2026-01-14
What Coin Supplies Are Actually Worth Buying (And What is Junk)
The industry wants to sell you $50 cleaning kits and fancy wooden boxes. Here is what you actually need.
Most "Coin Accessories" are garbage. Here is the minimalist list of what a serious stacker actually uses.
The "Must Have" List
- Red Book (USA Coin Guide): The bible of pricing. Buy the 2026 spiral-bound edition.
- Loupe (10x Magnifier): To check dates and mint marks. ($15).
- Digital Scale: To weigh coins and spot fakes. ($20).
- Magnet: To spot fake silver (silver is non-magnetic).
The "Do Not Buy" List
- Coin Cleaning Kits: NEVER CLEAN A COIN. You destroy the numismatic value.
- Fancy Display Boxes: Thieves love boxes that look like treasure chests. Use boring ammo cans.
- Albums for Bullion: Don't put generic rounds in an album. It exposes them to air. Use tubes.
The Stacker Kit
We curated an Amazon List of the 5 essential tools every stacker needs. Total cost: under $50.