How to Find German Coins
Collecting rare and antique coins is a way to connect on a personal level with the past. Imagine that every coin you collect was once an everyday item, used by a person not unlike yourself, just going about his business. These coins, which can be hundreds or even thousands of years old, represent something that we have in common with our ancestors. Germany's rich cultural history lends itself well to coin collecting, as there are many varieties of coins to see, hunt, buy, trade and collect.
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Instructions
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Determine the Limits of Your Collection
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Decide, before you begin actually looking for coins to collect, what the theme of your collection is going to be. Germany has a long, complex history, and that complicates the nature of its antique currency. According to German coin specialist Ron Guth, attempting to collect one of every coin from the history of the nation would be not only a logistical nightmare, but also a financial impossibility. Focus instead on a specific region or time period---see the Resources section for a list of world coins, including German ones.
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Focus, for example, on collecting coins based on location. Before the 1871 formation of the German Empire, the country was divided into states, and the currency varied from one state to the next. Some collectors organize their collections based on location---attempting to collect all of the coins from a specific state or region can be a rewarding challenge.
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Collect coins based on time period---this is another way to form a smaller, complete collection. For example, you could collect coins from the German Empire, which ran from 1871 to 1918, or Third Reich coins that were in circulation between 1933 and 1945. Third Reich coins, though historically significant, are difficult to find in good condition due to their zinc content.
Buying Coins
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Determine how much the coins you need for your collection are worth. Some coins are rarer than others, making them considerably pricier. You can use books or websites to find this information---one website is listed in the Resource section, complete with a database that estimates the retail value of collectible German coins.
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Buy coins for your collection on the Internet. Some coins are sold individually, while others are sold in lots---be prepared to buy entire lots of coins in an effort to get just one that is missing from your collection.
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Attend a coin collector's convention, such as the New York International Numismatic Convention, which calls itself "the United States' Most Prestigious Numismatic Event." Conventions such as this are home to hundreds of vendors buying and selling antique and rare coins, as well as enthusiasts and collectors. An opportunity to buy, sell and trade coins in a real-world environment should not be missed.
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