(NizateTX) wrote
I am wanting to start collecting coins from around the world. ...
from as many countries as I can collect.
Does anyone have any ideas about how to go about getting started.

The best way to start is to find a coin store in your area,
preferrably one whose owner is a member of the American Numismatic
Association. ANA Dealers are pledged to a Code of Ethics. You are
still responsible for your side, of course, but they are more likely
to be helpful in a lot of ways you might not appreciate yet. You
might also consider joining the closest coin club. Your fellow
collectors can be a lifeline or safety net and are usually more than
helpful.

Quoting Aaron Feldman, we say, "Buy the book before you buy the coin."
In a sense, online presentation is one kind of "book" but for most
collectors of world coins, The Book is THE STANDARD CATALOG OF WORLD
COINS published by Krause. It is expensive, but it comes out every
year and older editions are cheaper.

I think there are over 200 countries in the Olympics. Puerto Rico is
one such "country" -- and borders change. We have two republics where
once there was "Czechoslovakia" and five where "Yugoslavia" used to
be. Germany, France, etc., are all on the Euro now, with "national"
sides to their standard coinage. So, if you collect world coins from
each country, you need to think about what you mean by that.

Some people collect the lowest denomination in each series, a global
"penny" collection. Some collect the monetary standard -- one dollar,
one franc, one rouble -- but these are not always available as coins.
In the case of the USA, the standard "dollar" coin is equally a
Sacagawea and a Susan B. Anthony. So, you have some choices to make.

Some collectors of world coins follow the "stamp collecting" mode and
pursue themes -- ships, flowers, Olympics, etc.

Finally, there is a wide range of Non-Circulating Legal Tender. These
are technically "official" coins that are really special issues,
beautiful (or ugly) commemoratives sruck in proof or sold in
uncirculated condition. The modern US commemoratives for police
officers, civil war, etc., etc., are in this class.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Mike M.