Numismatic Dealer School: The First Lesson for Beginners - AUCBURG
Numismatic Dealer School: The First Lesson for Beginners
Many collectors consider turning their passion for coins into an additional source of income. For those who wish to try their hand at being a seller, a special training course has been created to help them take their first steps into the world of numismatic dealing.
Introduction to the Profession: From Hobby to Income
Many collectors consider turning their passion for coins into an additional source of income. For those who wish to try their hand at being a seller, a special training course has been created to help them take their first steps into the world of numismatic dealing.
This course is exclusive and was developed in response to numerous requests from collectors seeking practical advice. The goal is to help those interested master a new role and, possibly, use the proceeds to enrich their own collection with more interesting specimens.
The Dealer's Main Tools: Things Money Can't Buy
To be successful, a numismatic dealer needs a special set of tools. However, the three most important ones cannot be bought, crafted in a garage, or traded at a collectors' club. These intangible assets are the foundation of the entire business.
Without them, any attempt to start a business in this field is doomed to fail. Here are these key components of success:
Experience and knowledge.
Honesty and integrity.
Communication skills.
The Dealer's Main Tools: Things Money Can't Buy
Technical Equipment: What You Need to Have on Hand
In addition to personal qualities, you will also need a material and technical base. Most of these items are likely already owned by any avid collector. This basic kit will become your working arsenal.
The list of necessary equipment includes:
A communication device, specifically a phone with a high-quality camera.
A computer or laptop to serve as your virtual office.
A magnifying glass or loupe.
Gloves for handling coins.
Scales.
A durable coin album.
It is also recommended to purchase a powerful lamp with bright white light, which is very important for high-quality photography, as well as a tripod or selfie stick for your phone. These items are essential for professional work.
Technical Equipment: What You Need to Have on Hand
The First Step: Auditing Your Own Collection
Before you start selling, you need to conduct an audit of your own collection. From this point on, your collection should be viewed not as a set of memorabilia, but as an asset. The first practical step is to sort the coins you have.
The entire collection should be divided into three general categories:
"I will never sell this; it's my pride and joy." This category includes the most valuable specimens to you. With a pragmatic approach, this category won't be too large.
"Why did I ever buy this?" Coins that have lost their value to you over time.
"I would probably replace this if I had the chance." This is the largest segment, including coins with defects: nicks, weak strikes, or unattractive patina.
The First Step: Auditing Your Own Collection
Preparing for Work: Creating Business Profiles
After sorting your collection, it's important to prepare your online workspace. At this stage, you don't need to sell or appraise anything—this is just preparation for future successful work. You need to create separate accounts on popular social networks like Instagram.
It's important not to mix your personal life and business. Your existing pages are likely filled with photos of children, pets, and vacation snapshots. For coin trading, you need a separate "storefront" with a consistent, thematic look. As the saying goes: "Keep your business and pleasure separate."
You also need to register and get verified on all possible trading platforms. These may include Violity, Avito, Auction.ru, Meshok, and others. You will need all these platforms simultaneously at a certain point.