Ever since the nation was founded, people have been collecting old United States coins. This is one of the most popular hobbies around, and one of the few that will pay you back. If you take the time to learn all you can about the hobby, you will make good decisions and purchase coins that go up in value over time.
To get started collecting old United States coins you will need to decide what type of collection to build. You can collect a series of coins, like a complete set of Barber Half Dollars or Washington Quarters. These are both popular series that collectors have enjoyed for years. The trick to completing a series is getting the rare, or key dates covered. Because they are rare they are very expensive.
You could also get into type coin collecting where you collect 1 coin of each type within a series. For example 1 of each type of half dollar, quarter, or silver dollar. Another great type set would be a set of 20th Century coins. This would be 1 example of every coin minted between 1900 and 1999. A type set is easier to complete because it does not require the rare, expensive key dates.
However you decide to build your collection, you must learn all you can about the hobby and the coins in particular. The coin collecting hobby is full of traps and pitfalls for the uninformed or naive. By learning about the coins and hobby, you can avoid costly mistakes, such as paying too much for your coins.
Every new collector will want to get a copy of the Guide Book Of United States Coins, AKA the Red Book. It is truly the Bible of US coin collecting, and is a wealth of knowledge. Some collectors even collect the Red Book! Looking at different editions across the years can show how coin values have gone up (or down).
New collectors should also buy a copy of the Photograde book. This book will show you how to grade coins. This is a skill you will want to have because a coin's condition has an impact on its price. By learning to accurately grade a coin before you buy it, you will make solid purchases that will increase in value. It will also help you avoid overpaying for your coins. This is important because most coins you see will be graded higher than they really are. You will be able to spot bargains and avoid overpaying.
Getting a loupe or other magnifying device will help you see the fine detail on a coin and grade it accurately. This will help you decide what to pay for your coins. - 31899
To get started collecting old United States coins you will need to decide what type of collection to build. You can collect a series of coins, like a complete set of Barber Half Dollars or Washington Quarters. These are both popular series that collectors have enjoyed for years. The trick to completing a series is getting the rare, or key dates covered. Because they are rare they are very expensive.
You could also get into type coin collecting where you collect 1 coin of each type within a series. For example 1 of each type of half dollar, quarter, or silver dollar. Another great type set would be a set of 20th Century coins. This would be 1 example of every coin minted between 1900 and 1999. A type set is easier to complete because it does not require the rare, expensive key dates.
However you decide to build your collection, you must learn all you can about the hobby and the coins in particular. The coin collecting hobby is full of traps and pitfalls for the uninformed or naive. By learning about the coins and hobby, you can avoid costly mistakes, such as paying too much for your coins.
Every new collector will want to get a copy of the Guide Book Of United States Coins, AKA the Red Book. It is truly the Bible of US coin collecting, and is a wealth of knowledge. Some collectors even collect the Red Book! Looking at different editions across the years can show how coin values have gone up (or down).
New collectors should also buy a copy of the Photograde book. This book will show you how to grade coins. This is a skill you will want to have because a coin's condition has an impact on its price. By learning to accurately grade a coin before you buy it, you will make solid purchases that will increase in value. It will also help you avoid overpaying for your coins. This is important because most coins you see will be graded higher than they really are. You will be able to spot bargains and avoid overpaying.
Getting a loupe or other magnifying device will help you see the fine detail on a coin and grade it accurately. This will help you decide what to pay for your coins. - 31899
About the Author:
Learn more about collecting old United States coins by visiting my blog at http://oldunitedstatescoins.com!
