Table of Contents
Foreword Rodney Gillis vii
Author's Preface ix
Publisher's Preface xi
Chapter 1 Coin Collecting as a Hobby 1
Reasons to collect and have a hobby
Why people collect coins
Pride of ownership
Popularity and growth of coin collecting
A look at coins as historical documents
Chapter 2 Coins are Where You Find Them 21
Check your pocket change
Why we use coins
Different kinds of coins
Other forms of money
How coins are made
What to look for in a coin
Mints and mintmarks
Chapter 3 Learning about Your Coins 41
Varieties, types, and differences that affect value
Coin clubs, trade shows, exhibits, dealers
Books on the subject
ANA services, Museums
Chapter 4 How to Get Started 61
The best places to look for coins
What to buy
Necessary tools and equipment
Publications
Chapter 5 Caring for Your Collection 79
Albums and holders
Storage problems
What you must know about cleaning your coins
Insurance considerations
Paper products
Chapter 6 Grading Techniques and Standards 99
How to grade coins
What to look for in investment grade coins
Use of grading guides and books
Grading services
Chapter 7 Coin Prices and Values 121
How to buy for best value
Pricing charts
Investing in rare coins
When it's time to sell
Chapter 8 Catalog of Significant Coin Values 145
Prices for select coins most wanted by beginners
Why some coins are a better value than others
Chapter 9 Commemorative, Bullion, and Special Coins 215
Why commemorative coins are so popular
What is in the future for special coin issues
Where and how to purchase bullion coins
Collecting Mint and Proof sets
Chapter 10 Oddities, Counterfeits, and Other Coins 235
How to spot a counterfeit coin
Authentication services
Errors coins
Tokens
Gaming chips
Coins from around the world
Appendix: Gallery of Actual Coin Sizes 253
Glossary of Coin Terms 259
Bibliography 267
About the Author 270
Credits and Acknowledgments 270
Index 272