It was my grandfather who first gave me an interest in collecting coins. This was in the 1970’s, well before the days of online auction sites. He would bid for coins at auction, often via the post or on the phone. Quite often I’d call around and he’d have huge bags of mixed coins, methodically going through them, looking to see if he could find any rare ones for his collection. I’d often be left with the others but I’d never complain.

I learnt how to grade coins and how to clean them. He also taught me which ones to look out for. A coin can be worth a lot more money if it is excellent condition, compared to one which is in poor condition, so it is not just the dates that you have to look out for. Also over cleaning a coin can reduce the value of a coin quite dramatically. It is never advised.

Over the years my collection grew and I also took up the hobby of metal detecting. This was a great way of increasing my collection at a small cost. Once I left school and was in employment I was able to purchase my own coins also. Unfortunately my grandfather died before the Internet came along, so he never saw the likes of
eBay
. He collected coins the hard way. But for those new to Numismatics (Coin Collecting) it really is a great place to start.

Some prefer to collect a certain type of coin i.e Roman or Saxon etc., others collect any coins. I fall into the latter categeory. One can also spend as much or as little as you like on coins. They come in many different price brackets. It really is agreat hobby to get involved in. Give it a try!