| There are many reasons why one collects coins. | | | | coin based on mint mark, age, color, surface and |
| There are collectors who collect on the basis of | | | | condition. |
| the coin's future perceived value, some collect | | | | "A Guide Book of United States Coins" or |
| coins coming from just one particular period, | | | | universally known as "the red book", which is |
| some on metal type and some for a coins | | | | published yearly, provides a good outline of the |
| historical value. | | | | U.S. coins history, information on basic coin |
| There are also those who enjoy collecting | | | | grading, coin descriptions from past to present |
| everyday common coins, gaining pleasure from | | | | including a list of errors to watch for, average U.S. |
| inspecting mint marks and dates on their | | | | coins retail cost, and an explanation of errors |
| everyday change. Others have a collection of | | | | which occurred in the "minting process". |
| coins coming from different countries. Some coin | | | | Monthly publications from "Coinage" (coin collecting |
| collectors spend thousands on rare gold and silver | | | | magazine) contain many useful facts and |
| coins from the period of the 1800's until the early | | | | information as well articles about your new found |
| 1900's. | | | | hobby plus a lot of great photos. |
| The hobby of coin collecting can give pleasure and | | | | The newspaper, particularly in the numismatic |
| fun to an individual of any age. Many coin | | | | world section, will be of great interest to you |
| collectors began their collection when they were | | | | especially when you become more and more |
| young children, collecting dimes or pennies and | | | | involved and interested in your hobby and want |
| many of them have made coin collection a | | | | to remain up to date with the present happenings |
| lifetime hobby. | | | | in the world of numismatics. |
| The hobby of collecting coins involves spending | | | | As you grow more experienced in coin collecting, |
| money from the very start so it is good to join a | | | | your "eye for coins" will improve and develop |
| coin collectors group to get ideas and help from | | | | maturely so that you now will be scrutinizing more |
| knowledgeable and experienced collectors. | | | | carefully the features and details such as coin |
| You need somebody to buy your coins from, and | | | | lettering, making certain that the letters are not |
| it may be hard to find a coin dealer of good | | | | blemished or blurred, but are still distinguishable. |
| repute when your are new to the hobby, so | | | | You will be spending so much interest and |
| having someone that has been in this hobby for | | | | concentration on the coin's general state that |
| years can be of great help to guide you on | | | | eventually you can walk away from certain coins |
| choosing an honest and knowledgeable coin dealer. | | | | that show evidence of abrasion, and will then be |
| Begin by acquiring a big magnifying glass and | | | | experiencing the fun side of coin collecting. |
| examine coins in a bright area so you can spot | | | | Spend ample time reading, looking at photos, |
| mintmarks, errors and to clearly read dates on | | | | learning from experienced collectors and asking as |
| worn or damaged coins. | | | | many questions as needed from not only other |
| Decide on what coins to collect and buy a | | | | collectors, but dealers as well. The hobby of coin |
| "bookshelf folder" for that series. | | | | collecting is a continuing process that will last for |
| You must also have storage, such as clear tubes | | | | as long as you are continuing the hobby. |
| made of plastic or coin tubes having top screws | | | | Your knowledge and training will save you a lot of |
| to keep your coins in until you are ready to put | | | | money as well as make you money when the |
| them in a coin album; storage can also be good | | | | time comes, but more importantly, have fun while |
| for keeping duplicate coins. | | | | learning. Take pleasure in what they call the |
| You must learn about different coin values. Follow | | | | "Hobby of kings" that has turned to be the |
| what types of coins are sold, and how they are | | | | "King"of hobbies. |
| priced, based on dealer pricing. You also will need | | | | Keep on studying and learning, because the better |
| someone or some references that will show you | | | | you understand, the more that you will enjoy |
| how to evaluate the accurate value of a certain | | | | your new found hobby. |