That's a good question, and one I have been meaning to ask myself. I have seen various "coin collecting" software packages for sale, some with built in values and pictures. Here's my question to the forum: Are these packages worthwhile to buy, or am I better off just using Excel spreadsheets. All I want to do is track my collection inventory and update values, which can be done on Excel, but I wonder if these software packages make it easier in terms of time savings, and if certain cool features are worthwhile (pictures, mintage figures, etc. etc.)
That is really my question. Tracking my coins is the easy part but having pictures and data sure would be nice.
I use a modified gun collection software. I had a programmer make me a gun collection software a couple years ago to resell. I got to looking and he made it where the input fields were cusomizable so I modified it to relate to coins. I like it because you can store multiple images. I think it would come in handy if you ever had a loss that required insurance to replace your collection.
Here is the one that we use in conjunction with an excel spreadsheet. http://www.libertystreet.com/shots21.htm
Over the years I have looked at and tried several different software programs. But the best and the most user friendly I have ever run across is Coin Elite by Trove Software Coin Elite allows you to use a pre-formatted database or to any portion of it. It also allows you to completely customize the program to suit your needs. It includes pre-loaded values for every grade that are updated twice yearly or you can use your own values. It allows you to have pictures of every coin. It provides mintage numbers for all US coins. It lets you determine exactly what info you wish to add such as purchase price, grade, graded by, purchase date, purchased from whom, etc etc etc. It will even track coins you sell and provide you with a profit & loss report. It does just about everything I suggest you check it out.
Has anyone found decent software for World coins That is, something with values, mintage numbers, composition and size, etc.
I have no ex[erience with commercial coin collecting software. I track my stuff using excel. I do not use pictures, but you can integrate pictures into excel.
Software opinion I've had fairly good luck with Coin Keeper by Hobbysoft. As a casual collector, I didn't want to spend a lot on software, but wanted to be able to inventory, track, and search what I had. Coin Keeper seems to be able to do that, plus gives me some idea of value. The deluxe version I have now has grading pictures, too. I now get the updated prices each year, but really don't pay much attention to those especially with silver and gold prices fluctuating like they are. But for inventory purposes, it serves the purpose.
Here is a software for world coins that has received some very good comments. http://coins.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.worldcoinsexplorer.com/
