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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,604 |
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Valued Member
Canada
409 Posts |
Curious to see best recommendations for keeping track of coin collections. Recently just tried Coinsnap app...saw a thread about it here. Wasn't the greatest review...but didn't really see a whole lot about either free or paid software that helps keep track of a collection...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
Searching this subject here at CCF will show most of us use either a spreadsheet (Excel) or some sort of database, I personally wrote my own simple databases for my Two Cent die pair varieties collection, and my numismatic library books using Filemaker Pro that runs on both Apple OSX/IOS and Windows. Try the search button up top and type in "Collection Software" then select this forum only "Supplies, Books, Reference, Software, etc" from the pop up list to narrow it down. Look at more recent (past couple of years) to see many threads on this. The roll your own way is best IMO. There are quite a few free templates to start with if you don't really know how to write or make up a spreadsheet. Instead of Microsoft I run Open Office which is very similar to Microsoft's paid programs, and there is always Google sheets for free as well. For Online apps there are a few as well, PCGS, NGC, and MyCollect offer collection areas https://en.numista.com/ is a very popular one as well. "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
656 Posts |
https://en.numista.com/ is my preferred method of tracking my collection. It allows me to download customized Excel spreadsheets, which I then run through a series of homemade Excel Macros to obtain my desired finished products. Once my Macros were created and saved I could update my entire collection in about 1/2 hour.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1298 Posts |
If you are a Mac person, I would suggest US Coin. Good Luck..
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Moderator
 United States
187582 Posts |
I will always recommend spreadsheets, whether is Microsoft Excel or a variant of Calc (LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice, etc.). I agree that they are not for everyone, but if you are fond of spreadsheets they can be quite versatile.  |
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Valued Member
 Canada
409 Posts |
Ok, thanks for all that info. I did start one in excel but I'm not the greatest with Macros...I might try file maker pro it's been a while but that might work. I was hoping for something better like coinsnap because of how easy it is to use and catalogue but the grading and variety I find flawed and don't want to pay for that while it's that flawed. Again thanks.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1745 Posts |
I use MS Access database. I have over 3000 records, each with a unique serial number.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6452 Posts |
I have tried a few iPad apps and been disappointed. Some want to charge monthly fees, and most only let you identify your coins with stock photos and grades.
What would seem obvious would be a visual library with an entry for each coin, allowing for multiple images, plus notes and research links. Then the capability to share a few of those coins with other registered users (or a subset of users that you'd select) so you could enjoy and discuss each other's coins.
It seems like somebody could have worked it out by now, which makes me wonder what the challenge might be.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Have about 2,500 coins in my collection
All of my coins of significant value are in 2x2's, fully written up and attributed
-price and when bought
-full description and cat reference where appropriate.
Occasionally I reorganize my collection.
All of the information relating to the coin moves with the coin.
No need for supporting software.
Some store / display their coins in descriptive date / mm album sets..
No need for supporting software in this case, either.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6452 Posts |
Software mostly seems to support the use case of sharing the pictures and information for the purpose of enjoyment or research. Somewhat like we are doing here, I suppose.
For record-keeping and personal enjoyment, I agree that a spreadsheet or ledger seems adequate. Perhaps an organized file folder system for cataloging the collection.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
If you have a really big collection,
best to emulate what museums do.
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Moderator
United States
94728 Posts |
I use MS Excel - I have thousands of entries for all my coins and sets. easily updatable and customizable.
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Valued Member
United States
234 Posts |
I use CoinManage and have a 5k - 6k piece collection I inventory and track through its use. Allows you to add what I consider the most pertinent information as to purchase/sale data without having to build your own database.
Whatever you use, the key is to stay on top of the entry side of the equation. If you end up with a large collection, it's best to get the inventory entered as you purchase otherwise it becomes a monumental task to remember the details and enter the data after the fact.
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Quote:
Whatever you use, the key is to stay on top of the entry side of the equation. If you end up with a large collection, it's best to get the inventory entered as you purchase otherwise it becomes a monumental task to remember the details and enter the data after the fact. I agree. Well said!  |
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Moderator
United States
94728 Posts |
Quote:
it's best to get the inventory entered as you purchase otherwise it becomes a monumental task to remember the details and enter the data after the fact. Another thing I do is save to a 'receipt' directory all my purchases - each directory is broken down to the source of the purchase. (eBay, US Mint, etc.) then I print them out onto paper and filed away in my safe. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United Kingdom
17883 Posts |
Like Dearborn, I use MS Excel.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,604 |
Posted 10/08/2023 09:28 am
