How did you get started collecting coins?

Summary:

Stories of what motivated people to start collecting

How did you get started collecting coins?

Ken Kash 12 Apr 2007 10:10

I love hearing stories of what has motivated people to collect coins. For me it was having a paper route in the late 70's and early 80's where I'd get interesting coins as tips like silver quarters & dimes or one of the Bicentennial coins.

Everyone has an interesting story so what's yours? Even if the statehood quarter is what motivated you then why? Maybe you've been a history affection-ado and didn't know it till now.

Feel free to share your stories here.

Re: How did you get started collecting coins?

Anonymous (68.91.194.x) 24 Nov 2007 06:12

My mother always collected old U.S. coins and around 17, I gained a taste for the hobby. Now I'm 19 and my collection has grown a lot. I've learned a ton and I've read more books on coins than any other subject. It's incredible. I could get a job in coins. I wonder what degree that would fall under. I love the whole subject so much that I even remember the little details of coin history…as if it were a language of it's own. Well, in a sense, it is. Coin lingo is certainly a language many cannot understand, unless…well….they know their coins!! and know them very well!
Great board. I love the guest posting features. That is very rare and I highly respect anyone who does it. I may sign up later. for now, I'll bookmark this forum. I like it.

-John

Re: How did you get started collecting coins?

Ken Kash 24 Nov 2007 12:20

Glad you like it John. This is a fairly new site that I created as a part time gig so we'll see where it goes:)

A degree in numismatics…hmmm…the closest I can think of is History, Anthropology, or Archeology.

As far as a career in coins, the next best step you can do is get a job at a coin shop. Even if it pays nothing per hour, you will benefit from learning the dealers & traders networks which is invaluable and you will network yourself so folks on the circuit know your name. I've never done this but I have friends who have and all they do is travel from dealer to dealer basically being a buyer/supplier for each one.

Good Luck and I hope to hear from you in the future

-K

Last edited on 24 Nov 2007 12:21 by Ken Kash Show more

Re: How did you get started collecting coins?

asciibaron 12 Feb 2008 05:26

My father is a coin dealer - nothing big, just a few cases at the local shows. Having my father share coins with my son really changed my interest in coins. Growing up they were my father's escape from the every day - now it's a common point for 3 generations to share, laugh, and have fun.

-Steve

Last edited on 12 Feb 2008 05:26 by asciibaron Show more

Re: How did you get started collecting coins?

Ken Kash 13 Feb 2008 00:28

And if I remember right, your even becoming a real good grader from all of the exposure. It's cool having your Dad there.

Re: How did you get started collecting coins?

Anonymous (167.102.37.x) 13 Feb 2008 14:26

Having been handed hundreds of coins over the years and asked my opinion, it was only a matter of time until I started guessing the right grade. I'm fortunate to have a mentor who is also my father.

-Steve

Re: How did you get started collecting coins?

GregA 17 Aug 2008 01:15

With the 2008 olympics in full swing I am reminded of how I caught the collecting bug….
it was 1972 and the Coca-Cola company was offering a set of 17 medallions commemorating great olympians. For a few bottle caps and a modest fee you could get the set in Aluminum, Bronze of Silver. I can't recall the prices now, but I do recall that the aluminum set really strainied my 11 year old budget, and the silver set seemed astronomical.
I still have that set, including the Cardboard holder suitable for framing. A recent check of E-bay turned up one aluminum set for sale with a starting price or $17.00. I don't think I will be selling mine any time soon…

Greg

Re: How did you get started collecting coins?

Anonymous (76.204.122.x) 17 Aug 2008 12:11

…1972 and the Coca-Cola company was offering a set of 17 medallions

That's pretty cool. Reminds me of when Shell gas stations had the presidential tokens from the late 60's to early 70's. My Dad used to pick them up for me to put in a cardboard holder and made me really think about who the heck Benjamin Harrison or McKinnley were.