| Coin collecting is a great hobby, but more than | | | | mint set is the silver proof. |
| just a pastime, it is really worth something. How | | | | Don't Ruin the Quality |
| many hobbies make money in the process? Coin | | | | The temptation for new collectors is to find old |
| collections are valuable possessions. People from all | | | | coins and immediately attempt to clean it and |
| walks of life collect coins. Collectors don't have to | | | | make it shiny. Stop. It could be destroying the |
| be rich to start a collection. Simply keeping a keen | | | | value of the coin. Typical methods of cleaning |
| eye out for gems in spare change will begin the | | | | erode more of the surface away. It may also |
| hobby. Some people even start out with simple | | | | scratch the face of the coin. Tarnish removers |
| coins from everyday life hoping they will gain | | | | also remove the color quality of the coin itself. |
| value over the years. Others spend time perusing | | | | Find out the value of the coin before doing |
| volumes of coin collecting books to understand | | | | anything. Take the time to investigate the value. |
| coin values. Sometimes they get started by coins | | | | If it is worth more than its face value, have a |
| handed down from parents and grandparents. | | | | professional clean it. Coin collectors have an |
| The Internet adds new elements to the art of | | | | unspoken rule, because cleaning coins disturbs |
| coin collecting. It is easier than ever to research | | | | their value. If a collector knows a coin has been |
| coin values, look up history and relevance of | | | | cleaned they must alert potential buyers. |
| certain prints. Online coin auctions are another, | | | | Handle all delicate and valuable coins with great |
| very popular, method of getting a big start in the | | | | care. Put them in coin sleeves, or for the best |
| coin collecting hobby. Collectors can find great | | | | protection, put them in a safety deposit box at |
| values for excellent prices and begin to build their | | | | the bank. The coin sleeve is popular because it |
| own valuable collection. | | | | lets collectors enjoy their hobby, but very |
| Get Started Smart | | | | valuable coins are safer in a bank vault. |
| Getting started in coin collecting can be as | | | | Learn the Art |
| extravagant or as frugal as a budget allows. To | | | | Along with books, get the most value from a coin |
| start a simple collection easily that will gain value | | | | collection by joining a coin collectors club. Knowing |
| over time, buy an annual proof set from the U.S. | | | | what to look for in valuable money, both new and |
| Mint. These uncirculated coins are no different | | | | old, gives collectors an edge in the online coin |
| from the ones that go into public circulation | | | | auctions. Books and clubs teach investors what |
| except that they will be in supreme condition. | | | | Lincoln cents are worth and what years of the |
| There are several variations of the set. The | | | | Peace Dollar are the most valuable. No matter |
| lowest cost is a simple set of coins: penny, nickel, | | | | how collects start and are managed, they will |
| dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar. These are | | | | bring years of pleasure while increasing their |
| uncirculated in mint condition. The second level is | | | | worth. |
| the proof set. The most expensive form of the | | | | |