I am new to coins but have received a very large collection and am about to start cataloging everything. I was going to use excel and start a database. Is there a better way? What information about each coin should I record? Does anyone have a set up format for this? Thanks
Greetings and welcome to Coin Talk...:hail: First of all I prefer cataloging in Excel and take print outs because I'm a pen and paper loving guy. There are many softwares for cataloging like Pro coin, Collection studio etc. But use trial versions first before making purchase decision. Also there is omnicoin.com for online free uploading and organizing. Best of luck. Cheers
i prefer excell. over the years i have added and removed columns of info as i either wanted more info, or decided info wasnt needed. if you are going to use excell - its free - dont think you have to have all the answers up front! its very easy to alter the spreadsheet as you go. I started with 1 spreadsheet and am not up to around 8 or so. some are for coins, some for currency, and 1 or 2 just for a list of infomational items. Its all up to you!
Do a search for "coin software" and you'll find a few threads discussing the pros and cons of the various types of cataloging software out there. Like Kidromeo mentioned, most have free trail versions so you can try before you buy.
start out in excel. If you find it does not meet your needs, then edit it. If you find you still want more of an Access Database format, then try one. but start out in excel...
Thank you for all the replies. I have started making an excel spread sheet but with my lack of knowledge in coins it is going slow. I am planning on liquidating all of it so would there be better info I should record? I have a column for Coin,year,mint, and condition. can anyone think of any more useful columns? Thanks again
Off the top of my head: Variety (if applicable), current estimated value, price paid, Country (if you collect world coins at some point). Really, it can go on and on...
I also use excel.... It keeps me up to date on what my coins are doing price wise in relation to the market. Since I have to manually input value, every so often I reevaluate where the prices are at. Very good thing to do IMO, becuase it helps me to also know when is good to buy and sell certain types.
I'm a user of CoinManage software. I like it because you can export to excel if you want to, or print many different types of reports without having to know excel that well. It's not for everyone, but it suites my needs for now.
