Saturday, May 23, 2009

Free Coin Collecting Software

Free Coin Collecting Software

Coin collecting is one hobby that has been going on for ages. Some of the most popular collectors in the world were Louis XIV and the Sun King.
To keep track of the coins in the collection or to monitor the value of rare coins in the market, it pays to have coin collecting software.

There are many reasons why coins are collectible. Some are valued because of the artwork and others because of certain events in history such as
the Great Depression or war .Whatever the reason, coin collecting software can update a person about these varieties before taking any action.

Some inventory programs contain a comprehensive database of more than 10,000 coins worldwide. The software allows the user to scan pictures in one’s
collection and programmed in the database.

Others only have a database of every coin that the United States ever minted. The program allows the user to select the coin and generate various
reports about it.

Coin collecting software is there to help a person organize and catalog the coins in one’s possession. Some websites charge a fee to purchase the software
but most can be downloaded for free from the internet. The program will work as long as the computer being used is compatible with the software.

There are more coin collectors that collect coins that are still in circulation than those who look only for the rare ones. The study of it is fascinating
since a person can learn the history of a nation based on a few coins. Of course, this can only happen if a person has the time to do it.

Coin collecting software has given people an easier way to keep track of coins that they own. Instead of opening countless folders that have different
coins in them, a person can just type a few words and the information can be seen on the monitor. This makes it easier for the collector to show
his collection a potential buyer in with the hope of exchanging it for another coin of equal or greater value.

The ideal coin collection software program should have good search capability, unlimited number of entries and other special features.
By checking the various programs and trying some, the person will find the right one needed for the job. Before downloading it,
the person should first have it scanned since software may contain a virus that could harm the computer.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Accessories For Coin Collection

Accessories for Coin Collection

When collecting coins, one thing to consider is how to arrange and take care of the coins. Coins that are collected may be antique, ancient, or limited
editions coins. These coins come from many countries and are usually high in value. A collector must know how to keep and take care of them so that they
will retain the same appearance and value.

One way to take care of coins is to purchase s selection of coin accessories. Not only are coin accessories used to make a coin collection presentable and
organized; but the primary purpose of coin accessories is to take care and preserve the coins.

When buying coin accessories it is important to choose those accessories that will best satisfy the needs of the collector. Some factors that may be
considered are durability, price and usefulness.

Many coin accessories can be found in collectible stores and even online. Here are some coin accessories that may be considered:

Coin Boxes

Coin boxes are the most common sought for coin accessories as they are very convenient to coin collectors and specialists. The compartments of the box
provide for easy location of the coins. The compartments are also wide, which provides flexibility in placing the coins. The wide compartments also
allow the collector to handle the coins the proper way.

Coin Albums

Coin albums are similar to any typical album with the difference being that the coin album is especially designed to hold coins. A coin album has a
transparent layer that aids in the protection of the coins. The collector does not need to handle the coins one by one. All he has to do is turn the
pages and the coins are all there protected from improper handling.

Coin Holders

Coin holders are best for those collectors who collect coins during their travels. They allow portability of the coin collection. In addition, the
collector does not need to carry his entire collection. He can simply place a single coin in the coin holder. Coin holders provide safety for the coins
and prevent a coin from the many elements that may depreciate its value.

Other coin accessories can be found in the market. Determine the primary purpose of the accessory and if it can satisfy your needs. Prices will differ
depending on the durability of the accessory. Research the many coin accessories that are sold and compare prices before choosing one.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Should You Buy Coins At Auctions ?

The Pros and Cons of Auction Sales

In a coin collection, the most difficult part is how to find the coins for the collection. A collector’s main method of acquiring coins is by buying them.
The most common alternative in acquiring a coin is through purchase in auction sales.

Rare coins and those that are of high quality are very difficult to buy. Auction sales whether online or at auction houses provide coin buyers the option to
acquire these types of coins at lower prices. Online auction sales usually take 3 to 4 months to process depending on how fast bidders can decide on their
bids or when the bidding process closes.

No matter how popular auction sales have become to many collectors, it is still important to know the advantages and disadvantages they can provide to coin
collectors. Here are some points must to be considered before buying in auction sales.

Advantages

1. Auction sales provide simpler negotiations, and is the simplest way of buying coins for a collection. This is because of the set price that is
reserved for the coin. It is easier to weigh options and estimate the price of the coin.

2. Auction sales include a bidding process. Buyers will only need to bid to the price they are willing to pay for a specific coin. This means that a
coin will be acquired within the allotted budget of the buyer. If a buyer really likes a coin, then he can bid a higher price so that there is a higher
possibility of winning the bid.

3. There is also a chance of getting the item if the buyer who won the bid was not accepted for some reason. This may also happen when the price that
was reserved for the coin was not met. When this happens, the item for bidding is usually passed. This means that the item will not be sold and the bidding will be re-opened any time soon.

4. Contracts are involved in the bidding process. Once a buyer wins a bid for a specific coin, contracts will be exchanged immediately between the
successful bidder and the seller. This will ensure that the negotiation was completed and the bid price of the item is confirmed.

5. The person who has the highest bid may be allowed to make a deposit payment. This will ensure that the item will be reserved for the person who
won the bid. Deposits may be a fraction of the whole amount of the coin.

Disadvantages

1. When buying in online auction sales, there is a higher chance of fraud. This is because the negotiation is done online. The buyer does not see
the person who is selling the item or know if the other bidders are real people who are actually bidding for the item.

2. There also times when the item that was displayed on the website before the bid is not the same item as the one that was delivered to the person
who won the bid. It is recommended that the buyer should ensure that the very same item that he bid for is the one that will be delivered to him.

3. The reserved price of the item may also cause some disadvantages. There are times when the reserved price that was set on the item is higher than
what the buyer expected. This will force the buyer to bid higher and exceed the budget they have allotted for the item.

4. Online auctions cannot ensure the buyers that what they are bidding for a genuine item. The buyers will only be able to inspect the coin once they
have won the bid and the item is delivered to him. This may lead to fraud and the buyer ends up regretting that he bid for the item.

Auction sales may be popular but it is still strongly but be advised that buyers need to be aware of the pros and cons of this option. Buyers also must be
familiar with their rights as consumers and buyers. Other options may also be considered before choosing the auction sale option in acquiring coins for
collection.

Collectors may consider buying from friends or agents that they know but if they still would like to buy in auction sales, they need to make sure that the
website or the auction house has no record of illegal activities. Buyers should also spend some time reading reviews about the sellers to make certain that
they are dealing with credible people.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Starting A Coin Collection

Starting a Coin Collection

It is never too early or too late to have a hobby. Some people are hobbyists for fun while others see a bigger picture; and that is to make money. Some objects that may seem inexpensive now may become valuable or priceless later.

A few good examples are baseball cards, toys and stamps. Many people have made a fortune by collecting and selling on auction sites like EBay. Another collection that can become profitable is coin collecting.

Getting started is as easy as deciding what kind of collection you want. Coins are made every year and some are introduced years later so focusing on a particular time period and location is important.

Conducting research using reference books or the web can aid in coin collecting. You can learn almost anything about the coins to be collected and will help the collector discover those who want to sell coins.

Another good source of information is subscribing to a coin publication such as Coin World or Coinage Magazine. The local coin shop can also expand the search for those antique coins outside the collector’s city or state.

Being a member of a coin club can build the collector’s network. Some members may want to part with a particular coin in exchange for another, etc.

Coins that are no longer used generally have more value than those that are still active, because coins in the past were made of 100% silver or gold. Since the demand for silver coins increased and they were difficult to produce they are now made of 40% and 60% copper.

After completing the collection, the coins should be stored in a nice folder or album. This will keep them clean and easy for the individual to carry around and display.

Coins can be cleaned by soaking them in any of the following liquids: vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or ammonia which will remove any dirt or encrustation that’s on the coin when it was acquired. Afterwards, they should be air-dried or patted dry with a soft cloth. Rubbing or polishing the coins is not advisable since it scratches and will decrease the market value of the coin.

Coin collecting can be a lot of fun. By deciding on a specific period to begin with then searching for it, the collector will have something valuable as an investment.