How to Start Collecting Coins Online

Many hobbies require expensive pieces of kit before you can get started – but coin collecting is accessible to just about anyone with an interest in the subject. Even the rarest of 50p coins can be bought for modest sums, and it is possible to build an entire collection for less than £1,000. Obviously, you’ll have to budget carefully and save or wait for the more expensive showstopper pieces, but that shouldn’t stop you from starting a new series or building on an existing one.

Before you buy, spend some time researching your chosen coins. You’ll almost certainly find plenty of online information on sites run by the likes of NGC (the Numismatic Guaranty Company). It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the parts, inscriptions and images that make up each coin, as well as what the coins are made from. It will also help you weigh up how much each coin is worth and how long it will take you to collect a set.

Look at local coin shops and visit a number of different coin shows before making a final decision. Ask to see the coins that are on offer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most reputable dealers will be happy to share their knowledge and experience of the hobby.

A word of caution – don’t treat coin collecting as a way to make money. If you’re buying and selling coins to make quick profits, you’ll likely end up disappointed and frustrated. It’s best to enjoy the hobby and try to find those rare finds for a reasonable price, rather than trying to turn them around quickly.