How to Create a Coin Collecting Catalog

There are a lot of things to love about collecting coins. They’re beautiful, useful and can provide insight into a nation’s history or culture. They’re also the type of thing that can hold a great deal of emotional value. They may be a reminder of someone important, or they can simply be a tangible link to an enjoyable part of one’s life.

Regardless of the type of collector you are, there is no doubt that as you begin to acquire a larger number of coins you will need some way to organize and inventory them. It’s not just a matter of making it easier for you and your family to access the items in your collection, but it is also an important step in protecting the investment that you have made.

The simplest method of organizing and inventorying your coin collection is to use a simple spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel. It’s free, easy to use and allows you the ability to track a wide variety of information. You can create a sheet for each coin in your collection, track their purchase and sales data and then quickly calculate the total value of your coin collection.

If you prefer not to rely on a spreadsheet, there are many programs available that are designed specifically for coin cataloging. Some are free, while others are relatively low-priced such as the PCGS Set Registry and Collector’s Assistant. Still other software is sold for a little more money such as CoinManage by Carlisle Development. It’s a good idea to consider the different options in order to decide which is best for your specific needs and budget.