Hello everyone ! How are you ? Today, I offer you a slightly different article format since this is a complete ebook where we are going to see how to getting started in Numismatics in 5 steps . Besides, if you still want to have it with you, send me an email at empiredesmonnaies43@gmail.com and I will send it back to you. Otherwise, it sits just below. I wish you a good reading and a good day.
Hello everyone ! How are you ? Welcome to this new ebook that will help you get started in numismatics. So I noticed a lot of people were asking me for advice because they were just getting started. That’s why I’m going to walk you through what there is to know here, so you can get started right. So I’m going to present you different steps to follow which are crucial to get started well. If necessary, I invite you to take notes or open a memo on your laptop or on your computer and mark the information that you consider important. Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and enjoy reading.
What is numismatics?
So to begin with, it is interesting to know exactly what we are getting into. Numismatics is therefore simply the study of coins. This allows historians to learn more about the people living at the time of the type of coin in question. Like his way of life, his habits…. or even to date an archaeological discovery. For example, during Roman archaeological discoveries, the presence of certain coins may have shed light on the age of the discovery.
Numismatics therefore offers an interest which is only found in coins and which in this way allows us to discover many things and to retrace the history of our ancestors. This is why when you are going to embark on this passion, it is essential to define your period well. For example, if you are more Ancient Rome, Middle Ages… or even directly a period in the period: Roman Republic, Roman Empire… But don’t worry, we’ll come back to that. First, let me introduce myself for those who don’t know me or who are new.
Who am I ?
My name is Cédric Astier and as of this writing I am 18 years old. I’ve been collecting coins for almost 9 years now. I started with francs when I was 9 and then after a 2-year break I started collecting Roman coins when I was 11.
Where does this passion come from?
Quite simply one day my father bought me a Roman coin: a nummus of Constantine I. Also, the numismatist had given me an as of Hadrian in bad condition.
Nummus of Constantine I (307-337 AD)
As of Hadrian (117-138 AD)
At that time, I found it incredible to be able to hold an object that is 1700 years old, even almost 1900 years old in my hands. So I wanted to continue collecting coins and took a bit of everything that came my way. I became interested in francs, but quickly got bored. So I stopped collecting and then after two years I got back to it, but this time by collecting Roman coins.
This interested me more because their history was much older than that of the francs and even from an aesthetic point of view, I prefer them to the francs. So I started collecting Roman coins by buying from the same Clermont-Ferrand numismatist as I did with my first coin, a set of three coins including one Antonine from Gallienus and two nummus from Constantine. So I kept going and today I own over 150 Roman coins, mostly from the Roman Empire and some from the Roman Republic.
Subsequently, in order to share my passion with as many people as possible and also to help people, I created my website empiredesmonnaies which is a blog comprising dozens of articles, but also many other things that have aim to help you. This allowed me to help more than a hundred people directly and to help several thousand people indirectly. On my site, I also sell some coins. If you are reading this little book without being on my site, please check it out. You might find it helpful.
Finally, I have a YouTube channel where you can discover several videos still on the theme of Roman coins. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Gwco3CRaA_ZxSrw25LgIA
So that’s who I am and the broad outlines of my passion for Roman coins. Now let’s see how to get started in numismatics.
First step to started in numismatics : Find your collection period
Finding the epoch in which you are going to be interested is very important because it will allow you to limit your areas of interest and therefore make it easier to concentrate. In fact, it’s like doing several things at the same time: you make a lot of mistakes. Here it is the same and you are not going to get a qualitative collection.
So to find the period that really interests you, you have to determine it yourself. To do this, ask yourself which era interests you most, or if there is a historical figure that you adore, to what point in history does he / she belong? Afterwards, you can also ask yourself when you would have liked to live. Either way, you will most likely find a time that interests you the most.
Obviously, you don’t have to determine an epoch. You can only be interested in a particular country, although in the case of a country it is better to make a time limit. Or quite simply, choose the type of coin that interests you the most. Personally, I know someone who only collects silver coins from all ages.
Once you’ve figured out your era or whatever, think about whether you can make it a little shorter. Indeed, the story is vast and there is much to be told on the same theme. For example, I know of someone who collects only coins from Emperor Gordian III. As far as I’m concerned, I started out with Roman coins with the years -100 to +400 as the time limit. Then finally, I spread to all of Ancient Rome.
There you have it, you have just found your collection period. We can therefore move on.
Second step to started in numismatics : Buy your first coin
Once the first step is completed, you will be able to really get started in numismatics by buying your first coin.
First, determine a budget for your future purchase. Be careful, this doesn’t have to be huge because you are only at the beginning and no one knows if you will be interested in numismatics in six months. Therefore, you should not spend pennies and miles in your first change. Personally, I advise you to have a budget of around € 15/20. Obviously, it depends on what coins you collect, but in general, that’s enough to get you started. For my part, my first Roman coin, my father paid 15 €.
Where to buy your first coin ?
There are several options available to you regarding the purchase of your first collector’s item. So you have specialized shops (numismatists), second-hand goods, internet and salons. There are other possibilities, but these are the main ones.
First of all, I recommend against flea markets because it is random. Indeed, you never know what you will fall on. It is therefore difficult to know if you will find a coin, which is more of your theme. However, you can do good deals in flea markets.
Likewise, I advise against fairs which are extremely good when you have money and also to see beautiful things, but which are less so when you are just starting out. Indeed, the coins that are presented are mostly very good quality coins, rare in short, large coins. They do not therefore correspond to a small budget. But don’t worry, it’s not all over.
Internet is very useful. This is what I use most now. However, I do not recommend it to you at the beginning because the copies and counterfeits of coins of all times are very widespread on the internet. There is little chance that you will be ripped off as most of the time sellers tell whether it is genuine coin or not but be careful all the same. This will also apply when you have more experience! If you still want to use the internet, I recommend using either Ebay or Leboncoin. You also have Catawiki which I was highly recommended but having never used this site I cannot give you my feedback.
Also, you have my shop which is available right here: my shop. On it, there are hundreds of coins (Roman, Gallic, feudal …). Obviously, all of them are genuine. If you need any information, send me an email.
How to find a numismatist near you?
To find a numismatist near your home, go to Google Maps and enter “numismatist” as your search. Normally, the algorithm should give you a selection of stores. Also, numismatists are rare in small towns. Therefore, you will probably have to move if you live in a small town. Finally, if there are several numismatists near you, take a look at the reviews left by previous customers and choose the store with the highest rating.
What coin purchased?
Once your selection is made, go to the store to buy your first coin. So as you are just starting out, you are likely not sure which coin to buy. Don’t worry, the professional is here for you. Quite simply, explain to him that you are new to a certain type of collection and that you have such a budget. At this time, the numismatist will offer you different coins and there comes the time to choose. So, I don’t have any specific advice for you on your first choice. Just take whatever change you like the most, the one that caught your eye. Indeed, here the goal is not to choose a rare coin or the best quality / price ratio but that you have fun.
(Editor’s note: if you are getting into the collection of Roman coins and want to get an idea of which one to buy before going to the specialty store, read my article: 5 Roman coins to have first → https: // empiredesmonnaies .fr / monnaies-premier /)
Once you have chosen your coin, ask the seller what exactly it is, when it was minted, how rare it was … Try to find out as much as possible. Finally, ask for a plastic bag or something to protect your change. In most cases, the seller will give it to you without you asking.
Step three to started in numismatics: What to do after your first purchase?
Once you have your first change in your pocket, pay close attention to it, it is fragile. In fact, do not hesitate to order a protective capsule online or buy one directly from the numismatist. The advantage of this is that you have individual packaging which is great because you only have one coin, which is moreover robust. Also, buy the right diameter so that your change is well maintained in it.
Here are the capsules: https://amzn.to/2YwLan1
Now do some internet research about your coin. For example, if it is an Antonine by Gallienus, find out when the Antoninian was invented, what it corresponded to … Also, do research on the emperor, from when to when he reigned, what he does during this one… Obviously, I take for example a Roman coin because it is what I know best but adapt that to your coin.
Doing this research will allow you to supplement what the numismatist has previously told you. In addition, it will expand your knowledge and over time you will have more and more knowledge in your field and you will be much less dependent on others. Indeed, at the beginning the seller will tell you what coin it is, but later you will not need him to give you details because you will already know them. It’s a bit like going to another country without knowing the language. At first, you need a translator and are therefore dependent on him. But the more you know the language yourself, the more you are free. Numismatics works on the same principle. This is why it is very important that you learn more about your coin, but also about others. In short, that you train yourself.
Fourth step to started in numismatics : Form himself
To train and therefore gain a lot of knowledge, there are different methods. You can simply watch documentaries on YouTube, many of which are available live. In fact, I have a YouTube channel where I talk about Roman coins. So, if this is your theme, take a look → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Gwco3CRaA_ZxSrw25LgIA. Also you can read blog posts. Here again, if your theme is Roman coin, go to my site: https://empiredesmonnaies.fr.
You can also buy books that are about coins or their environment. Once again, if you collect Roman coins, I have written at the time of this writing three other books: Roman coins in just 20 pages, Roman coin types and Around Roman coins. Besides, this money is free. If you are interested, ask me directly by email at empiredesmonnaies43@gmail.com for others it is on this page: https://empiredesmonnaies.fr/boutique/. Finally, you simply have the conversation with enthusiasts. Besides, this is the next step.
Step Five: Build Links
One very important thing in numismatics, but also in all areas of life, is others, because as the saying goes, “alone we go faster, together we go further”. It is therefore important that you create links with people who are in the same theme as you. Thus, you can bring knowledge to others and vice versa. Same for coins, you can make exchanges between you …
How to find friends in numismatics?
You can simply become friends with the numismatist who sold you your first coin. Also, you can talk to people at flea markets or fairs or even join a numismatic association. Finally, I advise you to create an Instagram account because it will allow you to share your passion and chat with people around the world. By the way, don’t hesitate to give me a little sign on my account: @empiredesmonnaies. Also, if you have any questions for me, requests … use Instagram, it’s easier than email.
There you have it, this is the end of these 5 steps to getting started in numismatics. Hope this helps you get started and answers your questions. Also, if you trust me and I hope, I invite you to visit my shop where you will find ideal Roman coins to start in numismatics. As of this writing, there are only two coins left for sale. But don’t worry, new deliveries are coming soon. Here is the link of my Roman coins for sale: https://empiredesmonnaies.fr/categorie-produit/monnaie/. I just have one thing to add, and that is that all coins for sale on my site are genuine. You will never find a copy or a counterfeit on empiredesmonnaies.fr.
Also, I told you about the importance of training yourself. For this, I wrote three books.
My first book
My book the Roman coins in only 20 pages is, as the title suggests, about Roman coins. In fact, this is the very first book I have written. I started writing it in December 2017. At that point, I remembered the difficulties I had had when I started the collection and how I wish I had a summary. This is why I wrote it. So, I have summarized all the main knowledge in just 20 pages. Inside, you will learn what there is to know about the history of Ancient Rome, the making of coins, the types of Roman coins, the obverse and reverse of coins, the legend and how to decipher it. and finally, how to differentiate real from counterfeit Roman coins. To find out more, here is the link: https://empiredesmonnaies.fr/produit/les-monnaies-romaines-en-seulement-20-pages/
My second book
My second book is called Around the Roman Coin and is completely free. If you are interested, ask me by email at empiredesmonnaies43@gmail.com. As its title suggests, it focuses on the subjects surrounding Roman coins. So inside, I’m talking about how to identify and know the price of a Roman coin, how to clean coins, why Roman coins are rare, how to keep them and finally, where to buy them. Once again, if you are interested, you just have to ask me.
My third book
My third book is called The Types of Roman Coins. Obviously it is about the different types of Roman coins. Thus, it is made up of small cards, each one talking about a particular type. Each of them contains pictures of illustrations, the characteristics of the type, its history, its value, an example … Everything there is to know about the types of Roman coins can be found in this book. If you want to know more, here is the link: https://empiredesmonnaies.fr/produit/les-types-de-monnaies-romaines/
(editor’s note: all the links of the books will redirect you to digital formats, non-printed)
To be honest with you, I think these books are really the most optimized way to learn about Roman coins as quickly as possible. And then if you don’t want to spend the money, which I fully understand, the second book is completely free then take advantage.
I hope you enjoyed this book. If so, please give me your opinion. In the meantime, I am waiting for you on my site, on YouTube or on Instagram. See you soon !
For further :
My site: https://empiredesmonnaies.fr
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Gwco3CRaA_ZxSrw25LgIA
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/empiredesmonnaies/
Receive this free book for free my book Around the Roman Coin by clicking here
