Harry J.M. writes: If I am just starting out in coin collecting could you give me some advice on how to get started? I have some old coins but I don’t know what they are worth or what to do with them. Can you help? Thanks, Harry
Here’s a list of things a beginning coin collector should find out:
- How coins are made
- How coins are used
- What are the differences between a coin, a medal and a token
- What kind of materials are coins made from
- How do coin collectors evaluate their coins
- What is meant by condition or grading
- Coins use various terms that describe elements of their design or quality of manufacture. Find out what is meant by obverse, reverse, edge type, legends, exergue, strike, mint mark, die numbers, mint luster.
Coin collecting goes far beyond the coin. It gets you involved with history, legends, mythology and many other subjects. It is a real adventure that can take you far beyond the coin that you hold in your hand. Start your quest on the Internet or at your local public library. Begin with the coins you already have and try finding them in a coin catalog to see how they are valued by grade. Good luck!
