1.0 Beginner’s Guide to Numismatics 

Numismatics Books & References

“Get the book first – knowledge is as valuable as the coins themselves.”

Canadian Coin News – publishes 26 times a year, providing in-depth coverage of Canadian and world numismatics. Each issue includes the latest hobby news, auction results, market reports, and educational columns written by leading experts. It also features detailed research articles by numismatists in specialized areas including errors, tokens, banknotes, money and more, with resources for collectors at all levels. A highlight is its Trends section, popular with both dealers and collectors, as it provides up-to-date Canadian coin price valuations that are refreshed regularly – unlike catalogues, which are only issued annually.

The Canadian Numismatic Journal – the official publication of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association, issued ten times a year. It features scholarly research, articles on Canadian and worldwide numismatics, detailed studies of coins, banknotes, medals and tokens, plus reports on RCNA activities, awards, and educational initiatives.

Charlton Standard Catalogue series – the go-to reference for Canadian coins, banknotes, tokens, and medals. Updated regularly, the series provides detailed listings, history, and market values, making it indispensable for Canadian collectors.

Coin Collecting – An Introduction to the World of Numismatics (Kenneth Bressett) – a classic beginner’s guide written by a renowned collector and author. It introduces the fundamentals of coin collecting, explains grading, storage, and preservation, and provides a solid foundation for newcomers entering the hobby.

Standard Catalog of World Coins (Krause Publications) – the leading worldwide reference for identifying and valuing coins. Covering centuries of coinage, it includes images, mintages, and prices for issues from virtually every country.

Paper Money of the United States (Friedberg) – the definitive guide to U.S. banknotes, featuring history, illustrations, and market values, widely used by collectors and dealers alike.

2.0  Coins & Banknotes: Care, Storage & Supplies

Hands off the faces—always by the edges. Handle coins over a soft surface and use cotton or nitrile gloves to avoid fingerprints and corrosive skin oils.

Do not clean collectible coins—consult a professional first. Cleaning, even when well-intentioned, almost always diminishes a coin’s numismatic value by stripping patina or leaving micro-scratches. Professional graders can detect these changes and will often note coins as “Improperly Cleaned,” lowering their market appeal. The general rule: do not clean rare or valuable coins yourself.

When cleaning might be acceptable. There are some exceptions. Common or bullion coins, where value is tied to metal content, may tolerate light cleaning.  Collectors who simply want coins for display, not resale, sometimes choose to improve the appearance of inexpensive pieces. Environmental issues—such as mildew, PVC residue, or tarnish caused by damp basements or hot attics—may also call for intervention. In these cases, purpose-made cleaners can help. We carry coin-cleaning products designed to address specific issues created by poor storage conditions. They can safely remove residues without harsh abrasion, bu it is  always recommend consulting a professional before using them on coins of potential collectible value.

Professional conservation. For coins with significant value, consider professional conservation services that remove contaminants without damaging originality. This ensures preservation while protecting market value.

Use inert, PVC-free storage. PVC holders can outgas and leave sticky green residue. Choose non-PVC, acid-free flips or 2×2s, capsules, tubes, or albums. Vinyl can also be used safely in some cases, provided there are no chemical softeners present. For example, banknotes that are first encased in an inert sleeve can be stored within vinyl pages or binders without risk of damage. Likewise, 12-pocket and 20-pocket vinyl pages can be used for storing 2×2 holders and 2.5×2.5 holders when the vinyl is free of softeners, offering a convenient way to organise collections.

Banknote care. Keep notes flat in archival, acid-free, inert sleeves and away from light, heat, and humidity swings. Ideal conditions are 18–22 °C with about 45–50% relative humidity. Use PET/PP sleeves, rigid holders, or carefully selected vinyl pages (without chemical softeners) to minimise handling damage.

Supply Checklists for Numismatics

Basic tools

Cotton gloves: Prevent fingerprints and oils from damaging coins or medals.

Soft handling surfaces: A felt pad or clean cloth prevents scratches when examining items.

Magnifying glass or loupe: A 5x–10x loupe is standard for checking mint marks, varieties, and surface details.

2x2 holders, flips or capsules: Essential for safe coin storage and labelling.

Album or storage boxes: For organized storage of coins, tokens or banknotes.

Banknote sleeves (Mylar or archival-safe plastic): Protects paper money from folds, dirt and handling damage.

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Intermediate tools

Digital caliper: Measures coin diameter and thickness with precision.

Digital scale: Accurate to at least 0.01 grams for verifying weight and authenticity.

Lighting tool: An angled desk lamp or LED light helps detect surface flaws, cleaning, or alterations.

Reference ruler/UV light for paper money: Useful for detecting embedded fibres, security strips and paper brightness.

Acetone (pure, non-nail polish remover): For safely removing PVC residue from coins when necessary.

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Advanced tools

Microscope or digital microscope: For detailed analysis of die varieties, countermarks, or surface issues.

XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analyzer access: For precise metal composition testing (typically through clubs or dealers).

Photography setup: Camera, macro lens, tripod and lighting for documenting collections.

Specialized software or apps: Collection management, valuation tracking, and inventory tools.

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