I first became interested in collecting coins when the 2004 Peace Medal Nickels came out and I was hooked. You guys probably get asked this alot but does anyone have any information of how to get started in this huge coin collecting hobby?
Find a coin you like. To best enjoy this hobby, you need to have a goal. Myself, I'm trying to get started with wheat pennies.
First welcome to the world of numismatics, I have been collecting for only a few years and made some early mistakes but you have started great by first asking questions before going out and spending a lot of money. My suggestion would be to do your homework first !! Lesson 1, Read through all the information listed in the Numismatic Resouces Forum on this website. Then after you have read through that then do as Crispy suggested set a goal whether it be US or World coins, series or sets and start your journey. Be patient and enjoy the hobby !!!
Welcome Pick the coins you would like to collect and read all you can about that coin ,you can find out more about different U.S. coins by going HERE
My bit of advice would be to resist the temptation to spend too much on coins until you take some time to learn about them. That way, you avoid two things - getting ripped off, and spending too much at once.
To start with go to the Walmart web site, look up the Red Book by Whitman Publishing and order one. Thatis if you can't find one anywhere else. Cheapest prices I've seen. Or go to flea markets, yard/garage sales, estate sales and look for books such as that for really cheap prices. Then go to a bank, invest $50 and get a bag of pennies (cents). Before you buy an album to put them in, decide if you are going to stick with coins as a hobby. Cheap coin holder folders such as the whitman ones can do more damage than good for coins. If you stay interested try to buy a Whitman Classic or Dansco Album for your coins. I suggest you stick with cents and nickels for a while. Easier to acquire. Dimes also maybe.
Is the Red Book a good book for collecting coins? My friend told me about it just wondering if its any good.
The Red Book is good to own. It gives you an idea of what exists (U.S. Coin-wise) and a little bit of a background on each type of coin. It's a good reference. You will want to follow this up with books specifically geared toward the specialty you eventually choose.
