Coin collecting is a rewarding hobby for you to participate in. You can learn a lot about culture and history and buy coins that might have significant financial worth, but where do you begin? Focus on a type you’d like to collect, get the right materials to maintain your collection, and always continue to learn about them. Here are some helpful tips to get your collection off to a great start.   

Do

Start small.

A collection is something that grows over time; even though you’re excited, selectively buy coins you see. Choose a focus for your collection and start shopping for rare coins that fit the bill. Common focuses could include coins from a specific time period, country, denomination, or that have a specific image on them.

Get the right tools and supplies.

The right supplies will help you protect your rare coins and proudly display your collection. Buy a coin album or holder that is designed to house coins, rather than throwing them all in a box, so they don’t rub up against and damage each other. Get a magnifier, pair of powder-free latex gloves, and incandescent lighting to view your collection. Get a soft cloth to lay out when handling your coins, so you don’t drop them on a hard surface and damage them.

Don’t:

Forget to research.

As you get more into collecting, you may discover how little you know. Helpful books to read for a U.S. collection include the U.S. Coins “Red Book” and “The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards of United States Coins.” Visiting a shop where they buy coins and sell them can allow you to have a conversation with an experienced person.

Confuse age with value.

Age does not always mean that a coin has significant value. The more valuable coins tend to be the rare ones; these may be coins that only had a limited minting or that have defects. Condition is also an important factor. You can consult online coin value lists or a book to determine the value; you’ll want to check this before buying any, so you know you’re getting a fair price.

American Trading Company is the place to start your coin collection in Cincinnati, OH. They have more than 50 years of industry experience in buying and selling rare coins. They stand out among area pawn shops in their wide selection of high-quality coins. Learn more on their website and call them at (513) 661-3633 with any questions.