What tools do you need?

You'll need a magnifying glass, plastic ruler, good coin reference book, bright lamp, and padded jeweler's tray (or a tray lined with soft felt).  To store your coins, you have several options:

• 2x2 cardboard holders.
• Plastic tubes (ideal for rolls of coins).
• Paper envelopes (for circulating coins).  Be sure to use special coin envelopes—other envelopes have chemicals in the paper that can change a coin's color.
• Hard plastic holders (for proof and uncirculated coins)—you can get them for either individual coins or small sets.
Don't try slabbing at home, folks!

• Slabs (sonically sealed hard plastic holders for individual coins).  Because slabbing costs a lot, you would have it done only to really valuable coins.

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