10 Good Reasons to Start a Coin Collection

Posted: October 12, 2022

1. It's a great way to learn about history.

Collecting rare old coins gives you a better understanding of the countries they come from and how their economies have changed over time. And as your collection grows, you'll also have reminders of the places you've gotten your coins from and the people you've met along the way. So whether you're just starting or you’re already an experienced numismatist, remember that collecting coins is more than just building a collection — it's also a journey through time.

2. Coins are beautiful pieces of art.

Coins are often overlooked as works of art, but they can be absolutely beautiful. The designs on coins can be very intricate and are often rich with symbolism. This is complimented by the materials these coins are made of, from copper-nickel alloys to gold. So next time you come across a coin, take a moment to appreciate its beauty. You might be surprised at what you find.

3. They can be worth money!

Many people don't realize that some coins can be quite valuable. Some old coins are worth more than their weight in gold. So, if you're looking for a potential side hustle, buying and selling coins might be a good option for you.

Of course, it's essential to do your research before you get into the business. You'll want to learn about the different types of coins and what factors affect a coin's value, especially the process of coin grading. But once you start, you may find coin collecting to also be a fun and rewarding hobby — while also making a little money on the side!

4. It's a fun hobby that can be enjoyed with friends and family.

Starting a coin collection is a great hobby to do with friends and family. You can go to coin shows, trade coins with each other, and even team up to build joint collections. Plus, if you’re passing this hobby on to the next generation, you get to teach your kids about history.

5. Coin collections can be very informative.

As we mentioned earlier, coins are a piece of tangible history. But you don’t even need to do your research into the coin to appreciate the story behind it — the coin can say so much on its own. For example, the Kennedy half-dollar was first minted in 1964, the same year of President JFK’s assassination. You can tell that that moment in time was so significant that the US Mint had to immortalize him, and that doing so as soon as possible was a priority.

6. You get to own rare and valuable items!

Many people collect coins because they enjoy owning rare and valuable items. While some people may never own a Faberge egg or a Picasso painting, they can still own rare and valuable coins that very few people have!

7. It's an exciting way to pass the time.

Even if you aren’t looking to buy, hunting for coins is a great way to pass the time. There are always new listings popping up online and at brick-and-mortar coin shops. These range from mundane, fairly common coins to . It can be a delightful hobby, and it's something that anyone can do. All you need is a little patience and a good eye. There are many different ways to collect coins, and you can tailor your collection to your interests. You can focus on a particular country or period or try to get every coin from a specific mint. You can even just collect coins that are particularly beautiful or rare. Whatever approach you take, coin collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby.

8. Make your collection truly yours!

Have an interest in a particular era or country? Then go ahead and hunt for coins from them! There are particular years, series, and denominations in the US that are particularly famous, like the Barber coin series, as well as coins from other countries! You can specialize in these specific coins, assembling a complete collection as well as being able to speak confidently about its history.

9. It's a great way to teach kids about currency.

If you have kids, coin collecting is a great way to teach them about money and the evolution of currency. They can learn about the different denominations of coins and how those have changed throughout history. Not to mention that there is a real novelty to holding a gold or silver coin — and that’s especially exciting for a kid!

10. Collections provide opportunities for socializing and networking.

When you start coin collecting, you aren’t just doing it alone or with friends and family. There’s an entire community of coin collectors out there that can help you in your collection journey. You can go to coin shows, join a coin club, or network with other collectors online to learn more about the coins you’re hunting for.

Shows are primarily a place for people to go to show off their collections, as well as find very particular coins they can add to them. Clubs are dedicated to numismatologist awareness and education, so if you have a passion for learning (and teaching!) then a club is the perfect place to be. You won’t just interact with fellow collectors — you’ll also talk with beginners like yourself who want to learn more!

Build your collection today!

So there, you have ten great reasons to start a coin collection. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, want to learn about history, or just like the idea of having a bunch of rare metals and coins sitting around your house, coin collecting is something to consider!

Author : James Deutsch