How to Start a Coin Collection

So you want to be a numismatist. Good for you. Grab your magnifying glass, and let's get going.

Things You'll Need

• White Gloves
• Magnifying Glasses
• Coin Collecting Magazines
• Coins
• Coin Album/folders

Instructions

1. Decide what type of collection you'd like to build. Do you want coins from a particular location or time period, coins with stars on them, just dimes? You may just want to dig through your pockets and start with what you find there.

2. Learn all you can about the particular coins you choose. Many books and Web sites are dedicated to coin collecting, and they can teach you all of the basics such as what the grades are and the appropriate prices for particular coins.

3. Complete a set. Collect one of each year and mint mark of your coin of choice. (A mint mark tells you where the coin was made.)

4. Start looking for discontinued coins. Dollars, half-dollars, dimes and quarters minted before 1965 were still made of silver. Pre-1970 silver dollars and half-dollars are also at least half silver. Today, only special collector's mintings contain silver (at a ratio of 40 percent silver and 60 percent copper).

5. Subscribe to coin publications such as "Coin World" or "Coinage Magazine."

6. Visit a local coin shop. Get to know the people who work there; they can help you expand your collection by explaining ways to find pieces you're missing.

7. Pick up a collector's display album or folder to proudly show off your newfound hobby.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't start buying expensive coins at first. Learn the basics and work your way up.

• Never clean a coin. You will seriously reduce its value as a collectible.