Coin Collecting is a Fun Hobby for Young and Old Alike
Do you think coin collecting is only for the rich? Think again!
I know, I know! I see it everywhere too! Collecting Coins is the "Hobby of Kings"!.
That may have been true years ago, but it just isn't true anymore!
Anyone !!, Regardless of Age, Income or Background Can Be a Successful Coin Collector.
All it takes is the willingness to learn new things.
I got started collecting coins like lots of folks, I imagine. I just happened across an unusual coin and I was curious about it, so I stuck it away so I wouldn't spend it.
Almost everyone has a "special" coin that they hold on to for some reason or another.
Maybe it is an old Buffalo Nickel or a silver dollar that your grandparents gave you. Maybe it's an Indian Head Penny or a Kennedy Half Dollar.
These "keepsakes" can be a great start on your coin collection.
You see, there is no right or wrong way to collect coins. You can collect whatever coins you like or find interesting!
Check out Getting Started for some ideas on different types of coin collections that might be right for you.
Coin Collecting Does Take a Little Common Sense However.
You don't want to go rushing out, spending a bunch of money on coins you don't know anything about. First, learn about the hobby, and about the coins that you are interested in. Learn how to value coins so that you will know that you are getting a good deal.
After all, collecting coins CAN ALSO BE a profitable hobby if you just learn how to grade coins and find their value!
All it Takes is Knowledge!
That's why I created this site. To help you learn things you need to know about collecting coins so that it will be a fun and "stress free" hobby. Things that will help you avoid being "ripped off" by unscrupulous people. And we all know that there are lots of those folks in this world.
So, What is My First Piece of Advice for the New Coin Collector?
Increase Your Knowledge!
Learn all you can about the coin or coins you are interested in!
Don't worry, I am going to help you all I can!
First you need to understand coin terminology. You will need to know how to "talk the talk" when visiting coin shows or dealing with coin dealers or other collectors.
You will want to know the difference between the "device" and the "field". These are parts of a coin! Find out what they mean in the Glossary.
You will also need to know the difference between VG-8 and AU-50. These are coin grading terms! And, YOU CAN learn all about grading coins!
You might also be interested in a Brief History of Coin Collecting or the history of certain coins. It is fascinating to learn why a certain coin was made. Or why it was made out of a particular metal. Or why it has the design it has. Check out the US Coins page for lots of interesting tidbits about the different US coins.
So, just jump right in and have a look around! I know you will find lots of useful information to help you get started in your new Coin Collecting Hobby! And don't forget to check back often. This site is a work in progress. It will grow day by day and week by week forever!
OK, Let's Just Wrap This Up With a Few Tips:
Coin collecting doesn't have to be expensive. Save your money until you have learned the basics and then work your way up.
A great way to start an inexpensive coin collection is to check the coins in your pocket or purse before you spend them.
Find some coins or a series of coins that interests you.
Find and buy a book about coins. Read it, cover to cover.
Learn about the major third-party grading services (PCGS, NGC, ANACS, ICG) and what they do.
When you are ready to buy coins, look for coins with as little wear as you can find. Look at lots of examples of your coin before you decide to purchase one.
You can base your collection on country, year, period, subject, etc etc etc. It's your collection, have fun with it!
Ask family members and friends to save any odd or unique coins for you.
It doesn't matter which coins you decide to collect. You can be successful at this wonderful hobby by just learning everything about the particular coin or series of coins you are interested in collecting.
Just remember, when it comes to collecting coins there are no fixed rules. You decide what to collect. The possibilities are limitless.
