Complete Newbie

[richtips86 25]

Hi, my name is Rich. I've been getting more and more interested in coins over the last year but have been struggling to find some answers to some very simple questions. The two biggies are what is the best method for storing coins in the long term and how to develop a theme? My interest is George II / III period for historical reasons but is that a focused enough theme, or would you narrow it down to say all the shillings from their reign?

I've a fairly decent budget and would hope it could maybe become an investment in the future, but that's not the be all and end all. I'm sure this info exists somewhere and I just can't find it so any pointers would be gratefully received!

Thanks

Rich

[Coinery 1,148]

Morning, Rich, and welcome!

Storing coins is nearly as varied in its practice as the coins themselves! Mahogany cabinets are a popular choice and, though others are likely to disagree with this, I wouldn't like to store modern copper or big-lustred/BU coins this way, I'd stress too much about atmospheric affects on the coins! This of course is a key factor, keeping a dry atmosphere, though most centrally-heated houses achieve this nowadays! I personally opt for 2x2 coin flips, which I then put into an A5 numis coin wallet (6 per page), and this allows viewing from both sides in the comfort of a chair...I love nothing more than flipping through the pages. They are of course sealed in this way, which is an extra protection! There are many other storage methods, I'm sure others will add!

Re focused collection! I personally like all the metals, and all the denominations, so I would be dissatisfied with a shilling collection for example! However, having said that, the monarchs you've chosen are pretty complex numismatically, so I'd be tempted to focus on one area for a while, especially if you are a novice, otherwise your fingers will be repeatedly burned! The copper series of G3 is a lovely thing, with currency and pattern coins, etc. to choose from. The silver is pretty too, but well counterfeited and faked, so you really do need to know your stuff (threads on here, and seuk's website are good starters).

My advice would be to find a more specific area, say G3 copper, or G3 silver, whichever takes your fancy, then come back for advice on reading and starting points! If it was me I'd likely go for the copper, as this is not an area known for counterfeiting, and a good place to get your head around the complexities of toning and lustre! You can work your way through the currency coins, and maybe take on a pattern coin or two (Rob would be your man for that), and then the sky's the limit, or at least your pocket would be!

[Peter 615]

Welcome to the forum

It must be nice to be named Rich.

I would suggest you read up on your subject,search the net,look at Ebay and auctions before you dip your toe.

I can't say it will be an investment although you may get lucky.

We all use different storage methods it is down to your own preference at the end of the day.I have a cabinet,trays,albums,flips.aluminium cases ETC.

One piece of advice is buy the best you can afford.

Just enjoy it.

[Paulus 1,975]

Welcome Rich

My own preferred storage method is, like Coinery, 2x2 flips (the self adhesive kind, not the ones that require unsightly stapling), then stored in albums for easy viewing (I use 12 per page size). The main suppliers are (I believe) Lindner (available through this web site) and Leuchtturm (aka Lighthouse). A cabinet has some appeal but I have decided against it due to insufficient protection and security - my albums can more easily be secured in a fire-proof safe. It's mainly a matter of personal preference I think, there is no single 'best method' for long-term storage in my opinion.

As for a theme, well while you are new I would choose a narrow theme, and a relatively inexpensive one, as lessons will be learned along the way. Get some books (perhaps a copy of Collectors' Coins 2014: Great Britain, The Standard Guide to Grading British Coins (both available through this Forum, or from Amazon etc), or Spink. Arguably the copper series have more variety and more historic interest than the silver (although milled silver is my own primary focus!)

Good luck, enjoy, and don't hesitate to pop on here with any questions (photos are often required!)

[Peckris 579]

Welcome to the forums Rich

I hope your name is an indicator of your budget! Seriously - George II and III are two very different beasts when it comes to collecting.

George III is by far one of the most interesting and varied reigns in the whole history of coins. You have early copper with no silver (except extremely rare shillings); then you have a special one-off issue of shillings and sixpences; trade tokens; the industrialised production of copper coins by Matthew Boulton that ties in with the Industrial Revolution (and there are four distinct and different types of copper coin produced between 1797 and 1807); counterstamped Spanish reales to offset the shortage of silver; a Bank of England dollar; regal silver tokens for non-standard amounts; and if that wasn't enough, you then had a total Recoinage and a switch to 'token' coinage from 1816, plus an issue of crowns that was a special thing in itself.

George II is fairly run of the mill by comparison, with types that continue from the later issues of George I, and reverse designs that continue the main motifs from Charles II onwards.

Yet.. even allowing for the vast array of different types, you could put together a collection of George III for much less outlay than his predecessor : the early coppers can be found in VF (+) without breaking the bank; the 1787 silver - despite recent rises - is very affordable in high grade; the Recoinage silver, especially shillings and sixpences, is very cheap (though a decent crown will set you back a few hundred £); the copper issues from 1797 - 1807 are surprisingly affordable even in high grade; and so on.

George II silver - with the exception of 1758 shillings, and the 1745/46 LIMA issues - is very pricey, especially if you look at the values of halfcrowns and crowns in high grade. On the other hand, you would need far fewer coins to assemble a complete type collection of George II, so it's kind of swings and roundabouts.

But even so, it's a fascinating century to major on.

[davidrj 194]

Welcome Rich

[TomGoodheart 400]

Hi and welcome Rich! My two pieces of advice are, to collect what you like and to buy a few books before you spend too much money! The ones Paulus suggested would do and if you're a bit [more] of a techie [than I am] the first ones are available for ereaders or Apple thingies too. Though I still like physical pages when I read!

There are more specialist publications that cover types or dates of coins but I'd leave those until you get a feel for what you like.

There are no hard and fast rules. If you want to pick up a few pieces of silver, some bronze and a contemporary counterfeit made from brass, why not? However after ... well, lets just say a few years, I am starting to realise that the coins I still like (and don't regret buying!) are the better examples. So I'd suggest aiming high in terms of grade and eye appeal. Remember, if you want to check if others agree on the details in an ebay listing or a dealer's grading then you can always ask here.

As to storage, though I use a cabinet, all my coins are toned. No BU copper for me! If I did collect such a thing I'd be more careful. Flips are a good compromise as you can see the coin (though acid-free envelopes are cheaper!) but there are also plastic flips, capsules etc. Chris (site owner) has a typical selection under the Accessories section if you use the Predecimal.com link at the top left of the page.

[richtips86 25]

Hi all, thanks for all the really helpful and detailed responses. I think I definitely need to read a lot more about it and then come back with some more informed questions, fortunately I have a few long train journeys coming up and some time off in march to get "genned" up.

On a related note, does anyone know any decent shops / clubs in the bournemouth area to talk to people first hand? I've looked in the internet but would prefer recommendations.

And alas, rich by name but not by nature! ?

[Peter 615]

History and reading up are part of the collecting pleasure.

May I suggest Edward 1 silver 1d's which are so cheap.

I'm working through the mints and classes.

[Garrett 76]

Welcome to the forum Rich !

Some great responses here.

Reading up before you buy is great advice. Keep in mind you can download some really good coin eBooks to your iPhone/iPad as well. It was a good option for me as the eBook was less than the postage on a real book, and your books are available anywhere, anytime.

cheers

Garrett.

[Accumulator 52]

Welcome Rich!

Not a great deal more I can add to all the good advice you've been given. If you do decide to focus on George III there are, as Peck mentions, a really broad spectrum of interesting coins you could start with. My own interest lies in the copper pennies and for these alone one could write a fairly chunky book. I agree with the advice about reading up but sometimes you just have to get a coin or two in your hands for the subject to come alive. Don't spend too much on the first few coins and, even if you later realise they were bad choices, you haven't lost much!

As for storage, even for those I keep off-site, I use Lighthouse Quadrum capsules. These are 2" (5cm) square plastic holders with a range of inserts for different size coins. The capsules can be stored and displayed in purpose made trays.

[bagerap 706]

In Poole, there's Dorset Coin Co in Ashley Road, Parkestone. And I'm only a hundred yards or so from there as well.

[Peckris 579]

In Poole, there's Dorset Coin Co in Ashley Road, Parkestone. And I'm only a hundred yards or so from there as well.

Is Ernie still involved? I always remember him from my times at the Midland.

[bagerap 706]

I shall be seeing Ernie first thing in the morning. He's still very active, although he seems to take a fortnight's holiday every six weeks. So, the game must be good.