Beginning Coin Collecting  

by Rodrigo Pocius

Coin collecting is an interesting hobby with a long history. Julius Caesar was a coin collector. Known as numismatics, coin collecting is a challenging hobby which can be rewarding financially and educationally. Many people enjoy coin collecting for reason such as these.

To begin coin collecting, one should become versed in the standard condition and value of coins. In the industry, there are about seven different grading scales. Standard conditions for coins vary from 'proof' to 'about good'. Some people begin coin collecting with the popular coin series minted by the U.S. Mint. One such series, the 'State Quarters' series has been extremely popular.

Begun in 1999, the State quarters were minted about every ten weeks an completed in 2008, after minting one quarter design per State. Each quarter featured a unique design submitted by each State. Each separate design featured icons and symbols related to the particular State, were released in order of the State's endorsement of the U.S. Constitution, and proved to be popular with the general public and educational for kids and adults alike.

Currently there is a new program known as the 'Presidential Dollar Program' which features depictions of each of our previous Presidents. Beginning in 2007 with Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison, these coins will be minted at 4 per year in the order that the Presidents served. Other sources of coins for Coin collected are available online. Coins are bought and sold 24hours a day, and you can find just about any type of coin, from ancient to modern, You can also get coin packages in bulk with unchecked coins. This can be tricky, as a good eye and developed knowledge of the craft are required to pick out gems among the hundreds of mediocre coins, but the reward can be worth the effort. To develop your knowledge, books and software is also available. Software can help with researching value for coins. Coin valuation can be a bit tricky as many factors are taken into consideration when placing a value on a coin. The novice should take caution at coins that look especially clean, as cleaning tends to lower the value of a coin, and could be a coin that has been in circulation. If you wish to clean one of your own coins, it is recommended that you find a professional cleaner as extreme care needs to be taken. Coin value can also depend other factors such as metal content, rarity and historical considerations. Store your coins in clear plastic bags and avoid touching them directly as acids in your skin can damage the metal over a long term and lower the value. Starting a coin collecting hobby is very easy, just reach in your pocket and save the coins you pull out, examine them an begin looking for the history of each coin online. Develop your skills an seek out more information, guides and software, and build on what your learn. Perhaps you want to begin with a full series of quarters that can be accomplished from online sources as well. Whatever you choose to collect, be it ancient or foreign coins, the information super highway can get you to your treasure. Coin collecting is a great hobby for the individual and for the family. It offers a way to connect with history by holding and viewing a physical piece of history. Make sure you keep your coins in a safe place as this hobby can last for many years and offer years of discussion, entertainment and education.

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