Accumulate Your Collection
Posted By Admin on February 17, 2010
As we’ve said before, the easiest way to start collecting coins is to focus on those coins that are still in circulation. This is probably the easiest way of obtaining coins since we use them every day. We’ve outlined some ways you can use in-circulation coins to start your collection.
You may, however, want to branch out into out of circulation coins. If that’s the case, finding them requires a little more work. But don’t worry – the sources are out there!
Dealers with their own coin shops can be good resources for information as well as coins.
Attend some coin shows. Here you can shop from several dealers at once. The selection will obviously be better than at most shops, and you may be able to get better prices due to the presence of competition.
Coins can be purchased from many dealers through the mail. Check any of the periodicals listed below for advertisements. Unfortunately, it is all too common to receive over-graded and/or problem coins from some mail order sources. Make sure the source has a reasonable return policy before ordering, examine the coins carefully on receipt to ensure they’re satisfactory (get an opinion from a more experienced collector/dealer if you are unsure), and return them if they are not.
Hundreds of dealers offer coins on the Internet and online services, including many of the conventional mail order advertisers. Again, make sure the source has a reasonable return policy before ordering, examine the coins carefully on receipt to ensure they’re satisfactory (get an opinion from a more experienced collector/dealer if you are unsure), and return them if they are not. Also, watch out for the occasional scam artist who may pocket your money and not send anything in return.
You will also want to try auctions. This will include live auctions as well as those conducted online such as on e-bay.
The rarest and most expensive coins are often available only at auctions promoted by major specialty auction firms. These are generally in larger cities.
Numerous auctions are conducted online. In some of them anybody can offer coins to the highest bidder. Before bidding, check feedback on the seller, if the auction service makes it available.