I've been searching and perusing the various articles on CT, which are proving very useful. I've concluded that the majority seems to use Excel for cataloging their collections. Which I'm fine with doing, as I work in Excel daily (bleck). My question, as a newbie in the collecting world, is specific to U.S. Coins and a good starting point (search) for purchasing. I have my Excel sheets divided into the common denominations for cents, nickels, dimes, halfs, dollars, commemoratives, bullion, sets.... If someone has any recommendations, or willing to send format examples that would be great. I've also searched the site and it seems there are plenty of 'Dealers' on this forum with great content. For a new collector of US Coins does anyone have a recommendation on where to begin searching for information and purchases? I've browesed plenty on ebay, and stopped in some local stores that offer "coins" (not necessarily a "Coin" dealer tho', grrrrrr). For now I'm thinking, at least until I learn more, my interest is collecting a full set of a couple specific years (family related). Thanks, .cj
Altough I cannot help with you questions, I do relize the importance of cataloging a collection. I too would appreciate a ready made speadsheet. Thanks
Coin inventory spreadsheet templates can be downloaded from the following link. http://typesets.wikidot.com/free-coin-templates
This is how I set most of mine up. Hopefully we'll be able to see it: The quantities and bullion weights are automatically totaled at the bottom of the sheet when I enter anything in. I also have the option to use other sheets for nicer coins if I want to be able to look at pics of one. I have a sheet for 19th century coins here. Also one for commemoratives. I don't have any formulas on these sheets. Both are set up a little nicer though with actual pics. The nice part about it is that you can grab the corner and stretch pics full screen to look at something if you need to. Then just click undo and they go back to a 1x1 square on the screen. Maybe kind of 90's but quite functional. Haven't wanted to buy a program yet.
BTW, those columns are individually re-sized to have just enough space to enter the info while leaving as much room for comments as possible, while still being able to print out on an 8x11. It's fantastic for coin shows. I just print off the sheet of stuff I'm looking for and take it with me. If the row is blank, I need it. Edit: Cent collectors, please don't look at the tabs at bottom. Yeah, I called them pennys. :goof:
I have a huge spreadsheet that I've been using for many years to catalog coins. My daughers recently purchased me a copy of Collector's Assistant, which I've been using to move my Excel database into over the past month. It takes a little time to get use to but it is pretty good in the end. It will automatically udpate your coin values and will populate things like mintage, type of metal, designer, and size. It is kind of cool but it does take a little time to get use to. I love Excel and have my entire life on it. I must say that the Collector's Assistant does have its advantages over it like views of mint marks on coins, views of varieties of coins, and view of toned images. You can also place pictures of your coins into the database. It is pretty nifty. It is also cool when you add new coins to your collection. You only need to add the coin denomination and its year and will download most of the information. You just need to add the coin's grade, purchase price, purchase date, and seller. I pretty excited about it so far.
Thanks all ! Great advice and opinion on cataloging. So, where should a newbie like me start looking for purchasing ? I have a bucket load of circulated coins....but want to start looking into some nicely graded coins to spruce up my rookie-bucket.
A lot depends on what you are looking for. We have some great sponsors of this site I can recommend to you. If possible, and if available, a local dealer can be your friend. Get to know them, and let them know you. You can also try some thread searches here at CoinTalk to get you started on working with dealers. If there are specific series of coins, I'm sure other members here can point you to dealers they have worked with.
A lot does depend on the specifics of series, grade, price that you are mostly interested in. There isn't a one-size fits all answer. For expensive certified coins, research prices on the various auction sites (Ebay, Heritage, Teletrade) before spending the big money. For raw coins, I'd steer clear of Ebay until a person learns the basics of grading, and even then, I'd say go real slow. The auction sites can be okay for a novice to purchase the more common certified material, though quality and price can be all over the place. One of the forum members, Mark Feld carries a small inventory of high quality certified coins. I would certainly recommend him, if he has any coins that you are looking for. Post some specifics in terms of series, grade, price, and better answers will come along. Quality and price sometimes go hand in hand. However, a few dealers charge a high price and deliver average quality. Quite a few more charge a low price and deliver low quality or even problem coins, especially major magazine advertisers and some auction coins. Coin shows can be a good place to shop. Having dealer referrals before going to the show, can be a big help because a few dealers may try to take advantage of a novice. If you are in Southern California, the summer ANA is going to be at the Los Angeles convention center, August 5 to 9. Florida (FUN), Baltimore, and Long Beach, CA host the other big national shows. Smaller shows can also be a good place. Do a google search and it will turn up coin shows in your area. As for Excel, I keep one large, relatively simple spreadsheet. I record all the coin's info in one field, price paid, source, estimated current value (or price sold for), and notes. Some folks now like to archive images of their better coins and that is an excellent idea for insurance purposes.
