I started with the Whitman folder for Lincoln cents. I used to still find Wheaties at times. I bought a few Indian cents and buffalo nickels Then I got a 2 cent piece and then a 1817 15 star large cent and I was hooked on the early stuff. I don’t have any of that anymore. My 1800/1798 got lost in the move when I was 12 was my best coin then fine+ meat but a bit crusty. I have this which I bought when I was 16. Was raw then
Here are some more... Whenever I see this one, I chuckle, because I bought it in 1986 for $6, and today it is worth... $6. (All apparent flaws except the spot on the sun on the obverse are on the plastic, not the coin.) A random Barber dime:
I distinctly remember finding some silver quarters in circulation back in the 1980s. That may even have been the way my brother and I first got into coins. And we had a WSQ Whitman book, and had filled up several - I'm really not sure how many - spots. But here are the only two remnants of that effort, both rolling around raw in the metal box I picked up. I have better versions of these dates now, but I can't see myself letting go of these.
Also clanking around raw, probably MS when first purchased... My brother's birth-year half, leaving this one in the original 2X2 for now...
Circulated birth year Ike, probably found in change (they were reasonably common at one time) I surmise this silver half was also found in circulation...
Proof 1961 Jefferson because why not? I guess? And to finish off the whole "stash," the most valuable coin of the bunch - not that that's saying much. Bought in ~1991.
I have done so much upgrading in my albums over the years its hard to say what is still from my childhood, although I'm sure some are. Just can't tell for sure. Except for one. The first coin I ever purchased for hard earned cash money. It was almost 50 years ago. a 1857 flying eagle cent in fine condition. Paid $2.50 for it. Thought about upgrading it many times but have always kept it for the memory of that purchase. The flying eagle cent is still my favorite coin to this day. another note. the coin shop guy was so disrespectful to me I never went back and never went to any coin store for years, limiting my collecting to circulation hunting, proof sets and unc sets direct from the mint, and a once a year coin show in my area.
I have been collecting for over 70 years and still have a difficult time trying to make myself go into a coin shop. I can't remember a real good experience ever. Even coin shows are off limits to me. The buyers and sellers hang in clicks and make no room for anyone else.
Thank God for Ebay. I know it can be a mine field, but for a niche collector like myself it's the only place I can find what I need.
Yes, eBay can be a mine field. But, if you are aware of what you are looking for it can be a good source. I use it for some special things I want or need.
I bought this IHC when I was about 14 y/o, in 1973. IIRC I paid about $15-$20. Not being submitted to a TPG company I give it an MS61-MS63. Not a bad find for a kid before the days of internet guidance.
How 'bout that! I found my long-lost 1798 cent today in a disused drawer. Found some other nice trifles in there too. Well, it's got some verdigris, a couple of rim hits, and a big scratch on the reverse... but it's 18th century.
