RC Cars, Collectible Model Train
Sets, Collectible Model Cars & More
Coin Collecting Basics: Your Own Coin
Collecting Kit
Coin collecting is not as simple as keeping
coins: it may be observed from numismatists or even coin
enthusiasts that it is a systematic and somewhat complicated
hobby. Certain tools must be employed to ensure both fun,
discipline and to some extent, good profit.
Here are some of the essential things that must be included in
the coin collecting kit.
1. Coin Guides
Coin guides should be used, not just by beginners, but by
professional coin collectors as well.
Coin guides give tips on how to start, as well as special
instructions on how to proceed with the hobby of coin
collecting.
They also provide information on coins, since different coins
have different ways of grading, pricing, etc.
It is recommended you read guides before doing starting the
hobby to avoid making wrong decisions caused by lack of
information.
2. Coin Inventory Record
All items in your collection must be accounted for properly.
Information like year, face value, grade, cost, trend, and
remarks must always be available for reference.
Inventory Records also help in organizing coin collections. It
eliminates the redundancy of coins in the collection by showing
the collectors at a glance the items in his collection.
Coin collectors do have options in the method to be used in
recording coin information. They may choose the traditional
paper-and-pen method, or may use coin collecting software.
3. Coin Containers
To avoid damaging the coins, it is recommended to invest in
holders and containers that will give adequate protection.
Just remember that coins react to certain chemicals such as
sulfur present in paper and PVC from plastic it is not advisable
to use such materials for long-term storage.
4. Silica Gel
The use of silica gel packets is important to maintain the
moderate temperature, low humidity atmosphere conducive to coin
preservation.
5. Magnifying Glass
Magnifying glasses are a great help when it comes to coin
grading. Most numismatists recommend using a 7x magnification,
but generally, magnification between 4x to10x will do the job.
The magnifying glass is a great aid in examining the quality and
authenticity of the coins. Details like hairlines or scratches,
which are not visible to the naked eye, are “big deals” when it
comes to coin collecting as they affect the value of coins.
6. Lamp
A light source must be placed half a meter away from the
workspace. Recommended light for this purpose may be a halogen
lamp, or simply a 75-watt incandescent lamp.
7. Handling equipment
Finger marks reduce the grade of the coins. That is why serious
collectors invest in surgical gloves and velvet pads to use when
handling coins.
Now our basic coin collecting kit is complete. Enjoy!