The recording and cataloging of a numismatic collection are of immense importance when collecting coins and banknotes. First and foremost, it allows us to see what we actually have in the collection and what is still missing. Likewise, we have an insight into the value of the collection, i.e., how much we have spent on it, and in the event of the illegal alienation of the collection, the records, along with photographic documentation, have proven to be the best help to the police when conducting an investigation. Ultimately, data on the value of the collection are very important when it comes to its inheritance and potential sale after the owner's death.
Aside from simply keeping coins and banknotes, it is also very useful to keep a record of your numismatic collection. Records are kept by writing down basic information about the coin and banknote, such as, for example,.
- country of issue,
- face value,
- year of birth or date,
- catalog number from the literature,
- degree of preservation,
- short description and note,
- purchase date,
- from whom was it procured,
- the purchase price.
Records can be kept manually, but it is much more practical to do it on a computer in programs such as MS Excel and similar. Likewise, there are also specialized computer programs for that purpose.
As already stated, keeping records of the collection allows us to see at any given moment what we have in the collection and what is missing. We also have data on what was acquired, from whom, and at what price. This price data, or how much something was paid for, allows us to know at any given moment what our collection might be worth. Likewise, this is very useful information for our heirs if the collection should ever belong to them one day. Based on that information, they can see approximately how much the inherited collection is worth on the market, or at least how much was paid for it.
Also, it is very good to keep photo documentation of the collection. If not of all items, at least of the more valuable ones. This can be of great use in case of theft or alienation of the collection. If we possess photo documentation, we can very easily present to the police what was stolen from us and what needs to be searched for.
Author: Zlatko Viščević
