| Coin collecting is an extremely popular hobby with | | | | debris, ask other coin collectors to recommend a |
| people of all ages. Children tend to gravitate | | | | commercial coin cleaner that removes the dirt |
| towards pretty or unusual looking coins, while | | | | without scratching the coin or losing the luster. |
| adults are generally concerned with the financial | | | | Ask to see coins that they have cleaned before |
| value of their collections. | | | | using their advice. |
| Some people build strictly a grassroots coin | | | | How should I store my coins? |
| collection, acquiring those coins that they happen | | | | The goal for coin storage is protection from |
| to stumble across, while others buy in bulk and | | | | temperature extremes and humidity. You also |
| eagerly anticipate new limited edition minting. | | | | want to protect your coins from fingerprints, |
| However you choose to build your collection, you | | | | dust, dirt, and chemicals. Some form of |
| may have many questions about the hobby. | | | | dehumidifying equipment is recommended, even if |
| This article will address some popular questions | | | | it is just silicone gel packets. |
| and concerns that first time coin collectors may | | | | Low value coins can be kept in almost any |
| have. | | | | container. However, higher value coins require |
| What is numismatics? | | | | special protection. Your goal for high value coin |
| Strictly speaking, numismatics is the study and | | | | preservation is a container that is as airtight as |
| collection of money and related financial objects | | | | possible, which also displays the coin so that there |
| or documentation. Examples include not only coins | | | | no need to remove it from the container. |
| but also paper money, checks and stock | | | | Many commercial storage options are available. |
| certificates. | | | | Ask for recommendations from your coin dealer |
| In practice, however, the word numismatics is | | | | or others in the hobby. |
| commonly used to mean simply coin collecting. | | | | How are coins graded? |
| Those who practice numismatics are | | | | Grading coins is an extremely complicated |
| numismatists. | | | | process. Only trained professionals can do specific |
| How should I handle my coins? | | | | grading. However, it is a good idea for any coin |
| The short answer is as little as possible. Even the | | | | collector to have a basic understanding of how |
| smallest fingerprints on an un-circulated coin can | | | | grading works. |
| cut the value dramatically. If you must handle a | | | | There are 13 standard grades for circulated coins, |
| collectible coin, do so only from the edge. | | | | ranging from the AG-3 "About Good" to AU-58, |
| If you need to lay the coin down, use a velvet | | | | or "Very Choice about Un-circulated). Uncirculated |
| pad if available. Minimally, use a soft, clean cloth. | | | | coins are graded from MS-60 to MS-70, |
| Handle extremely high value coins only with | | | | depending on quality and flawlessness. |
| surgical gloves and a protective facemask. | | | | In practicality, MS-70 is more of an ideal than a |
| How should I clean my coins? | | | | realistic grade. A good book on grading will teach |
| You really should have no need to clean the coins. | | | | you the basics on recognizing the differences. |
| Collectors look for authenticity, not shiny newness. | | | | Some experts utilize different or additional |
| Even damp wiping with a clean, lint-free rag can | | | | systems, so it is always vital to make sure that |
| leave hairline scratches on the coin, lowering its | | | | you are speaking the same language as the |
| value dramatically. | | | | expert with whom you are dealing. |
| If it is strictly necessary to remove dirt and | | | | |