A Window on ... Coin Collecting Getting Started

	A Beginner's Shopping List The things you need to get you started include: Coins Magnifying glass Plastic coated tweezers Coin packets Coin albums or trays
	Coins to get you started If you, your friends or family go on holiday, they often return with a mixture of foreign coins. Although none of these will be worth very much, they could be the start of your collection. Another way to start your collection, is by collecting a selection of British coins. If you look closely you will see a variety of patterns and designs even on commonly used coins. Before 1971 in the United Kingdom, we used old pennies, sixpences, shillings, two shilling coins and halfcrowns in this country. Many older relations may still have some of these old coins to add to your collection. Commemorative coins are more expensive but can make up part or all of your collection. The Royal Mint has details of all commemorative coins and their availability. They sell special coin collections in ready made displays.
	Coin albums and trays It is easy to damage coins and bank notes when handling them too often so, although it is not essential, a coin album or tray is useful for storing and displaying your coins. It will also help you organise your collection. Albums usually have plastic pockets for individual coins or notes. However, serious collectors believe that the plastic may cause staining or other damage to coins over a period of time so they prefer to store their coin collection in special coin boxes with pull-out trays. Small paper coin envelopes are a cheap way to store your coins and you can write the name and value of the coin on the packet. Packets can be stored in the type of box used for photo slides. Remember to handle your coins by the edge - never touch the face of the coins you collect because this may damage them and reduce their value.
	Magnifying Glass This is useful to help you see the detail on your coins and notes. Any unusual marks may mean that the coin or note is rare and therefore much more valuable. When you are using your magnifier make sure that the glass does not scratch the coin.
	Tweezers Sweat and acid produced on your fingertips can affect your coins and lower their value. Using tweezers is one way to handle coins but use them carefully. The ends of the tweezers should be plastic coated because metal tweezers will damage your coins. Now that you have the basics you should think about organising your collection.
Index About Coins Getting Organised Sources of Information FAQs
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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.