How Do I Start Collecting Coins?

jfloomis3

I am 16 years old and want to start collecting coins. It seems like a really neat hobby, but the problem is I don't know where to start! I don't have any coins, and certainly don't have the money to buy any ones of any substantial value. Does anyone have any tips or advice on how to start collecting? I don’t want to sound like a beggar, but if there are any coin giveaways or if someone wants to get rid of a few coins, I would really appreciate the chance to start a hobby that I hope serves as a source of enjoyment and comfort throughout my life.

Thanks!

Jimmy L.

scottgardener

Uhhh.. where to begin... Wow.

You did right in asking. First, before spending very much on coins, talk to collectors and read the books. The Redbook is still the best starting point for a new enthusiast to learn about everything from coins you find in change to the great rarities pulling a million at auction. I started there around 1985, checking out a copy from the school library. Used copies can be found cheap; the prices change, but the pictures and descriptions will still be valid.

As for give-aways, stick around and watch these forums, as some members like to do periodic giveaway threads.

Even on a tiny budget, you can still start collecting--quite literally with three cents. You can find occasional interesting coins right out of circulation, and pennies dated before 1982 are starting to be hoarded for their precious metal content. If you have just a few dollars to spend and can find a coin show in your area, you may be able to get going on a type set, or a few Mercury dimes, which have silver in them, getting your foot in the door investing in precious metals.

Welcome!

bassetthounddog

Just getting started? Then you might need a helping hand. Please provide me with your address and I can help get you on your way. Coin collecting IS fun and exciting and can be profitable from time to time. The advise I have is start with small goals and keep raising the bar on yourself. If you set it too high too soon, it's easy to get discouraged. Good luck in your adventure. Buy the way, what I have to offer is free. I have collected coins all my life and have plenty to spare for someone who needs a start. I have done the same for my Grandchildren. Talk to you soon.

jfloomis3

Thank you for your kind offer!

Please Private Message me for my address for security reasons

Thanks again!

scottgardener

Careful with that address! You might want to delete that and send it to him as a private message. Posting your address on the Internet is very hazardous, especially if you are also showcasing a coin collection. May not be a big issue now as you are getting started, but a few years down the road, when you're showing off your first $1000 coin purchase, you might not want to give burglars a suggested target to scout.

jfloomis3

Thanks for the heads up-

Your right- you never know what comes back to bite you

bolivarshagnasty

Jim, That looks like a Lord Marcovan hat on that seal. Have you crossed paths with the holey one? Mel

jfloomis3

I most certainly have-he as helped me out alot so far. He is a really great guy.

leothelyon

Get a job, budget money. Are you planning for college? If so, you might want to wait until you get the bigger job. In the mean time, you can sort through your change. Exchange currency for rolls of coins at bank, look through those. Visit a coin shop or coin show. Your main goal is to learn how to grade coins, training your eye towards originality and high grade.

19Lyds

<< <i>I am 16 years old and want to start collecting coins. It seems like a really neat hobby, but the problem is I don't know where to start! I don't have any coins, and certainly don't have the money to buy any ones of any substantial value. Does anyone have any tips or advice on how to start collecting? I don’t want to sound like a beggar, but if there are any coin giveaways or if someone wants to get rid of a few coins, I would really appreciate the chance to start a hobby that I hope serves as a source of enjoyment and comfort throughout my life.

Thanks!

Jimmy L. >>

I've sent you some coins.

A 1972-D IKE, a 1971-D RDV-006 IKE and a 1958 Type B Washington.

Now..............you need to figure out what I sent and what they would grade.

(Welcome to Coin Collecting).

baseballjeff

My best advice, get your folks to get you a Red Book. Read everything! And trust me, it's fun reading! If you don't like history (I am not a fan myself) you will love reading about coins, if you like history, it'll be even more meaningful. And look at all the pictures of all the coins, find one you like, go for it! If you're like me, you're going to like a little bit of everything. In that case, go for a type set! I tend to think only buy graded by PCGS, or NGC. Though I am sure I am going to butt some heads here with that attitude. Always remember, a graded coin is an easy solid investment. You know what you are getting, and know you can turn around and sell what you bough more easily than if it wasn't graded.

Good luck!!!

Jeff

scottgardener

Feel free to fantasize about coins that seem out of reach today. You may find yourself owning one ten or twenty years down the road.

DarkStar

I've had a great time collecting state quarters out of circulation, a few of which I'm still missing. National parks are proving to be challenging. And if I ever desperately need to do laundry or something, no problem!

cladking

Buy folders for all of the pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters in circulation and fill them with
the finest specimens you can find. These should be the best made and have the lightest wear
possible. This will allow you to see the most detail and to have a good reference collection.

You'll be amazed how much you've learned even before you're half done. The cost is quite nom-
inal and the payoff in knowledge is enormous. Ask questions as you go since there are many
subleties that are difficult to discover on your own.

Just have fun.