Collecting, grading, storing coins
- At-a-Glance
- What / Why / Who
- What
- Why
- Who
- Getting Started
- Variations & Subtopics
- Guides & Tutorials
- Starter Kit
- Books & Learning
- Essential Gear & Materials
- Safety, Etiquette & Legal
- Tips, Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Skill Progression
- Communities & Where to Practice
- Related Hobbies
- FAQ
At-a-Glance
Difficulty: ○●○ Beginner (deep long-term)
Time: 15–60 min per session
Cost: $–$$ (scales with goals)
Space/Setup: Small desk, good light
Solo/Group: Solo; clubs & shows for community
Seasonality: Year-round
What / Why / Who
What
Collecting coins for their history, design, mintmarks, and condition (grade). You’ll learn basic grading, safe handling/storage, and how to buy confidently.
Why
- Tangible history with endless learning paths
- Clear goals (series, dates, mintmarks, grades)
- Easy to start small; upgrade slowly
Who
Curious collectors, history buffs, treasure hunters, and anyone who enjoys research + a tidy collection.
Getting Started
- Pick a lane: type coin (one nice example), small date/mint set, or a modern series.
- Learn grading basics: circulated vs. uncirculated, eye appeal, common wear points.
- Gear up: 10× triplet loupe, PVC-free 2×2 flips, coin pages/boxes, soft work surface.
- Buy the book before the coin: get a current Red Book; set a budget per coin.
- Track & store: log purchase details; store in inert holders; control humidity.
- Join the community: local club or shows; compare grades in-hand.
Variations & Subtopics
- Peace Silver Dollars — short, beginner-friendly classic set.
- Lincoln Wheat Cents — affordable, huge range of dates/mintmarks.
- Buffalo Nickels — bold design; fun in mid-grades.
- Mercury Dimes — attractive, plentiful; great in AU–MS.
- State Quarters (1999–2008) — easy on-ramp; low cost, high nostalgia.
- America the Beautiful Quarters (2010–2021) — parks theme; completeable.
- American Silver Eagles — modern bullion; proofs/special issues.
- Proof & Mint Sets (U.S.) — curated annual snapshots.
- Error & Variety Coins — doubled dies, RPMs; advanced.
- Ancient Roman Coins — history-first; buy slabbed or vetted.
Guides & Tutorials
- Grading 101 (Sheldon scale, wear points, eye appeal)
- Safe Storage (PVC-free holders, albums, humidity)
- Buying Smart (dealers, comps, slabs vs. raw, fakes)
- Coin Roll Hunting: Setup, Sorting & Finds
- Photographing Coins (lighting, glare control)
Starter Kit
If you buy via the pick below, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hobbymaster Coin Collecting Starter Bundle (album, pages, 2×2 flips, 10× loupe)
Why this pick: one purchase covers storage, inert holders, and a real loupe, so beginners can organize, study, and protect coins immediately without piecing together supplies.
Books & Learning
Book links below may be affiliate links. We only list books we truly recommend.
- A Guide Book of United States Coins (“Red Book”) — Buy on Amazon
- Official ANA Grading Standards (U.S. Coins)
- Grading Coins by Photographs (Q. David Bowers) — Buy on Amazon
Essential Gear & Materials
- 10× triplet loupe (clear, distortion-controlled)
- PVC-free 2×2 flips + paper inserts; 20-pocket pages or a flip storage box
- Archival album or binder; labels; silica gel/desiccant
- Nitrile gloves (optional) and soft pad; handle by edges only
- Notebook or spreadsheet for purchases and grades
Safety, Etiquette & Legal
- Never clean coins (damages value); avoid PVC plastics; control humidity.
- Buy from reputable dealers; for higher value, prefer graded slabs (PCGS/NGC).
- Be accurate in descriptions when selling; keep receipts and provenance.
Tips, Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Overpaying: comp against recent sales for the same date/grade.
- PVC damage: use inert holders only; look for greasy film/green residue.
- Misgrading: compare to photo guides; get second opinions at clubs/shows.
- Impulse buys: set a max per coin and stick to your series plan.
Skill Progression
Type coin → small date/mint set → grading accuracy → specialty (keys, proofs, PL/DMPL) → auction strategy & registry sets.
Communities & Where to Practice
- r/coins • r/coincollecting
- Local coin clubs (ANA chapters), coin shows & bourses
Related Hobbies
- Metal detecting
- Photography
- Antiques & history research
- Paper money collecting
FAQ
Should I wear gloves?
Optional. Many prefer clean dry hands and holding by the edges; use nitrile gloves for high-value raw coins.
Slabbed or raw?
For valuable/key coins or higher grades, slabs reduce risk. Raw is fine for common dates—buy from trusted sources.
How do I spot cleaning?
Look for hairlines, unnatural shine, or residue in protected areas. When in doubt, assume cleaned and pay accordingly.