Basic Coin Collecting Supplies You Need to Know About

Coin collectors need specific tools to preserve their coins from the elements, dirt and other factors that may decrease the coin’s value. Basic supplies such as holders, folders, albums and magnifiers are just a handful of things you need to have for your collection.

Holders
The most important supply you need for your collection is a safe place to store your coins in to protect them from damage. A majority of beginners starts using a ‘cigar box’ to keep their coins safe. However, this is an inadequate holder for coins as it does not prevent them from touching and rubbing against each other. This friction causes damage that reduces the value of your collection.

Get a holder specifically customized to store your coins. Most collectors use cardboard 2x2s as coin holders. These are 2” x 4” pieces of cardboard that has a hole in the center on both sides, and has a Mylar plastic inside. An affordable yet popular alternative is coin flips. These use Mylar plastic and measure 2” x 4”.

Albums and Folders
Another way to store your coin collection is by using a folder or album. Using a folder limits you to one side of the coin when you want to view your collection, but are affordable alternatives for beginners.

A coin album is ideal for advanced coin collectors as they are a bit pricier, but enable you to view both sides of your coin. They also provide extra protection because of the plastic inserts, keeping your coin’s surface safe form scratches and the elements.

Lighting and Magnifiers
You need to have proper lighting and a magnifier to view your coins properly. The best type of lighting is incandescent as it reveals any damage on the coins. Fluorescent lights are too mild and may make it difficult for you to spot any imperfections.

A hand lens with a magnification power of 2X to 3X is ideal for general viewing. For in-depth coin analysis it is best to use a lens with magnifying powers between 10X to 15X.

Padding or Soft Cloth
Collectors often overlook the importance of having a soft cloth or padding for viewing and displaying their coins. A coin is often damaged because it fell on a hard surface. Pads or a soft cloth will reduce the possibility of this happening.

These are some of the basic supplies you must have when you begin collecting coins. These make sure that your coin collection stays persevered over a long time.

Colonial Acres offers a variety coin collection supplies for budding and longtime numismatists.