Are you new to the world of numismatics and coin collection? If you have a few coins you would like to expand into a larger collection or have a specific interest such as historically significant coins, maybe from a certain period, you are well on your way to getting started. Read on to find out what you need to know about starting a coin collection!

Take Your Time to Research

As someone new to coin collecting, you don’t want to rush into acquiring as many coins as possible. Instead, take some time to find out what interests you and the type(s) of coins you would like to collect. Most importantly, it would be good to familiarize yourself with coin lingo, and this includes terms such as:

• Commemorative coins
• Circulation coins
• Proof coins
• Uncirculated coins
• Intrinsic value
• Face value
• Mint
• Observe
• Reverse
• Edge
• Rim
• … and more!

It would be next to impossible to start coin collecting without a basic understanding of these essential terms, so get reading and researching!

Define Your Collection

Let’s get this straight: it’s not necessary to have a theme to your collection, or to only collect a specific type of coin. However, it can make things easier and more enjoyable. With so many different types of coins out there, it would be impossible to acquire a sizeable collection of everything, and when you choose a theme you are interested in, chances are you will be much more invested in it.

For instance, some collectors focus on acquiring coins with birds or flowers on them. You may have a specific theme or interest you wish to focus on. Do your due diligence on coin designs and coin history as well as take some time to study the prices before diving in. This will also help you to avoid costly mistakes down the road, which is always useful.

Learn How to Handle Coins Properly

One vital thing to remember when handling coins is always to grab them by the edges with your thumb and forefinger. As much as possible, avoid touching your coins unless necessary, and under no circumstances should you attempt to “clean” them. This can end up reducing the value of any given coin.

Store Your Coins Under the Right Conditions

Once you have acquired a sizeable collection, it’s time to think about how you will store your coins! When it comes to storage, you will need to invest in coin holders. This can come in the form of albums, folders, films, tubes or capsules, depending on your needs and preferences.

After selecting the one(s) that best suit your needs, consider the ideal environmental conditions for storing your coins. Avoid places with extreme temperatures and high levels of humidity, such as the attic and basement. Opt to keep your coins in your bedroom or home office instead, or if you have a particularly sizeable or valuable collection, you may wish to invest in a safe or consider paying for vault storage.