Coin collecting is a hobby that can be as casual or as involved as you like. It’s a fun way to teach children about money, and it can be a social activity too.
For some, coin collecting is a way to learn about history and geography. Others find it a rewarding, meditative and even therapeutic activity. And for many older adults, it’s a great way to stay mentally active.
The hobby of coin collecting can start with something as simple as a box of random coins from the bank. Then, you can decide how to categorize your collection and add new pieces as you find them. One popular category is the America the Beautiful series, a set of 56 quarters that feature national parks and other scenic wonders. But some collectors prefer to focus on a single state or year, or even a type of coin.
Whether you collect rare or common coins, every one has a story to tell about the people and events that stamped it. That’s why numismatists (coin enthusiasts) say it’s a good hobby for anyone, whether you’re 30 or 70.
To get started, buy a cardboard coin folder with an opening for each of the 50 states. These are available at bookstores and coin dealers for less than $10 each. Then inspect each coin for a mint mark — the single capital letters that indicate which mint made the piece. Also look for errors, such as doubled die images or indentations that don’t match other parts of the coin. These types of coins can be very valuable.