Coins and Paper Money -> Coins – Ancient -> Greek Coins

As a link to the ancient world, coins are an incredibly popular way to capture this history. Thanks to the minting process and the metals that were used, we can still enjoy many ancient coins today. Greek coins are increasingly becoming more popular and their unique designs enhance any coin collection. For those that are looking to collect these coins, but are uncertain as to whether or not they are dealing with an authentic collectible, there are a few guidelines.

1. Check the Wear

An ancient coin will understandably look a bit old. In many cases, you are dealing with coins that were produced thousands of years ago. If the Greek coin you are looking at it is shiny, or has no visible signs of wear, there is a good chance that it is not authentic. Most collectors do not restore these coins since their wear is a sign of their true age. If you do find a coin that is in remarkable condition, there is a chance that it is authentic, but the chances are few and far between.

2. Check the Back

Ancient Greek coins will typically have a name engraved on the back, but it won’t be of a king or of anyone incredibly important. Instead, in this culture, it was customary for the person that actually minted the coin to put their own name on it. This was a unique practice and it offers a great way for the average collector to be able to authenticate a Greek coin. Since the vast majority of these coins bear some sort of engraving on the back, this will help you determine whether or not the coin is authentic.

3. Check the Design

Minting equipment was understandably not as advanced as today’s equipment and that means that very often, the designs on Greek coins will not be perfect. This is actually desirable and if you do find a coin that is too perfect, it is a major sign that it may not be authentic. Take the time to thoroughly examine the coin. If you cannot spot any flaws, there is a very good chance that it is not authentic.

4. Check the Certificate

Many ancient coins that have already been authenticated will have an accompanying certificate. While this can of course be forged, you can follow up with the person that did the appraisal and authentication. If you cannot contact them or they do not have any knowledge of the coin you are dealing with, it is best to save your money and find another Greek coin to buy.

5. Check the Shape

Last but not least, coins made during this period were quite often not perfectly round. Look for a slight deviation on your Greek coin. If it is slightly off, then this is a very good sign that it is authentic. Remember, many of these Greek coins were hand made, one at a time and whenever you are dealing with that kind of process, the chances for imperfections are very high.

Originally posted 2008-08-22 05:00:37. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamp collecting can be a rewarding hobby that provides insight into past decades and trends; however, it can also be a space hog. With books upon books filled with stamps or detailing the stories behind the stamps you own, you may quickly find yourself with limited room to keep new stamps within your own home. However, before you cram your collection into a self storage facility, there are a few things you should consider:

Proper Cataloging

One of the primary concerns of any stamp collector is deterioration. Stamps that are not properly cataloged can become brittle and discolor. They may even become tacky allowing them to stick to other stamps. To catalog your stamps properly, use a catalog that can be expanded to include three albums. These types of albums generally use the Scott numbering system, and make it very easy for you to identify your stamps. When you mount your stamps into these catalogs, always use mounting corners or gummed corner so that your stamps are not damaged.

Proper Storage Containers

If you have an extensive stamp collection or are a stamp vender, there is a good chance that you don’t have room to store all of your stamps, books on stamping, and cataloging items lying around your home. Before you choose to store these items, however, you need to place them in secure storage containers. Generally plastic bins with built in shelving are adequate as they both alleviate the pressure of stacking catalogs on top of one another and they prevent the elements from getting in.

A Good Storage Facility

Stamps should never be kept in an area where they can easily be affected by temperatures. Excessive heat and bitter cold can affect stamps and cause them to age more quickly. If you are unable to store stamps in your own home, consider placing them in a climate controlled storage unit. These types of units are maintained at specific temperatures and humidity levels which can often make them more secure than even your home.

Trying to figure out what to do with your stamp collection is often a difficult one. You love having them around and easily accessible, but the space they often take up can be highly aggravating. If you choose to store your stamps, simply make sure that you take all necessary precautions before your store so that your stamps will stay in prime condition. You’ve worked hard to collect them, and placing them in adequate storage would be similar to throwing your stamps in the garbage.

Photo Credits: Rachel Ford James

Originally posted 2011-08-02 18:26:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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