Planning Your Coin Collection
Coin collecting offers collectors many options. Some of the realms of coin collecting are covered in the following sections.
Historical Period
There are coins going far back in time. Collectors have opportunities to own pieces from Ancient History—the “ancients”—to the present, and that covers a whole lot of years.
Many coins from ancient times are affordable to the average collector. This makes coin collecting somewhat unique in the hobby world. Think about it: A silver drachma issued during the reign of Alexander the Great (356–323 B.C.) could effortlessly be added to your collection tomorrow. For more information on ancient coins, check out The Handbook of Ancient Greek and Roman Coins by Zander H. Klawans.
Country of Origin
A specific country's issued coins is a popular mode of coin collecting. Collectors often narrow down their collections to coins from a particular time period in that country's history.
Series
Collecting coins issued in series—over a period of years—is another avenue coin collectors go down. An example is the U.S. Standing Liberty Quarter, produced from 1916 to 1930.
Type of Set
Some collectors concentrate their collecting efforts and resources on specific types of coins in date or group order. For example, they may focus on the Lincoln penny for their collection.
Commemoratives
Commemoratives are favorites in so many collectors' fields, and they're very appealing to coin collectors, who have a wide selection to choose from. Commemorative coin sets are regularly issued to honor outstanding individuals and momentous historical events.
Errors
Coins are no different from other collectibles, whether produced by man or by machine. Errors in the manufacturing process happen. Some collectors just love these errors.
Die Varieties
Some collectors base their collections on die varieties. For example, they may focus on certain coin impressions, sizes, and shapes.
Paper Money
Numismatics encompasses not only collecting coins, but paper money, too. Certain collectors chase paper currency—and there's plenty for them to chase.
At www.coinclubs.com you'll get access to community coin clubs and numismatic organizations, shows, and auctions nationwide. A visit to www.coinlink.com will link you up with even more coin-related sites, including associations, classified ads, facts and information, supplies, and grading services.
