Being a coin collector doesn't necessarily mean that you collect old rare coins from around the world. A collector could simply be a person that collects them in a jar around the house. If you look at those coins, though, you will likely find a wide array of dates. By doing this, you might become interested in becoming a traditional coin collector other types of coins.
Becoming a collector isn't going to make you rich. You'll probably never land on a stash of old Roman or Celtic coins that will bring you fame and fortune. If you want to get into coin collecting, do it for the pleasure of hunting down increasingly rare or unique ones.
Some people focus on collecting coins created in a limited edition that are new in the marketplace. Others focus on specific types of coins, such as old Canadian or silver coin ones.
A collector needs a few tools of the trade. A magnifying glass to examine details on each of them is one. Envelopes or albums to store and display the ones you have are other supplies to purchase. A coin collecting price guide that has information on dates, varieties, and grading guidelines is a smart addition.
A plastic ruler that has both millimeters and inches for measuring them, cotton or latex gloves for handling, a soft cloth to set them on for viewing, and good lighting round out the list of supplies.
Starting your hobby of being a coin collector involves hunting down new ones. There are plenty of places to find them for your collecting. Root in your own wallet (and everyone else's who will let you examine them for less-common ones).
Look at the ones on display at flea markets and auctions. The internet is a great resource for buying, selling, and trading coins. Always keep your coin collecting price guide handy when shopping to avoid scams or paying too much.
If you are not a professional dealer, do not clean your collection. Using the wrong method to clean them can damage some of the old rare coins and reduce the value of your collection.
Dirty coins are perfectly acceptable when you are a collector. If, however, you want to clean those that have no particular value, you can simply use warm water and dishwashing liquid to give them a shine.
Read as much as you can on your new hobby. A good coin collector learns what makes it valuable and be able to recognize those old Roman coins for more than the symbol stamped on them.
As you grow proficient, you'll be able to let go of most common ones and focus on old rare ones instead. If you have children or grandchildren, pass those ones down to them. Who knows; you may just have created a new coin collector!
