COIN COLLECTING Holiday Gift Ideas

The ho-ho-holidays are here again and this T means you've got to get your shopping done! But what do you buy the special coin collector in your life?

- JOSHUA MCMORROW-HERNANDEZ

Thankfully, there are plenty of options for gift-givers who want to sprinkle some numismatic cheer this year. Here are some gifts sure to make a numismatist smile...

COIN FOLDERS AND COIN ALBUMS

Coin folders and coin albums are like the ties and sweaters of the numismatic world. They make a great every-collector gift and they aren’t too expensive. What’s better than that? Well, consider this: a coin folder or album for a set that the collector is presently not pursuing may just inspire them to begin a new numismatic adventure! Buy a new coin or two to kick off said folder or album and your gift may just go down as the best of the season for the recipient.

COIN LOUPE 

A loupe is a small magnifying glass used by numismatists to study the surface of a coin. Loupes are fundamental tools for coin collectors. A good loupe can last a lifetime. Some of the best loupes are made by Hastings, Zeiss and Bausch & Lomb. Depending on the brand and model, prices range from as little as $15 to more than $100. Magnification powers range across the board, but a good magnifier for viewing coins should offer at least 5X power and ideally provides 10X viewing. Those who want to view the most minute details might seek 20X or 30X power, though viewing at that strength isn’t usually necessary for recreational numismatic viewing or everyday coin grading.