Coin collecting is a pastime that dates back centuries and is still popular today. What’s great about coin collecting is that it is a hobby that can last you a lifetime and even last for generations. A lot of people start coin collecting by finding an interesting coin in their pocket change.
Some other people get a coin collection passed down to them while some others simply find a neat coin in an old shop. Some coin collectors start the hobby because they like the way the coins look. Others hope that they can find a rare and valuable coin and get rich off of it.
No matter what your reason is, you might be wondering how to get started with a coin collection. Luckily for you, you have come to the right place. So if you would like to learn more then keep on reading and we will take you through our beginner’s guide for new coin collectors.
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Start Small and Simple
Unless you are already rich, you want to ease into this hobby. While collecting coins doesn’t take a lot of resources, it is also a hobby that can make a big dent in your wallet if you aren’t careful. You are collecting money, after all.
You should start with small sets of coins that are easy to put together. While you might think that you can just collect the coins you naturally come across, you might start to want to buy coins too.
Many major coin collectors get started in the practice by collecting Lincoln pennies. These pennies are still in circulation and aren’t that expensive to buy.
If you have a bigger budget, you can try to collect a type set of United States coins or Indian Head pennies.
Collect What You Like
You don’t need to get stressed out when figuring out what you should collect. To put it simply, start by collecting what interests you.
If there is a series or type of coin that really piques your fancy, then collect it. You might like the way the coin looks, the history behind the coin, or for some sentimental reason. The more you know about a coin, the more interesting it will start to become.
Use the internet to find out more about coins. However, be careful if you buy a coin online because there are a lot of fake coins out there. This is why you need to only buy from reputable sources, such as American Precious Metals.
No matter what, the more interested you are in a coin, the easier it will be for you to get and stay excited about coin collecting.
Handle Coins Carefully and Store Them Properly
Coins are made out of metal. However, that doesn’t mean that your coin is going to withstand everything that you throw at it. Coins are actually very delicate. Based on the atmosphere, your coin might react and start to corrode.
You want to invest in safe coin storage and handling. This is going to keep the coin in good condition. Otherwise, it can lose value over time.
You should wear latex gloves when handling your coins. Only hold a coin by the edge and don’t touch the face. You also never want to clean a coin.
A cleaned coin is basically considered damaged and will immediately lose value.
It’s Not a Race
Coin collecting can last you your whole life. It is not a race and there is no finish line in coin collecting. In fact, if you hurry through it, you will likely get frustrated and give up.
You also don’t need to buy every cool coin that you come across. Wait for the right coin to come to you.
Magazines, Websites, and Books
There are many coin collectors out there. And there are a surprising number of books, sites, and magazines dedicated to the hobby. These sources are great places for finding factual information and learning how to best go about maintaining and growing your coin collection.
Join a Coin Club
One great way to learn more about coin collecting and keep your interest alive is to join a coin club. These clubs exist all over the United States. You can go online and see if there is a coin club near your home.
You can meet like-minded coin collectors, swap tips and coins, and join a whole new community.
Visit a Coin Show or Coin Shop
It is very convenient to buy a coin over the internet. However, you won’t get the chance to actually hold and inspect the coin. Plus, you never really know what you are going to get when you buy a coin online.
Instead, you can go to a coin show or coin shop. Here, you’ll find experts who can show you a variety of coins and help you accomplish your coin collecting goals.
The Importance of Using This Beginner’s Guide for New Coin Collectors
Hopefully, after reading the above beginner’s guide for new coin collectors, you have a better understanding of what you need to do to start collecting coins. As we can see, it is easy to get started in coin collecting and it can be a lot of fun too.
Just make sure to ease into the hobby and figure out what you like most about it.
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