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 Replies: 54 / Views: 6,795 |
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Valued Member
United States
232 Posts |
Hi, I am a new coin collector that has been getting his feet wet. I love thinking about the who, what, where, when, and why every time I Find or buy a new peice of american history. But what I want to know is, What 5 things a coin collector needs. In other words what do I need to be the best.  |
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Valued Member
Canada
464 Posts |
1) coin book(s) detailing varieties, population and values 2) a loupe 3) a scale 4) a microscope 5) something to store your coins in (depending on what you are collecting: i.e. a coin album which focuses on Morgan dollars only) All of these can be had on ebay for cheap. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4897 Posts |
 References, references ,references! And patience. Edited by amida17
11/29/2011 8:37 pm
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
- money
- cash
- moola
- dough
- bread
Oh, yeah, and some coins.  |
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Valued Member
 United States
232 Posts |
I have been looking at micro scopes but I know very little about them. I dont know which are the best for examining coins, to use to take pictures or if they are a good price.
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Moderator
 United States
15432 Posts |
Wishing I knew then what I know now ... my top 5 are:
1. Knowledge of coins ... reference books are best and CCF as well.
2. Knowledge of self ... what do you want to collect and why.
3. Knowledge of budget ... what can you afford, and how does this affect your choices as a collector.
4. Knowledge of the broader coin community ... local clubs, local shows ... they can all help to guide and gain ... uhhhmmm ... knowledge.
5. Coin collecting stuff ... mentioned above; scales, microscopes, optics, folders, albums, etc.
IMHO #5 (stuff) is misdirected without #1 through #4 ... Knowledge.
You have found a great forum for knowledge ... I encourage you to use the forum as a part of your learning ... as I am many others before you did.
David
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Valued Member
Australia
243 Posts |
In a general sense, you need these five elements: Knowledge - You need to know exactly what you're doing because collecting can be quite complex, especially when dealing with issues like condition, different coin varieties etc. You should also have a good price guide. For US collectors, numismedia is a good budget reference system. You also need to have knowledge of coin shows in your area and any dealers. Money - Collecting can be extremely expensive, especially when collecting US coins. Storage systems - Like albums, 2x2's etc. Also, eventually you might want to consider getting a safe when your collection starts becoming more valuable. Magnifiers - A good loupe and a general magnifying glass would suffice Inventory system - Once your collection starts to grow, you lose track of the coins you have and their values etc. Having a good inventory system is really important for organisating your collection. It took me way to long to start one. When I did a full inventory, I found coins I didnt even realise I owned. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Quote:
money
cash
moola
dough
bread
Nuts, that is what I wanted to say.  Guess I have to start moving faster. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
745 Posts |
 What 5 things a coin collector needs... #1 lots of $$$ to buy coin books, a loupe, a scale, a microscope & top $ coins!
Edited by Penny4Me
11/29/2011 10:56 pm
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
I know it's slightly off topic BUT, learn how to grade and spot problem coins (especially cleaned coins)....takes time but this could make or break you financially.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
232 Posts |
can any one lead me in the right direction to a good priced microscope for the use of examining coins, I have been checking Amazon and I dont know what to get. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
TIME
MONEY
PATIENCE
GOOD EYES
IN PERSON CONTACT WITH OTHER COLLECTORS AND DEALERS
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Quote:can any one lead me in the right direction to a good priced microscope for the use of examining coins, I have been checking Amazon and I dont know what to get. A microscope would not be in my Top 5 list. Skip that for now and get a good loupe that has 5X and 10X lenses. Acquire knowledge through coin shops, shows, books, websites, etc. Examine many coins and start with inexpensive coins when buying. Good Luck! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
Ditto what BH1964 said! Learn to grade and examine coins using only your eyes or slight magnification...
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
I would like to add that if your going to get into errors and VAMS and varieties you should get a 12x or 14x (that's what I use, a 14x) loupe. A triplet hastings is your best bet. John1  |
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Valued Member
United States
118 Posts |
My suggestion would be to pick a couple of different coins that you like "For whatever reason" and read.Do not be in any hurry to buy or you will be sorry.
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Replies: 54 / Views: 6,795 |
Posted 11/29/2011 8:37 pm
