If you're considering building a coin collection but don't know where to begin, here are a few tips to get you started:
Begin by educating yourself on the basics of coin grading, mint marks and historical context. Seek out books, online articles, forums and numismatic societies to help you glean valuable information and insights. Gaining knowledge will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the coins you collect and will ensure you don’t overspend on adding less valuable coins to your collection.
The quickest way to begin your coin collection is by looking at what’s already in your pockets. Start saving specific coins from your pocket change and watch your budding collection quickly grow.
Choose a category to direct your approach to coin collecting. Generally speaking, coin collectors specialise in one of four categories:
Theme: Collecting by theme means focusing on a topic, character, location, event, emblem or similar as depicted on the coin. For example, some British coin themes are the Tower of London, Remembrance Day, Harry Potter, Paddington Bear and the Royal Albert Hall.
Historical significance: If you’re a history enthusiast, collecting coins according to the period they were produced in is an interesting and educational category choice.
Type/denomination: This involves categorising coins according to their value, such as a penny or a farthing.
Country of origin: Categorising your coin collection by the country it originates from offers an opportunity to delve into geography, history and culture simultaneously.
Use coin albums, folders or a coin tray to organise, store and protect your coins. These storage options allow you to safely display and store your collection and are available in various formats specifically designed for coin collecting.
While these tips should help you start your coin collection right on track, remember that coin collecting is a personal pursuit and the most important aspect is to have fun while exploring your individual interests.