| So you want to be a coin collector? Great! You | | | | coins can be detected by their poor quality of |
| are just entering an exciting leisure, at the | | | | fabrication, and they are dull or too shine. They |
| crossroads of history and archeology, which was | | | | also sound different when struck against |
| named the "leisure of kings" and began centuries | | | | something. |
| ago. More, unlike many others, it may even bring | | | | But it is easy to get fooled if you are new. The |
| you some money if you buy and sell coins smart. | | | | best way is to get help from a friend more |
| This leisure, however, contain some pitfalls - and | | | | expert than you, or if you have the time or can |
| perhaps more than in others - so be sure to pay | | | | take a picture and post it on a numismatist |
| attention to them in order to avoid making | | | | forum, experts can often tell you if the piece is |
| mistakes at the start. Follow the guide. | | | | true or not. And keep in mind that, as often, |
| How to detect counterfeit coins | | | | what is too good to be true is really too good to |
| If you are a beginner collector, and that you do | | | | be true. |
| not want to commit too heavily in your beginning | | | | Handling coins |
| passion, there is little chance that you fall on false | | | | When you buy your first piece, you will probably |
| coins designed to deliberately mislead you. Such | | | | be very excited and will want to admire and |
| coins are usually created by aware counterfeiters, | | | | perhaps even touch them. Above all, to handle |
| who tend to reproduce the most expensive and | | | | them, take them on the edge. It is very |
| most valuable coins in the market, and so | | | | important because the slightest scratch or |
| generally only accessible to the most passionate | | | | fingerprint can lower the value of your piece. |
| of numismatists - and those with the heaviest | | | | Similarly, avoid cleaning. Do not listen to the advice |
| wallet. However, buying a false coin is really a | | | | of those who tell you to do so, you would likely |
| danger for amateurs, and you should be sure to | | | | damage the piece and make it lose value. At |
| follow a few rules. | | | | worst, you can soak a piece a few days in olive |
| First, if you buy online, on eBay for example, be | | | | oil or soapy water to leave stains. But if you |
| careful to buy only from trusted sellers. It is easy | | | | really really need to clean a coin - and it should be |
| to verify if a seller is trusted on eBay: just look at | | | | only for really dirty coins that have good values - |
| its number of sales and comments from its | | | | the best is to give this work to a professional. |
| customers. | | | | Try to keep them on a soft surface like velvet, |
| If you buy in currency exchanges, from vendors | | | | and protect them with a cover glass, or wood for |
| or individuals, you must remain vigilant. Often, the | | | | example. |