Collecting coins is a relaxing and interesting hobby, and your collection may grow in value over time. If you’re just getting started, it can seem overwhelming and be confusing where to start. Follow these tips for establishing a collection.

Do:

Decide how to collect.

There are several ways to collect coins, so choosing a few parameters helps focus the collection in the beginning. Consider collecting by country, time period, or date range. If not by place or time, collect by type, such as nickel or quarter. Series —such as America the Beautiful quarters or Roosevelt dimes — or minted collections — like proofs and uncirculated or commemorative sets — are also fun places to start.

Add thoughtfully.

In the beginning, you may try to collect any coinage you can, but add items to the collection with discernment. Factor in the luster, surface quality, and wear. Do you like it? As your expertise expands, you’ll come to know instinctively whether an item is right for your collection.

Don’t:

Confuse age with value.

Just because coinage is old doesn’t mean it has monetary value. Rarity, condition, wear, and aesthetic quality all contribute to the collectible value. The “strike,” or quality of the image impression, determines whether it’s crisp and clear or blurry. Is the design appealing? The intrinsic metal also helps determine value.

Go it alone.

Although many collectors like to hunt their treasure without the help of dealers, it can be difficult to obtain the right coins in a complex series without the expertise of others. Buying from a dealer website gives you the option of returning an item if it doesn’t meet standards. Purchasing from other online sources based on image only is tricky, and you may not end up collecting truly desirable or valuable items. Dealers can help you learn about the original surfaces, as well, so you can make informed buying decisions. For example, certain coins are more valuable “dirty” than shiny and clean — something a novice may learn the hard way.

Coin collecting is a fascinating, fun, and potentially valuable pastime that can be shared with others. Collector's Palace Coins & Jewelry in Streetsboro, OH, offers an in-store inventory of foreign and U.S. coins for beginning and experienced collectors. In business since 1990, they also buy and sell comics, jewelry, vintage toys, and Disney® products. Call (330) 626-2464 for an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about their services and inventory.