To start a coin collection you can begin with coins that you already have on hand. Check in your pockets, wallet, desk drawers and under the sofa cushions. You may be surprised to discover the variety of coins hiding in your home's forgotten nooks. Ask friends and relatives if they have any old or unusual coins to add to your collection.

You may want to purchase one or more coin albums to display your collection. Some are custom-made for specific coins, such as Kennedy Half Dollars; other albums hold all denominations. Other storage and display options include paper envelopes, plastic tubes, slabs, flips and Mylar® staple holders.

These are the basic tools you'll need to get started building and organizing your coin collection:

A high-quality magnifying glasss.
A padded jeweler's tray, plush towel, or some other soft cloth to set coins on when viewing them.
A plastic ruler that measures in inches and millimeters. Metal rulers that may scratch your coins.
A good coin reference book, it should include information on dates, mint marks, major varieties, grading guidelines and prices.
Good lighting,source.
Soft, cotton gloves.
Coin envelopes, holders or albums for storing your coins.

If you store your coins in the attic or basement, you are probably exposing them to extremes of temperature and humidity that will promote their oxidation.

The initials SMS stands for Special Mint Set.

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