Gift Ideas for Coin Collectors: 8 Affordable Presents They'll Love
Gift Ideas for Coin Collectors: 8 Affordable Presents They'll Love
Discover perfect gift ideas for numismatists that fit any budget, from essential collecting tools to precious metal collectibles
Buying just the right gifts for coin collectors may require thinking outside the box a bit. It's not necessarily quite as easy as just running down to the nearest department store at the mall and picking something up in the housewares section.
With our expertise and research, we have curated an amazing list of affordable coin-related gifts that fit any budget. Whether the coin collector near and dear to you is just starting out in the hobby or is a seasoned veteran, here are eight great gifts you can buy that numismatist you love for any reason and during any season. They are sure to be impressed no matter which of these coin collecting gifts you choose!
Table of Contents
1Coin Loupe / Coin Magnifier
There is no gift for numismatists more quintessential than a coin loupe or coin magnifier. Every coin collector needs a way to magnify their coins and get an up-close look at the details and other attributes on them. Yet, a surprising number of collectors—particularly new ones—don't have the right kind of loupe for viewing their collectibles.
One of the best kinds of magnifiers to buy is a coin loupe with 5x to 10x magnification. Some models come with tiny LED lights and other bells and whistles that can aid the collector. One downside to buying a loupe with extra components reliant on batteries or the operation of other mechanical elements is that if these parts break, the magnifying glass may be too expensive to repair.
Pro Tip
Buy a good quality loupe and, if the collector takes care of it, the loupe can last for a lifetime! Look for models with sturdy construction and clear optics.
2The Red Book
There's an old saying in the hobby: "Buy the book before the coin." The thrust of the message means that one should study up on their area of the hobby before actively pursuing it. Reading makes for a well-educated buyer and a smart collector. So, what coin book should you buy a coin collector?
You really can't go wrong with the purchase of the current edition of A Guide Book of United States Coins, published annually since 1947 and widely known as "The Red Book." Published by Whitman Publishing, The Official Red Book includes full-size color photographs, extensive pricing information, and introductory summaries of each coin struck in the United States and the American colonies going back to at least 1616.
What's Inside
- Full-size color photographs
- Extensive pricing information
- Historical coin summaries
- Mintage figures and rarity data
Why It's Essential
- Published annually since 1947
- Industry standard reference
- Updated market values
- Covers colonial to modern coins
3Coin Albums / Coin Folders
Every coin collector needs a range of basic coin supplies to help round out their collecting experience. One of the most important things a coin collector should have on hand to accompany them on their numismatic journey are coin folders or albums.
The most popular coin albums come from two major brands, Whitman and Dansco. These are oftentimes a green or navy blue color and are made for each specific type of coin, such as Lincoln pennies or Washington quarters. The album includes slots for each issue of a coin, by year and mintmark. This is an ideal way for a coin collector to organize their collection and quickly identify any "holes" that need to be filled.
Important Safety Note
Be careful not to buy any items that contain polyvinylchloride, or PVC. Unfortunately, PVC is quite common in items that contain plastic or are pliable but maintain their form. PVC is bad for coins because it can cause irreparable pitting and other forms of corrosion that leaves behind visible green residue.
4Coin Flips / Coin Capsules
Much like coin albums, capsules and flips are a great way to protect your coins. They also offer a convenient way to display any coin collection without exposing the coins to the elements. The difference is that an album or folder can hold groups of many coins, while flips and capsules are used for individual coins.
Coin Flips
- Made of lightweight plastic
- Fold in half at the middle
- Can hold two separate coins
- Transparent for easy viewing
- PVC-free alternative to cardboard
Coin Capsules
- Air-tight enclosure protection
- Superior protection vs. flips
- Available in various sizes
- Protects from air chemicals
- Prevents scratches and damage
5Coin Tubes
Another essential addition to any coin collector's tool kit are plastic coin tubes, also sometimes called coin rolls. Tubes are an excellent storage option for bulk purchases of the same types of coins or rounds. In fact, the "Monster Boxes" of 500 coins that come from government mints usually contain coin tubes within.
Rolls of coins stack neatly upon one another in each tube in groups of 20 to 25 coins. This makes coin tubes a more space-efficient solution for storing and organizing a collection of a specific type of coin. Similar to coin capsules, tubes are manufactured to different size specifications based on the type of coin they are designed to hold.
Benefits
- Space-efficient storage
- Protects coins from damage
- Easy stacking and organization
- Secure closure systems
Applications
- Bulk coin purchases
- Silver and gold rounds
- Government mint coins
- Collection organization
6Gloves for Handling Coins
Gloves are an affordable and trusty tool for any coin collector worth their salt. Cotton gloves will protect coins from fingerprints and smudges that come from the oils on our hands. This is especially important with proof coins, where even the smallest smudge or scratch will stand out on the coin's surface.
There are some alternatives to gloves for collectors, such as using little tongs to inspect coins without touching them. These are functional, but are more awkward to use than a simple pair of gloves. Cotton gloves will allow a collector to handle their coins without any fear of damage. They are the perfect tool for transitioning a coin collection into the different types of holders mentioned above.
Why Gloves Matter
Human skin naturally produces oils that can leave permanent marks on coins, especially high-grade specimens. For collectors dealing with valuable pieces like gold coins or premium silver, gloves are essential protection.
7Membership to a Coin Club
One of the best presents you can buy a coin collector is the gift of numismatic knowledge and camaraderie as found in the form of membership to a coin club. There are many clubs out there designed for coin collectors, and these organizations range in size and scope from local clubs to national clubs as well as groups focused on particular kinds of coins.
National Organizations
- American Numismatic Association (chartered by Congress in 1891)
- Professional Coin Grading Service collector clubs
- Numismatic Guaranty Company memberships
Regional Clubs
- Florida United Numismatists
- Central States Numismatic Society
- Local coin club chapters
8Bullion Collectibles
What do you buy the collector who has just about everything? What about the collector with next to nothing? No matter how worldly your favorite collector, you can't go wrong with buying them bullion coins. These monetized chunks of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and other precious metal represent the intersection of numismatic collectability and bullion investment.
One of the best kinds of bullion gifts you can give a collector are current-year American Eagles, a family of United States bullion coins that are struck in silver, gold, platinum, and palladium; they come in various sizes and formats ideal for virtually every budget.
American Eagles
- Available in multiple precious metals
- Government-backed purity guarantee
- Beautiful patriotic designs
- Multiple denominations available
Track current values with our live gold prices and silver price charts.
International Options
- Canadian Maple Leafs
- Chinese Pandas
- Mexican Libertads
- Austrian Philharmonics
- Australian Kookaburras
Investment Potential
Bullion coins offer dual appeal as both collectibles and investments. They provide exposure to precious metal price movements while maintaining numismatic value. This makes them perfect gifts that can appreciate over time while bringing joy to collectors.
Where Should You Buy Gifts for Coin Collectors?
No matter what gifts you decide to buy your beloved numismatist, make sure you purchase them at a place offering a good selection of the items you need and that offers a return policy on anything that favorite collector may already have—or doesn't want! Most coin shops offer decent return policies on many unopened and unused goods that are brought back with a receipt during a specified period after sale.
Be sure to do your shopping at a place sporting trained staff who can provide you with expert advice on what to buy—especially if you aren't necessarily a coin pro yourself and are buying for someone who is. Most importantly, do business with a place you can trust. Like their products, service, and selection enough and you'll know where to go back to in the future when buying coin gifts for someone else—or maybe even something numismatic for yourself!
Smart Shopping
When shopping for precious metal gifts, consider starting with smaller denominations to fit any budget. Whether you're looking to buy silver bullion or purchase gold coins, there are options available for every collector and every budget level.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Precious metal investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal. Always consult with qualified professionals before making investment decisions.