Basic Coin Collecting Tips for the Novice Collector


By: Robin Darch

Coin collecting is a very enjoyable hobby. If you have a penchant to collect rare and valuable items, then collecting coins would be perfect for you. But while coin collecting is a good hobby, it could also become a lucrative venture. A very rare and ancient coin could fetch thousands of dollars in the premium market. That is why coin collecting is a viable investment also.

If you want to become a successful coin collector, you should be prepared to do lots of hard work. Coin collecting is a serious business and you have to spend time, effort and resources in order to grow your valuable coin collections.

Research is the Key to Success

If you are a novice coin collector, do not mistake that you do not need to study about coins at all, that you simply need to collect coins you come across. The successful coin collectors spend more time in libraries to research on ancient artifacts. They are also ardent online readers of information about the latest trends in coin collecting. It is very critical, therefore, that you sharpen your research skills if your goal is to become a successful coin collector.

You need to study world coin history, identify different types of coins, and know the best sources of valuable coins. You should also study how to acquire tools that you need for collecting coins. Most important of all, you need to know the current valuation of the different types of coins. Thorough research and study will enrich your knowledge about coin collecting. You should develop and keep to this a habit so you will be better prepared for your coin collecting efforts.

First Steps in Coin Collecting

If you want to quickly grow your coin collections, you need to collect all types of coins that will come your way. You should not be very choosy at first because your main goal when you're just starting out is to collect as many coins as possible. Besides, as a novice coin collector, you probably still have scant knowledge about the value of each coin, so it is best to collect everything and study them later for proper valuation. This way, you will be able to grow your coin collection in less time and show off your coins later to your friends.

Advanced Steps in Coin Collecting

After collecting a significant number of coins, you should now proceed to proper valuation. With the help of books and coin value manuals, you can do this task by yourself. If you are still not confident about your skills in evaluating coins, you can seek help from a professional collector. You should determine which coins in your collections are valuable and which are not. You have to separate them and place the coins in their respective coin albums - the valuable coins in one album and the less valuable or not-so-valuable coins in another. When you are at this stage, you may need additional storage for your coin collection.

Tips When Buying Coins

As a collector, you will eventually want to buy coins, including the rare ones, in order to grow your collection. Buying coins is one of the best ways to find a jewel out there. However, you need to learn proper coin values first so you can buy safely from coin dealers. Before you buy any coins, make sure that you have a manual on coin values. This way, you can identify the right price for each coin. Reputable collectors and coin dealers always give the right values for the coins they sell. Thus, you need to make sure that you are dealing with reputable sellers of valuable coins before you buy one.


Author Resource:->  To find out exactly how coin collecting is made simple check out coin collecting tips.

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Ancient Coin Collecting: The Basics of Collecting Rare American Coins


By: Robin Darch

Normally, ancient coin collecting involves digging deep for coins that were minted during ancient Roman and Greek times. Ancient Egyptian coins, as well as those used in the Mesopotamian civilizations, are considered valuable coins also. If your focus is on ancient coin collecting, be prepared to spend money. You also need to be prepared for the long search, ancient coin collecting tend to be more difficult since rare coins are harder to find than contemporary coins.

Your best alternative is to narrow down your ancient coin collecting focus. For instance, you can focus on collecting ancient American coins. Ancient American coins are newer compared to coins of the Roman period but they are also highly valued by coin collectors. These American coins were minted during the colonial period. Some foreign minted coins that have been extensively used in America can also be considered ancient coins of America. To guide your ancient coin collecting efforts, here is a basic overview of the ancient coins of America.

Different Types of Colonial Coins

France minted silver and copper coins in the early 1700s. These coins found their way in colonial America. You can find these ancient French coins in the collections of veteran coin collectors. Some of these coins are sometimes auctioned by their owners so you need to keep an eye out for these auctions.

British and Irish coins minted in the 1600s can also be considered ancient American coins because these coins were used widely in the colonies during those times. The highly valued coins of this era are the Irish St. Patrick Farthings. You are in luck also if you can find the Talbot tokens or the Allum tokens of the British.

Spanish coins also made their way to North America. The Spanish Eight Reales coins were much older than the French and British coins so they are considered to be more valuable in the market. If you can find these ancient American coins that were minted in Spain, be prepared to pay a good sum of money in order to own them.

The first Congress also had coins minted, specifically the Continental Dollar and the Fugio Cent. These coins are very rare now and they should fetch good value in the market. There are also special ancient American coins minted in Vermont, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These states have produced and minted their own coins in the past. Such coins are also good to collect and could enrich your ancient coin collecting hobby.

How to Buy Ancient American Coins

There are coin dealers that sell colonial coins over the Internet. Be sure, though, to research the coins first before you make a purchase. This way, you can ensure that you pay the right amount for the ancient American coins you want.

It is also best if you can deal with coin collectors who are members of the Professional Numismatists Guild. The guild is a non-profit organization of coin dealers and collectors and requires their members to maintain high standards in selling ancient coins. You can also use the services of the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation of America. This organization can provide you appraisals for rare ancient coins. You can also get information, tips and advice from this organization about buying ancient and rare American coins.

Ancient coin collecting, specifically ancient American coins, is a very challenging undertaking. It is also more expensive than collecting modern or contemporary coins. However, the challenge of finding rare and ancient American coins can be very rewarding for most collectors.


Author Resource:->  For more information about coins and coin collecting check out Coin Collecting Made Simple

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Tips About Coin Collecting

By: Michael Hehn

Coin collecting is not only fun, but it is a lucrative one as well. Pulling together coins is one of the hobbies that can bring financial rewards in the long run. If this is your pastime then read to discover some vital facts you should know. If you want a collection you will be proud to own, follow these simple tips shared here.

in depth research is necessary to acquire a good coin collection. You need to study to learn which have possible value to be added to your collection. We need to know that individuals who are successful coin collection through their collection by careful study and they know which coins to retain. The things you need to discover are the story of the coin, the type of coins and the worth.

To kick start your collection, gather as numerous as you can. Just get them first and study them later. This is good if you are new and have yet to learn numerous things about selecting coins. You will acquire a large collection in a short time with this strategy. This is the time when collectors will start studying the collection and sort the ones that are valuable from the ones that aren't. You can now change your accumulating habits to being a junky to a real collector.

For a beginner, collect as many coins as you can. You can grab them and keep them safely, and study them when you have the time. This is good if you are new and have yet to learn many things about selecting coins. This way you will soon develop a huge collection. Now you will need to examine the coins and single out the ones that are valuable and discard the ones that don't hold any worth. You can now change your gathering habits to being a nut to a real collector.

Now the time has arrived for you to get a good storage case store those coins. Numerous newcomers do not think display cases play a essential role in coin collection. It is a mistake to leave it in a jar or bottle. Are you conscious that they can damage the coins? For old unusual or limited edition coins, they need proper care as they will be able to get a good price later. Coin holders make a massive idea for display cases. Coin folders or albums are great storage cases.

Once you get the first set of coins recognised, now it the time to find some good storage cases for the collection. Numerous newbies do not value display cases which is a very important aspect. Do not simply toss it into a container. These methods can damage the coins. Limited edition coins and coins that are old and uncommon get a good price, so retain them properly. Coin holders are not mandatory but they make massive displays. Invest in a good coin album or folder.

To be prosperous, get to know what you are purchasing. Specialist dealers too are always in h search for old and unusual coins to purchase. These individuals can guess the worth of a coin at the first glance. Do not be overly anxious about ebbing conned, but it certainly pays to be careful. Before you buy a coin that costs more than 20 dollars, study first.

Check out auction sale websites for some great deals for coin collecting. Be ready to be surprised! Coin collectors who decide to give up the pursuit love to sell them online. Be wary of any sort of deception when purchasing coins.


Author Resource:->  Michael Hehn is a specialist in coin collect. If you want more information about coin collect, visit coin collect info.

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How To Make Your Coin Proud

By: Oca Ong

You are on it. You have gathered the most precious pieces of coins there is. Some hailed from the remotest part of the country. Some parts of your collection requested from your well-traveled friend, generously finding the coins with the best aesthetic designs, all just for you. You just become so engrossed with it that you sometimes get too overwhelmed with what it has turned out. Now, you are more than proud to show your precious coin collection. Nevertheless, to whom should you show?

In most cases, your family that lives closer to you do not have the same interest as you has in collecting coin. Even your closest friend does not share the same wavelength with you. Your eagerness to boast it to others are spoiled then, simply because you cannot find someone who share the same obsession as you have with regards to currency and coin collecting. So how do you meet up with individuals whom you can share to the same interest and knowledge with?

Coin collectors are spreading everywhere. Not as if they are on streets, however, a lot of them can found anywhere. Try attending some prestigious coin shows and you will find the same coin buffs mingling with other coin aficionados. They will be talking to other about their coin how they manage to get these rare coins. Joining any coin collectors club is also a big opportunity to share what you have got. Besides bragging your coin collection, you could also receive heaps of necessary information about the hobby coin collection and about coins in general, from the expert enthusiasts.

Another way to show your set to other coin-minded individuals is through visiting coin shops. You can compare your album with them and dish out a part of your time discussing about the beginning of your collection. How you were able to start with one single coin and then raise the collection into a bulk. Your encounter with sham coin dealers and carefully reviewing your planned purchase before buying it, avoiding the fake coins, and anything about coins. There are also newsgroups found online that often sell, buy or trade new and antique coins. Just bear in mind not to give out personal details, as these online retailers or clubs may be serious scammers.

In auction shops or estates sales, you will also be pleased to find the devoted coin collectors coming together conversing about their own collection of coins that some still comes in a variety of foreign, old, and modern coins, of distinctive designs and artistry.

Be the envy with your valuable coin collections, even occasionally. Nothing feels better than having your collection admired by everyone.


Author Resource:->  More Infomation at coin money home garden

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"Green Rust": How Copper Defends Itself from Corrosion

By: Brian Jones

At one point, many of us have thought that the grayish-green to bright green stains on our household brass and bronze wares were a form of rust. After all, rust equals metal plus exposure to moisture and air. But not all metal exposed to air and moisture equals to rust. And though this formula applies to iron, with copper comes a little twist: a little twist called verdigris.

Verdigris is a thin layer of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) that develops on the surface of copper and copper alloys during prolonged exposure to moist air. Note that it does not form in dry air. Carbon dioxide and water convert the oxide into a green enamel-like coating of basic copper carbonate [CuCO3*Cu(OH)2]. Unlike iron, verdigris is a protective layer that prevents any copper material from corroding. The ancient Latins called it "patina," thought to be the result of corrosion. Surprisingly, Roman copper coins buried beneath the earth for nearly two thousand years continued to maintain the clear edges of their inscription due mainly to this grayish-green coating. Even in our present era, many coins, such as the silver dollar, develop the same blemish because of the small percentage of copper that they are minted with.

Copper is in a family of metals known to produce its own protective coating once exposed to destructive corrosive substances. Of this family, aluminum is also a member.

A fresh surface of aluminum, when oxidized, quickly becomes coated with a continuous film-like substance called aluminum oxide. It serves like a layer of varnish: thin, but durable and insoluble. And so long as this covering exists, the metal remains protected.

Zinc is another example that self-protects, producing a chemical known as, you guessed it, zinc oxide.

One other thing that has made verdigris special, this time aesthetically, is its color. And ancient man, lured mainly by its vivid green had prompted him to adopt verdigris into his family of pigments. Since then, tinctures resulting from verdigris have been known under names such as Montpellier green and viride aeris. In Roman times, this hydrated copper acetate became one of the early artificial pigments until further technology was discovered to imitate it and other copper greens using viridian, made from hydrated chromium hydroxide in 1838. Until then, paint chemists processed verdigris through a process called fusing. This resulted into a resinous composition of transparent green that artists from the eighth to the fifteenth century used to illuminate manuscripts.

It takes years of exposure to the elements for true verdigris to develop. To this day, verdigris harbors a unique beauty which gives character, and therefore more value, to a cuprous antique. Take heed, however, that though lovely is the sight of this "green rust," it is highly poisonous, and caution must be taken in handling it.


Author Resource:->  Please click these links if you want to know more about why does copper turn green or why does copper oxidize in general.

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The History of the 1943 Steel Cent

By: Keith Scott

From 1909 to 1942, the Lincoln Cent was composed of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc. That all changed in 1943, as for the first and only time, a coin was made out of steel, which was quite a contradiction from gold, silver, copper or bronze.

Even before the United States entered the war, there were inklings that the cent, as well as the nickel were in trouble. The nickel was made out of 75% copper. Copper was in huge demand due to its use by defense contractors in the manufacturing process of various supplies and equipment needed in case of the US going to war.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the rumors only grew and in January 1942, The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine reported that Treasury officials were giving serious consideration to using different metal contents for some coins. The first step occurred on January 23rd, 1942, when the Treasury ordered the removal of all but a trace of tin from the cent from the already small amount that had been in use. The existing supply of strips and planchets were used and it is speculated that cents produced in 1942 were produced of both metal compositions. This small change was expected to save 100,000 pounds of tin.

Throughout 1942, there were repeated attempts and pleas to the public to turn in their cents and nickels. Even with these pleas, the shortages continued and for the last six months of the year the mint scaled back production of cents and nickels. During this time, experiments were conducted with various metal compositions, fibers, plastics and even glass.
On December 18, 1942, Public Law 77-815 was enacted. This law called for the melting of more silver dollars and for the authorization of metal substitutes for the one cent and five cent coins not to go beyond December 31st, 1946. The nickel had already seen its change utilizing more silver in its content. The Treasury wasted no time and on December 23, 1942, Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, Jr. ordered that all cents produced after January 1st 1943 be comprised of low-carbon steel coated with zinc. The zinc plating was to provide a thin coating to prevent rust and was to be no more than .001 inches thick. The same diameter of coin was maintained, but the weight was reduced from the standard 48 grains to 42 grains, due to the use of a lighter alloy. It took some time to produce sufficient supplies of planchets and production commenced on February 23, 1943 at the Philadelphia Mint with the Denver and San Francisco Mints beginning production the next month.

On February 27th, the first delivery of cents was made to the Treasury and within a few weeks, the steel cents were in circulation. Although the Treasury Department assured the public that the coin, after being in circulation for a while, would gain a distinct appearance, many people noticed the color resemblance of a dime. Complaints continued to pour into the Treasury. For example, due to there magnetic property, many mechanical devices treated the new cent as a slug. Back then, there were quite a few uses for the cent and this was a big deal.

The new cent was so much hated by the public that the Treasury was moved to issue them only when bronze-copper cents were not available. Still, demand for cents for business was so great, that the public was forced to use them as that was what was available. In the fall of 1943, the Treasury announced that no steel cents would be produced after December 31, 1943 and that the mint would produce cents from the pre-war alloy, but without tin. These cents, from 1944 through 1946 were to be known as shell-case cents, as the metal generally came from spent shell-casings. It was also announced that there would be no recall of the steel cent.
After the war, the Treasury did begin recalling steel cents for the next 20 years. Although not publicized, coins were to be returned to the treasury in the normal course of business. By 1950, steel cents were becoming scarce and by 1960, nearly non-existent. By this time, steel cents had deteriorated quite a bit. The Mint had coated the steel strips before punching leaving the edge of the coin subject to rust and corrosion. Even though a recall was in effect, the Mints own records indicate over 930 million remained in circulation.

By the end of 1943, the three Mint facilities had produced 1,093,838,670 of the one-cent coins. The copper released for the war effort was enough to meet the combined needs of 2 cruisers, 2 destroyers, 1,243 flying fortresses, 120 field guns and 120 howitzers, or enough for 1.25 million shells for our big field guns.


Author Resource:->  Keith Scott has been a collector for over 30 years. His website has US coins for sale. He also writes Coin Collecting Articles for fun. Visit his websites for a history of US coins, metal market updates and news about your favorite coins.

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How To Value Collectible Coins

By: Lee Dobbins

Coins have been always been a part of our country's history. Prominent people are featured on them. A change of government is sometimes accompanied by a change of currency. The look and feel of these coins reflects the advancements in technology as scientists find more complex metal combinations.

Coins being of historical value is one of the many factors why people collect them. Beauty and variety also contribute to the collector's growing numbers.

To be a collector, you must be aware of how to ascertain the worth of your coins. Who knows, you might just be holding on to a very rare artifact, or one that would cost millions on an auction or bidding.

First step in being a coin collector is to look up literature. You need to be in the know of what coins are available out there, where to get them and how to get them. This is extremely valuable to one who'd see the coins as a form of investment.

You also need to determine four things before you take a coin to your collection. You need to identify them, have them authenticated and examine them for damage. This would be vital points to consider in collection coins.

To identify them, you need to look at your coins very thoroughly and note the shape, the colors, and the writings. You also need to verify which country issued that coin. If there is no denomination on the face of the coins, it's just a token or probably a medal.

Authentic coins should be treasured and prized. They're hard to find, especially if they are rare, limited issues. A lot of fakes and counterfeit coins are available in the market, so beware!

The value of your coin will depend upon its grade. Coin catalogs usually have their own, specific grading guidelines but here's a general list of them.

• 
  Mint State Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) is an uncirculated coin. It should show no apparent damage and be in top shape. It is considered to be the best quality of coin possible.
  
• 
  Uncirculated (MS-60) is another uncirculated coin having a few scratches on contact marks and that have lost some of its sheen.
  
• 
  About Uncirculated (AU-50) is a coin which has evidence of light wear on most parts but still retains at least half of its original sheen.
  
• 
  Extremely Fine (EF-40) is coin wherein the coin design is lightly worn off but the features can be still distinguished and are still quite sharp.
  
• 
  Very Fine (VF-20) is another coin wherein some of fine details like hair or eyebrows are mostly worn off. There is evidence of modest wear on some points of the design but all major parts are still clearly etched.
  
• 
  Very Good (VG-8) is a coin wherein even though the rim is still clearly visible, the design is almost worn off and only few details of it are clear.
  
• 
  Good (G-4) are coins that are heavily worn but the design and the legend are still visible. Much of the details are gone.
  
• 
  About Good (AG-3) are coins that are very heavily worn that some of the lettering and the original design are not discernible anymore.
  

Damaged coins come across frequently in the course of a collector's quest. Most collectors steer off coins that have undergone cleaning or re-polishing. Corroded, scratched and drilled into coins are also a big turn off. Although it's sometimes hard to find one, it's better to find an untampered specimen.

The question on most beginners minds is this: How much do I get paid for a particular coin. The answer is: It varies everywhere. It depends on the qualities of the coin as well as the guide the buyer is using. For a general idea of pricing, here's a quick list.

1. 
   U.S. wheat cents (1958 and earlier) that were in circulation goes for a few cents to 3 dollars each.
   
2. 
   1943 "steel pennies are very uncommon and of high value 1943 cents set on a normal bronze planchet. They are tested to determine if it attracts magnets and if so, it is plated using copper. They are sold for 5 to 50 cents if circulated, and up to a dollar or two if not in circulation.
   
3. 
   Silver dimes, quarter and half dollars from 1964 or earlier are composed of almost 90% silver. So their amount depends on their silver content.
   
4. 
   Silver dollars from 1935 and up are collector favorites and can be usually be sold for more than their value in silver . The less common the date, the higher the pricing goes.
   
5. 
   Susan B. Anthony dollars are worth about one dollar.
   
6. 
   Bicentennial quarters, half and dollars are usually worth what's on their face value.
   
7. 
   Coins in commemoration of the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana are spotted to cost from $5 to $30.
   
8. 
   A coin with two heads, tails or those that have different designs of two coins have no value to collectors because they are coins that have been change to introduce a novelty item.
   

There are also the kinds of coins that are made by mistake. These are called 'mules' and are often produced because of an error in pairing different dies. Expect rare coins like these to cost a little higher than most.

So with these things in mind, have fun in making your own collection grow. Who knows what part of history you'll discover by finding rare specimens.


Author Resource:->  Lee Dobbins writes for http://collecting.leisure-webzone.com/ where you can learn more about coins and other antiques and collectibles.

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