A collector would choose certain specifications when it comes to his coin collections. If a coin collector is new in the business, it is a tradition to start at the very beginning. You can’t just flip a coin and decide the result, although, that can be the last resort. Alright, so down with the real thing. You can choose your collection based on your preference. Are you the silver, bronze, or gold type of person? How old do you like your coin to be? In what period?
Best advice: start with what interests you. Then collect it by the following:
Date or Period
Coin collectors who see their collection as an investment would probably prefer coins that are older than their grandfathers. The more ancient the coin, the better. Aside from being centuries old, there are also revolutionary coins and those that came from another time in history. Some people would start by building up decades of coin that embraces mint condition.
Country
If you have decided to collect any kind of coin for as long as it came from different countries worldwide, that would be tiring but exciting. And it can cost you a lot. So things wouldn’t be exhausting, you could start by collecting coins from your own country. After that, if you already have enough funds, you could drop by a coin shop and ask if there are any coins from outside the country, then go to the next or just gather it in one blow.
Metal
If you’re a beginner, you wouldn’t want to start collecting silver or gold coins for these are the kinds of coins that can bore a hole inside your pocket. Better settle with the lower metal levels first. Not unless money is not a problem. Usually, the concern on what kind of metal to choose belongs to the more professional collector. Aside from being a challenging collection, it puts you at a lot of risks.
By this time, you may already have an idea of where to start. As the hourglass makes its due, you will become more interested and selective of the types of coins that fit your album. You will develop areas that you may not find in other collectors. You still need to know some specifications about the kinds of coins that you will collect.
Details
You have seen an ordinary coin, its features wouldn’t be different from the old one because typically, new coins are just patterned from old coins. You have to inspect if the writing on the coin is still clear. A coin wherein the smallest details, like feathers or robe folds, are completely worn away is of little value.
Toning
Means discoloration or tarnishing, toning can increase the coin’s value. Believe it or not, if a blue tone is present on a silver coin, it can be very desirable. Toning affects a coin’s details, for it can accent its faded features. For as long as the tone of the coin wouldn’t turn out uneven, there’s no reason to reject it.
Wear n’ Tear
If you have been in coin shops that are offering bargain coins, it might be because it has been into a lot of circulations, and the market has already rejected it. You will notice certain kinds of scratches and even scarring that are caused by chemicals. Scratches can be acceptable, but scarring is a no-no. Chemical scarring can be related to corrosion, pits, etc. As much as possible, make your coin collections spotless.
