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Ok, so you want to start collecting old US coins but just aren't exactly sure how to start. This article is here to help guide you in the right direction. There are a variety of factors you can base your collection upon and it all really just comes down to you own personal peference. Are you the silver, bronze, or gold type of person? How old do you like your coins to be? In what period? Here's some things to consider as you ponder these questions:

Period of time or era.

The collector of old US coins whose main focus is on investment will surely want coins from the turn of the last century or older. In fact, the older the better. There are coins -- for example silver dollars from the Carson City mint, coins from the days of the US Revolution, and coins from other interesting eras in US history -- which are both old and unusual.

Kind of Metal

If you're a beginner, you wouldn't want to start collecting silver or gold coins for these are the kinds of coins that can bore a hold inside your wallet. Better settle with the lower metal levels first such as Copper or Nickel. That is, unless money is no object.

Minutiae and determining condition.

A novice numismatist will recognize right away that what you can see etched on a coin is the most important factor. The clearer the details, the better the grade level and the rarer the coin is. This also makes it worth more. Pick up a well reviewed volume on how to grade that includes snapshots which allow you to make comparisons with the coins graded on the manual's pages. After a while you will begin to know how to grade just by looking and it will be unnecessary to consult your guide each time. Newer coins are designed using the older patterns so they'll all look nearly identical. Some grading elements are: the degree of wear on feathers or robe pleats, whether flattened or still easy to make out or even totally clear. Can you read all the text or is it impossible to tell what any of the letters are?

Toning

Means discoloration or tarnishing, toning can increase the coin's value. Believe it or not, if a blue tone is present on a silver coin, it can be very desirable. Toning has an effect on a coin's details for it can accent its faded features. As long as the tone of the coin is attractive, there's no reason to reject it.

Scratches, Bag Marks & Cleaning

Many so-called bargain coins are not really bargains at all. They are usually in poor condition from circulation and a serious collector would not be interested. They may have been further damaged by the seller in an attempt to clean them up for sale. He may have used a harsh chemical to remove tarnish and add shine. Anything that removes tarnish also removes some metal. Some scratching is acceptable and expected from circulation but beware of chemical scarring. Another common defect is bag marks. These are caused when the coins are jostled together in bags. Make sure the coins you collect are as free from defects as possible.

Follow these steps to start the enjoyable hobby of coin collecting and you will soon have a collection that will also be a good investment. It will prove to be a lifetime of enjoyment and an investment that will be there if you ever need it. Even if you don't need it you will be able to give a valuable inheritance to your family. And if they don't need the money, they will keep the collection in the family as your legacy.

Learn more about old coins at the net's premiere rare coin site, US-Rare-Coins.net. If you're interest is old US coins and CC coins, we have it all including a video section showcasing lots of old coins!