Breaking into the world of coin collecting can feel
overwhelming. It can be confusing how to start your journey into finding,
assessing and storing your new treasures. Experienced coin collector Nathan B
Chesebro suggests you start slow and focus on having fun building your
collection.
Start with the coins you already have. You can use these to
understand what to look for and start building your collection. Check in your
pockets, under your couch and in your car. You can even ask friends or family
members if they have any unique or old coins lying around.
There are some common questions coin collectors will ask
themselves to determine if they want to add a coin to their collection.
·
Is the coin appealing to you? This is different
for each person. You may connect with a coin because it was made in a year that
holds significance for you or because it has your favorite president on it.
·
How lustrous is it? The luster of a coin is its
shininess. There is no way to restore this once it is gone. Old coins that
still maintain their luster can be worth more.
·
Is it damaged? Damage like corrosion or
scratches can decrease the coins value.
·
How worn is it? The wear of a coin is the
biggest factor in determining its value.
After you have assembled a few coins, think about purchasing a
coin album to keep your collection organized and protected. There are albums
that hold a particular size coin and others that can hold any denomination.
By answering a few simple questions and getting your equipment
you are well on your way to a great coin collection. Nathan Chesebro likes to
hunt for rare coins near his home in Maine.
