The right equipment for a novice

[Bob 2 0]

Hi everyone,

I have relatively recently started collecting and came across this forum which has been really helpful to me in gaining some basic knowledge.

 

I was wondering if I could ask for some guidance on getting the right equipment.  So far I have bought these albums https://www.arrowfile.com/optima-classic-single-album-set-prodksf81/ these pages for the albums https://www.arrowfile.com/compact-coin-refills-for-coin-holders-prodrhm12k/?keyword=rhm12k and these coin holders (flips?) https://www.arrowfile.com/individual-self-adhesive-coin-holders-prodcrs/?filter_name=crs200.

I think these are all reputable items but I have been reading more and more about damage done to coins by storing in the wrong medium.  Does anyone think these items are problematic?

Assuming we are ok with these, I think the following would be useful:

Loupe(say - https://www.amazon.co.uk/TRIXES-Jewellers-Glass-Magnifier-Double/dp/B00F53IHHK/ref=sr_1_11_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537452837&sr=8-11-spons&keywords=loupe&psc=1)

Scales say (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Pocket-Scale-Akale-Capacity/dp/B01JZXRT6A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537453930&sr=8-4&keywords=coin+scales)

 

Are these two things on the cheap and nasty side?  Are there any alternative suggestions? 

Finally, is there anything I haven't thought about?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[pies 33]

Personally i would keep clear of those book wallet things

These are cheap and good plus you can write details on the envelope

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lighthouse-coin-Holders-self-adhesive-25/dp/B005QIWSBK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1537454928&sr=8-4&keywords=lighthouse+coin

loop and scales seem ok  be carefull putting coins on metal

some cotton gloves could be usefull

[jelida 1,196]

I have scales the same type , they have lasted several years with no problems and seem accurate.

Jerry

[Peckris 2 2,043]

A loupe is always useful especially when starting out. As mentioned cotton gloves (lint free) are good for handling coins.

AND ... the most important bit ... a selection of books on the subject - advice depending on what you're most interested in.

[Bob 2 0]

Hi everyone - thanks so much for your comments - much appreciated.  Good to know I am not too far off with my thoughts so far.  I have got a couple of books - Spink Coins of England and grading British Coins  (Rotographic) as they seemed to be a good starting point just to be able to see what is what etc although obviously not too much in the way of detail in any given thing.  I seem to have moved from my initial interest in decimal coins to 19th/20th century pre-decimal coins, largely after inheriting a few odds and ends which my late Mother had kept.

 

Thanks again for your comments - when you know nothing a little help is invaluable!

[PWA 1967 1,841]

Hi Bob and welcome.

The search box (top right on the front page)is invaluable.There are no doubt lots of questions you wish to ask ,of which the majority will have been asked before.

i.e. Coin storage , magnifier ,scales etc.

To see things rather than pictures and to get the right answers maybe visit a coin show.You may even end up buying a coin that you like the look of after seeing one in hand.

Please BEWARE though as from then on you are a fully fledged member of the....Coin addict association.

Enjoy it and dont buy to much Rang from ebay 🙂

Pete.

Edited September 21, 2018 by PWA 1967

[1949threepence 3,366]

22 hours ago, Peckris 2 said:

A loupe is always useful especially when starting out. As mentioned cotton gloves (lint free) are good for handling coins.

AND ... the most important bit ... a selection of books on the subject - advice depending on what you're most interested in.

Indeed, and if you do handle any coins without gloves on, make sure you hold the rim, avoiding actually getting your fingers on the surface of the coin.

If you need to cough or sneeze whilst handling a coin, or looking at one, turn away, as even the tiniest drop of saliva can cause a carbon spot to appear on the coin months later, the size of which will usually be greater than the minute spot which caused it.

You can get surprisingly clear photos of coins just by using a smartphone or tablet.

Good luck, Bob, and enjoy the hobby.