Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Go to your local library and ask for the section on coin collecting--there ought to be several reference books on the shelves. One to look out for is the Krause "Standard Catalog of World Coins." In a general catalog such as this, the stamps are organized by country and, within countries, by rising denominations--i.e., face values. As modern coin catalogs are full of excellent illustrations, it's useful if you have the coin, or a photograph of it, so you can compare and contrast. Even if you know nothing about the coin initially except a rough guess as to which country it comes from, patiently going through the catalog ought to bring you face to face with it eventually.
Establish a broad value by studying the entry. The catalog may list different strikings each with its own telltale differences and individual value. The year and mint mark stamped on the coin might both be very helpful here, so make sure they are visible in any photographs you have brought with you.
Read the prices listed alongside the entry. In most catalogs there will be more than one. This is because the same coin can be worth very different sums according to its condition--i.e., whether it is poor, used or mint. Look at your coin--if it shows obvious signs of wear, it's definitely not mint, and might even be poor. Once you've decided on a rough category of condition, choose the catalog price that seems most appropriate.