How to Start Numismatics
As we explained in another article on our Blog, Numismatics consists of the study and collection of the multiple forms that money has taken in history, from coins, bills, bonds and even tokens for specific uses. Many people are attracted to this science, because it allows them to learn more about the economic history of different nations. Others are atrracted by the historical value that these documents may have today, and others only like to collect objects with certain characteristics. You may be wondering, how can you get started in the science of numismatics?
Since there is a wide variety of collectible items, it is important to consider some basic aspects when starting this activity:
Pick a topic. It's easier to start a collection if you choose a theme first, so you don't get lost among so many options. For example, you could choose only bills from your country, coins minted in your year of birth, high denomination bills, bonds from a particular country, just to name a few examples. You can gradually add more collections.
Set aside a startup budget. Contrary to what many may believe, a large investment is not required to start your collection. You can start with the same bills or coins that you already have in your bag. There are even historical pieces that do not represent a huge outlay of money, such as the 1 Million Bolívares banknote from Venezuela, which costs less than 10 dollars. Having a defined budget will allow you to manage your acquisitions without compromising other expenses.
Do a good research. Before buying something, it is advisable to research very well about its history, its economic and social context, its materials, etc. This allows you to have an overview of the object of your interest before making the purchase.
Make sure you find reliable providers. This is very important, since unfortunately there are many people who are dedicated to scamming inexperienced buyers. Buying from specialized sites is preferable to buying from anonymous sales channels or social networks. This ensures that your investment is not at risk.
Look for certified objects. If you are looking for objects of historical value or that are very old, it is advisable to look for objects that have some type of certification from certifying companies, such as PASS-CO or Scriptotrust. The fact that an object does not have a certification does not mean that it is automatically fraudulent, but in many cases it will be worthwhile to ensure the authenticity of some objects, especially those of higher value.
Make sure of the status of the products. Check the descriptions and photographs of the products very well before buying them. Make sure that these correspond to the conditions you want, and that the articles have not been altered or modified in any way.
Make sure you store your items properly. Very important, once you start putting together your collection, it will be very necessary for you to make sure that you store everything in a safe and suitable place. The vast majority of items can be susceptible to humidity or UV rays, so look for a dry place and preferably away from sunlight. In addition, it is convenient to consider some security measures against theft.
Numismatics is a great science. Some compare it to collecting art, due to the large amount of time and dedication it requires. At IRVE Antiques we have more than 10 years of experience in the commercialization of historical banknotes and bonds and we ship all over the world, so why should you take a look at our catalogue? Perhaps there you can find the first item of your great collection.
