World Coin HELP!

Become a specialized collector

What is a specialized collector ? A specialized collector is someone that not only has knowledge in the coins they collect, but, the collector will categorize his collection (denomination, mint mark and so on). He or she can be a variety collector, a commemorative collector, mint error collector, date or mint mark collector, low mintage collector or a type collector.
Being mainly a 16th to 19th century Austrian and German coin collector. I collect by the states that make up those countries, and have sub-groups within. I’ve categorized my collection into three categories.

Category 1: This category is for minor coins from the States that make up the country
Sub groups:
a) This would included the minor coins denomination and mint mark

Category 2: This category is coins of large denomination minted for each State that make up the country
Sub groups:
a) This would include the denomination and mint mark
b) This is set up for German Reform Coinage

Category 3: This category is for commemorative coins
Sub groups:
a) This sub group is split up into commemoratives minted for the individual States (Austrian and German States)

Now to the most important part. You must do some major research on the coins you are going to collect. If your going to buy Raw coins (not graded by a TPGS), you must learn how to grade the coin. You need to gain knowledge on how to spot a weak strike from actual wear. Learn which mint marks are the rarest and which dates are the key-dates and semi-keys. If you want to take it a step farther. Study up on which coins have known error’s and varieties. As always, the knowledge you gain is the most important aspect in coin collecting. Remember one thing. The less knowledge you have, the more money wasted. The more knowledge you have, is more money saved when starting out in coin collecting. If that statement makes no sense to you,…sit back and think about.