COLLECTING OLD COINS

If I were a beginning coin collector as we roll out the carpet for 2016 I would do things differently! 50  years ago I earned the Boy Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge... the only one I ever achieved... the only one I ever wanted and needed.

Coin collecting is cognitive. You will learn the nuances of numismatics and learn all about the grading of coins. All coins wear in their circulation. You as a coin collector must become a student.. learning about mint marks, designer's initials and the like.by owning the latest copy of the RED BOOK you can reference every American coin minted, Coin collecting should be fun.

As you gain in experience and knowledge coins of the realm will jump out at you. Coins can be beautiful.

Most coin collectors visit rare coin shops and coin shows. One must in beginning the hobby is to organize.You can be sure it will take you years to learn the many tricks of the collecting hobby .One caveat is to never "clean" a coin. Soap and water are the only permissible applications permitted. Whizzing a coin's surface can end up in the death of the coin.

Learn about the U S Mints. Philadelphia , New Orleans, Dahlonega, GA, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point. Today, there are so many special issue commemorative coins giving coin collectors options. Proof Sets have been around since 1936. The earliest Proof Sets are very, very valuable from $6,750 downward. Proof coins are made with a polished planchet...mirror-like. Proof coins do not end up in circulation.

Mint-State coins range from MS-60 to MS-70. The mint bloom of a coin is revealed by it's beautiful luster. Then, if a coin has been squirreled away for decades atmospheric reactions to the metals reveals a beautiful toning...iridescent ..highly desirable .. in every respect  A well toned old coin may realize a higher price. This past year a surreal collection of United States Coinage went to auction with Stack's Bowers Gallery in New York City. I drool just reviewing the magnificent photographs in the 275 page auction catalog.

No matter if you are rich or poor this hobby is set for a king. I say invest in your coin collecting hobby as if it were your bank account. I have seen collections fetch six figures at auction. The inherent beauty and value seems to be better than money in the bank. You can never go wrong doing the right thing! Personally I enjoy About-Uncirculated AU-55 graded coins. You have most of the beauty at a bargain rate. IF you can locate "mint fresh" rolls of silver coins ..buy them and put them in your safe.

And yes, gold is gold.. This is  a great time to buy.