So, in short, in my profession, I have a question as a part of my evaluations, "What are some hobbies we need to get you back to doing?" My particular patient, 91 years of age, replied, "Well, I collect coins and I like to continue to do so." Of course, I never get this answer, so I peaked up, "Really! Me too! Tell me, what are you collecting currently?" Now, being of some age, I have this preconceived notion that his answer would involve busts, Morgans, Barbers, something to that effect, so I was taken aback when his reply was, "I love state quarters. Spend most all day if I could looking for them." He went on to explain his eye sight is not the best anymore, so quarters, being larger, is easier for him to enjoy. Secondly, he is on a fixed income, so he wants to find something in circulation rather than buy some of the older coinage. Lastly, he states the state quarters are old enough they are beginning to circulate and makes it challenging to find both P and D in rolls. Being as such, he is amassing various grades of various dates and states. I just thought it interesting, as when I hear "state quarters," my immediate thought was childhood collecting (as that is what I collected when I was 12 or so), but to hear a 91 year old enjoying the same set in a different way for different reasons was interesting and thought provoking. Just thought I would share the story and feel free to add any other biases or stereotypes you believe may be hanging over our hobby.
Very interesting story. It's not what you collect (in this hobby) but rather what you enjoy collecting.
I am missing perhaps a dozen of the 'intended for circulation' coins from 1900 to date. The vast majority of the earlier ones I got in the wild. Some I traded for in our little swap meet type group. Some I traded cash for. I am at the point now that there is nothing more for me to search for in the wild. I quit buying from the US Mint. I'm 80 and I'm sure that other older collectors are in a similar position. I sit most every day and think what can I do with this stuff.
"What can I do with this stuff"? Organize it! Then re-organize it! Catalog it! Brag about it! Learn (more) about it! Or, you know, sell it. But then what can you do with the money? For a while, I felt fairly confident that I could have fun with coins in both directions -- seeing how nice or how cheap I could get them, then seeing how much I could get for them. But lately I've sort of fallen off both ends. And in general that's an expensive approach, because unless you're very lucky, very skillful, and/or very patient, you usually sell for less than you paid. Except, of course, when everything's done at face value. I'm sometimes lucky, middling skillful, and quite patient. I'll get back to it.
Well, I have patience I haven't used yet. And, lots of grandkids and great grandkids I am trying to get interested. I think I will reorganize again.
There are many rare and hard to find pieces in the SQ category, especially considering the mintage #s, not widely known or appreciated. I do the same as your Patient. I can not confess to being his age yet, BUT, if I can make it to the Physicians office and have a cognizant conversation about collecting with the Physician, I declare VICTORY.
I often mention the old boy that had a tiny coin shack that happened to be conveniently placed along my walking path to and from school middle of last century. He tolerated me loitering at his shop many days after school and I expect he took a liking to me and shared his wisdom with me from time to time...... One thing he told me that the best thing about collecting coins is that we are collecting money and whatever may happen, it is always worth what the piece states that it is worth. And what can be wrong with collecting money?..... Made good country sense to this youngster anyways.
Back when the State Quarters were just finishing up in 2010, there was a book about the designs and the history they covered. That would be a great addition to just looking for different ones in the various grades. I must confess that I am more of a history buff than a hole filler. A cheap common coin or token can interest me if it has a good story connected with it. Something that is rare with no history, usually does not make it to my collection.
I didn't want to take too much time away from his evaluation but I did introduce him to the Winsconsin high and low extra leaf varieties. He wanted to see pics and exclaimed, "Well, looks like I have some hunting to do!" He's a character!
You could catalog it, in the end though the raw coins that you catalog, must represent the coins in the collection... I can give you my address lol. I will catalog it for you..
Special story! Different reasons why some are into coins. He enjoys the finds that are out there in everyday life. Thanks for posting.
