Hello all.

[perkin2000 0]

Hello there.

Firstly, I must thank the moderator of the forum for activating my account so rapidly, secondly I would like to say hello to you all in the general sense.

I am very, very new to the world of coin collecting. My collection went from zero to approximately 200 within the last week. An elderly family friend was about to throw out(!!!) 200 odd old coins when she asked me if I wanted them.

In the past I've made a few quid from Amazon/Ebay sales, and I'm ashamed to admit my materialistic, somewhat mercenary nature was instantly aroused. However, in just this short period of time, I've completely fallen in love with these coins.

The look, feel, obscutirty and history of these things gripped me instantly.

In the short time I've had them, I have missed many hours sleep staying up late into the night looking them up online and in the few reference books my local library had.

It fascinates me the way each coin seems to have a history of its own.

I have catalogued them in a very basic form so far, by age, country or failing that, continent.

I have no idea of their worth, but from my research so far, it doesn't appear to be much.

I'd say probably 60-70 of the coins are of British origin. Ranging in date from 1757-1957. I don't know even half their original numeric value or names, so I wont embarass myself trying to list them at the moment.

A couple of the books I took out from the library seem to be useful, basic, beginners stuff. So, if anyone here is interested, I might try and post a full listing in the next few days/weeks. (My internet connection is somewhat sporadic at the mo, having just moved from East Sussex to the Surrey/Kent border. Although I'm NOWHERE near as posh as that makes me sound.)

Anyway, thanks for reading, nice to meet you all!

[Chris Perkins 228]

Is your name Perkin/Perkins?!

[perkin2000 0]

Hello.

My real name isn't Perkin/Perkins. It's actually a nickname I've had for so long that many people just call me that.

Unintentional similarity, I'll happily change my username if it'll be a problem.

<<<<<Please accept my ninja of apology.

[Red Riley 2]

Hi Perkin,

Welcome to the madhouse of numismatics!

There are several books on the market (some shown above) which will help you learn more about your chosen hobby, at least as far as UK coins are concerned. Foreign coins are more problematic but if you can post some images, I am sure someone, if not several people will be able to help you in their identification.

[Chris Perkins 228]

Hello.

My real name isn't Perkin/Perkins. It's actually a nickname I've had for so long that many people just call me that.

Unintentional similarity, I'll happily change my username if it'll be a problem.

<<<<<Please accept my ninja of apology.

No, it's ok, I just wondered if we were related.

[Geordie582 18]

Hi! Perkin

There are plenty of books available and it will be worth your going to the public library and requesting specific titles. Chris's "Collectors Coins" is a good start along with Spinks "Coins of England". Hope you post a few of your pictures of the coins for the mob here to squabble about!

You can also load pics to the Gallery. (Click the link above)

Good luck in your collecting and remember plenty of advice is always available on this site

[Colin G. 147]

Hi! Perkin

There are plenty of books available and it will be worth your going to the public library and requesting specific titles. Chris's "Collectors Coins" is a good start along with Spinks "Coins of England". Hope you post a few of your pictures of the coins for the mob here to squabble about!

You can also load pics to the Gallery. (Click the link above)

Good luck in your collecting and remember plenty of advice is always available on this site

Welcome Perkin, if its information and opinions you want you have certainly come to the right place

and also welcome to the wonderful world of coin collecting!!

[Hussulo 6]

Hi Perkin,

Welcome to a great hobby!

[perkin2000 0]

Thank you all very much for such a warm welcome.

I spent most of today researching the (approximate) age and origin of the coins I was given.

British, Egyption, Italian, German, Spanish, Indian, USA, Canadian, Belgium, far eastern, Portugal, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and quite a few others. Mostly from the 19th century-early 20th.

Just what I've done today is enough to mentally melt me. I don't know how you good people manage to reatin such knowledge. To say I'm impressed is an understatement.

If it's of any interest, I'll try and post a full listing. It'll probably be text rather than photos. Is that OK?

Anyway, again, thanks for the welcome, muchly appreciated. I'm off to relax with a bottle of whisky.

[Geordie582 18]

Sounds as though you need to see Krause "Collecting World Coins". Pricey, But there are those in the forum that have copies. So, any 'unknowns', post pictures of them here and someone will identify and value them for you.