Discover more information about British coinage, Britannias, soverreigns and Krugerrands. We cover everything from recent issues to old collectable and rare pieces.
Coin collecting, also known as numismatics, is a hobby that involves the collection and study of coins, medals, and other forms of currency. It is a fun and educational hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you're new to coin collecting, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Set your goals: Before you start collecting coins, it's important to decide what you want to get out of the hobby. Do you want to focus on a particular type of coin, such as ancient Roman coins or modern decimal coins? Or do you want to collect coins from a particular time period (e.g., Georgian) or geographical region (e.g., Europe)? Setting clear goals will help you focus your collecting efforts and make it easier to find coins that interest you. It also results in a more concentrated collection specific to you, rather than a broad large collection. With setting goals, it helps you save money and space!
- Learn about coins: There are many resources available to help you learn about coins, including books, websites, and online communities. These resources can provide valuable information about the history, value, and rarity of different coins, as well as tips on how to care for and display your collection. A good source of information about UK coins is Spink and Coin Year Book.
- Attend coin shows: Coin shows are events where collectors can buy, sell, and trade coins and other collectibles. These shows can be a great opportunity to find rare or hard-to-find coins, as well as to learn more about different types of coins and the current market for them. You can also discover new dealers you might not be aware of, resulting in more contacts created in the industry.
- Start small: It's easy to get overwhelmed when you're starting out in coin collecting, so it's a good idea to start small and gradually build your collection. Focus on a specific type of coin or a particular time period and start building your collection from there. We very often see collections starting at 50ps & £2 then gradually growing to sovereigns!
- Join a coin club: Coin clubs are a great way to connect with other collectors and learn more about the hobby. Many clubs offer educational programs, coin shows, and other events that can help you learn more about coins and find new items for your collection. There has been a recent increase in the use of Facebook groups to help fill the void of non-local coin clubs.
- Take care of your coins: Proper storage and handling of your coins is important to preserve their value and prevent damage. Use protective sleeves or coin albums to store your coins, and handle them carefully to avoid scratching or tarnishing. Take special care with proof coins, if there are obvious signs of handling this can drastically reduce the coins value.
Coin collecting can be a rewarding hobby that can teach you about history, art, and economics, as well as provide opportunities to connect with other collectors. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to building a collection that you can be proud of!