1. Gather your coins. Bring together all of the old coins you have in one place.
2. Sort the coins by type. Separate the coins by their metal composition (e.g., copper, silver, gold), and then sort them by their denomination (e.g., pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, etc.).
3. Clean the coins. Gently clean your coins with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Be careful not to rub the coins too hard, as this can damage their surfaces.
4. Identify the coins. Use a coin identification book or online resource to identify each coin. This will help you determine the coin's country of origin, year of minting, and other relevant information.
5. Organize your coins. Once you have identified your coins, organize them in a way that makes sense to you. You can use coin folders, albums, or other storage containers to keep your coins safe and organized.
There are several resources available where you can buy books with pictures on coin values. Some popular choices include:
- The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman
- The Coin Collector's Handbook by Richard S. Montgomery
- The Standard Catalog of World Coins by George S. Cuhaj
- Krause Publications Coin Guides
- Whitman Publishing Coin Guides
These books provide detailed information about coin values, including images, descriptions, and current market values. You can find these books at bookstores, coin shops, and online retailers.