Coin Collecting - Factors that Influence the Value of Collectible Coins

by Michael Jones

The history of coin collecting dates back further than your mind can go. The wonderful thing about it is that anyone - old or young - can pursue this hobby. It is fascinating how diverse collections can be. You can either focus on collecting ancient coins belonging to one country or collect coins belonging to different countries. Going one step further, the collection can even be based on a particular series, a particular type set, a particular dye or even a particular grade of coin. Collecting coins that have errors due to the dies used, uneven designs, double strikes, and re-punched mints sometimes turn out to be worth their weight in gold.



As to the question, "why is this book offered free?" Simply put, there are too many other better books about rare coin collecting that were written by well-known numismatists (see the 'Suggested Reading' list below). Nevertheless, since its public release to the Web in 1997, this text has been read by more than a quarter of a million readers hailing from Australia, Europe, and the U.S. Numerous webmasters and editors from all sorts of hobby sites, including prominent search engines such as Ask Jeeves, InfoSeek, Lycos, and AOL, have selected this book for their particular venues dealing with coins and hobbies. As a result, Companion is widely read by thousands of new collectors each week.

Then there are those who like to only purchase very rare and expensive coins for investment purposes. Many people love to purchase brand new coins straight from the mint while others collect foreign coins only. The great thing about coin collecting is that there are no rules and everyone can collect whatever they wish.

Coin collecting and stamp collecting are often referred to as the twin hobbies. Both these hobbies are very popular, partly because you do not require any special skill to start the hobby and also because it gives you great pleasure and an immense feeling of satisfaction. You can start coin collecting anywhere and at any time and with the coins that you actually have. As you add to your collection, you can relive the history of the country through the coins. Of course once you gain interest, coin collecting is bound to pinch your pockets, but that of course may be true of any hobby.

Numismatics is the terminology used for the study of coin, notes, medals, but all coin collectors are not necessarily numismatists. Coin collecting in India is pretty lucrative as people are willing to part with coins to those who are willing to buy them. It is a form of investment for many Indians. The kind of coins you collect and the number of coins you collect depends on how well off you are financially. It can be quite an expensive hobby because rare coins could cost a lot. In fact the coin collecting market can be likened to the stock market where the share prices plummet one day and shoot up the next. The factors that influence this could be the ordinary forces of demand and supply.

Furthermore, the advent of the internet has been an amazing boon to collectors of coins the world over and collectors are able to find up to the minute information pertaining to value, rarity, and conditions of coins of all shapes and sizes. Online participation in the hobby of coin collecting is enormous, with individuals logging on to look up information about their coins, meet up on message boards, and find chat rooms where enthusiasts can get together to trade coins. You can also find collecting tips as well as many more different outlets to buy, sell, trade, and learn much more about the time- honored tradition of coin collecting.

There are coin shops and shows where you can find knowledgeable collectors who can help you find what you need and can give you advice on furthering your collection. Be wary of sellers at flea markets, antique shops, or other on-targeted markets where the seller may inflate their prices or sell problem coins to unknowledgeable customers. Many of these sellers are even less knowledgeable about coins than the beginning collectors they sell to. The same risk can come from mail order or online purchases. Knowledge is your best insurance when dealing with these dealers. Use businesses referenced in coin collecting publications or from other collectors who you trust.

You see, there's a little bit for everybody in the world of coin collecting. You don't even have to be rich anymore. If you can afford a penny, nickel or a dime a week you have started a coin collection. You see, don't let the fact that coin collecting was once a rich man's hobby scare you away. There are some really neet coins still to be found in your everyday pocket change.

You say you live in a little apartment then Coin collecting is for you. Your collection will fit into one corner of your dresser drawer, or in small blue coin folders and coins don't make any noise.

Most of today's coin collectors developed the hobby within the last twenty years. Nearly all of the commemorative coins issued in this time period has increased in value. Here are a few examples of coin investments which have some collectors smiling: the 1995 Tenth Anniversary of the American Eagle coin set (issue price $995.00, current value $3,600.00); 2000w $10 uncirculated bimetal Library of Congress coin (issue price $235.00, current value $1,100.00).

Check in Coin Collecting for loads of information.

About the Author

Michael Jones writes regularly about entertainment related topics. I hope you enjoy this article.