What Coin Collecting Supplies and Accessories Will I Need?

The most important coin collecting supplies you will need to start with are a good reference book, a decent magnifying glass, and a good light source.

There are many reference books available. Be sure to choose one that fits your area of interest.

When choosing a magnifier, get one that magnifies about 5 to 8 times (5x to 8x).

Stronger magnification than 8x is not advised for coin gradingGrade
This is the condition of a coin or amount of wear that a coin has received. , but anything that is lower than 5x will be too weak for you to see some of the important details of the coin and you might miss some of the smaller damage marks.

A good choice for lighting is a 75 or 100-watt bulb that is 12" to 16" from your coin. Usually, less than 75-watts is not going to be bright enough unless you are using a special high intensity lamp. Stay away from fluorescent lights altogether.

Coin Collecting Books

As mentioned already, a good coin reference book is a must. A good coin grading book would also be helpful to carry with you to coin shows etc. where the internet is not readily available. There are also books available on many other aspects of coin collecting.

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Coin Collecting Magazines

You might also consider subscribing to a magazine that is devoted to coin collectors and dealers. There are several available.

See More About Coin Collecting Magazines.

Coin Software

Software is available for your computer that will help you inventory and track your coin collection. It is hard to give advice as to the best software to purchase. It is usually just a matter of each users needs and preferences. Try to find one that offers a free trial period to see if it suits your particular needs.

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Albums and Folders

There are a variety of folders and albums on the market to hold specific coin seriesSeries
Set of years a coin was minted with a specific design and denomination. or type setsType Set
One of each coin of a particular design, series or period.. They will protect your coins from wear and handling, however, over time the chemicals used in making these can also cause toningToning
This is a natural discoloration of a coin's surface caused by the atmosphere over a long period of time.. While it is not advisable to store coins of higher grades in these albums, they are perfect for beginners who are collecting lower grade circulated coins.

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Coin Holders

When you are just starting out, most of the coin collecting accessories you will need can be found in your own home. You can use envelopes, jars, bags or boxes for newer and less valuable coins that do not require any special handling or cataloging. A cigar box would be perfect for the beginner.

As your collection grows and you start to accumulate more coins you might need some of these coin collecting supplies:

• Paper Envelopes
• Vinyl 2x2s, also called "flips"
• Cardboard 2x2s
• Plastic Coin Tubes
• Hard Plastic Coin Holders
• "Slabs"

Misc. Coin Collecting Supplies

• A supply of surgical or soft cotton gloves to use when handling your coins. These will protect your coin from fingerprints and oils from your skin, which can cause unwanted marks and other damage, especially with more valuable coins. They are very inexpensive and readily available. You can get some online at Jake's Marketplace, Inc.
• A soft cloth or velvet pad to lay your coins on to prevent scratches and marring.

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