| Probably the most common question regarding | | | | start your collection. As a matter of fact, you |
| coin collecting is how to get started. There is | | | | should probably avoid purchasing expensive coins |
| certainly a wealth of free information available and | | | | until you know enough to determine whether a |
| lots of message boards, some better than others, | | | | coin is worth the asking price and until you are |
| to help you along the way. However, I recently | | | | sure that coin collecting is a copy that can keep |
| read an article written by Jeff Ambio and it | | | | your interest. In the meantime, start your coin |
| offered some basic advice that is invaluable to | | | | collection by searching out Lincoln Bicentennial |
| any person that is new to the hobby of coin | | | | Cents, Westward Journey Nickels or Statehood |
| collecting. | | | | Quarters (especially the six territory quarters |
| Start collecting coins by buying books first. Begin | | | | released for 2009). You might even consider |
| with basic titles such as "Coin Collecting 101" by | | | | challenging yourself with Presidential Dollars that |
| Alan Herbert to get a general idea of what to | | | | have been released over the past three years. |
| consider when starting your coin collection. Books | | | | While these coins are most likely not worth more |
| like this will have lots of tidbits that you can use | | | | than face value you will have time to build your |
| to avoid costly mistakes when buying and selling | | | | knowledge and experience while you prepare your |
| coins. Even as you gain experience you'll want to | | | | collection for first major purchase. |
| utilize titles like "World's Greatest Mint Errors" to | | | | While there certainly was npt any earth shattering |
| help you recognize a genuine coin from a | | | | advice given here it is obvious that people skip |
| counterfeit. | | | | over these basic steps in a rush to get started. |
| Get to know a reputable coin dealer. Contact | | | | Coin collecting is a peaceful hobby. It takes time |
| other coin collectors in your area to begin your | | | | and patience. Those who just jump in with both |
| search for an honest and knowledgeable coin | | | | feet are the most likely to get burned and walk |
| dealer that you can work with and who can help | | | | away unhappy. Do yourself a favor and find a |
| you learn about coins and coin collecting. Until you | | | | few books for basic advice. Locate a coin shop |
| know enough to strike out on your own you'll | | | | where you can ask questions. Build your own |
| want the advice and professionalism of someone | | | | "face value" collection. When you are finished with |
| that you can trust. | | | | that you'll know where you want to go next and |
| Begin your collection with coins that are in | | | | you'll have the experience to get you started in |
| circulation. You don't need an expensive coin to | | | | the right direction without making rookie mistakes. |