How Much Should You Be Collecting in 2020?

If you’re an amateur collector or just stumbled upon an interesting coin, you might be wondering how much it’s worth. After all, coins are a popular hobby that can be a rewarding trip through history and an investment that may increase in value over time. But which coins should you keep or seek out? To answer that question, it’s helpful to first understand the different types of coin collectors.

Investors:

Investors tend to focus on acquiring coins that are unique, rare or have historical significance. Because profit isn’t their primary goal, they can pick whatever series, country or theme tickles their fancy. This can lead to some pretty strange collections, like a registry set of wheat pennies or a series dedicated to the national parks that appear on Washington quarters.

Gen Z:

Often, millennials and younger Gen Zers are the ones interested in learning more about coins and collecting. In fact, according to a survey by Royal Mint, they’re the most likely generation to start their own collection. Many are also pursuing it as an investment, looking for the potential to turn a profit in the future.

That was the case for Tufts student Matthew Johnson, who started a new chapter of the university’s coin club this year. He’s a computer science major from Sudbury who saw the opportunity to pad his portfolio by acquiring rare coins. He also enjoys educating other young collectors through his YouTube channel, where he hosts live auctions and educational videos.