I'm new to this forum although have some experience coin collecting and hunting. I have been going on and off for couple week to couple month periods for about a year and a half now with combined time being interested in coins (Not that I'm not interested it's just that I'm just still in school and have very sporadic thinking which leads to me not holding up to one thing for a long time) being about half a year. So this will be my first question on the forum. Is a 16x jeweler's loupe and good lighting along with things to store coins in a substantial set of tools and really all that I need?
Hi @LincolnLover2369. Calipers? (Yep) A scale? (Yes) Good lighting? (I always need better lighting). I have various types of magnification lenses. (1) loop without my reading glasses (2) loop and reading glasses (3) and some weird crazy looking glasses that have lights on them and use for really close up seeing. I have binders for coin storage but after seeing some of the storage set ups others have, I do not like the binders so much. But I am very new also, so you will want to hear with more experienced people like and also what older posts say. You can do a search of the forum threads. Maybe getting good with your smart phone or tablet camera will be handy so you can share your coins with us. And welcome to CT!
Welcome to CT. Books and some good online references, are definitely a must. Do you collect just Lincolns?
Welcome to CoinTalk. You will want a less powerful magnifier like around 4x-7x. If you have the 16x jeweler's loupe then keep it. Ideally you want both magnifiers. If you only get one then go for the 7x magnification. Coin folders are a great way to learn a series of coins and storage. Storage options are plentiful. 2 x 2 cardboard holders are good for individual coins. Try completing one set it will help in many facets of collecting coins. A Redbook for general coin reference is a good buy. Most of all just have fun and collect what you like when you like.
Well I'm only 13 so I don't necessarily have all the time in the world to enjoy coins, but on the other hand, thank you.
No, I do not collect only lincoln cents, but they are my favorite and what I spend the most time with.
I haven't had the time to purchase any albums, but if I did it would be a lot of fun because I already hunt for a lot of different errors, Wheat Cents being something I enjoy quite a lot. I also like to try to find silver dimes and war time silver nickels.
A Redbook for general coin reference is a good buy. Not a buy that I am prepared for. I don't have the money. But I'll ask for one next Christmas or something.
