You can't say that collecting coins is only about coin-keeping. Numismatists or people enthusiastic about coins will tell you that it is much more -- a rather methodical and to some extent a complex hobby. You should follow some specific guidelines to make sure that you carry on this hobby with a disciplined approach while having fun and making money at the same time.
Below is the list of some necessary things that should be a part and parcel of your coin collecting activity.
1. Using guide books on coins
Both beginners and professional collectors of coins should use guide-books on coins.
Coin guides give tips on how to start, as well as special instructions on how to proceed with the hobby of coin collecting.
These books not only give start-up tips but also provide information regarding the procedure to walk the road of this hobby of coin-collection.
As coins differ in respect of their price, grade etc., these books also come handy by giving necessary information related to the same.
Reading these guide-books is strongly suggested before starting the hobby of coin-collection as it would be a safeguard against taking wrong decisions due to non-availability of proper information.
2. Record of the stock of coins
Proper stock-records for all the items that you have collected must be kept. Facts such as grade, year, cost, face value, remarks and trend should always be obtainable in case they are needed.
Stock records aid a lot in proper organization of the collection of coins. If any collector gives a brief look to these records, it can help by showing which coins have become useless or are required no more.
For keeping a record of information related to coins, numismatists have some alternatives as regards the method to be followed. They may utilize either the long established procedure of using paper and pen or use the software specifically prepared for coin-collection.
3. Coin Box
Coins should be kept in properly protected holders and boxes so that they don't get damaged.
Some chemical reactions often occur between the metals of which the coins are made and sulphur or PVC. So paper (in which sulphur is present) or plastic (consisting of PVC) shouldn't be used for coin-storage on a long-term basis.
4. Gel of Silica
For preserving the coins properly, packets of silica gel should be used as it helps to maintain correct temperature and low level of humidity in the atmosphere.
5. Glasses that magnify
To rank the coins, magnifying glasses offer a big helping hand. Though 7x magnification is the most recommended one by numismatists, but even magnification in the range of 4x to 10x will complete the job pretty well.
For examining the degree of excellence and the genuineness of coins, a magnifying glass is of great help. Defects which can't be seen by the naked eye like scratches or even hairlines can be brought to notice by magnifying glass. This is a good thing as such defects affect the coin-value in a negative way.
6. Light Source
A source of light should be kept at a distance of half a meter from the workstation. A 75-watt lamp that's incandescent or a halogen lamp is suggested for this purpose.
7. Tools for handling
The quality of the coins gets diminished by the marks of finger. So, coin-collectors who are serious about their hobby use gloves meant for surgical purposes and pads made of velvet for coin-handling.
Finally, the preliminary kit of coin-handling is ready. So, have a great time following your hobby!
by: Mohammed Shomam
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