To many, coin collecting may seem like a boring and pointless hobby. The kind of thing that reminds you of your grandfather, who had an attic or basement full of miscellaneous hobby items that were off-limits. I can’t really blame you if you do take that view toward coins or collectors, but I respectfully disagree. I actually used to think like that, but over a period of roughly two years, I found many reasons to come to like and respect this dying labor of love. There is nothing wrong with collecting coins, and pursuing your hobbies in general, as long as you are passionate about it and have a hobby on a budget.
Make Money
Believe it or not, collecting coins can be fruitful. Not only do many coins gain value, but if you decide that collecting is not for you after trying it, you will likely get all of your investment back, a rare occurrence when it comes to most investments. Prices of some coins will fluctuate with metal prices. Fortunately, those metal prices (especially in a shaky economy like this), tend to rise regularly.
Rarity/Beauty
You may be looking for the most hard-to-find coins on the market. These will cost more, but the rarity of coins is often one of their best selling points. If you are lucky enough to stumble upon a hidden treasure, the rarity of certain coins could be enough to set you for life. In addition to the rarity attribute, beauty and design are also two very sought-after attributes in coin collecting. Some collectors classify beauty as luster and flawlessness, while others seek out coins for their layout or artwork. For example, my absolute favorite coin for design is the 1936 Commemorative Bay Bridge half dollar. I have always enjoyed the look of the bay bridge, and with the polar bear on the front, this is easily the best looking coin I have ever seen.
Challenge
Some collectors just appreciate the challenge of finding that “perfect” coin. With an unlimited budget, nearly any coin can be purchased. It is finding that coin at a steal that is the real challenge for collectors. In addition to the challenge of finding just the right coin, many collectors are modern-day treasure hunters. Just imagine walking the beach with your metal detector in hand, and stumbling upon a horde of coins worth thousands or even more. It is an extremely long shot, but still worth dreaming about.
Educational
You probably would not even realize it until fully immersed in collecting, but a lot can be learned from collecting coins. Studying coins and their backgrounds can lead to interesting discoveries and facts about history, politics, society, and culture. Take, for example, the recent issuance of the State quarters and Presidential dollar coin programs. There is plenty to be learned just from these two recent coin series.
Metal Content
Since gold and silver are ever-increasing in value due to limited worldwide supply, many collectors search for coins to add to their collection with only this consideration in mind. Much to the surprise of many, there are valuable coins that likely pass through your fingers quite regularly. Did you know that many American coins minted before 1965 had a 90% silver content? Not many people realize it, and even fewer are wise enough to hold on to these coins when they have the opportunity. As I write this, the silver value in pre-1965 quarters alone is nearly $4.00! Also, the heavier coins are worth even more, so be on the lookout for these so you can start your collection.
Pass on to Kids
If you want to really face reality, paper and coin money may not even exist when your young ones reach their own adulthood. With this in mind, many parents are happy to purchase brand new coins directly from the bank or mint in hopes of an increase in value that their children and future generations can benefit from. Do not think for a second that these coins will not increase in value over time. Even though we do not use as many precious metals to produce coins as we used to, condition of coins is also a big contributing factor to its value. It may not make them millionaires, but it could prove to be a worthwhile investment for your children for a relatively small initial investment.
Relaxation
My dad is a stamp collector. When I was younger, I did not understand the appeal. Not one iota. Now that I am older, I can appreciate “quiet time” more, and I get it. There is something so serene about rifling through your collection, taking inventory, or looking for one specific piece. Hobbies are very important both for stress relief and just to get away from everything and enter your own little world, if only temporarily.
Coin collectors have been around since before the Roman Empire, and do not look to be dying off in the near future. Whether you think it is an absolute bore, or a potential endeavor to undertake, you can not deny that these reasons are appealing. You may well have a completely different reason for beginning a collection. Whatever the case, give it a shot. It’s not like you have much to lose.
Have you ever collected coins or any other item? Do you do it for the money or for the joy of it?
Spend Less Time
- How to Buy & Sell Collectibles – Become a Successful Collector with Your Collecting Hobby
- 7 Legitimate Reasons to Delay Saving for Retirement
- 4 Reasons Why You Should Check Your Credit Report
- 10 Reasons Why Your Credit Card Application Might Be Denied
- 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Refinance a Mortgage to Pay Credit Card Debt
Editorial & Advertiser Disclosure: The editorial content on this website is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser. Opinions expressed are ours alone, not those of any advertiser. The offers that appear are from companies from which we may receive compensation. However, this compensation does not impact where and how these companies are mentioned on the site. We do not include all companies or all available offers in the marketplace.