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The four most popular methods amongst numismatists for organizing coins are:
- Documentation
- Spreadsheets
- Acquisition checklists
- Coin-specific software
While no one method is better than the other, certain methods may be more beneficial for some collectors than others. If you’re getting started with the organization process, it’s important to explore each method to determine which best meets your needs and goals.
Documentation
Documenting your coin collection allows you to easily track inventory to help you quickly identify which coins you have, and what coins you may want to purchase next. This method for organizing your coins is easy for any type of collector as it only requires a large 3-ring binder, inventory log, and other supplies such as a pen or pencil to note details about each coin. Some possible criteria to effectively sort your coins (regardless of the method you use) include:
- Year
- Country
- Mintmark
- Variety
- Denomination or type
- Grade
- Quantity
- Your purchase price
- The date you purchased the coin
- Amount coin sold for
- The date you sold the coin
- Notes/Comments on the coin
- Updates on the value of the coin
Although this sounds relatively simple, this method must be done with care to ensure your binder accurately reflects your collection.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets may offer collectors a more efficient way to organize their coins. With programs such as Microsoft Excel, one can add, delete and categorize the coins within each sheet to their preferences. This comes in extremely handy as your collection grows as you can easily use the search feature to go through the sheet and find the information you need. Additionally, you can create separate tabs and, if you are up to the task, write simple formulas to assist in cataloging the coins.
Acquisition checklists
For collectors looking to add certain coins to their collection, organizing by an acquisition checklist may be a better option. Not only do these types of checklists help you catalog what items you have, they can also help to plan what coins you would like to acquire next. However, it’s important to note that this coin organization method is not as flexible as other methods.
Furthermore, because this method focuses more on the next coins that will be added to your collection, properly noting important details about individual coins may fall by the wayside. So you may want to consider using a supplemental method such as documentation and/or spreadsheets to keep a record of your current coins.
Coin-specific software
For those with more extensive collections, it may be more beneficial to organize your coins with help from computer software created for coin collectors. There are many types of software, available across a range of different price points, meaning there’s sure to be a program to meet your organizational needs.
As you browse for the right software, experts recommend you keep in mind some baseline criteria such as:
- ease of use
- intuitively laid out screens
- organizational flexibility to organize the coins how you see fit
- current downloadable pricing information
- revaluing capabilities using current market prices
There are also plenty of coin organization smartphone apps with great numismatic technology. Apps offer collectors of all levels a quick way to help organize a coin collection. From updating your coin catalog to checking a coin’s cert verification, many apps offer an easy way to lighten your logistical load and easily manage your coins.
Caring for a coin collection
Once your collection has been organized, it’s important to care for your coins properly. The US Mint recommends storing your coins in a cool, dry place to avoid any damage occurring to your coins from temperature changes. Regarding the modern coins in your collection, make sure to use their original packaging. For coins without packaging or for older coinage, other coin holder options include cardboard or plastic holders, plastic tubes or capsules, sleeves, envelopes, and coin albums.
When handling coins, US Mint and experts alike recommend wearing soft cotton gloves to protect the coin’s surface from fingerprints and the natural oils on your skin. These oils can actually be quite corrosive and can damage a coin’s surface. If you’re not keen on using gloves, it is okay to pick up coins with your hands. The best way to do so to avoid damaging your coins is to hold the coin by its edges between your thumb and forefinger. If simply handling coins can damage them, this may leave you wondering: Is it okay to clean or polish coins?
Is it safe to polish coins?
As you care for your coin collection, you may wonder if you should clean or polish your coins. The general consensus on the safety of polishing according to coin experts is, “do NOT clean your coins under any circumstances.” More often than not, most methods for polishing or cleaning coins cause more harm than good. Even the slightest mishandling or mistreatment can severely damage a coin’s aesthetic and overall value.
If you feel you must polish a coin, do very thorough research, take extreme precautions, and use lower-value pocket change as test subjects. You can also consult knowledgeable and experienced professionals and leave the polishing up to them. Better yet, leave the coins alone and save yourself the hassle and potential detriment that comes with polishing coins.
Organizing and growing your coin collection
As your coin collection grows, it’s important to keep your coins organized and take regular inventory. Not only does this help you identify what coins you have, but knowing what coins are in your collection allows you to quickly determine the value of your collection.
Keeping your coins organized and cared for assists in maintaining their value. Improper care and storing of coins may result in damage to your coins, which in turn may affect their value. Organizing and properly documenting your coins is also beneficial when it comes to accurately evaluating your coins. This can also help you identify which coins you want to focus on adding to your collection.
Rosland Capital offers coin collectors unique series of premium coins featuring collaborations with Formula 1 racing, the British Museum, and the PGA TOUR. Rosland also offers iconic coins such as the American Buffalo gold coin, American Eagle, Krugerrand, and the Canadian Maple Leaf. Before you make any coin purchase, you should thoroughly research the coins you’re after and make sure that you are buying from a reputable dealer.
Learn more about purchasing gold and silver coins.
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