1) Pick a starting focus

Coin collecting is broad. Choose one or two niches so you learn faster and avoid overspending:

• Coloured $2 coins — hugely popular and fun to hunt.
• Commemoratives by theme — poppy, police, ambulance, etc.
• Year sets — build a complete run by year or monarch.
• Mint products — RAM & Perth Mint carded coins, proof coins, and sets.
• Errors & varieties — die cracks, rotations, missing details (advanced, but rewarding).

2) Where to find coins in Australia

• Noodling change — check your everyday change and ask for mixed bags when possible.
• Coin rolls — RAM uniform rolls, Cotton & Co/Armaguard bank-wrapped rolls, and uncirculated coin bags.
• Mint & dealer releases — official products from RAM and the Perth Mint.
• Can’t get rolls locally or you’re rural? — buy noodling rolls or specific coin rolls & bags online and have them shipped Australia-wide.

3) What to keep when you search

• Coloured $2 coins and commemoratives in higher grades.
• Low-mintage years (relative scarcity helps long-term interest).
• Sharp strikes, strong lustre, and minimal marks.
• Interesting errors/varieties (verify carefully).

4) Don’t clean your coins

Cleaning can permanently reduce value. If a coin is dirty, store it safely and leave it as is. If in doubt, protect it in a capsule and get advice before doing anything else.

5) Protect and store your collection properly

Good storage preserves value and makes your collection easier to enjoy and trade:

• Capsules — Lighthouse ULTRA capsules for a clear, snug fit.
• 2×2 flips — label sizes/notes and file in flip boxes or binders.
• Coin tubes — efficient storage for multiples/rolls.
• Albums & folders — tidy, browseable sets by year or theme.
• Boxes & drawers — keep everything organised and protected.
• Displays — 3D printed stands/cards to showcase favourites.

6) Budget, buying, and basics of grading

• Set a weekly/monthly budget and stick to it.
• Buy the best quality you can afford in your chosen niche.
• Learn simple grading language (e.g., Unc/BU, MS, Proof) to compare coins.
• Document your finds — date, source, condition, and cost.

7) Etiquette & practical tips

• Be polite when requesting change or rolls; don’t block counters at busy times.
• Sort and re-roll neatly if you return coins.
• Use gloves for premium coins; handle by the edges.
• Store away from moisture, heat, and PVC plastics.

8) Handy starter checklist

• Focus chosen (e.g., coloured $2s, RAM releases)
• Basic tools: magnifier, soft cloth, gloves
• Protection: capsules, 2×2 flips, tubes, albums
• Storage box or drawer for organisation
• Notebook or spreadsheet for tracking