| You can't say that collecting coins is only about | | | | using paper and pen or use the software |
| coin-keeping. Numismatists or people enthusiastic | | | | specifically prepared for coin-collection. |
| about coins will tell you that it is much more -- a | | | | 3. Coin Box |
| rather methodical and to some extent a complex | | | | Coins should be kept in properly protected holders |
| hobby. You should follow some specific guidelines | | | | and boxes so that they don't get damaged. |
| to make sure that you carry on this hobby with a | | | | Some chemical reactions often occur between |
| disciplined approach while having fun and making | | | | the metals of which the coins are made and |
| money at the same time. | | | | sulphur or PVC. So paper (in which sulphur is |
| Below is the list of some necessary things that | | | | present) or plastic (consisting of PVC) shouldn't be |
| should be a part and parcel of your coin collecting | | | | used for coin-storage on a long-term basis. |
| activity. | | | | 4. Gel of Silica |
| 1. Using guide books on coins | | | | For preserving the coins properly, packets of silica |
| Both beginners and professional collectors of coins | | | | gel should be used as it helps to maintain correct |
| should use guide-books on coins. | | | | temperature and low level of humidity in the |
| Coin guides give tips on how to start, as well as | | | | atmosphere. |
| special instructions on how to proceed with the | | | | 5. Glasses that magnify |
| hobby of coin collecting. | | | | To rank the coins, magnifying glasses offer a big |
| These books not only give start-up tips but also | | | | helping hand. Though 7x magnification is the most |
| provide information regarding the procedure to | | | | recommended one by numismatists, but even |
| walk the road of this hobby of coin-collection. | | | | magnification in the range of 4x to 10x will |
| As coins differ in respect of their price, grade | | | | complete the job pretty well. |
| etc., these books also come handy by giving | | | | For examining the degree of excellence and the |
| necessary information related to the same. | | | | genuineness of coins, a magnifying glass is of |
| Reading these guide-books is strongly suggested | | | | great help. Defects which can't be seen by the |
| before starting the hobby of coin-collection as it | | | | naked eye like scratches or even hairlines can be |
| would be a safeguard against taking wrong | | | | brought to notice by magnifying glass. This is a |
| decisions due to non-availability of proper | | | | good thing as such defects affect the coin-value |
| information. | | | | in a negative way. |
| 2. Record of the stock of coins | | | | 6. Light Source |
| Proper stock-records for all the items that you | | | | A source of light should be kept at a distance of |
| have collected must be kept. Facts such as grade, | | | | half a meter from the workstation. A 75-watt |
| year, cost, face value, remarks and trend should | | | | lamp that's incandescent or a halogen lamp is |
| always be obtainable in case they are needed. | | | | suggested for this purpose. |
| Stock records aid a lot in proper organization of | | | | 7. Tools for handling |
| the collection of coins. If any collector gives a | | | | The quality of the coins gets diminished by the |
| brief look to these records, it can help by showing | | | | marks of finger. So, coin-collectors who are |
| which coins have become useless or are required | | | | serious about their hobby use gloves meant for |
| no more. | | | | surgical purposes and pads made of velvet for |
| For keeping a record of information related to | | | | coin-handling. |
| coins, numismatists have some alternatives as | | | | Finally, the preliminary kit of coin-handling is ready. |
| regards the method to be followed. They may | | | | So, have a great time following your hobby! |
| utilize either the long established procedure of | | | | |