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How to begin collecting collectibles? Easy.

Start collecting what you love most!

Browse flea markets, scavenge antique shops, and look through yard sales as you join thousands of other collectors in an enjoyable weekend diversion.

Half the fun is in the searching. So if you have a specific collectible in mind, begin by focusing on collectibles markets where you're more likely to expand your hunt.

Coins and stamps, as well as dolls, folk art and genuine antiques are some of the more highly prized possesions sought after by many collectors. For beginners, that means watching out for unscrupulous dealers, and verifying your collectibles' authenticity and quality before you make a purchase.

That goes double for sports memorabilia as the current craze for collecting baseball cards and autographs has led to countless scams on the unsuspecting that can turn an otherwise fun pasttime into a regrettable (though useful) learning experience.

Word to the wise: before buying any collectible, ask lots of questions, such as how long the dealer has been in business. Can they verify an item's authenticity, and guarantee a refund if the it turns out to be fake or forged? When shopping on eBay, especially, be extra careful to check a seller's history. Also check completed sales, and related customer feedback - and, as always if a deal seems to good to be true, it probably is.

Around the Web, learn more about everyone's favorite collectibles at top sites offering consumer buying guides, directories of dealers, as well as forums and discussions for interacting with other collectors around the Web.

Have fun!

More about collectibles around the Web:

Collecting Network's Antiques and Collectibles - An extensive international directory of collectibles, memorabilia, and antique dealers, along with an auction and furniture guide, collectors glossary.

Collectics Antiques and Collectibles Mall - Fun, funky layout fronts a back end of consignment shops, antiques and collectibles, a bookstore, reference information, an arts magazine, online quiz, and a cyber museum.

Collector Network - Find tons of info and resources at this online marketplace for rare coins, bank notes, stamps, cards, antiques and collectibles.

UK Philately - Buy and sell, or learn more about stamp collecting with links to societies, dealers and organizations, plus a fun and fact-filled section for the young collector.

Folk Art & Craft Exchange - The mother of all folk art directories with links to major and minor sellers of art, sculpture, stone & slate, Shaker & Amish collectibles, dolls and more

Collect-online.com - Extensive directory of resources for finding online antiques, art, coins, dolls, stamps and lots more, plus classified ads, message board, bookstore.

Coin Link - One of the best of this group, with slick design and an encyclopedia of coin fact and lore, offering info on U.S., international and ancient coins and currencies, plus breaking news and feature articles.

Toyzine.com - Entertaining feature articles and an extensive global directory of related toy collector info.

Doll Net - Online shops, free patterns and tips, online classes and lots more info for doll collectors everywhere, plus bulletin boards, chat rooms, gallery.

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