You might hold that dusty quarter from 2016 in your hand and be quite unimpressed. You’ve seen that little image of a man holding a rifle 10 times and thought nothing but novel thoughts. But what about the history behind coins much older?
We’re finding that rare coins provide invaluable information about different civilizations and what they held culturally significant. If you want to start collecting old U.S. coins, check out these practical tips below.
Best Tips for Collecting Rare U.S. Coins
1. Find a Quality Coin Dealer
Especially when getting started in collecting rare coins, a good place to start is with a coin dealer. Many have years of experience handling old coins and can guide you along with your collection. Be sure to work with a quality dealer that genuinely wants to help you out.
2. Keep Your Collection In Good Condition
Whether you intend to sell your collection or keep it for generations, you’ll want to protect your vintage coins from damage. Invest in a quality coin storage container and learn how to handle your assets.
Whatever you do, don’t attempt to clean them. Coin collectors and dealers can tell when a coin has been cleaned and will consider it damaged.
3. Get Proper Collecting Supplies
To amplify your coin collecting hobby, you’ll want to own a proper set of supplies. The most important tool for the rare coin collector is a magnifying glass. With the capabilities of 2x and 3x magnification, you can accurately determine the important features of your assets.
4. Learn How to Grade
Grading is a system of determining the state of your coin. The focus of grading is on the amount of wear and damage the coin has, including dings, dents, and scrapes. Understanding how to grade your own coins helps you confirm the accuracy of your dealer.
5. Collect What You’re Interested In
If you’ve found yourself interested in collecting old coins, perhaps there was something specific that sparked your interest. When considering what to collect, it is easy to get sucked into value. However, if you are genuinely interested in what you’re collecting, you’ll enjoy your hobby on a deeper level.
6. Know What You Have
When starting to collect vintage coins, You’ll want to know what you have. Coin collectors recommend owning two books:
- A Guidebook of United States Coins
- The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards of United States Coins
These two books provide the foundation behind grading and standard pricing. For an intro to U.S. coins, check out the constitutional crate.
7. Join a Coin Club
Nothing makes your coin collection more exciting than sharing it with other enthusiasts. Bring your collection to a local coin club, or sign up with a group online. You’ll learn more about what you have while exposing yourself to the collections of others.
8. Visit a Coin Show
Similar to coin clubs, a great way to expand your coin knowledge is at a coin show. Not only will you find coins from all over the world, but you’ll have an opportunity to add to your collection.
9. Start Small
It’s easy to get swept into the history and variety of rare coins. But before you let the hobby become overwhelming, remember to start small. One coin at a time lets you understand the history and significance behind your asset.
More on U.S. Coins
With proper care and a little bit of knowledge, you can find a lot of fulfillment in collecting U.S. coins. However, these tips only scratch the surface of the hobby.
For more on coin collecting, as well as other exciting hobbies, check out our Entertainment section.
