Coin Collecting FAQs

Here are some coin collecting FAQs (frequently asked questions) that should be helpful to you.

If you don't find what you are looking for, try the search box in the upper right corner to search this site.

• Why collect coins?
  
• What coins do people collect?
  
• Is buying coins off of eBay a good idea?
  

The coin collecting FAQs below will open in a new window so that you do not lose your place. To return here (Coin Collecting FAQs), just close that window after you have finished reading.

• What is Numismatics? and What is a Numismatist?
  
• Where can I find collectible coins?
  
• What is the history of coin collecting?
  
• What are Mint Marks?
  
• What are Mint Sets?
  
• How should I clean a coin?
  
• What is the best way to store valuable coins?
  
• How should I handle my collectable coins?
  
• What does grading mean?
  
• What are coin grading services?
  
• What is the best way of getting started in coin collecting?
  
• How can I get my child started in coin collecting?
  
• What are my coins worth?
  
• What affects the value of coins?
  
• What tools and supplies will I need as a coin collector?
  
• What are proof coins?
  
• What are coin slabs?
  
• How and why are coins removed from slabs?
  
• How are coins made?
  
• What is numismatics?
  
• I don't understand a lot of the terms I see.
  Where can I find out what they mean?
  

Coin Collecting FAQs

• Why collect coins?



A collection of coins is like a miniature art collection. Many people collect coins just for the beauty and uniqueness of the coins.

Coin collecting can also be educational. As you study the history of each coin you collect, you will learn about famous people and places.

Not only is coin collecting fun and interesting, but it can also be potentially profitable. Coins tend to increase in value over time, so in a few years a collection could be worth many times what you have invested in it if you are careful about your purchases.

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Coin Collecting FAQs

• What coins do people collect?



Different people collect coins in different ways. It is totally up to you as a collector (and your budget) as to what your coin collection will be. Here are some examples that might help you get started.

Your collection could be really broad as in world coins or it could be rather small as in only silver dollars etc.

Another idea would be to collect a specific series of coins. If you want to collect a particular seriesSeries
A set of years a coin was minted with a specific design and denomination. you would want one coin of each date and mint mark made of a particular denomination and type of coin. An example of this type of collection is described on this page. (Click here to open it in a new window.)

You could also collect your coins by typeType
The basic distinguishing design of a coin.
Type Set
One of each coin of a particular design, series or period.. If you collect a type set you would want one of each coin of a particular design, series or period. An example would be "gold coins" or maybe "20th century coins".

Some people only want to collect ancient coins. Or maybe a smaller "theme" within ancient coins such as the Twelve Caesars, the goddess Diana, or the town of Carthage.

Error coins are another possibility. Error coins are just what they seem to be, coins with an error of some sort. These coins should never have been released from the mint due to some mistake during the production process such as double stamping or missing components etc. Sometimes these coins do make it into circulation however, and they can be quite valuable.

Or, last but not least, my favorite, the "shotgun" method of coin collecting. Just go for whatever coins interest you.

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Coin Collecting FAQs

• Is buying coins off of eBay a good idea?

• I have purchased some coins off of eBay and I had no problem, but I urge you to proceed with caution.

  Know the coin you are bidding on and what it is worth. Many coins on eBay sell for much more than they are worth, so do your homework before bidding.

  Also, before you bid, be sure to check the seller's feedback. Make sure they haven't had any major complaints. If they are new and don't have much feedback, be very cautious. There are many scammers out there.

  Check their website, if they have one. A big plus would be being able to reach them by phone.

  And make sure that they have a reasonable return policy and that they insure their packages when shipped.

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I will continue to add coin collecting faqs here as the need arises. Please check back often. If you do not find the answer to your question in Coin Collecting FAQs, try searching this site in the upper right corner of the page.