Three Ways To Start A Coin Collection Without A Lot Of Money

Coin collecting is an excellent hobby because most coins appreciate in value as time goes by -- and the price of individual coins will never dip below market value. Coin collecting also provides other benefits as well, such as a first-hand glimpse into American history. If you'd like to begin a coin collection but are worried that it might be too expensive, here are three ways to start a coin collection with a minimal monetary investment. 

Start With Your Pocket Change  Get your coin collection started by going through the change that you've already got on hand -- perhaps your toss pennies, nickels, dimes, and even quarters into a jar with the thought of taking it to the bank at some future date and exchanging it for paper money. Although this is a great savings tactic, go through the jar carefully and look for coins that may be worthy of including in your collection. Look for Indian-head pennies, nickels, and dimes; Lincoln wheat and memorial pennies; Buffalo nickels; Barber, Roosevelt, and Mercury silver dimes; Barber and Liberty silver quarters; and any half-dollars minted before 1970. There are many other coins worthy of being included in your collection -- a professional coin dealer will be able to provide you with a comprehensive list that you can keep beside you while going through your change. 

Go to Estate Sales 

You'll rarely see individual coins for sale at estate sales, but what you will find is perhaps even better -- jars, tin cans, canisters, and other containers with coins in them. Estate sale items are sold "as is," and chances are good that no one has gone through the coins to look for hidden treasure. Estate sales held in old homes that have been owned by several generations of family members are particularly good places to find old coins. 

Buy Rolls of Coins at the Bank

Another great way to find good coins for your collection is to purchase rolls of coins at your local bank. Sort through the coins, select the ones you want, and then return the coins to the bank for paper money or deposit them in your bank account. Half-dollars aren't commonly seen in circulation these days, but it is still possible to buy them in rolls from the bank. It is also possible to find silver dimes and quarters hidden away among the others in a roll.   

Keep these tips in mind and also consider looking into buying silver coins for sale.