But actually, coin collecting is probably one of the most accessible and low-cost hobbies out there. Just think about the coins in your pocket; there are around 29 billion coins in circulation in the UK today, plenty to get you started! You can begin a collection right there, in your spare change.

For example, there are more than 30 different £2 coin designs in circulation, and while some have mintages in the hundreds of millions, there are at least 10 whose mintage is less than one million and others as low as 500,000! If you were to study your spare change and gather as many different £2 coin designs as possible, you would have a coin collection! And if it included the 2002 Commonwealth Games (Ireland) £2 coin…then it would be a pretty special collection at that.

But if you want to explore beyond the coins in your pocket, and maybe consider spending some of that money on collectable coins, here are a few tips to help set you off on the right track:

Follow your heart

As mentioned above, the different routes into coin collecting are almost infinite, so it makes sense to start by focusing on something you are already interested in. If you love a good book about the Second World War, look for coins that tell similar stories. Or if you are captivated by every new David Attenborough documentary, then coins which feature themes of science and nature might be of interest.

Start close to home before you think about exploring further. And try to…

Start with a small investment

It’s always a good idea to start with a couple of low-cost items first, so you can find your feet and get a sense of what is available for your money. Brilliant Uncirculated coins are a great way to start as they are a much higher quality than the coins in your pocket and come in presentation packs full of interesting information; they are more than just a coin.

But it is often possible to experience the wonder of precious metal coins at low introductory prices too; keep an eye out for excellent offers on the first coin in a new collection or series, which give you a great opportunity to experience the quality of design, production and storytelling at a relatively low price.

So don’t rush in, it’s better to take your time, have a good look around and…

Make a plan

Set yourself an initial budget and buy one or two coins to begin with, so you can get a sense of the different sizes, finishes and presentations available. Use the internet to research the different companies that sell the coins you are interested in, study their ranges, their prices and their offers. Shop around to find the right coin for your interests and budgets.

And before you make that purchase, be sure to read any reviews that are on their websites or on other review sites. The best way to protect yourself from any expensive mistakes or, worse still, scams is to…

Use trusted dealers and distributors

Heritage Coins is the dedicated coin and medal collection service from The Bradford Exchange, with almost 50 years’ experience of connecting enthusiasts and collectors with coins that fire their passions. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and customer service, which is why we offer a no-obligation 14 Day Home Approval service on almost every coin and medal in our range.

But we also understand that we can’t cater for every coin collector, and are proud to be part of a vibrant UK coin collecting community. If you are thinking of exploring some of the other themes or eras offered by this amazing hobby, we recommend that you use organisations who are certified by the British Numismatic Trade Association to give you the peace of mind that you are always buying from a reliable, reputable dealer.