The world’s most ancient and popular hobbies are collecting coins, stamps, and banknotes, yet collectors are not very sure which one to pick and where to store. This blog will help you in understanding, exploring, and learning the Collection Methodology of Coins/ Stamps/ Notes.
the Collection Methodology of Coins
To collect or build a coin collection it is necessary to identify what type of a collector you are: –
- Frequently, coin collectors commence their hobby by saving noteworthy coins found by chance. These coins could possibly be the pocket change left from an international trip or an old coin found in circulation or a gullak/piggy bank.
- Most collectors choose to focus their collection on a narrower or special theme. Some collect coins from a certain nation or historic period while some focus on the artwork displayed on the coins. Others gather error coins.
- Certain collectors are completists and gather every type of coin within a particular category. Possibly the most common type of collectors are hobbyists who collect purely for the pleasure of it with no expectation of profits.
- A recurrent reason for buying coins is an investment. Coin prices, just as other commodities, are based on demand and supply. Coins price collapses that are not in long-term demand, and increase along when a coin’s professed or intrinsic value rises. Investors buy with the expectation that the value of their purchase will increase over the long term.
- Opportunists, be it amateurs or commercial buyers, most often purchase coins in large quantities with an expectation of a short-term profit. Usually, they buy coins composed of rare or precious metals or coins that have a high purity of a certain metal.
- Coin hoarders looking for a long-term gain, unlike investors, typically may not take into count their aesthetic condition.
- The other type of collector is the inheritor, an accidental collector who acquires coins from another person as part of an inheritance
the Collection Methodology of Stamps
- To begin, a novice collector should purchase a selection of whole-world stamps to sort by country and arrange in an album. When identifying stamps, remove any that cannot be readily identified and research them at a later date. This will give one an idea of the basics of stamp collecting.
- Stamps will either be used or unused. If collecting used stamps, consider purchasing or searching for fine used stamps that show light postmarks. Postmarks that are intact are valuable, and in some cases, they may be of greater value than the stamps themselves. With the exception of used stamps from distant locations, unused stamps are generally more expensive. Stamps with their original, post-office-issued mint-condition gum are ideal, although stamps with traces of gummed hinges are also an acceptable choice.
- The condition of a stamp is vitally important. Nothing detracts more from the value of a stamp than a crease, a tear, a stain, or a heavy postmark. Damaged stamps are usually worthless and should be discarded or replaced as soon as possible.
- Know the different types of stamps Research is an essential factor. For instance, revenue stamps are used for fiscal purposes associated with licenses, receipts, etc. Other types include official stamps, which are used by governments, or special delivery or express stamps, which cover the handling and delivery fees associated with accelerated services.
- Stamp catalogs are a crucial tool for the stamp collector. These are reference books that act as a type of bible for individuals who collect stamps. They contain price lists, issue dates, and other information about stamps, including the values of stamps according to whether they are used or unused.
- A collector’s toolbox should contain all of the equipment required for stamp collection. Key items that all collectors should have include stamp tweezers, a magnifying glass, a perforation gauge, etc.
- Choose a correct album for storing, conserving, and displaying stamps. Keep in mind the size of one’s collection and decide accordingly. A loose-leaf system is an album where people add or remove pages as needed. Additional types of stamp collecting albums include ring-fitting, peg-fitting, and spring back stamp albums.
- Stamp collections should be neat and organized, with stamps placed in the spaces that are provided for them or properly arranged on a blank leaf in rows.
the Collection Methodology of Notes
- The best way to build a paper money collection is to focus on a particular theme. One can collect large-size types or lower denomination notes, star note collection, currency errors, or notes which feature famous people, animals, fishes, birds, boats, cars, trains, planets, etc.
- Another way of assembling a meaningful collection is to use historical context as the main criterion. For example, you may decide to focus on collecting pre-WWII notes only. Or start a collection of World War II-era notes such as occupational, prisoner-of-war, propaganda, emergency, or local issues.
- The easiest way to start your collection is to buy a “beginner set” of world banknotes. That way one can start a collection of world banknotes from a scratch and at a low cost without spending many days and weeks collecting one banknote at a time.
- One should be aware of currency prices in the market while purchasing.
- The grade of a currency note is important. To determine what you should be paying for currency, you will need to know the grading system.
- Handle your currency notes well. Try to avoid any direct contact with the currency. Whenever handling it, be sure to wear cotton gloves, and do not fold the currency.
- Storage is another important factor. It is best to store currency inside a currency “sleeve” which one can purchase from a local currency dealer. Be sure to keep the note in a dry place to prevent a build-up of moisture.
Leave a comment to let us know what did you think of your blog “Explore and Learn the Collection Methodology of Coins, Stamps, Notes!”. Which of the Collection Methodology appealed to you?
The Mintage World Team comprises of experts, researchers and writers from the field of Philately, Notaphily and Numismatics who try to shed light on some of the most interesting aspects of coins, banknotes and stamps from not just India but across the globe as well.