Brand New to collecting

Hi All, I'm getting into coins and have received a gift of a lot of silver predominantly US coins. Some dating back to the 1700's. Also international coins with some gold pieces.
Any suggestions on an organized approach to getting started and learning the terminology, value and desirability of coins would be much appreciated.
Thanx

 

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For US Coins, get yourself a copy of the Red Book
10-12 at any book store
Its an encyclopedia of US coins with dates mintage figures.
and pictures

Read threads in the Reference and FAQ sections here on CT

 

Welcome to CoinTalk @Joseph Durante III ! Get some gloves to handle your coins if they are not encased. And it might be nice to make a list of all your coins. And get a book about US coins.
Edited to add: Yep to what Coinblazer said. That is the book you want to purchase.

 

THANX!!

 

Ditto the copy of the Redbook. That is the foundation for most any US coin collector. Purchase it for the reference information and not the coin values published. Lots of reference info out there but the Redbook is hands down the best starting point..... I for one would love to see some photos of your stuff. Particularly if you are holding some 18th century US examples. Those get pretty hard to come by. And we do love coin photos around here!

 

Welcome to CT. As others have said, get a copy of the R. S. Yeoman Red Book. Ignore the prices but the rest of the information is very good.

 

Welcome to CT, Joe. While you're waiting to get that Red Book, you can find a fair amount of similar information on the Numista web site.

In the meantime, don't clean your coins, handle with care, and do a search here on CT about proper storage of your coins.

 

Welcome to the neighborhood, Joe!

As others have said, get a copy of

You don't really need the "Mega" edition. I recommend the spiral-bound edition because you can refer to any page "hands-free" while examining a coin or taking a photo. The book is published annually, but it really isn't necessary to update it every year. Once every 5 years is good enough.

Also, it really isn't necessary to wear cotton gloves when holding coins. Some people can accidentally "fumble" a coin because they can't feel it when wearing gloves. As long as you hold the coin between your thumb and forefinger by the edge, you won't harm the surface of the coin.

Chris

 

Welcome to CT!

 

welcome to the party ....

 

Welcome to CT. I look forward to seeing photos of your world coins.

 

I would recommend sitting down with pen and paper to list everything you own now. I did that a couple of years ago and now know what I paid for most of the items, when I bought them and, if I did sell, I keep track of profits or an occasional loss which we all managed to do from time to time. I also keep EVERY receipt from my purchases but regret not doing so from 2000 to 2010 and was shocked to find out what some of my silver foreign coins had done since then (most went up) and I didn't have a clue! Every coin that comes into my possession now is recorded immediately when I bring it home as I found it impossible, at my age, to remember what I paid way back when. Enjoy your hobby and admire those coins! It can be a lifelong endeavor.

 

Thank you. On my way to Barnes & Noble!

Thanx for the great response. I'll take your advice.

 

Sorry for the off-topic question, but are you any relation to the great Jimmy Durante? It's a long shot, but one never knows.

 

Oh my goodness!! I wondered the very same thing!! I lovvvveeeed Jimmy Durante...

 

'AT'S NO BANANA, 'AT'S Ma NOSE!!!

 

What a schnozzol he had!!! (i think that's the way you spell it - or maybe that's the Yiddish version)

 

For those who have no idea what we're talking about:



My father had the great pleasure of meeting and talking with Jimmy Durante in the 1960s. I was then not yet alive. Alas.

 

Y'all sure have made me feel welcome. Thanx.
And....... Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, Wherever you are.

 

Before you do -- you should know that the 2020 edition is coming out very shortly (a week or two?), and there are some great deals on pre-orders for it. I just ordered one (2020 Spiral edition) on eBay for $13.50, free postage.