Coin collecting is a hobby that’s been around for hundreds of years, and it’s easy to start. All you need are some spare coins and a few basic tools.
With these in hand, you’ll be on your way to becoming an expert numismatist in no time!
Coin Collecting Starter Kit:
1. Do Your Research
You can get started with a limited coin collection. To begin, you’ll need to do some research.
You will want to know what coins are available for the collecting you wish to do and how much they cost.
You should also learn about each coin’s history, which is often fascinating!
Once your research is complete, it’s time to get started!
2. Gloves
Gloves are a must when handling coins. Coins can be dirty, and the oils in your skin may transfer to the coins, damaging them.
Gloves also protect your hands from acid on the coins, mainly when using coins with high copper content.
For example, pennies made before 1982 have enough copper to irritate if they come into contact with your fingers.
Generally, it’s best to use cotton gloves unless you’re working with very old coins (like those dating back thousands of years).
This is because cotton won’t stick to the surface of most newer coins, so it’s easy to pull off when you want to reaccess it.
It also offers protection from chemicals used at banks during processing (like chlorine) and any acids that may be present in some old currency.
3. Soft Cloth
You’ll need a soft cloth with which to clean your coins. Don’t use household cleaners or chemicals on your coins; they can damage their patina and value.
A soft cotton cloth is best, but even a paper towel will work if you need it in a pinch.
If you decide not to get an album right away, you must keep your collection in some protective sleeve until you decide where you want them displayed (especially true if there are plans for long-term storage).
You’ll also want something soft enough not to damage any surfaces underneath the coins: your furniture!
4. Magnifying Glass
A magnifying glass is one of the most important tools for coin collectors.
Magnifying glasses are used to examine coins, stamps, and paper currency. You can also use a magnifying glass to examine jewelry or other collectibles that have small details.
A good quality, close-focusing 10x lens will help you read the tiny print on your coins and stamps or see the intricate details on older coins and tokens that have been in circulation for many years.
5. Notebook
You will also need a notebook to record your coin collection. This is where you can write down the description and date of purchase and the location where you bought it.
Also, write down the value you give to a collector or dealer for your coins.
The last thing to note in this section is whether or not the coin has any condition issues.
For example, if there are scratches or dents on its surface, mark this in your notebook. You may also want to add notes about interesting stories behind certain coins, such as where they have been sold before or how much money they made for their owners during World War II.
These types of details will help other collectors learn more about numismatics!
6. Coin Albums
Coin albums are a great way to organize your coin collection. Coin album pages are made of plastic so that they won’t get damaged by moisture or dirt.
Many types of coin albums come in many different sizes, so you can fit a lot of coins in one album if you need to store more than one set together.
Before you go…
I hope this article has helped you to become a coin collector. Of course, the best way to start is by researching and getting your hands on the starter kits.
Check out my next article: “How to Get Free Coins by Mail?“
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