Let’s say you’ve decided to start collecting ancient gold coins. You’ve done your research, you’re going to start small and inexpensive, and gradually build up from there. However, there’s one thing you need to seriously consider. All of those coins...how are you going to keep track of them? You can’t just toss a coin from the city-state of Athens in an old coffee can, and you need to log your purchases so you don’t buy something you already have.

Read on for a few simple tips on where to stash your rare coins and how to catalogue them.

• If you’re computer savvy, there are programs like CoinManage and Exact Change which allow you to organize your collection by composition, coin type, and other characteristics. These programs usually also have a great deal of information about the coins themselves.

• Another online option is to sign up with a set registry community. This allows you to keep track of and update your collection, as well as compare it to what other users have.

• On the other hand, if you’re more of a Luddite, you can go old school and keep track of your coins physically. You can start with a 5-subject notebook, but you’ll need to devise an organizational system that works for you. For example, it’s common for some collectors to alphabetize their collections, which makes adding new coins a breeze. Other collectors come up with a numbering system that corresponds to where a specific coin is placed on a coin slab or acid-free envelope.

• You want to keep your coins in as perfect a condition as possible, which means keeping them away from humidity and wide swings in environmental changes. Airtight plastic holders are a great way to protect them. Silica gel dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from closed environments, and they do the job nicely when it comes to keeping your coins secure.