| A valuable way of preserving history just as | | | | collectors, but any good collectors guide will outline |
| much as a globally popular hobby, coin collecting is | | | | the essentials. Another essential is as well-made |
| a past-time that crosses boundaries, merges | | | | and sturdy collection book. Whether it’s a |
| cultures and details some parts of history where | | | | thick-bound book, much like a photo album, or |
| ancient coins are almost all that are left. The act | | | | solid folder, having somewhere to keep and |
| of hunting for and collecting money from previous | | | | categorise your coins is vital, as your collection will |
| ages and other countries has been attractive for | | | | grow and need a system in place. Of course, as |
| hundreds of years, and, as far as hobbies go, coin | | | | your collection grows, you’ll probably outgrow |
| collecting is both relatively simple and rewarding, | | | | your first folder and instead need to mark each |
| thanks to minimal start-up costs. | | | | folder according to the country or period of |
| To collect coins in the 21st century, the first and | | | | history that best applies to its contents. |
| probably most valuable tool you can buy should | | | | So, you have the gear and know the jargon, but |
| be a coin price guide. There are hundreds of | | | | where should you start sourcing coins from? The |
| different varieties to choose from covering | | | | simple answer is anywhere you can find them. A |
| different nations and periods in history, but by | | | | lot of childhood coin collections after accidentally |
| buying the most relevant guide to the type of | | | | uncovering a haul of Roman coins in a field, or |
| coins you collect, you will always have a simple | | | | from dusting off a box in the attic only to |
| go-to-guide to ensure you never pay over the | | | | discover some pre-war money. For buying coins |
| odds for a coin. Next on your list should always | | | | though, there are a few reliable and plentiful |
| be a magnifying glass too, as the small details are | | | | sources to choose from depending on your |
| what makes coin collecting so fascinating. | | | | budget and knowledge. The first is easy: online |
| One aspect of coin collecting today that perhaps | | | | auction sites. Obviously buying anything online has |
| wasn’t always so evident is the fairly recent | | | | its risks, but if you know what to look out for |
| introduction of interaction between collectors and | | | | this is where you can find a bargain. Likewise coin |
| dealers. Today there are far more coin collecting | | | | shows and collectors conventions are where |
| clubs to join and network through and, likewise, | | | | likeminded people come to trade coins and find |
| the internet is full of collector’s hubs, where | | | | hidden gems. These are usually advertising on |
| forums, expert opinions, market information and | | | | collecting forums or in trade magazines. |
| prices guides can all be found; and usually for free. | | | | So whether you are just starting out in 21st |
| As with any specialist pastime, confidence in the | | | | century coin collecting or are an avid enthusiast, |
| terminology will usually go a long way. Words like | | | | always know what to look for and keep an eye |
| ‘decimalisation’, the period where coin | | | | out for bargains whenever you uncover a fruitful |
| values were essentially ‘updated’ so 20 | | | | stash. |
| shillings became 1 pound, are common amongst | | | | |