Coins and Stamps: A Favorite for Collectors
Coins and Stamps: A Favorite for Collectors
People have different hobbies because people have different interests. There are people
interested in sports, in arts, in crafts or even in games. What matters in choosing a hobby
is that it keeps you interested. It makes idle time worthwhile. It tells a lot about the
passions of a person. That is why most people are interest in collecting, collecting stamps
and collecting coins.
What Is Stamp Collecting?
Stamp collecting is all about gathering stamps and anything related to it like the mails
and the envelope. Stamps through the years have showcased more than mere pictures and
illustrations. Important figures, historical and cultural events and artworks as well are
featured in the stamp. It gives the hobby more relevance and significance to the collector.
Stamp collecting however is often associated with philately. This two must be
differentiated for the latter is concerned mainly in the study of stamps and anything
related to it. Collecting stamps does not necessarily entail the study of it and vise
versa.
What is Coin Collecting?
Coin collecting is concerned with the study and collection of coins. It can also involve
paper money bearing the official design of the country and the monetary value. Coin
collecting is also known as numismatics, taking from the Greek word nomisma, meaning coin.
In the past centuries, coins have very high value. They do not only represent a value of
money, they have their own value. Each coin contains an amount of gold or silver. This is
one aspect that makes the hobby extra expensive, especially if it concerns old coins.
However, the trend now in most nations is to replace the old coins with new ones made of
inexpensive metals. Coins today have no intrinsic value anymore.
This hobby requires caution. It is not all about collecting coins that will come your way.
It has to be a genuine coin. It is part of the coin collecting hobby to physically examine
the coin to know the grade, see the problems and make sure that it is authentic. This way,
the value of the coin can be easily evaluated.
It is important to identify the coin. It is important to know which country it came from
and what is its face value. It must have a denomination, or else that coin must be a mere
token. The authenticity of the coin will often require the opinion of an expert. Frauds
have taken opportunity of many coin collectors before. Thus, before purchasing a valuable
coin, it is a must to seek the help of an expert.
The grade of a coin is the summary of its overall condition. The market value of the coin
depends a lot in the grade. Cleaning is an important aspect of the hobby. A used coin will
often be scratched, holed, altered, dinged or corroded. This is not pleasing to the eye.
The coin should be kept clean and made attractive.
What Is at Stake for Both?
Stamp collecting and coin collecting, just like any hobby will require the effort and
dedication of the collector. They both have to inquire into necessary information to get
the worth of their money when purchasing. There is the danger of getting into fraudulent
transactions. This must be avoided as much as possible.
Both stamp collecting and coin collecting require particularity with the details as this
will determine a lot the value of a piece for the collection. Both kinds of collectors
refer to a catalogue to guide them through the different aspects of the collection.
For the stamp collector, a stamp catalogue will provide the price details, date of
issuance, country of origin, material and even the historical background of the stamp. This
way the stamp collector will easily know which of the stamps should be included in the
collection. This is also a good resource to know the price to bargain for in purchasing a
stamp.
For the coin collector, the coin catalogue will definitely help in ascertaining the price
of the coin. The market value will also be influenced by the condition of the coin. The
catalogue will also be a good resource to learn more information about coin collecting.
The Collector and the Modern Technology
Computer technology also helped the endeavors of the stamp and coin collectors. Collectors
would often rely on database programs and spreadsheet templates to make an inventory of
their collection. They also use it to list out the things they want and aim to collect. The
computer software can also be used t print out albums with all the important details
included.
The internet also proves to be a haven to most collectors. They can meet fellow collectors
and enthusiasts online. There are web sites available also that will provide information,
updates and offers that stamp collectors and coin collectors will enjoy.
The perseverance and dedication that a stamp collector and coin collector can showcase can
be very amazing. That is why collecting is more than just a habit-forming hobby. Collecting
can also teach values. That gives more worth to the money and to the collection.
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