Coin collectors make use of special equipment while handling their coins. There are tools used in inspecting, documenting, and storing your coins as you collect them. It, therefore, becomes necessary to buy quality and durable coin collection supplies such as magnifiers, gloves, folders that will help you store your coins while also protecting them from damage such as scratches to their surface.
Categories of Coin Collecting Tools
Different types of coin collecting tools are designed to serve a particular purpose. Coin collecting tools are grouped into the following categories:
- Inspection Tools: Inspection tools are used to examine and study the coins to ensure they meet certain specifications. Devices under this category include magnifiers, calipers, digital scale, etc.
- Handling Tools: These tools are used while inspecting your coins. They are worn on the hands to prevent damage to the coins due to skin oil or dirt; a good example is gloves.
- Storage Tool: As the name implies, storage tools are used to preserve your coins, including coin albums, folders, capsules, etc.
Below are top coin collecting supplies you can buy:
Coin Magnifiers
Magnifiers are hand-held tools used to examine a coin; it helps you find out the features and conditions of your coin before purchasing them. Every coin collector needs a magnifier in their arsenal because your eyes are not well equipped to discover the fine details embedded in a coin. Magnifiers come in different magnification ranges, such as 10X-30X; however, the 7X magnification range is ideal for collectors.
Calipers
Accurate and precise coin measurements are essential for identifying and cataloging coins, especially ancient coins. Calipers are specially designed devices used in measuring the diameter and thickness of your coin. It measures your coins based on a fraction of a millimeter. However, there are different kinds of calipers; experts advise you to go for those with digital readouts.
Coin Folders
Coin folders are used to store and preserve your coins from damage. They provide an easy and convenient means to store your coins while also displaying them. Coin folders are commonly made from cardboard and plastic materials, and they can hold as many as 200 coins at once.
Gloves
Gloves are essential handling devices that let you hold your coin while inspecting them. This is because handling your coins with bare hands could introduce them to the oils and dirt on your skin, which can damage your coins. It is crucial to put on a glove, preferably cotton gloves, while examining your coins.
A Coin Journal
A coin inventory journal lets you record coins within your collection. They help you know which coins you have and which you do not have, especially as you shop for coins to include in your collection. Aside from a hardcopy coin journal, you can also keep electronic storage of your coins using office applications such as Excel or specially designed coin software.
Tongs
Tongs or coin tweezers are handling equipment used to inspect rare and valuable coins. They are used when there is a need for extra care while holding the coins or looking at them close up.
Every hobby requires special devices to execute; as such, as a coin collector, it is vital that you buy these listed coin collecting supplies, which will help you handle, document, and store your coins!