Canadian Coin Collecting: Pleasures vs. Treasures

Canadian Coin Collecting: Pleasures vs. Treasures


In Canada where money the popularity of coins has shown significant increase because the value of the “paper money” tends to deflate as much as 25% to 30% in a short period of time.

For this reason, coin manufacturers in Canada started making different kinds of coins to replace the value that was lost in the depreciation of paper money. Gold continues to thrive in various types of coins and their value continues to increase.

Coins function as solid emblems of a nation’s history. Canada has gained importance by producing Canadian coins serve as a means of monetary exchange and a source of historical enrichment.

Many coin collectors are enticed to try Canadian coin collecting. They know that collecting such Canadian treasures not only offer them remarkable diversion but can also provide them with additional value in the future.

So for those who wanted to start collecting Canadian coins, here is a list of some ways to get you started:

1. Do your homework

Like in any venture you must do your homework before you start collecting coins. Try to research how Canada manufactures their coins.

Learn the history of coins and how they may offer great opportunities to earn a profit and at the same time be an enjoyable hobby.

2. Finders keepers

To start the ball rolling, try to get as many coins or tokens as you can obtain without having to spend a great amount of money. Your parents or your grandparents may have some coins that they kept because they did not hold any monetary value at that time.

3. Use some guides

Coin collecting is not a complicated activity but it is not that easy either. You would likely need some references that will guide you in choosing the kinds of Canadian coins to collect.

You can refer to “Haxby’s Coins of Canada” or other brochures that will provide you with adequate information regarding Canadian coin collecting.

4. Enjoy and have fun

The idea of coin collecting is not to get the most expensive and the rarest coins that you can find. What matters most is that you enjoy what you do and that you are amazed by the kinds of coins that you are able to obtain.

Coin collecting may differ from one place to another but Canadian coin collecting is sure to give a hobbyist great pleasure and not just mere treasures.

Antique Coins as Cool Collections

Antique Coins as Cool Collections

Coin collecting is a fun activity and it has been very popular because it does not only serve as a hobby but as an option to generate income.

Probably the most popular types of coins that are sought by collectors are the antique coins. Antique coins may be bought from auction sales, coin shows, malls and even in tourist areas that have historical themes. Antique coins are found to vary greatly in price depending on the age of the coin, its history and country or origin.

Here are some tips that may be considered when buying antique coins:

1.    The buyer should make sure that the antique coin they are buying is a genuine one. There are many counterfeit coins sold in the market today and a buyer should thoroughly inspect any coin before buying it.
2.    Coin collectors should collect the less expensive antique coins when beginning.  The more expensive ones can be purchased once their collection becomes larger.
3.    Collectors need to consider a purchase carefully before buying antique coins. Always be aware of the scams and fraud that may occur when buying coins. Take extra care in choosing – always determine the authenticity of the coin they are considering
4.    A professional coin appraiser should assess the value of the coin before you buy so that the real value of the coin will be correctly assessed. This will prevent buying a coin at an inflated price.
5.    When choosing antique coins narrow down the collection of antique coins to those from a specific country or a specific era. This will make the search for collectable coins an easier task.
6.    Care is always needed to preserve the value of coins. Antique coins should be given extra care in order to preserve their appearance as well as their value. A collector should be aware that antique coins do not require much cleaning as excessive cleaning will only depreciate their value. The older the antique coin looks the more expensive it becomes.

Antique coins can provide so much entertainment for collectors that anyone might consider making it a hobby. Remember to be patient in searching for these coins since they may be available in limited numbers. You must have the passion for collecting to make antique coin collection a satisfying experience.

Ancient Coins as Collections

Ancient Coins as Collections

Collecting coins is so much fun! It is both a hobby and a source of income for many. One type of coin that you may want to consider collecting is ancient coins. Many collectors hesitate to buy ancient coins to collect because they can be terribly expensive. What is most important is the uniqueness of these coins and the benefits they provide their collectors.

Here are some tips that should be considered when buying ancient coins:

1.    Conduct a research of ancient coins. It is important that a collector is aware of what coins are considered ancient. It does not require a collector to go to a library since many websites on the Internet can provide all the information needed to become well-informed about ancient coins.

2.    There is a wide variety of ancient coins available for collectors. A collector can choose from different eras and civilizations. He can choose from a Chinese civilization, ancient Rome, Greek, Persian, etc. It is preferable for a collector to focus on a specific group or era when collecting coins. 

3.    Once a selection has been made, a collector may then focus on the buying of these coins. To start select coins that are least expensive –set a price range such as $20. Once the collection grows, he may then want to start buying the more expensive coins.

4.    A collector may also try searching for ancient coins at auction houses or online auctions where ancient coins are available.  Always be aware of possible fraud no matter which venue you are using and take extra care in buying coins at online auctions.

5.    It is also suggested that the collector make a list of the ancient coins that he would like to buy. He can list them according to his order of preference which will make his search for ancient coins an easier task.  Included on his list should be the amount he is willing to spend on a certain type of coin. The list will be helpful whether online or at an auction house, enabling him to manage his budget easily.

6.    It is important to have a separate holder for his ancient coin collection or his other collections. Separate holders will help the collector organize and preserve his coins. Ancient coins are generally more expensive than other collectible coins so it is necessary for a collector to know the proper care for them.

Ancient coins should not intimidate coin collectors. They are an exciting way to enjoy the hobby of collecting coins.  Not only do they provide fun but they serve as a source of knowledge for many coin collectors.

Why Use a Humidor?

Why Use a Humidor?

If you are not an experienced cigar smoker, you may be wondering why cigar aficionados use humidors.  Humidors are used to store and protect cigars so that they are kept at their peak flavor.  A humidor works by keeping a cigar at a constant temperature, somewhere between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 70-72% humidity.

Many cigar aficionados claim that the ideal temperature for storing cigars is 70 degree F.  Any lower will tend to age the cigar, rather than keep it at a constant level.  Humidors are not meant to age, but rather to preserve the integrity, flavor, and color of the cigar. 

What should you look for when purchasing a humidor?  The good humidor should close completely, with a tight fitting lid that will keep the cigars well kept from the elements and prevent any exchange of moisture.  Seams should be smooth and well fitted for cigars.  Cedar, especially Spanish cedar is ideal for the interior of the humidor.  Of course, make certain your brand of cigars fits well into any humidor you are considering purchasing.