Supplies

• The first thing you need for collecting coins is to have a place to store them. Some collectors use albums. The albums are equipped with pages that have slots in which to slip your coins. An album helps you to keep a particular collection (such as Lincoln pennies) together and makes it easier to show them to friends.
  
  Individual coin holders can also come in handy. These come in different sizes and allow you to write on the frame to identify the coin. They allow you to keep coins separately if they are not part of a series or you wish to store them for privacy.
  
  Coin catalogues are a necessary part of collecting. These guides will provide you with images of coins, dates they were minted, amount of coins minted in a series, the composition of coins and any errors or varieties. Catalogues may be general in nature, covering many types of coins. There are also specialty catalogues that pertain to specific series or types of coins.
  
  

What to Collect

• One way to collect coins is by country. You can also collect a specific type of coin, such as state quarters, silver dollars or coins minted during World War II.
  
  If you are uncertain as to what kind of collection you want to build, visit a coin show. These shows will have many vendors with a wide variety of coins. Browse the show and don't be afraid to ask questions.
  
  Take into consideration your budget. Some coins can be very expensive to obtain, while others are accessible and affordable. Study the catalogues; they also provide market values for coins and this can help you determine what type of coins you can afford.