Hey guys, I just registered for this forum and I wanted to ask everyone's opinion about a good Christmas gift. My dad is really into collecting coins, and I know absolutely nothing about them. I was just curious if there was a set, or a specific coin that would be cool to get him as a Christmas gift? Or maybe they come out with a new coin every year, similar to how they release Jordan's every year, that everyone wants for their collection? Are their any accessories, like coin holders or displays? Any recommendations, opinions, or ideas are welcome and appreciated, thank you.
You might want to casually ask your dad about coins, there are lots of types of collectors, those who concentrate on a certain series, such as Mercury dimes or Lincoln cents, or those who are type collectors, they prefer to have one of each type of coin made, usually in a certain grade. Then there are those who concentrate on a specific year, such as all the coins made in 1925, in those there are collectors who only collect coinage from their own countries, while there are others who collect coins from all over the world. Most dads would probably love it if a son or daughter showed an interest in their hobby, once you ask him he might go on for quite a bit, humor him, ask some questions and look for clues in what he says to come up with a nice gift for him.
You might want to consider getting your Dad a book on a particular series he collects. Reference tools are always welcomed by collectors. And welcome to the forum young fellow.....
Thanks for the replies so far, guys. I guess I could strike up a convo about the coins, although it might be a little odd, as I've never spoken about his collection. We do share a lot of interests, but he recently got into this one over the last year and I know nothing about it lol. Thanks for the replies so far, still open to more. Are their any sports themed or military themed coins out there?
The previous posts are really good advice. The thing that might be considered is that some coins can be very-very expensive. And most fathers don't want their kids spending a lot on gifts for them. One of the better gifts I received was a floor safe that my boys bought. We had a great time installing it together. Whatever he collects, he can always use additional security.
Here's two to get you started....... http://moderncommemoratives.com/2002-west-point-silver-dollar/ http://moderncommemoratives.com/1992-olympic-silver-dollar/
My advice would be NOT to buy him a coin. A non-collector really has not developed the knowledge to make a smart purchase. Additionally, there are so many different ways a coin looks that may or may not appeal to your Dad, even if you bought into the right series, date, mint, condition, toning, etc. I like the idea green18 (that smart ole dog) suggested. Buying a book is a safer alternative and that surely would be welcomed once you know what he likes to collect. If you can identify that, we can recommend specific reference books he might salivate over! Additionally, if you by chance get a book he already has, returning a book is a lot easier than returning a coin for a refund. Secondly, if he doesn't have the book you give him and he appreciates what you gave him, you can always inscribe a special note on the first page that will make it extra special to him! And, if all is lost and you can't identify his favorite series, this is an excellent book that I'd bet he'd like: In Yankee Doodle's Pocket http://www.bowmanstonepress.com/
Coins are difficult to buy when you are lacking the experience or knowledge of what you are looking at. If you plan on making a purchase of coins, it is almost impossible to do it for someone else. As Catbert mentioned, a book would be a safer bet by far. I might recommend "The Redbook" if he doesn't have a current one, or is lacking one altogether. A magazine subscription would be a suggestion, but for some reason the styles of each publication vary. I personally like Coinage and CoinWorld magazines, but personalities vary along with collecting interests. If you could give us a little more info on what coin types or series he collects, we may be able to give you some pointers.
I'll try to figure out what coin types he collects and get back to you guys. Btw, I'm in my mid-twenties lol
Another sports related commemorative- http://moderncommemoratives.com/1997-jackie-robinson-silver-dollar/
I agree that buying any coin when you are not familiar with the hobby can be risky. You're better off opting for a reference book or a magazine subscription. I think a book would be best, but it would be helpful to know what types of coins your father collects. Chris
Welcome to CT! This may be a stretch: Find out where he purchases his coins. If it is a local B&M, stop in and talk to the owner as he may have some suggestions. If it is a catalog or online venue, take a look at the site and see if anything strikes you. Only purchase something though if there is a good return policy. If in doubt, get a gift certificate from the catalog or online site. If you are pressed for time, just get him a gift certificate from the U.S. Mint. TC
Books, definitely. I hate to fall into the easy choices for this -- like coins, books can be very special. Stanton and DLRC are two of the publishers we here know (or should), but for the blind stab at someone else's likes and dislikes, I recommend one of the big, huge, colorful, authoritative and reliable coffee table books from Whitman very affordable and very nice. Try the "100 Greatest ... " series. Even if he does not collect Errors or Tokens or Ancients or Paper, there is no doubt that (a) he will enjoy the book and (b) might find a new collecting interest. 100 Greatest Medals and Tokens. 100 Greatest Currency Notes. 100 Greatest Ancient Coins 100 Greatest U.S. Coins If you are creative with your printer, you can make one up yourself for the store owner to countersign and validate. I made "Convention Scrip" to pay our guest speakers.
Here is a thought for a possible gift, which I gave to my father a few years back. You could get him the proof set for the year he was born. Of course I do not know which year your father was born. If it is a key date (pricey) year, you could assemble a birth year set and adjust the purchase price with the grade of coins you purchase.
A Safe Gift Selection For A Coin Collector. Welcome Aboard!! Thanks for joining this group having diverse Numismatic collecting experience, and asking a thoughtful question. There is a very enlightening magazine called COIN PRICES. It has a multitude of facts about monetary items, and has been preferred by numerous groups in which I've been involved because of a magnitude of facts/factors, including the diverse information delivered at a relatively competitive price. A link for purchase is as follows: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...me=Entertainment&sid=IAx20090815x000001&aff=Y I believe both you and your father can establish a basis for Numismatic communication upon reading this magazine. Rich :thumb:
If you are looking for something in $40-50 range - a membership to the American Numismatist Assoc is a great gift. The magazine is first class and you get several other benefits too. Might be hard to determine if he is a member from him without giving it away, but maybe you can call the ANA office and they can probably tell you if he is a member or not with name and address.
Hey guys, thank you for all the feedback. I did some looking around for a few hours last night and found some coins that I'm going to purchase. I decided on some military coins to commemorate (sp?) his service in the military. I don't know if they're worth all that much, but I like them, and I think he'll enjoy them too. I also found some cool sports coins I think he'll like. I'll leave it to him to decide on the pricier coins for his collection and the ones that are rare or of personal interest to him. I think the coins I have chosen will have some added meaning behind them and would make sense to you guys if I could explain it. I don't wanna type on here how I feel they will mean more just in case he checks out this forum himself lol. Anyways, thank you for all the help guys!
I'm certain I speak for the majority of members in stating "thanks for the feed-back". We hope that you will again join us in the future, possibly with your father, to share our mutual interest in Numismatic treasures. Enjoy!! :thumb:
