Anybody Else Tracking Coins In MS Access?

You can send it to those needing it through email easily! Such as me :)

Give this a try:

http://www.visniewski.com/coins2009 **(No Zip Files Allowed)** - 2009 version (my version)
Saved down to other MS Access versions:
http://www.visniewski.com/coins2003 **(No Zip Files Allowed)** - 2003 version
http://www.visniewski.com/coins2000 **(No Zip Files Allowed)** - 2000 version

The ZIP contains the database and a sample image directory. As this is the first time I've used it outside my home computer, I've identified some issues.
1. You must enable macros via the security dialog that shows up when you open the database. If you don't, the images won't show up.
2. There must be an "images" directory in the same place as the database. Unzip the entire ZIP file preserving the directory structure and it'll work fine.
3. The images directory must contain the "blank.png" file for entrys without photos.
4. Scans of your coins must follow the format "xxx[O or R].png" where xxx is the inventory number of the coin, "O" is for obverse, "R" is for reverse. Currently, it only looks for PNG files because that's what I use.
5. It'll start up with an error saying it can't find a file. The database will work just fine but if you want to fix it, edit the entry form and change the default pointer for the obverse and reverse image. I have a script that changes the picture when you change records but the image placeholder itself needed an absolute path to an image to start with. Just point it to wherever your 1O and 1R photos are.
6. You may use the form to view your coins or the "Report by Country" query or report to view them sorted by country and denomination.

I think that's it. I never intended anyone else to use it so it might be a little funky to anyone else. Let me know if you have any improvements!

QuickSilver: Yes, it should. As long as the photos follow the naming scheme and are in the "images" directory under the database file, it should work. You can make them any size you want. The program will shrink them down to 2x2 for the form. If you then double-click on the image, it'll open it up full size in whatever program you have designated to open PNG files in Windows.

The drop down menu was created by a wizard in Access. The program does it all for you. When you create a drop down list, it'll pop up and do all the background work. I added a little piece of visual basic code to add a confirmation dialog when you try to input a country that isn't in the list. That way, you won't accidentally create a duplicate misspelled country. Same goes for Composition. Other drop-downs like Condition don't allow for values that aren't in the list.

There aren't many options for sorting and presenting the data just yet. I hope to create reports for such things as "favorite" coins and precious medals. Plus, I want to put more search capabilities into the input form. For now, you can sort by any field by right-clicking inside it and selecting one of the sort options. You can also view it as a datasheet to see a listing.

It's a big work-in-progress.

You can erase my entrys, of course. I just put those few in so you'd have something to leaf through when you opened the database. My full database has almost 1000 records in it.

To change from PNG to JPG, enter into Access' visual basic editor. I forget how to do it in versions below 2009. In 2009, it's in the "Database Tools" ribbon, far left button. From there, you should see code. If not, make sure you've got the "Form_Coins" selected in the left-hand sidebar. Do a Search & Replace from the Edit menu. Replace "PNG" with "JPG" except for the pointers to "blank.png". Don't do a Replace All. Search through them one-by-one. I think there's 5 or 6.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I've been inspired to come up with a Version 2.0.

MArainman,

Thanks for the DB. It's great! Back a while ago, I started to create one myself. But, having NO experience, it proved to be a little difficult to teach myself how to do it. You have given me a big "jump-start".

This thread has given me a somewhat grandiose idea! I don't know how many of you are familiar with the "MyNumisMaster" area of NumisMaster.com? They have an area for members to enter all their coins. It is basically an online database for your coins.

Would anyone be interested in re-creating something similar in Access (or the free OpenOffice)? It would basically be an expansion of the DB that MArainman so generously shared.

Here's how I imagine it working. Members each take an area of the DB, and set it up. When everyone has completed their "area" we create one complete database? I don't know how it would all work. I suppose one person would have to be the "foreman" and be in charge of compiling all the individual components into one final product. Those who wanted to help, but had no experience in Access (like me) could do the tedious (yet necessary) data entry, and those with experience could do more of the advanced aspects.

Once completed, maybe it could be used as an incentive/"thank you" gift for members that hit 50 quality posts? If enough people were interested, we could ask the forum Mom and Dad for permission and ideas on how to make it work. (or why it won't work)

What do you all think?

I love the idea of it but I am not sure about the execution.

I think first you would need an MS Access expert to design it. I would be willing to do some of the entries.

I think you should start a new thread to gauge interest and no. of participants.

For speed of entry it would need to have all of the info that does not vary for each coin type and year. With a minimal no. of drop down boxes for things like grade.

I am not sure how large a file it would be once it stores all the info about every coin type, year, mintmark etc. But I think it would be an amazing worthwhile project.

While there are already similar things for US coins I don't know that there is anything like it for world coins.

I have heard exact-change mentioned before, as being very good but I do not know if it comes close to having this sort of info on every coin type.

The other big question is scope. How far do you go back? Maybe you have add-ons by century?

Perhaps this might be a way for CCF to make some income? If we as members donate our time etc to create it, CCF could sell it for a small fee to generate what I am sure are much needed funds.

The ability to add your own photos, quickly and easily is paramount. And a box to add your own notes about each coin.

Another question is photos already in the database. Do you attempt to include example pics of each coin? While a great idea it might be too daunting. Where would you even get pics of every coin? And the permission to use them foc.

We may be getting ahead of ourselves I think this will take a lot of planning, but I'm already quite excited.

OK I am off to bed, I will look for your new thread in the AM.

Probably the software forum. Also it sounds as though the OP on this thread might be a bit of an MS Access whiz, so a PM to them re: the feasability of a project such as this might be useful.

Regards.