Page 22 - Delcampe Collections classiques EN-006

Coins

Starting a coin collection

By X. Bourbon, Ph. Théret and L. Schmitt of ADF and Adan

Two questions always seem to come up when talking about coins a.k.a. nu-
mismatics, whether they are asked by the curious or the more informed:
how and why do you start a coin collection? It must be expensive, right?

In fact, there are as many collections as a treasure... Oftentimes, the first questions
there are ways of collecting. This is true for are then “what is this?”, “where did it come
all fields and numismatics is no exception. from?” and “how much is it worth?” So you
Numismatics is subdivided into thousands just got your hands on what was left in your
of specialised fields (spread over 2,500 years grandpa’s purse ... the one everyone had for-
of world history) and it is hard to know at the gotten about! ...and you’ve just cracked open
outset which one will be the most fascina- a door to a story.
ting, which will give the most pleasure, and Once you have made your mind up to keep
feed your curiosity. Many people start a col- them, and to afford them their rightful place
lection because they stumbled upon an old in numismatics, the natural next step is to
box in a drawer, a dark cellar or a dusty attic, find out what they are. This highlights a key
revealing what at first glance seems to be “success” point: getting information. Starting

Coin documentation that may be of interest.

22 Delcampe Magazine