Your First Steps
Every great coin collection started with a single coin and a spark of curiosity. Whether you found an old coin in change, inherited a collection, or simply love history, this guide will help you start collecting with confidence.
Choose Your Focus
The most common mistake beginners make is trying to collect everything. Start with one series or theme that excites you:
- A denomination — Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, or Roosevelt dimes are affordable and widely available.
- A type set — One example of each major US design type. Lets you sample everything.
- A theme — State Quarters, bicentennial coins, or coins from your birth year.
- An era — Civil War-era coins, Depression-era coins, or WWII coins.
Essential Supplies
- A Red Book (A Guide Book of United States Coins) — $15. The collector's bible.
- A 10x loupe — $15–$40. For examining coins.
- 2x2 cardboard holders or an album — $5–$30.
- A magnifying light — $20–$50.
Where to Start Buying
- Pocket change and coin rolls — Free to start. You'd be surprised what turns up.
- Coin shows — The best place to learn and buy. Dozens of dealers under one roof.
- Local coin shops — Build a relationship with a trusted dealer.
- Online dealers — APMEX, JM Bullion, and dealer websites for specific needs.
Up Next
This guide is for educational purposes. Where official standards, grading services, organization memberships, or legal requirements apply, consult the primary authority named in the references below or the relevant government agency.
Reviewed on October 4, 2025 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start collecting coins?
Choose a focus (one series, type set, or theme), get basic supplies (Red Book, loupe, holders), and start buying from coin shows, local shops, or even pocket change.
What coins should a beginner collect?
Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, or State Quarters are affordable and widely available. A 20th-century type set is also great for beginners.
Apply what you've learned