What's in It for a Numismatist: The Joy and Value in Coin Collecting
While some people hold a fascination for rare banknotes, many share a similar passion for coins. My husband, who isn't a numismatist either, got me into the habit of collecting Lincoln cents. These coins are a favorite of mine because of the variety in designs and errors that can be found over the years.
An Unbalanced Collection
Unfortunately, his collecting of coins has spiraled into what I would call hoarding. He accumulates every piece of change, which now totals at least $1000 worth. The issue is, he leaves all of these coins out in the open, everywhere, leaving them mixed and sometimes even spilling. It's a sad sight, as some of the coins he's accumulated are truly beautiful.
My Collection and the Joy of Care and Preservation
On the other hand, I have my 12x8 box filled with mostly Lincoln cents, each placed in a separate holder. These coins bring me joy every time I look at them, and take great care in maintaining their condition. I believe every coin in good condition is a treasure, and so do I. Each coin has its own unique story and value, and I find it fulfilling to keep them safe and sound.
Banknotes vs. Coins
While the joy in collecting banknotes is exhilarating, there is something equally captivating about the world of coins. For instance, when you find a bank note or coin you've been seeking for years, it can be a moment of sheer bliss. If you focus on a certain country or theme, your ultimate goal would be to complete your collection, and the rarity of early coins often makes this a challenging but rewarding pursuit.
Why Numismatics Matters
Numismatics, or the study of coins, is not just about collecting. A numismatist delves into the history, usage, and iconography of coins. Despite the misconception, they don't have to be collectors themselves. They can use museum collections to study coins or simply collect for the joy of it. The scale of the vast collection of historical artifacts can be overwhelming, but personally collecting coins can be a way of preserving these invaluable pieces of history.
Achieving the Same Joy in Coin Collecting
Even if one isn't a conscientious numismatist, it's still fascinating to find an old coin in everyday change. You could come across a wheatback penny from 1922, a buffalo nickel, or an old pre-1965 dime or quarter made with real silver. These coins are relics of a time that has passed but holds a million stories. Other common coins like Kennedy Half Dollars, Eisenhower dollars, and Two Dollar bills are also interesting to find in your change, as they are remnants of a past that is still palpable.
The Value in Collecting Pennies
Interestingly, you never know what might be in your change. My wife heard about a woman who found a $10 gold certificate in her change recently. Even more intriguing are the unusual things that people usually discard because they are common but hold significant value: Half Cents, Two Cents, Three Cents, and even silver nickel coins and paper fifteen Cents. Each denomination tells a part of the history of trade, the evolution of money, and the interplay of politics, banking, and economics with the broader context of inflation and demonetization.
Valuable and Intriguing Coins
Coin denominations that one might not have imagined, such as Half Cents, Two Cents, Three Cents, and paper Fifteen Cents, stand out. Coins with face values up to 50 or more, especially in recent times when platinum bullion coins were made, are intriguing. These coins were often a means of special money during times of war when copper and nickel were in short supply, or paper money was earmarked for easy demonetization if the region were to be captured by hostile forces.
The True Value of Coins
On top of these treasures, there is a cultural and historical value to coins. The rise from crude barter to the complex monetary systems we have today is a fascinating journey. Collecting coins is not just about the monetary value; it's about preserving history and contributing to a shared past. While they can appreciate over time, especially when the supply is limited, there is inarguable value in their own right.