| The history of coin collecting dates back further | | | | expensive hobby because rare coins could cost a |
| than your mind can go. The wonderful thing about | | | | lot. In fact the coin collecting market can be |
| it is that anyone - old or young - can pursue this | | | | likened to the stock market where the share |
| hobby. It is fascinating how diverse collections can | | | | prices plummet one day and shoot up the next. |
| be. You can either focus on collecting ancient coins | | | | The factors that influence this could be the |
| belonging to one country or collect coins belonging | | | | ordinary forces of demand and supply. |
| to different countries. Going one step further, the | | | | Furthermore, the advent of the internet has been |
| collection can even be based on a particular series, | | | | an amazing boon to collectors of coins the world |
| a particular type set, a particular dye or even a | | | | over and collectors are able to find up to the |
| particular grade of coin. Collecting coins that have | | | | minute information pertaining to value, rarity, and |
| errors due to the dies used, uneven designs, | | | | conditions of coins of all shapes and sizes. Online |
| double strikes, and re-punched mints sometimes | | | | participation in the hobby of coin collecting is |
| turn out to be worth their weight in gold. | | | | enormous, with individuals logging on to look up |
| As to the question, "why is this book offered | | | | information about their coins, meet up on |
| free?" Simply put, there are too many other | | | | message boards, and find chat rooms where |
| better books about rare coin collecting that were | | | | enthusiasts can get together to trade coins. You |
| written by well-known numismatists (see the | | | | can also find collecting tips as well as many more |
| 'Suggested Reading' list below). Nevertheless, since | | | | different outlets to buy, sell, trade, and learn |
| its public release to the Web in 1997, this text has | | | | much more about the time- honored tradition of |
| been read by more than a quarter of a million | | | | coin collecting. |
| readers hailing from Australia, Europe, and the U.S. | | | | There are coin shops and shows where you can |
| Numerous webmasters and editors from all sorts | | | | find knowledgeable collectors who can help you |
| of hobby sites, including prominent search engines | | | | find what you need and can give you advice on |
| such as Ask Jeeves, InfoSeek, Lycos, and AOL, | | | | furthering your collection. Be wary of sellers at |
| have selected this book for their particular venues | | | | flea markets, antique shops, or other on-targeted |
| dealing with coins and hobbies. As a result, | | | | markets where the seller may inflate their prices |
| Companion is widely read by thousands of new | | | | or sell problem coins to unknowledgeable |
| collectors each week. | | | | customers. Many of these sellers are even less |
| Then there are those who like to only purchase | | | | knowledgeable about coins than the beginning |
| very rare and expensive coins for investment | | | | collectors they sell to. The same risk can come |
| purposes. Many people love to purchase brand | | | | from mail order or online purchases. Knowledge is |
| new coins straight from the mint while others | | | | your best insurance when dealing with these |
| collect foreign coins only. The great thing about | | | | dealers. Use businesses referenced in coin |
| coin collecting is that there are no rules and | | | | collecting publications or from other collectors who |
| everyone can collect whatever they wish. | | | | you trust. |
| Coin collecting and stamp collecting are often | | | | You see, there's a little bit for everybody in the |
| referred to as the twin hobbies. Both these | | | | world of coin collecting. You don't even have to |
| hobbies are very popular, partly because you do | | | | be rich anymore. If you can afford a penny, nickel |
| not require any special skill to start the hobby and | | | | or a dime a week you have started a coin |
| also because it gives you great pleasure and an | | | | collection. You see, don't let the fact that coin |
| immense feeling of satisfaction. You can start coin | | | | collecting was once a rich man's hobby scare you |
| collecting anywhere and at any time and with the | | | | away. There are some really neet coins still to be |
| coins that you actually have. As you add to your | | | | found in your everyday pocket change. |
| collection, you can relive the history of the | | | | You say you live in a little apartment then Coin |
| country through the coins. Of course once you | | | | collecting is for you. Your collection will fit into one |
| gain interest, coin collecting is bound to pinch your | | | | corner of your dresser drawer, or in small blue |
| pockets, but that of course may be true of any | | | | coin folders and coins don't make any noise. |
| hobby. | | | | Most of today's coin collectors developed the |
| Numismatics is the terminology used for the | | | | hobby within the last twenty years. Nearly all of |
| study of coin, notes, medals, but all coin collectors | | | | the commemorative coins issued in this time |
| are not necessarily numismatists. Coin collecting in | | | | period has increased in value. Here are a few |
| India is pretty lucrative as people are willing to | | | | examples of coin investments which have some |
| part with coins to those who are willing to buy | | | | collectors smiling: the 1995 Tenth Anniversary of |
| them. It is a form of investment for many | | | | the American Eagle coin set (issue price $995.00, |
| Indians. The kind of coins you collect and the | | | | current value $3,600.00); 2000w $10 uncirculated |
| number of coins you collect depends on how well | | | | bimetal Library of Congress coin (issue price |
| off you are financially. It can be quite an | | | | $235.00, current value $1,100.00). |