Humphreys - Coin Collecting Manual - Volume II - 1871
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Coin Collecting Basics: Your Own Coin Collecting Kit
Coin collecting is not as simple as keeping coins: it may be observed from numismatists or even coin enthusiasts that it is a systematic and somewhat complicated hobby. Certain tools must be employed to ensure both fun, discipline and to some extent, good profit.
Here are some of the essential things that must be included in the coin collecting kit.
1. Coin Guides
Coin guides should be used, not just by beginners, but by professional coin collectors as well.
Coin guides give tips on how to start, as well as special instructions on how to proceed with the hobby of coin collecting.
They also provide information on coins, since different coins have different ways of grading, pricing, etc.
It is recommended you read guides before doing starting the hobby to avoid making wrong decisions caused by lack of information.
2. Coin Inventory Record
All items in your collection must be accounted for properly. Information like year, face value, grade, cost, trend, and remarks must always be available for reference.
Inventory Records also help in organizing coin collections. It eliminates the redundancy of coins in the collection by showing the collectors at a glance the items in his collection.
Coin collectors do have options in the method to be used in recording coin information. They may choose the traditional paper-and-pen method, or may use coin collecting software.
3. Coin Containers
To avoid damaging the coins, it is recommended to invest in holders and containers that will give adequate protection.
Just remember that coins react to certain chemicals such as sulfur present in paper and PVC from plastic it is not advisable to use such materials for long-term storage.
4. Silica Gel
The use of silica gel packets is important to maintain the moderate temperature, low humidity atmosphere conducive to coin preservation.
5. Magnifying Glass
Magnifying glasses are a great help when it comes to coin grading. Most numismatists recommend using a 7x magnification, but generally, magnification between 4x to10x will do the job.
The magnifying glass is a great aid in examining the quality and authenticity of the coins. Details like hairlines or scratches, which are not visible to the naked eye, are ?big deals? when it comes to coin collecting as they affect the value of coins.
6. Lamp
A light source must be placed half a meter away from the workspace. Recommended light for this purpose may be a halogen lamp, or simply a 75-watt incandescent lamp.
7. Handling equipment
Finger marks reduce the grade of the coins. That is why serious collectors invest in surgical gloves and velvet pads to use when handling coins.
Now our basic coin collecting kit is complete. Enjoy!
All About Coin Collecting: Grade Coins with Ease!
Coin collection is not just about having as many coins as possible. More important than the number of coins is the quality of those coins. This quality is measured by the coins? grade and the grade is measured using a scale from zero to seventy (seventy being the highest point grade). Doctor William Shelby introduced this point scale in his work ?Penny Whimsy?.
Here are the classifications of coins according to grade.
1. ?Mint State? Coins
This is equivalent to a value of 60 to 70 in the Shelby?s grade scale. This means that the coin has no blemishes whatsoever. Most of the coins in this category are uncirculated, shiny, new coins, with absolutely no signs of wear.
2. ?Almost Uncirculated? Coins
The ?Almost Uncirculated? coins have a point grade of 50, 55, or 58.
It is very important to note that in these coins, coin collectors must know the locations of the high points in a particular coin. By checking the difference of the light reflected in the high points to the other parts of the coin, an ?Almost Uncirculated? coin is separated from the Mint State coins.
3. ?Fine Coins?
These can further be classified as? Extremely Fine? (40, 45), ?Very Fine? (20, 25, 30, and 35) or ?Fine? (12) depending on the sharpness of the remaining details on the coins. The coins are observed to have wear but the designs are still intact.
For ?Extremely Fine? coins, the mint luster is still present.
?Very Fine? coins can be compared to coins which have been used for 1-3 years. Minor features of the coins are already gone.
4. ?Good Coins?
These coins can be specifically defined as ?Very Good? (12), ?Good? and ?Almost Good? coins.
The coins in this category are worn out. Only weak designs can be observed since the details of the coins in the high points are nearly smooth.
Full rims must be observed for the ?Very Good? coins category.
In the case of ?Good? coins, the mint mark and the date must be visible.
On the other hand, ?Almost Good? coins are the most worn of coins in this category.
5. ?Fair Coins?
The coins are ?worn out?, but can still be distinguished as belonging to one of the types of coins - as long as one can identify a coin, it is a ?Fair C?.
6. ?Basal Coin?
These metals that can be determined to be coins - but the kind of coin are undeterminable.
With the classifications described, it will be very easy to grade coins. Just remember that knowledge of the coins? grades gives coin collectors advantages!
Accessories for Coin Collection
When collecting coins, one thing to consider is how to arrange and take care of the coins. Coins that are collected may be antique, ancient, or limited editions coins. These coins come from many countries and are usually high in value. A collector must know how to keep and take care of them so that they will retain the same appearance and value.
One way to take care of coins is to purchase s selection of coin accessories. Not only are coin accessories used to make a coin collection presentable and organized; but the primary purpose of coin accessories is to take care and preserve the coins.
When buying coin accessories it is important to choose those accessories that will best satisfy the needs of the collector. Some factors that may be considered are durability, price and usefulness.
Many coin accessories can be found in collectible stores and even online. Here are some coin accessories that may be considered:
Coin Boxes
Coin boxes are the most common sought for coin accessories as they are very convenient to coin collectors and specialists. The compartments of the box provide for easy location of the coins. The compartments are also wide, which provides flexibility in placing the coins. The wide compartments also allow the collector to handle the coins the proper way.
Coin Albums
Coin albums are similar to any typical album with the difference being that the coin album is especially designed to hold coins. A coin album has a transparent layer that aids in the protection of the coins. The collector does not need to handle the coins one by one. All he has to do is turn the pages and the coins are all there protected from improper handling.
Coin Holders
Coin holders are best for those collectors who collect coins during their travels. They allow portability of the coin collection. In addition, the collector does not need to carry his entire collection. He can simply place a single coin in the coin holder. Coin holders provide safety for the coins and prevent a coin from the many elements that may depreciate its value.
Other coin accessories can be found in the market. Determine the primary purpose of the accessory and if it can satisfy your needs. Prices will differ depending on the durability of the accessory. Research the many coin accessories that are sold and compare prices before choosing one.
