad eagles). As you go through more change, you’ll find nicer and nicer examples of some of the years you already have and you will begin to see your collection improving.
How to start coin collecting as a hobby?
To get the most out of your hobby, set yourself specific targets for coins you’d like to get your hands on and start searching. Collecting from your change is a great way to get started, but you can expand your collection with commemorative coins, which are available to purchase on our website.
Is coin collecting still profitable?
Investing in coins, whether bullion or numismatic, can be both rewarding and profitable. Rare, numismatic coins do not make up a large market, so collect them for fun first and investment second.
What is the most profitable coin to collect?
Great question! 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin.
1787 Brasher Gold Doubloon. …
2007 ‘Big Maple Leaf’ 100kg Gold Coin. …
1804 Silver Dollar. …
1913 Liberty Head Nickel. …
1822 Half Eagle Gold Coin. …
1907 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (High Relief) …
1344 Edward III Gold Florin. …