Coin Collecting

BASICS OF COIN COLLECTING

Coin collecting is not only a hobby… it’s an investment. Every coin that you add to your collection, will most probably gain value over the years.

Buy yourself a good magnifying tool, this will be your best collector’s friend. 5 to 10 times magnification should do the trick. Learn the basics of how to grade a coin and look out for rim nicks, scratches, polishing etc.

Find a good price reference guide, like Brian Hern’s handbook and also online references. Look at regular auction prices as well as Ebay and bidorbuy. 

Protect your coins, make sure you use non PVC coin holders/albums for your ungraded items.

NEVER clean your coins!

Ask as many questions as possible!

SUGGESTED LITERATURE:

THE COINAGE AND COUNTERFEITS OF THE ZUID AFRIKAANSCHE REPUBLIEK  
By: Elias Levine  
Published by: PURNELL
( This is a must read – try to obtain from second hand bookshops )

Hern’s Handbook on South African Coins & Patterns

MONEY IN SOUTH AFRICA
By: C.L. Engelbrecht
Published by: TAFELBERG

ONS GELDERFENIS
Deur: Matthy Esterhuysen

THE GOLDEN KEY ( A Complete Guide to Gold Coin Investment )
By: Eli Levine  
Published by: PURNELL

LINKS

South African Medals

S.A.N.G.S

Veldpond

Bassani's Auction House

Western Cape Numismatic Society