Getting back into coin collecting - where do I start?

Hi everyone,

I used to be on here as GoldenGarfield, but I left the forum and collecting a couple years back. I really want to get back into the hobby, but I don’t really know where to begin? All my coins and banknotes are completely disorganised because I moved houses last year and I’m moving out of the UK for good this year. Any advice on how to get back on track?

I'd imagine it might be best to wait until you've moved again so any organization doesn't just get undone all over again?

I've been in your shoes a few times for various reasons. For example, I once sold most of my US silver. Spot was around 40 bucks back then and I needed the money more than I needed the coins. I didnt own anything rare, few of us do. You can replace most anything you have.

So trim trim trim that collection. Sell trade or give away anything outside your core collection. Dont be afraid to let go. Remember this is your hobby. Dont let it control you. You can always rebuild.

Only you can say what you'll keep. For me, the few times I started over, I hung on to my Canadian coins, especially some silver dollars and large cents. Dont know why. I love the designs and the coins werent worth enough to sell. So I kept them. What's your focus?

Tighten your focus, 

is there a particular coin, or type or subject or monarch, that got you thinking about coins again?

 just do that.

"Organize"

“Trim, trim, trim..”

"Tighten your focus. is there a particular coin, or type or subject or monarch, that got you thinking about coins again?

 just do that."

-All excellent advice! I have been collecting banknotes for 5 decades & that's what I found myself doing over the years. Consider what not to do (what “lines in the sand” you'll draw in terms of what you will not chase). Borrow a guide or go through here to help you know which countries, theme, etc is important to you. Once you've answered some of the important collector goal questions, then get yourself some key supplies (an album, coin slips) to keep organized.  This can save you $ & you could get a lot more out of the hobby by taking your time (developing an approach).

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Part of me wants to leave the reorganising for after the move, but I’m afraid I won’t have the time. The plan right now is to move to Cape Town and I would have to settle into a completely new life, which is going to take some time. I think it should be ok if I sort everything and keep it all compact and in a box? 
 

The coins that interest me are probably colonial coins (Portuguese and British especially) and Italian and Mexican coins are always a winner for me. It’s a really broad category but I think it’s a good start. I’ll try to make use of my remaining time in London to swap as much as I can while I still have access to reliable post…

Also if anyone still remembers my cats, they’re doing well. Here’s Ethel:

Yes. I second that, very good advice. 
 

especially the “trim, trim, trim” 

If you know you will be moving then focus on removing anything that you can, so you don’t take it with you. 

Hi everyone, 

Thought I'd update you all since I just moved for the 3rd time in 3 years. I finally found the time to register my entire collection (except my banknotes that disappeared in the second move lol). I've narrowed my focus down to Italy, UK, and South Africa, and I've put most of the rest up for swap if anyone's interested. 

Ethel passed away last month :( but Larry's fit as a fiddle. He'll be 14 tomorrow!