STARTING YOUR U.S.A. COIN COLLECTING

Try coin collecting! (image from http://flickr.com/photos/)

     I am a beneficiary of the coins collected by my father. His good collection was passed on to me, and I found out that this is actually one of the common ways to get started in coin collecting. My father is a casual collector. I am a just a hobbyist as well, like I deal with it if I have time. I may not have plans to turn it into a serious collection or even profit from it, but for me, the sheer joy and “stress reliever” factor it bring are enough for me to go on with coin collecting.

     I may not be a beginner since I have been into this since high school, but as compared to more intense coin collectors, I’m still a newbie. I would like to share some basic information on how to start your coin collecting and how to get the best enjoyment out of it.

     Coin collecting gives you a different high. In each coin is a bit of history, story, significance and design embedded all together in one circular object. To start with your collection, most serious collectors strongly suggest that you choose which specific coin would you want to collect. Some concentrate on US coins only, some prefer Canadian, European while some go for World coins. Admittedly though, I collect anything that will appeal to me or anything which I read and hear have much value. Devise ways to get coins of other currencies like nudging your friends who will travel abroad to bring you a local coin from that country. Spread the news as well to your inner circle of friends that you are starting coin collecting. In that way, they will have an idea what to give you on special occasions like your birthday!

     To start with, make sure that you have cases for your coins. This will protect your coin from dust and prevent it from being scratched. You may commence your coin collecting hobby with the cheaper cardboard holder. If you have budget, you can invest in a plastic holder which is also air tight. This ensures that you have proper encasing. In this sense, a good display area in your house a also a must.

    Now that you have the protection, the next question is where to get your coins especially if you don’t have one to start with since your parents or grandparents were once upon a time not interested with coin collecting. No problem then, you just have to visit your local post office. The US mint and The Canadian mint are offering sets of collection for sale like the Olympics.  The U.S. Mint is always issuing new commemorative coins and sets. There is a remarkable variety of U.S. coin types in everyday pocket change, with more than 38 different State Quarter types in circulation.

     Some say that you can jumpstart even from your pocket change. You may also buy classic coins or bullions from dealers. You may try online trade but I suggest that as a beginner, delay it until you gain solid information and  until the time that you’re confident with determining if a coin is authentic or not.   It’s hard to do that only in picture which you will sure experience when you trade online. Fake coin dealers are all over the world wide web.

    Since you already have started a collection, make sure that you set aside a time to know more information about your collection. Do a research online or pick up value books. I do this if I have time as well. Find ways to grow both your collection and knowledge. An example is knowing more about “grading coins.” According to experts, grading systems are based on simple concepts that are easy to learn, especially for circulated coins. Furthermore, having a basic understanding of the criteria used by these services will empower you to make better coin buying decisions.

     Lastly, to expand your hobby of coin collecting and your network, check the classified, explore online, visit antique or crafts store, auction and shows. This will also give you the opportunity to mingle with co-minded coin collecting peoples.

     Now that you have successfully started your collection, you may now peek them from time to time especially if it’s your off from work. Somehow, you will experience that relief and stress reducing factor. You can drop a word of two here on how your coin collecting is doing. Happy coin collecting!