Coin collecting supplies are like any other, they're part of the hobby and are integral tools to having hours of pleasure from an activity.
The good thing about these supplies is that they are cheap and easy to find.
You probably already have some of the tools you will need laying about the house.
Of course, expert coin collecting supplies range far beyond simple household items, but as you increase in knowledge about collecting old rare coins, you can work towards investing in better tools and higher end material.
The first things you'll need in the way of coin collecting supplies are items to avoid handling coins as much as possible.
Our fingers carry plenty of oils and dirt that can be damaging to coins, so wearing soft cotton or latex gloves to handle coins is a very good idea.
You'll also want to place your coins on a soft cotton cloth for examination rather than directly on the table surface.
A magnifying glass is the second item in coin collecting supplies.
Magnifying glasses allow you to view the details of your coin and look for oddities or manufacturing defects that may make the coin a rare one.
Also, a magnifying glass can help you decipher the date stamped on a coin or the letters around the edges when dirt or wear and tear prevents you from clearly seeing these things.
Good lighting may not sound like part of coin collecting supplies, but lighting can make all the difference to your experience as you scrutinize your coins.
Bright light allows you to see detail and puts less of a strain on your eyes, as viewing coins can be a painstaking task.
A lamp placed in a good location is suitable if you don't like bright, overhead light that put a room in stark clarity.
A plastic ruler is one of the coin collecting supplies you'll need.
You'll need a ruler that shows both millimeters and inches as measurements, and be sure to avoid metal rulers.
Metal rulers can scratch coins and damage them, reducing their market value or collectibles.
Holders, albums, or envelopes for storing your coins are a must.
Without a safe place to place your coins where they'll be away from light, air, and dirt, your collecting may decrease in value.
Coins set in jars or a box will clink together and can scratch each other badly.
There are all sorts of fun holders and nice-looking albums to store your coins, and until they arrive, place each coin in a paper envelope or within a folded piece of paper to protect it.
With a proper coin collecting price guide, you can take your information with you when you go shopping for old rare coins.
This should be one of the essentials in your arsenal of coin collecting supplies because a guide can tell you if you are paying too much for a coin or if it is even a good investment.
A coin collecting price guide and reference book can also give you other information about the coins that you might consider purchasing.
You can find several websites that will give you prices and information about coins, but having a hard copy is always helpful in your hobby as well.