Rare coins have been a passion for collectors for centuries. Whether it’s aged shipwreck coins, Roman pieces from the time of Christ, or Greek coins from city-states, it can be a legitimate thrill to hold one in your hand. We’re going to talk about 4 simple tips today that can be useful if you’re just starting out, or if you’ve been playing the rare coin game for years.

1. If you go online, you’ll very quickly find loads of blogs and websites that make suggestions about how to maximize your profits with coin collecting. Hilariously, some even make guarantees that you’ll make money! It can be fun to own a coin that’s worth a pretty penny. Ultimately, collecting should be about finding coins you enjoy, and building a collection you cherish.

2. After you’ve begun buying a few coins, odds are you’ll start getting interested and searching in certain directions. You might search for coins from Biblical times, or try to nab coins that depict all the Roman Emperors. Part of the fun is setting a goal, even if it’s a big one, and working to achieve it. If it take you 10 or 20 years, you’ll have something to keep you busy.

3. The coins you’re going for are rare, at least compared to the ones you carry around as pocket change. However, value isn’t just based on rarity. Certain groups of coins can be worth more than others based on collector demand, even if the second grouping has a lesser amount of numbers out there.

4. In massive numbers, coin counterfeiters are out there scamming people out of their hard earned money. You’re better off working with a reputable coin dealer, and they can provide you with authenticity of a coin you’re looking to buy. If you want to get an idea of the reputation of the dealer, ask if they’re a member of the American Numismatic Association, or other similar group.