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I know I have only been on here a few weeks but I would just like to say thank you to everyone on here, it is not like the usually forums (full of Trolls), it is full of people who have a love of a shared interest and the generosity of heart to want to share their experience with others. One member on here PWA 1967 was kind enough to send me a large quantity of coin flips which has really helped me get my collection off the ground (nearly done with the 1960's ). But he also sent an album and numerous coin sheets, this came as a complete shock to me but I have been able now to pass it on to my seven year old daughter who has caught the coin collecting bug with me (she collects 'little coins' what ever that means other than stealing what she can of mine). Don't usually go in for this kind of emotional outpouring but big thanks to everyone on here!! Thanks again Peter Jason and Erin

There tend to be a lot of penny collectors so the market sez it all really , I would have a guess at there being around 50 copper pennies and less than 10 copper farthings and halfpennies. it is true that you often see them for sale - remember the same coin is sometimes put for sale with two or more dealers - increases the chance of a sale

LOL Welcome Rob. Bottom line is that coins can be handled if it's done carefully, however if you just look at the coins in your change you will see that the toning (original colour) and lustre (sheen) of newly struck copper coins can go quite quickly if they are exposed to certain conditions. The important thing is not to touch the top or bottom surfaces (obverse/reverse) as the moisture and oils on your fingers will leave traces that will darken with time. Of course, there is nothing wrong (to my eyes at least) with a toned copper or bronze coin. Here's one of mine (Copper, about the size of an old shilling and with (I think) a nice chocolate brown tone, though slightly different 'in the hand' as I edited the seller's pics as I've yet to get round to taking my own photos!): Obviously it's still preferable to only pick them up by the edges, avoid dropping the things and don't give them to children with jammy fingers to play with. Alternatively for the better/ pricier coins capsules made of plastic can be used. However I sympathise in that I too like to handle my coins. Mine however are generally silver and have been around for a few hundred years so being picked up is less likely to leave marks than shiny copper. But if you're not aiming for 'as struck' examples or proofs then, why not. You'll still probably want something (a file or box) to store them in. You don't want them knocking against each other, exposed to damp or salty air. Also avoid coins with verdegris (that green deposit you can find on copper) as it can spread. Look for clean coins with 'eye appeal' and you should be OK. Chris (forum owner) publishes and stocks a number of books on coins that might help. Plus (I think out of print but still available) there's a grading book by Derek Allen (another member here) which might be of interest still on Amazon if you have a Kindle. Not sure if there's an ePub version - you'd need to ask Chris about that. Grade (condition/wear) affects price, so it's something you may need to consider. Plus with many coins (and pennies in particular) there are many minor different varieties. But in many cases you need a coin in reasonable condition to be able to tell the difference as they can be small. What I originally did with shillings was try to collect the first year of issue and then an example of each major change in design. That might be more practical than a coin from each decade as some reigns there are many varieties, others few? Budget? Down to personal preference really. Some here only collect coins that look as if they were made an hour ago. Others, so long as they can identify what it is, they are happy. OK, better grade coins will normally keep their value if ever you sell. But it's a hobby and there's no point collecting things you don't enjoy collecting or because someone else says that's best! Collect what you like. But don't be surprised if that changes over time. It certainly did with me.