Books you need to have to start your way in the world of Coin collecting,
Pricing Book a book to give you an idea on how much a coin is retail (take 20% off is really closer). Red book or Black book. Easy to find an any book store.
Grade is on of the most important thing you must learn so not to spend to much money on something not worth it. Photograde and the ANA Grading Standards are the two I have used for years. This books are in most book stores. Also contact your local coin dealer and ask if her could help you or at lease look at his coins to get an idea on grade. Back in the late 80s, early 90s a coin dealer sat me down every Saturday he had time and taught me how to grade. I really don't know if dealers would do that now days but I hope so. Look at the internet for grades and compare.
Another good book for you beginners is "The coin collector's survival manual" written by Scoot A. Travers This book talks about grading, Lighting , Magnification, Grade Services, Alter or counterfeit coins, coin holders, and so on.
Websites to check out:
www.pcgs.com (price guide on certified coins, gold, silver prices, and other info..
www.money.org is the ANA Website
www.coingrading.com This is Scott A Travers Book online.
www.coininfo.com Site guide you to find Dealers, actions, or coin shows in you area.
www.coinfacts.com Tells you all about the coin you looking for ,also has pictures of most of them.
www.ecoinprices.com Coin Prices That are current
www.kitco.com Metal price (gold, silver ect...) stock market updates
One thing I have learned in the 20 years I have been a coin collector is have fun. You will buy a coin overpriced, over graded, but as time goes on you learn. Read before buying. The internet makes that easy now. Some people in the business do really enjoy and helping other.
I got start when I found a Indian cent rolled in a piece of gum back in 1987. I took it home and cleaned it up. It was a 1864 L Indian Head in About Uncirculated. I still have the coin today. I have also found lots of war nickels, wheat pennies, silver dimes and quarter just by looking at my daily change. Hasn't made me rich but over the past 20 years I have made a couple of thousand dollar just look a pocket change and going throw bank rolls. Love when people go turn in silver dimes, quarters, halves at the bank. There's been a couple of times I went to the bank got some rolls of quarters that someone just dropped off. When I went throw them all of them where 1920's standing liberty quarters and all where in EF or better. I have also gotten rolls of Walking liberty and Franklin halves. If you go to your bank and ask if any one has dropped of any rolls of coins if you could buy them. It never hurts to ask.
Pricing Book a book to give you an idea on how much a coin is retail (take 20% off is really closer). Red book or Black book. Easy to find an any book store.
Grade is on of the most important thing you must learn so not to spend to much money on something not worth it. Photograde and the ANA Grading Standards are the two I have used for years. This books are in most book stores. Also contact your local coin dealer and ask if her could help you or at lease look at his coins to get an idea on grade. Back in the late 80s, early 90s a coin dealer sat me down every Saturday he had time and taught me how to grade. I really don't know if dealers would do that now days but I hope so. Look at the internet for grades and compare.
Another good book for you beginners is "The coin collector's survival manual" written by Scoot A. Travers This book talks about grading, Lighting , Magnification, Grade Services, Alter or counterfeit coins, coin holders, and so on.
Websites to check out:
www.pcgs.com (price guide on certified coins, gold, silver prices, and other info..
www.money.org is the ANA Website
www.coingrading.com This is Scott A Travers Book online.
www.coininfo.com Site guide you to find Dealers, actions, or coin shows in you area.
www.coinfacts.com Tells you all about the coin you looking for ,also has pictures of most of them.
www.ecoinprices.com Coin Prices That are current
www.kitco.com Metal price (gold, silver ect...) stock market updates
One thing I have learned in the 20 years I have been a coin collector is have fun. You will buy a coin overpriced, over graded, but as time goes on you learn. Read before buying. The internet makes that easy now. Some people in the business do really enjoy and helping other.
I got start when I found a Indian cent rolled in a piece of gum back in 1987. I took it home and cleaned it up. It was a 1864 L Indian Head in About Uncirculated. I still have the coin today. I have also found lots of war nickels, wheat pennies, silver dimes and quarter just by looking at my daily change. Hasn't made me rich but over the past 20 years I have made a couple of thousand dollar just look a pocket change and going throw bank rolls. Love when people go turn in silver dimes, quarters, halves at the bank. There's been a couple of times I went to the bank got some rolls of quarters that someone just dropped off. When I went throw them all of them where 1920's standing liberty quarters and all where in EF or better. I have also gotten rolls of Walking liberty and Franklin halves. If you go to your bank and ask if any one has dropped of any rolls of coins if you could buy them. It never hurts to ask.
Guide created: 02/28/08 (updated 09/28/08)
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 