Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Starting a Coin Collection



Starting a Coin Collection

It is never too early or too late to have a hobby. Some people are hobbyists for fun while others see a bigger picture; and that is to make money. Some objects that may seem inexpensive now may become valuable or priceless later.

A few good examples are baseball cards, toys and stamps. Many people have made a fortune by collecting and selling on auction sites like EBay. Another collection that can become profitable is coin collecting.

Getting started is as easy as deciding what kind of collection you want. Coins are made every year and some are introduced years later so focusing on a particular time period and location is important.

Conducting research using reference books or the web can aid in coin collecting. You can learn almost anything about the coins to be collected and will help the collector discover those who want to sell coins. 

Another good source of information is subscribing to a coin publication such as Coin World or Coinage Magazine. The local coin shop can also expand the search for those antique coins outside the collector’s city or state.  

Being a member of a coin club can build the collector’s network. Some members may want to part with a particular coin in exchange for another, etc.

Coins that are no longer used generally have more value than those that are still active, because coins in the past were made of 100% silver or gold. Since the demand for silver coins increased and they were difficult to produce they are now made of 40% and 60% copper.

After completing the collection, the coins should be stored in a nice folder or album. This will keep them clean and easy for the individual to carry around and display.

Coins can be cleaned by soaking them in any of the following liquids: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or ammonia which will remove any dirt or encrustation that’s on the coin when it was acquired. Afterwards, they should be air-dried or patted dry with a soft cloth. Rubbing or polishing the coins is not advisable since it scratches and will decrease the market value of the coin.

Coin collecting can be a lot of fun. By deciding on a specific period to begin with then searching for it, the collector will have something valuable as an investment.


Keeping Coins Clean Using a Folder


Keeping Coins Clean Using a Folder

The price of an antique item goes up if it is kept in good condition. By having it stored in a safe place, one can be sure that it will not be damaged by the elements or by negligence that will reduce its value in the market.

Coins are easy to take care off. For those who have been doing this for years, such collections are usually framed or under glass and are often seen in places such as a large museum. But to individuals who are just starting out, putting it in an old shoe box or jar will do.

Later, when the collection is larger, it is time to invest in a coin folder that would better protect and hold the coins.  These folders can be bought in different sizes depending on the type of coins the individual is collecting. The coins can be stored in individual plastic pockets or in sheets that make up the album. They are available at the local coin store or can be ordered from the web. The advantage of using these is that they are handy to carry around make it easy for the person to show. These can be brought to exhibits and other venues where the coins can be traded, sold or exchanged with coins that other people may have.

Keeping the coins in mint condition does not only mean storing them in a folder. Whenever the person adds a new coin to the collection, it is ideal to first have it cleaned before putting it in with the others. 

This can be done by taking it to a coin shop and paying for the services, or if you prefer to do it yourself, is by soaking it in a liquid such as vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or ammonia which is sure to remove any dirt or encrustation that are present when it was acquired.
They should then be air-dried or patted dry with a soft cloth. It is not a good idea to rub or polish the coins since scratches can occur that may decrease its value in the market.

Serious coin collectors value the importance of storing these valuables in a safe and secure area. By investing in a coin folder, the person can be sure that the value of the coins will go up either when the demand calls for it or when there is a need to part with them.

Is it Safe to Sell Coins to a Dealer?



Is it Safe to Sell Coins to a Dealer?

Coin collecting can be a lot of fun. This hobby which dates back to 2500 BC is much larger now since people are now able to collect currencies from other countries.

If a person decides to dispose of some of the coins in the collection, it is necessary to know its value by looking at a coin catalog or price guide. There are many ways to do this and one is looking for a coin dealer to do business with.

There are a lot of coin dealers around. Some can be found by asking the local coin club or a numismatist who can give a good referral while others can be found at an auction or in a coin exhibit. These people frequent such events looking for a good buy to add to an existing collection. A lot of these individuals can also be found on the web.

To be sure that the person is getting a good price from a coin dealer, it is an excellent idea to visit more than one place to find out who is willing to buy it at the highest price. If the person feels that the price is too low, then perhaps it is better to wait until another time since the value of coins depends on scarcity, condition and demand.

Some people think that doing business with a coin dealer isn’t a good idea since this person will offer to buy the coins at a lower price. This notion however is wrong since there are ways to ensure that this person will be honest.

To avoid by being conned by someone who claims to be a dealer, it is necessary to determine that this person is a member of the Professional Numismatist’s Guild. This organization is composed of the world’s renowned collectors of antique coins and paper money. Since there are strict rules that members abide by, one can be sure that the transaction is safe.

Coin dealers are not just there to buy something, these people may also offer for sale a coin that is valuable to the other person. By getting to know the dealer, an agreement can be reached that will benefit both parties, which does not always end mean buying, but also trading or bartering.

Everyone has the potential of making money even if this starts out with only a few coins. By knowing where to find these rare collectibles and doing business with a reputable dealer, one can be sure of making a profit – if not a small fortune. 

 


Joining a Coin Club



Joining a Coin Club

People engage in social activities for many reasons; most common is sharing in the same interest and passion as other people. It is in places like these that information about a certain subject is shared and new ideas and trends are revealed that keep its members up to date with current events that happen in that club.

A coin collection club is the same. Since the number of people who have been doing coin collecting has increased over the years, the vast network involves numerous clubs in several states. In these clubs amateurs and professionals can share, trade and bid for new items to add to their existing collections.

There is never a wrong time to join a club. The challenging part is looking for one. You can start by asking the local coin dealer for help.

Some coin clubs can even be found on the internet and they will require that a membership fee be paid. Coin clubs often can also be found in the newspaper especially when events are advertised that invite the public to come and visit the exhibit.

If a person is still having a hard time finding a coin club then inquire at the local library or the Chamber of Commerce as they may be able help provide information.

One benefit of being a member is that it is easier to find someone who will buy coins at a good price. Or perhaps other members may want to part with some of their coins in exchange (called bartering) for other coins. Most local coin stores only have a limited selection that is available for trading.

Another benefit of becoming a member is obtain articles which feature a certain coin collection or discover better ways of caring for a collection.  The club also informs its members about upcoming events so the individual can plan ahead to be able to attend the events.

Coin clubs are formed so that everyone who loves coins can have fun. This means that it is not only for those who have a collection at home; it is open to novices, experienced collectors who have done it for years, as well as coin experts  They build a network that enable collectors to assist others. To become a member of a club just find a suitable one and join the fun!