You will also need
a reference book in order to identify
your coins and assess their value. Anyone
purchasing coins should own at least
one general reference book with information
on dates and mintmarks, major varieties,
grading guidelines and prices.
Additional references examining topics
in more detail (e.g. grading, counterfeit
detection or die varieties) are often
useful. Periodicals will have more recent
pricing information and news. Good reference
works can pay for themselves several
times over by helping you avoid bad
decisions.
Experts consider the five listed below
as the top ones in the industry. You
may want to pick one of these:
1) Red Book" - A Guide Book
of United States Coins
This is the standard catalog of retail
prices for U.S. coins including colonial
issues. The prices are the most a
collector might be expected to pay
a dealer for a particular coin. This
publication has a wealth of information
about the coin collecting hobby and
every collector should probably own
a copy. It is published annually.
2) Coin Collectors Survival Manual
This book provides many interesting
insights into the coin collecting
hobby from the perspective of an experienced
coin dealer. Many coin collecting
topics are covered in an entertaining
way
3) Standard Catalog of World Coins
This catalog provides values for
20th century world coins. This is
a very comprehensive source of information
on world coins.
4) Blue Book - Handbook of United
States Coins
This book provides average prices
that dealers will buy coins, in a
particular grade or condition, from
collectors or other dealers. It is
published annually as well.
5) A Basic Guide to United States
Commemorative Coins
This is a guide to the identification
and values of U.S. Commemorative Coins
with photos.
These books can be found in most
bookstores or at online outlets like
Amazon. You can also try looking on
an auction site like e-bay for the
best prices.
That’s really about it for
the bare minimum. You may also want
to get some coin holders. A multitude
of choices are available when it comes
to coin holders. This includes Envelopes,
Fold & Staple Holders as well
as the popular Coin Flips. For more
valuable coins you might consider
some of the higher priced plastic
holders which are available for single
coins and sets.
Coin folders are also a suggestion.
Coin Folders, or sometimes refereed
to as Coin Boards by the old time
collectors, are by far the most economical
way to assemble a series of coins
into a set. Jake's highly recommends
Coin Folders for lower price and circulated
coins. Coin Folders are great for
youngsters as well as beginners just
starting to collect coins.
If you choose coin pages to display
your collection, choose quality vinyl
pages with plenty of slots for your
coins. Most coin pages will fit in
a standard three-ring binder.
As you become a more seasoned collector,
you will probably find more supplies
that will make your job easier like
a coin gauge and material to preserve
your collection. This a good list
for the beginner.
You may be wondering where you’re
going to get your coins. There are
many sources.
To
be continue ... chapter 8
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