American Numismatic Association - An Organization For Coin Collection

The American Numismatic Assoc, frequently referred to as the ANA, is the largest organization for coin collection and general education about money.

It is a nonprofit, educational organization, dedicated to help people to discover and explore money in its various forms.

Dr. George F. Heath formed the ANA in 1891. His aim was to inform people about money and the history behind it.

In fact he taught himself a good deal about American and world history by studying his own coin collection, and was determined to share his passion with the rest of the world.
History of American Numismatic Association-coin collection

Congress gave the American Numismatic Assoc a Federal Charter in 1912 for its efforts in numismatic education. The organization’s mission, according to their website, is to help encourage the study and money and coin collection.

The non-profit educational organization counts close to 33,000 paid members, including coin collection educators, professionals and the general public.

The ANA does require a membership fee, but it includes quite a bit, like the Numismatist journal of money, access to the library, coin collection insurance, educational seminars, access to reputable online dealers and a special program for coin collection.

For a small fee they will also determine the grade of a coin collection and provide certification.

There are a number of different membership levels, including special rates for seniors 65 and older, juniors under the age of 23, as well as lifetime memberships and special club affiliations. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in coin collection and the study of the history of currency.

The ANA hosts a number of events, like conventions and money show that are an excellent way to learn more about coin collection, find out about different types of money and purchase coins.

The group sponsors the Worlds Fair of Money each summer, and the National Money Show every spring. The locations vary each year, and current location and show information is available on their website.

They also sponsor the Las Vegas Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Show, part of the yearly Las Vegas Antiques Arms Show in the fall.

The ANA offers many local and regional resources as well as national information. Their site offers information on regional clubs you can join through the organization, which is great for new and old coin collection alike.

For more information about the American Numismatic Assoc, visit their Web site at www.money.org.

The ANA also has a money museum located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They offer guided tours and an extensive coin collection and paper money that represent centuries of US and foreign art, history and science.

Can’t make it to the museum? Let the museum come to you. The ANA also has small traveling exhibits that are more focused on a particular theme.

These exhibits are perfect for helping you collect a specific series of coins related to an era, person or place. The ANA will visit clubs of members, museums, schools and libraries to help educate people about money.
Source: lifeinfozone.com

Important Tips To Take Care Of Coin Collection

If you want your coin collection to retain its value, you must know how to properly care for, handle and store your coins.

Many budding collectors make the mistake of mishandling their coins, or storing them improperly, ruining what could be a possibly lucrative investment.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to protect your coin collection from the start:

Don’t clean your coins, unless you absolutely have to. Many times, cleaning will reduce the value of a coin.

Collectors prefer the time-stained coins to the shiny ones, but if you have to remove dirt, simply wash the coins with soap and water. Wash them one at a time; don’t put them all in the water at the same time.

Never scrub or brush the coin; you don’t want to make even tiny scratches on its surface. Use a towel to pat the coin dry. There are cleaning products on the market made specifically for coins, but use these with caution.

And you may want to consult a professional coin collection grader for an opinion before you attempt any cleaning procedure.

Handle your coins very carefully. Don’t touch the face or reverse side if you can help it; picking coins up by the edges is the best way to preserve them. Your fingers contain oils that can corrode a coin over time; so many collectors prefer to wear cotton gloves while handling their coins.

These are available for a reasonable price at many coin supply shops and online dealers. Be careful when talking around your coins; saliva can damage them, too. And, of course, protect your coins from coming into contact with food, beverages or other household contaminants.

Proof coins are especially hard to keep clean and clear of corrosive substances. Any mark or stain on them will reduce their value, so it’s important that they’re handled correctly.

Some coin holders, especially the PVC-based flips, can actually damage your most rare coins over time. The chemicals in the plastic can interact with the coin’s metal, and result in a coating of thin green slime that will ultimately ruin your coins.

Consider purchasing acid free coin collection envelopes, or hard plastic cases specifically designed for long term storage. There are a number of archival supply houses out there; check online for some good sources, or ask your local hobby shop to stock what you need.

Your storage system should also be a dry place with temperature control; specialized coin collection cabinets and safety deposit boxes are usually adequate.

Avoid stashing your coin collection in a basement (too damp) or an attic (too hot). Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and make sure the coin collection won’t be jostled about or dropped from a shelf.

Coin collection suppliers offer a vast range of storage devices, including specially sized boxes, sleeves, albums, envelopes, plastic slips and hard cases.

The storage solution you choose should be based on the value of your coin collection. If you are just starting out and haven’t acquired any rare or high-value coin collection, a standard press board album might be a good solution.

As your coin collection grows in size and, hopefully, value, a more professional storage system will be in order.

To protect your most valuable coins, take them to a professional grading house. Your coins will be evaluated and encased in an appropriate holder, with the valuation information and the grading services identification marks for future reference.

If you are lucky enough to own individual coins that are expensive or exceedingly rare, consider renting a safe deposit box at your local bank. The modest monthly or yearly fee is a small price to pay for long term safety of your valuable coin collection.

Source: articlesbase.com

Supplies And Accessories Needed For Coin Collection

Like any other hobby, coin collections come with its own vocabulary, its own group of experts and specialists, and its need for unique supplies and accoutrements.

Here are a few supplies you’ll need when you begin coin collection:

The first supply you’ll want to get, as a coin collector, is a thick resource book that will cover coin basics, specifics and fair market values.

The next thing you’ll want to pick up is a coin album. These vary widely from very specific coin collections, like the state quarters to a host of other coin collections and mixed coins holders.

You may need one or more for your starter coin collections, depending what types of coins you choose to collect.

A reputable dealer will often sell coins in individual coin cases for their protection. These are fine for short-term storage, but eventually you’ll either want an 11-ring binder to house your coin collections or a display box to present your coin collections.

Another thing to consider when you start purchasing rare coins is buying a coin safe. Such safes can protects you coins from the elements as well as theft.

As far as caring for your coins, there are a few basics you may like to have. Polishing coin cloths and cleaners are fairly cheap, but can preserve the quality of your coin collections.

A scale can come in handy for precise measurements, especially when trying to determine the exact market value or when selling a coin.

Humidity can ruin coins, so take the worry out of your coin storage by stocking up on packets of silica gel. This substance will deplete the humidity from the air around it, and will ensure a dry storage. Do not put the gel in direct contact with the coins; rather place the packet in the box for best results.

Oils from your fingers can ruin precious coins, and experts recommend donning cotton gloves to protect your investment when handling coin collections. Plastic or latex gloves are not recommended.

You can order cotton gloves in quantity at online suppliers, and most local hobby stores will also stock them. You’ll want to have several pairs available, especially if you like to share your coin collections with friends and family.

Make sure you instruct your friends in the proper care and handling of coins before you take your coins out.

Lighting can be a big determining factor in how coin collections are graded. A mint coin will reflect light, but there are tricks so that the right lighting will make a coin appear mint when it really isn’t.

Light can change the surface appearance of the coin to make it seem shinier than it really is. The sun, fluorescent light, incandescent light, diffused light and bare filament are all different light sources that have different effect on the coin’s appearance.

The State Quarter program has been a huge hit, especially with the coin collections. Many suppliers have items specifically designed to use with the State Quarters.

You can find maps, specially-designed folders, and special plastic display cases. These items make great gifts for the State Quarter fans in your family.

Lastly, you’ll need tools for magnification and lighting. Even those with perfect 20/20 vision can have a hard time reading the small print and detail on smaller coins. It helps to have a quality magnifying glass. This is also a good way to detect any flaws and inspect the grade of the coin collections.

Supplies and accessories are available to coin collections online as well as through shows, clubs and dealers. Visit your local coin or hobby show for supplies too; if they don’t have what you want in stock, they can often order it for you.

Source: lifeinfozone.com

RARE ROMAN COINS FOUND

A rare hoard of Roman coins has been found in Bath at the site of a new city centre hotel. Around 150 coins have so far been unearthed in the run-up to work on the new Gainsborough Hotel and Thermal Spa.

But the Lower Borough Walls site is expected to yield more than 1,000 coins once the whole haul has been examined.

The find has been greeted with excitement by archaeologists because some of the coins are thought to date from the middle of the third century, one of the most poorly represented periods for coins in Britain.

The coins were discovered by Cotswold Archaeology while excavating the area around the site of the main pool of the new spa hotel, which is being created by Bath-based businessman Trevor Osborne.

Richard Sermon, head of archaeology for Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “The coins give us a great insight into the Roman monetary system, and provide a glimpse of life in third century Bath, a time of political and economic crisis throughout the Roman Empire.

“The hoard reveals that the citizens of Aquae Sulis (the Roman name for Bath) were no different from people today - hiding their money under the mattress or floor boards.”

Under the Treasure Act the find has been reported to the Avon coroner - who will decide on its ownership.

The copper and silver coins are described as being in mixed condition, with some stuck together as a result of corrosion.

But two of the best preserved coins have been provisionally identified as Antoniniani, used during the earlier and middle years of the third century AD.

One appears to be an issue of the emperor Phillip I, and was deposited against the inside face of a masonry wall in what is believed to be a small, oval pit, dug through the floor of a Roman building.

The coins would originally have been stored in leather or cloth bags.

Andrew Ryan, director of Bath Hotel and Spa Ltd, developers of the new hotel said: “We are delighted that such an important find has been made after extensive archaeological investigations on the site of the new Gainsborough Hotel. We hope that the discovery of the coins will further enhance knowledge of the history of Bath.”

Source: coinlink.com

Celtic coins break sales record

Ancient coins discovered by a man with a metal detector have been auctioned for more than £35,000.

The 41 Celtic gold coins, dating back to the first half of the 1st century, were found by a mystery collector in a Kent field.

Morton and Eden auction house in London said one of the treasures broke records for a Celtic coin found in the UK.

The hoard fetched three times the expected price because many of the coins had been preserved in pristine condition, auctioneers said.

Morton and Eden said the precise location of the field is being kept secret to deter bounty hunters.

But a spokesman did disclose that the coins were found by a metal detector user over a three-year period between 2003 and 2006 near the town of Westerham.

The record-breaker was a gold stater which bears the name of an obscure ruler called Diras, thought to be from north of the Thames in an area governed by the Trinovantes and Catuvelauni tribes.

Only one other example is recorded, now in the British Museum. It sold to a New York dealer for £12,075, setting a new world auction record for a UK Celtic coin. It was estimated at between £3,000 and £4,000.

Coin factfile

# The 41 coins - each the size of a button - were remarkable because of their generally pristine condition.

# The hoard comprised three staters and 38 quarter staters, mostly depicting a “Celticized” horse surrounded by various motifs.

# Their designs were ultimately copied from earlier Greek coins and their usage came to an end when Claudius invaded Britain in 43 AD.

# The majority of the coins are attributed to the Cantii tribe which was centred in present-day Kent.
Source: coinlink.com

How Can Boy Scouts Earn Coin Collecting Merit Badge?

The Boy Scouts of America merit badge program offers a list of requirements and electives that help boys explore things they otherwise may not have had access to.

Merit badge program helps them develop new interests, pursue hobbies they enjoy and learn valuable life-long skills.

Often times what starts out as a boy working towards earning a merit badge ends up with a young man with a passion for something he previously knew nothing about?

Coin collecting is one such merit badge that Boy Scouts can earn. There is a booklet of requirements used to track the boy’s progress as he works towards earning his merit badge.

The latest edition was introduced in January 2003 and reflects several changes that were made to the merit badge program, including joining a coin collecting club and going to a US Mint via the Web.
To earn the coin collecting merit badge, Boy Scouts have 10 steps they must achieve.

1. Discover where and how coins are made in the US, and are able to identify the US Mint’s facilities and know where they are located.

2. Give definitions for coin collecting terms and demonstrate that you know their meaning.

3. Explain grading terms and be able to differentiate between a proof coin and a circulating coin; demonstrate examples of each grade of coin; learn about proof sets and encapsulated coins

4. Find out about how to properly store coins and choose one way in which to hold your own collection.

5. Be able to name the US Presidents and other important people that are featured on our money, including paper money.

6. Become familiar with a reference book for coins and other printed resources

7. Be able to tell about the 50 State Quarters program and collect a minimum of five of these coins.

8. Create your own collection of current US coins with one coin from each year in circulation.

9. Learn about foreign currency by collect either 50 foreign coins, 20 bank notes, 15 tokens or a collection of coins from the year you were born.

10. Lastly, you’ll need to tour a mint facility, got o a coin show or visit an online gallery or coin dealer.

Troops and councils sometimes offer coin-collecting clinics with specialists to help the boys complete the requirements of the merit badge program, and you can easily find a number of helpful resources on the Internet.

In fact many troops have posted websites dedicated to this merit badge, with lots of great ideas.

The National Museum of American History’s National Numismatic Collection has an online site that offers some excellent background material that scouts will find helpful in completing this merit badge.

The site includes information on the history of money, as well as a peek at some of the more famous and collectible US coins. You can find them at www.americanhistory.si.edu/collections/numismatics.

Another great place to find information is the website of the American Numismatic Society, found at http://www.numismatics.org.

This site has a searchable library on coin collecting merit badge, as well as an online bookstore and coin gallery. The site also offers links to an enormous amount of other resources.

You’ll also want to visit the website of the American Numismatic Association, at www.money.org. This non-profit organization offers a ton of well-organized information and links to help you learn anything you need to know about this topic.

Finally, be sure to check out Camp Coin, a fun website designed just for kids, sponsored by the United States Mint.

You can find games, cartoons, and fun news about coins and collecting at Camp Coin’s site at http://www.usmint.gov/kids/index.cfm?fileContents=campCoin.

The site offers some great ideas for teachers as well, sure to get your kids excited and involved in coin collecting merit badge.
Source: lifeinfozone.com

Follow Some Safety Tips While Cleaning Old Coins

History buffs and antiquarians love the thrill of collecting old coins. Whether it’s a 200 year old penny or an ancient Roman coin, collectors of old coins enjoy a fascinating hobby.

With their depictions of world leaders, epic battles and political mascots, coins offer a personal glimpse into the events of a country’s history.

The very idea of a coin being passed from generation to generation infuses collection with a sense of history and heritage that can be quite powerful.

Part of the charm of these antiquities, and much of their value according to some collectors, is the years of accumulated grunge on their surfaces.

While some collectors prefer to trade them in their less-than-pristine condition, others opt for cleaned and polished old coins for their collection.

Be cautious while cleaning old coins

Many experts caution against cleaning coins, saying that exposing the metal to the corrosive agents in the air will cause them to lose value.

They suggest a gentle cleaning with mild soap and water to remove excess ground dirt, but skip the polishing. Of course, it’s up to you to decide if you like the old worn grime, or opt for shiny bits in your collection.

Use the best products to clean old coins

If you plan to clean your old coins, make sure you have the proper equipment to do so safely. Coins, especially old coins, are susceptible to damage from scratchy cleaners and chemicals.

Protect your investment by using a cleaning product especially designed for old coins. You can find verdigris removers, concentrated liquid soap, special brushes and other cleaning products.

Some collectors use a super-concentrated strength of hydrogen peroxide; use care with this, as too much of a good thing can be bad news for old coins.

When dealing with any coins, especially old coins, it’s important to understand a coin’s value. There are a number of resources out there to help you identify and value your old coins. Try one of these books to start:

* The Early Coins of America by Sylvester S. Crosby, 1990

* Standard Catalog of World Coins, a series of books that covers various time frames

* History of the United States Mint by George Evans, 1888

There are also a number of websites out there dedicated to helping collectors identify old coins. And of course your local hobby shop or coin dealer is a great resource for you.

You can also visit coin conventions and trade shows to talk to industry insiders. There you can often find collectors who will offer to value your old coins on the spot. But get a second opinion before you sell, to be sure you are getting a good deal.

A coin’s value is determined largely by considering its rarity, its demand, its historical importance, and its general condition. To keep your coin from losing value once you acquire it, be sure to protect it when handling and storing.

Treat each coin with care and consider using inexpensive cotton coin gloves whenever you handle the old coins. You can find these at any good coin shop, for around $4 a pair. Handle your coins by their edges only, to avoid wear and keep the oil from your hands from collecting on the coin’s surfaces.

Proper storage is essential to protecting an old coins value. If you store your coins in paper envelopes or albums, be sure that the paper is acid free and designed specifically to be safe for antiques.

Plastic slips should also be avoided for old coins, as they can cause corrosion over time. There are clear acid-free envelopes available for storage, that still allow you to see your coins while offering them a safe place to stay.

Expect to pay $15-20 for 100 acid-free envelopes. You can find these items at online coin suppliers, your local hobby shop, or at conventions and trade shows.

Source: lifeinfozone.com

Coin Collecting Supplies Are Essential For Coin Care

There are many basic supplies necessary for coin collectors. Manufacturers have managed to tap into the business of producing products useful to enhance the activity of coin collecting for the collector. Many of these products are necessary as without them it would be impossible to maintain the condition of the coin.

If the condition is not duly maintained then it would result in a loss in the value of the coin. Coin supplies can range from items used to clean the products, magnify the products, check for counterfeits, books and softwares but mostly the essential supplies are used to store the coins properly so that they do not get damaged.

There are many different ways to keep the coins. Products used to store the coins include 2x2s, tubes, air-tites, slabs, quarter maps, boxes, vinyl pages, coin boxes, coin holders, frosted cases, zipper bags, snap lock cases, coin envelopes, velour bags, albums and coin cases. Among these categories there are wide variations as well for example some 2x2s are made up of plastic while the others are made up of cardboard. Air-tite coin holders are popularly used because they provide excellent protection. Additionally, they are easy to use and come in various sizes. They can be ordered in direct fit or ring type air-tite.

Coins should be kept away from humid or moist conditions to ensure their condition is not deteriorated. Silica gel is used to remove the humidity from the coins. You should also be aware that if coins come into contact with hard surfaces they can be damaged. Coins are not supposed to be cleaned or wiped as their surface could be damaged.

Gloves have become an essential supply as well as they are used by coin collectors to handle the coins. Finger Cots and tongs are used to handle coins as well. Coin solvents like Koinsolv, MS-70 Coin Cleaner, Nic-A-Lene and e*Z*est Coin Cleaner are used to clean coins after their image has been tarnish or their condition has been deteriorated.

Special coin albums are produced which are organized chronologically or by country. Coin collectors fill these albums with their collections to know what is lacking in their own collection. A certain set is said to be completed when these coin albums are completed. Often these albums are beautifully manufactures - some are even embossed with gold to give them a royal look. The beauty of these products attracts as much attention as its usefulness.

Specially designed coin cases are manufactured for coin collectors. These coin cases have the image of the coins on top so that the coin itself can be well protected while the owner can store and categorize them easily as well. The attraction of coin collectors to aesthetic beauty has also resulted in the vast availability of coin displays, whose purpose is to display the coins in the most beautiful manner possible. For beginners specially designed coin collecting kits are available, which contain all the products necessary for a person to begin collecting coins. Products contained in these kits might include a guide, albums, magnifiers, schedules, folders and inventory guides.

Source: articlesbase.com

How To Handle Coins

The higher the coin grade, then the higher its value should be. Proper coin handling helps to reduce the risk of putting any harmful substances that may lead to spots or changes in the coin’s color, to help retain its value and grade. The coins you cherish and collect should always be carefully handled, in order to reduce the possibility of causing unnecessary wear and tear on these. Highly-valued coins (see how to value your coins here) should as well, be properly cared for, because they will be given a 'coin grade' (see this guide to grading coins) depending on its actual condition and state, and its price as well would be determined by the grade.

Uncirculated or 'Proof' coins should never be touched or clumsily handled. These should also not be held on the edges, since mere fingerprints may do a lot of damage, and reduce not only the coin grade but the coin value as well. Whenever you need to place down a coin outside of its holder, ensure that it’s laid down on a clean and soft surface. You may also lay down a coin on a soft velvet pad, or on a clean, soft cloth or sheet of paper. In addition, avoid holding coins in front of your mouth, because small amounts of moisture could lead to the formation of spots on the coin’s surface. More importantly, you should never drag coins across any surfaces, so that you would avoid scratching or tearing its edges.

Some collectors even wear clean white cloth or surgical gloves when handling valuable or rare coins, to make sure that their coin collections remain neat, shiny and in tiptop shape. A number of specialized coin holders are available today, and these help to provide adequate protection to the coin, and ensure it stays prized and valuable.

While you may think that clean and shiny coins offer better value, the most seasoned of collectors would rather opt to have coins that retain their original appearance, since unsafely cleaning a coin may lead to a reduction of its value by half or more. Wiping a coin is also seen as a no-no, because even using a soft cloth would be enough to cause tiny, minute scratches on its surface. Properly cleaning coins should be done in a manner that is comparable to the way an art collector tries to restore a classic masterpiece. If unsure, coin cleaning should then be best left to the professional cleaners, who have the skill and experience in different coin cleaning techniques. Some expert cleaners for example, soak a coin in olive oil or soapy water for days, to safely remove dirt and other foreign substances, and then rinse these with tap water and then dry it with compressed air.

Expert coin collectors stress that coins normally go through a natural process called 'toning' which refers to a chemical reaction wherein the atoms on the coin’s surface react with sulfur compounds, often leading to the tarnishing of the coin’s surface. This is a non-reversible process however, although some professional collectors indicate that the coin may be repaired through a dipping process, which should strip the unwanted particles or substances from the coin’s surface. Natural toning, on the other hand, may also help towards increasing a coin’s value.

Source: articlesbase.com