Microsoft Access

Well, attached is a copy of my database structure. What I have done is create a record for each coin. So each coin has a unique identified, in this case, a serial #. In addition each coin has various attributes: date, mint, denomination, etc (see the table structure picture).

Once you have that information, you can create reports, views, queries, etc. to just look at the data of interest (for instance, Lincoln Cents or those coins you sold, etc.). When I go to coin shows, I print out reports of what I'm looking for or need to help with my shopping.

It's not too difficult and you could build a db with a dozen or so coins to see if it is for you.

Databases are the next progression past spreadsheets. They add in a level of complexity that spreadsheets don't have but they also provide several added benefits.

Databases are much easier to query. Databases provide a means of data validation. Databases protect against data coruption.

As to why would one use Access in particular vs some other package. The main reason I can think of is that it ROCKS. If you're dealing with a personal database that you only need to access from one network there isn't a better application out there IMO. If you need to access your database from multiple locations then I'd go with one of the web based varieties like MySQL.

You can actually do a lot with excel. I have it set up to have the current silver price and I can figure out what a certain box of mine is worth in melt value (mostly foreign that I buy at melt anyways). The big plus for me is that my phone can open up excel files, so when I am at a coin shop or show I can see what coins I already have or need. I'm not sure that you can open up an Access file on a droid phone yet.

I made my own, nothing fancy.

Here is a hyperlink to a FREE numismatic database;

http://www.softpedia.com/progScreen...-138509.html

I have not tried it, I just googled it. If you are going to try it out, let us know about it.

It seems kinda complicated from the screen shots for my liking.

I am looking for a template in either Excel or Access that will help me get my husbands collection cataloged. I need a way to be able to enter that days spot prices as he also collects alot of gold and silver bullion. We have coins that are bought because of coin value and bullion and other coins that are bought because of their silver and gold content. Can someone please help me?

I too use Exel. However, after many years of logging in all sorts of info, I started to downsize that info. Now barely more than a date, mint, grade. Once I acquired vertually thousands and thousands of coins, I realized documenting them all would take up more time than the coin collection itself. And for what purpose? I don't plan on selling coins, trading coins and although seldom, giving some away. Therefore not much purpoase in all sorts of documentation.