| collecting or numismatics is probably one of the | | | | is a good idea to get the coin authenticated by |
| most popular hobbies in the world and also one of | | | | reputable coin grading and coin authentication |
| the oldest. Many individuals at some point in time | | | | services. The condition of a coin is denoted by a |
| have collected coins. If you want to start a coin | | | | coin grade. For a detailed study on coin grades, |
| collection, a lot of research and study should be | | | | read Photograde by James Ruddy. Currently, the |
| devoted to the hobby of coin collecting. | | | | more reputable coin grading services are |
| Coins have often been regarded as 'mirrors of | | | | Professional Coin Grading Service, Numismatic |
| history'. Other than the monetary value and | | | | Guarantee Corporation of America, ANACS and |
| worth of antique coins, they also possess | | | | Independent Coin Grading Co. |
| historical value. Coins belonging to different ages | | | | The best places to buy coins are reputable coin |
| have different stories to tell of empires and | | | | dealers, auctions, coin shows or from other |
| emperors. | | | | collectors, though you should avoid buying from |
| Amateur coin collectors generally start their coin | | | | the internet as it is hard to judge online whether |
| collection by collecting coins that belong to their | | | | the coin you are interested in is genuine or |
| own country, as this is the easiest and the most | | | | counterfeit. Coins may be stored in coin cases, |
| cost effective way to start a coin collection. With | | | | coin trays and coin albums. However, you should |
| time this may give way to specializing in collecting | | | | avoid storing coins in jars, as keeping them in a |
| coins that belong to a particular type. Coin | | | | jar may scratch the coins. |
| collectors may specialize in coins of a particular | | | | Amateur coin collectors may mistakenly think that |
| country or of a particular period or metal. | | | | cleaning coins is an important part of caring for |
| Commemorative coins, such as those released | | | | the coin collection. However, the opposite is true; |
| during sporting events or those that mark the | | | | it is best that coins are not cleaned at all. |
| independence day of a country, can also make an | | | | Collectors prefer the original look of coins and |
| appealing collection. Coins with faults or defects | | | | cleaning coins may bring down their value. If your |
| are also popular among serious collectors. | | | | coins need any cleaning, you should first consult a |
| As with any other hobby, the coin collection | | | | professional or an expert. Olive oil or soapy water |
| market is flooded with fakes and if you are not | | | | may be used for cleaning coins. Harsh cloths |
| an expert in this field it is very difficult to | | | | should never be used to clean, and tap water is a |
| separate the original genuine coins from the | | | | strict no-no as they contain minerals that may |
| counterfeit coins. Before buying expensive coins it | | | | harm the coins. |