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 Replies: 19 / Views: 2,185 |
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New Member
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Hey, everyone.
I was recently inspired to begin coin collecting when I got a 1941 Half Penny and a 2003 50 Croatian Lira. I have completely no experience with coin collecting, so I need LOTS of info.
Should I clean these coins? They're both covered with grime. If so, how should I clean them?
How should I store these coins so they don't get damaged?
How could I add coins to this budding collection?
How should I buy coins?
What types of coin should I buy?
Thanks in advance.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
842 Posts |
 to the community! Joining this site is one of the best decisions a collector can make. First off I should mention that cleaning coins is considered a no-no amongst coin collectors (unless they are freshly unearthed ancient coins). Cleaning coins tends to damage them, thus reducing their value. Devising a good storage method is entirely up to you! Whatever works best for you. Personally, I use plastic shelf units where each drawer houses different items. To add to your collection there are several things you can do. Many, actually! Look around and find out if there is a coin shop near you. You can also hit the internet for things you are looking for, but be warned! ebay is a great resource but there are fakes out there. Do not buy anything online if you are not 100% sure about it. It is always a good idea to ask on here first to get others reactions and opinions. Better to be safe than sorry! As for types of coins to get, this is also entirely up to you! Pursue whatever interests you most. I specialize in ancient Roman coins and Jefferson nickels. Of course, I have many many other types of coins but I focus on those two the most. I encourage you to look around and find that special type of coin to you. I hope this helps! Good luck and have fun. Coin collecting is very rewarding and can keep you entertained for years to come. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3345 Posts |
to this here community. First off, NEVER clean coins. It's kinda like the golden rule of coin collecting. Collectors like to have the original luster and patina on their coins. Cleaning would reduce value. However, if they are covered in grime and you would like them to shine a bit more, the best thing to use would be some warm soap and water-gently clean the grime off the coins. To store them , pick up some 2x2's a the coin store or online, these work great for long term keeping. To add coins to your collection, simply start buying! Depending on what country you are planning to collect from, you should probably pick up a book that will give you general info on that country's coins. Ex: The Official Red Book is what most people use for US coins |
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New Member
 United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Thanks for the info, Ancientcoinguy. How would I be able to determine if a coin is a fake?
Thanks, Rachums107.
Edited by DJMonty
09/24/2011 6:27 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
659 Posts |
question 1: no, never clean coins question 2: try mylar stapleover 2x2s, they look like this:  question 3: several ways of doing this. 1: go to a coin store or a coin show and buy them, 2: go to a bank, buy a bunch of coins to look through, and takethose that you don't want back. question 4: you should get a price guide for starters so that you don't get ripped off. If you are in the US, get the RedBook and subtract about 20% from the prices in there. question 5: whatever you want to collect  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
659 Posts |
wow, 2 posts just while I was putting mine together.
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New Member
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Thanks, Penny Man. How would I go about buying coins from a bank? Do they offer that in the UK?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
842 Posts |
For non-ancients and non-bullion type coins there are hardly and fakes at all, unless the coin in question is very rare (such as an 1856 Indian Head cent). Normally you can tell just by looking at it. If it looks odd, it probably is. Also, if a coin is priced much lower than it should be it could be fake. There were fake silver dollars on ebay a while back that were selling way under the silver spot price at the time. This is a red flag. Other posters could help out more on the subject I imagine. Don't worry about fakes just yet! If you are in the U.S. I suggest starting small. Try filling up a LWC or LMC album. They are cheap and rewarding to complete. |
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New Member
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
I'm afraid I'm not in the US, I live in England. What albums are available for me to complete here?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
659 Posts |
Quote:
Thanks, Penny Man. How would I go about buying coins from a bank? Do they offer that in the UK?
I don't know. It wouldn't hurt to go into a bank and ask to buy some coins, the worst they can do is say no. |
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New Member
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
Okay, thanks Penny Man. I'll go into the nearest bank after school on Monday and ask.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
659 Posts |
try to get one of every date of whatever the lowest denomination is in England.
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New Member
United Kingdom
17 Posts |
We have pennies here. 1 Penny is 1/100th of 1 Pound, like a Cent is to your Dollar.
EDIT: What is a 'Proof' coin?
Edited by DJMonty
09/24/2011 6:46 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
842 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
659 Posts |
a proof is a coin made especially for collectors, usually with a mirror-like finish.
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
66 Posts |
Where are you in englaqnd?
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Replies: 19 / Views: 2,185 |
Posted 09/24/2011 6:26 pm
