| If you are thinking about starting the fun hobby | | | | With all collectibles the better the condition of the |
| of coin collecting there are a few basics you | | | | item the more it is worth and coins are no |
| should learn that will help you get started on the | | | | different. Grading coins has evolved into a very |
| right foot and might even save you some money. | | | | exacting science over the years and you must |
| One problem (if you can call it that) with coin | | | | quickly learn how coins are graded and valued or |
| collecting is that there are so may different types | | | | you will become an easy target for unscrupulous |
| of coins to collect that a novice might but be | | | | coin dealers that take advantage of the beginning |
| overwhelmed and get frustrated. Relax, this has | | | | coin collector. |
| happened to many others before you and the | | | | Buy a good quality magnifying glass and spend the |
| fact is most coin collectors specialize in certain | | | | time to learn how to grade and value coins and |
| types of coins as there is no way unless you are | | | | you will be much better off in the long run than |
| extremely wealthy that you could collect every | | | | just blindly taking someone's word for the grade |
| coin ever made from around the world. | | | | of a coin unless it has been certified and is in a |
| Even though the U.S. State Quarter Program has | | | | sealed holder. |
| been enormously popular I think that there are so | | | | There is coin collecting software available for |
| many people collecting them that it will be a long | | | | organizing collections but if you are just starting |
| time before they become very valuable. Still, they | | | | out save your money for building your collection |
| are a really good way to begin coin collecting | | | | with quality coins and as your collection grows |
| especially if you are on a tight budget. | | | | look at getting a software package to help |
| Personally, I would suggest starting with U.S. coins | | | | manage your collection. |
| like the Penny, Nickel and Dime but the neat thing | | | | Try and buy the best quality coins you can afford |
| about collecting coins is that you can choose to | | | | as higher grade coins are worth more and |
| collect whatever interests you. If you like Franklin | | | | appreciate in value faster but don't feel like you |
| Half Dollars then go ahead and start collecting | | | | need to have the highest grade coins immediately. |
| them. Just remember the odds are pretty slim | | | | Part of the fun of coin collecting is always trying |
| you will be finding one in your change anytime | | | | to improve your collection with a better grade of |
| soon. | | | | coin whether you found it in change, bought it or |
| Go to your local hobby store and look for the | | | | traded for it. |
| coin collecting section where you will find some | | | | Start slowly and learn as much as you can about |
| basic items like coin folders to store your budding | | | | coin collecting before spending any significant |
| collection. These are cheap and work very well | | | | amount of money and you will be happier in the |
| when just starting out. Buy a few books on coins | | | | long run. Coin collecting can be a lifelong pursuit |
| to help you learn about the different coins that | | | | that is extremely rewarding so don't rush and |
| have been minted and how they are graded and | | | | enjoy the journey. |
| their current values. | | | | |