Starting a coin collection can be a challenging but enjoyable pastime for a child. Guiding a child through the adventure of starting and maintaining a coin collection will prove to be fun, educational, recreational and even profitable. Where to start doesn't have to be a tough question.
The starting place may be as close as the child's piggy bank or your pocket. Unlike collectibles like stamps, key chains, dolls, or model cars, coins can be found in almost any room in the house. You don't have to go out and buy them. In most homes there is a jar of change next to the bed. Some people have a small box of old coins passed down from Grand Parents. In most desk drawers you will find a small amount of change, some of which may have been there for a long time. It can be fun searching for treasures under the cushions of the couch and chairs in the living room. Coins can be found in many places, and this makes the beginnings of a great fun adventure basically without cost.
It is a good idea to make room for all the coins that you find around the house, but centering around one denomination of coin will make it easier for the child to focus, and understand how to make an organized collection. Pennies and nickels are less costly, and easier to find. They are also the denominations that have the least number of rare coins. This makes it easier to complete, or nearly complete a full set, making the effort a successful one for the child in a fairly short time.
While collecting these coins the child will be able to learn about history and science. Point out the coins that were made in the year the child was born. Collecting all denominations of coins for that year will add personality to the collection. The child will also discover that coins are made by machines, in a place called a Mint. Coins are produced in different parts of the country. The mint location is identified by what is called a mint mark on the coin. San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia are three of the most well known Mints in the United States. The coins made in San Francisco are identified with an "s" mint mark, and Denver with a "d". Philadelphia is identified by not having a mint mark at all.
Coins tell many stories. The child can learn about World War Two, Presidents, monuments, and much more through the images engraved on them. Copper was needed in the war for making weapons and ammunition, so in 1943 steel was used to make the pennies. Metals used for nickels were also substituted during the war. Coins once made with precious metals such as gold, silver and copper, are no longer made that way. That is because the cost of making coins using precious metals made the coins worth more than the denominations they represent. In the future some coins may even be replaced with paper to ease the production cost of making the money.
On the front and back of the penny and nickel, as well as other coins, there are images that represent people, times, and historical monuments that have great significance in the history of the United States. Each of these images can be the object of a history lesson for the child. The metals used, and how they wear out or endure abuse, can provide a lesson about how science has learned to improve the lasting value of coins.
Finding the coins in the beginning will be easy. The more rare the coin, the harder it is to find. This presents a challenge for the child that can teach endurance and perseverance. Having the proper folders to contain the coins will also give the child a sense of pride in their hard work to find and organize their collection. There are some folders that preserve the coins better than others, however in the beginning the less expensive folders will serve the need for a little less monetary investment.
The Internet is a great resource for learning about specific rare or unusual coins. The history of, and the evolution of coins can easily be researched through an Internet search. Coin collecting is fun, rewarding, and can become a profitable hobby. You can buy the coins that are hard to find, and this makes great gifts for special occasions. History, science, and math can all be taught in a fun and memorable way through the hobby of coin collecting. The child will remember these lessons because it becomes a part of their personal adventure as a coin collector.
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Coin grade can be tricky. The differences between two grades of coins can be so subtle that it may be difficult for you to determine what grade of coin you possess until you have it evaluated by a third party. |
When working with coin collecting dealers, you can either work with a local coin dealer, or you can work with an online coin dealer. Either way, you'll want to research your coin dealers before you trust anyone with your collectable coins. |
If you're one of the lucky few who have realized the thrill of coin collecting, you might want to learn about the history of US coins. |
Finding an online coin price guide has become a lot easier thanks to the Web. If you want to put a value on your collection or sell off some pieces, you'll need to know how to price your items. An online price guide can give you a rough estimate. |
