A penny from each year you’ve been alive. One of every coin available in the US since World War II. One of every country’s lowest-valued coin from the year you were born.
Many foreign coins sell for far less than their US counterparts. For budget collecting, look for 5 cent pieces from the Netherlands (1913-40), Canada (1922-36), and France (1898-1921) or coins from small countries like Luxembourg. [2] X Research source
When swapping online, most of the time you will send and receive the coins via the mail.
Some coin shops will purchase coins directly from consumers while others buy only from trusted retailers. Expect dealers to charge up to 20% more than individual sellers.
Though eBay and other major marketplaces can yield good results, it is nearly impossible to check or ensure the quality of a coin before purchase. Instead, try specialty sites like Great Collections or Heritage Auctions. [6] X Research source
Organizations like the American Numismatic Association offer online directories that can connect you with local and regional clubs. [7] X Research source
For foreign coins, look at nation-specific guides and databases like Numista. For ancient coins, consult specialty books like Ancient Coin Collecting.
In general, US appraisers are more lenient than UK ones, so be aware that a perfect coin in one country may be considered flawed in another. Some people overgrade their own coins to make them more market friendly. To avoid being conned, make sure to double-check all coins using an official “by the book” standard. Remember that grading, even by a professional service, is subjective and that grading standards change over time.
If you have homeowners insurance to cover your coins, make sure to keep an updated inventory with pictures to prove quality. [12] X Research source
