Exactly what is it that you like about coins and collecting them? I like them for a couple of reasons. 1. Every year, a new version comes/came out. As such, I can satisfy my inner desire and need to arranging them sequentially. 2. All are/were, at one time, available at face value and used by everyone so everybody knows what they are. 3. Some, even though the same as the others (except for the date/mm), have more value then others. 4. Given the number of people that actually like and use money, they will ALWAYS have, at the bare minimum, at least face value! Even after they've been "used", they still have face value. For example, once a stamp has been "used" (i.e. cancelled) it becomes nothing more than a collectible piece of paper. I cannot "spend" that paper at the store nor can I pay a bill with it. Some othe collectibles, like "Barbie Dolls" have an extreme value but only if someone "wants to buy it". If not, then its just something that collects dust and, again, I cannot spend it nor pay a bill with it. Coins on the other hand have immediately recognizeable value. Even to someone who does not collect coins. What about you. What is it that you like about coins and collecting them?
What i like about collecting coins: -You can take (part) of your collection anywhere you want -Some coins have such a beautifull design -Its a hobby where time is of no importance, if you have a day that you are to busy with other things, the coins easely can wait for the next day. -As more and more people start paying with credit cards or bankcards there will be a day in the far future than coins and bills will seize to exist, and then even ordinary one cent piece can be of high value. -...
It is the king of hobbies and the hobby of kings. What's not to like? Many coin collectors are fun & intelligent folk. It is the only hobby that I am familiar where you can spend your last penny (cent) and still have money left over.
I collect so I can have a learning experience with history. I have something to do while bored I can annoy my cousin when he can't understand why I'd buy a cent for $23 Silver has an easily recognizable value used in everyday objects Collecting coins is like collecting art. With each one, something is always unique about that one coin. I have a few friends into coins and I enjoy buying/selling/trading with them Pokemon cards are not worth the paper printed on them Because I gotta catch 'em all [video=youtube;SVp-zIONsrs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVp-zIONsrs[/video]
I like to collect coins because i feel it is the only link to past events in history in which you can hold in your hand and is not in some fancy museum that you can only visit once in awhile. I also like to pull out coins for my kids to hold and look at, its an easy way to teach some history and not be totally boring.
Why do I collect coins? Simply put, I like them. Its also the best answer to give when a non-collector asks us why.
My three biggest reasons: 1.) Takes my mind off of my life at work so that I can relax and enjoy myself (not that I don't enjoy myself at work, but I think you guys understand). 2. I love the art represented on the coins. 3. I have a sick satisfaction as I gleam over a set with every year and mint mark...full fills an obsessive and compulsive quality in me I guess.
I like the coins I collect, because they have a story. I may never know what that story is, but the places and people and times these coins have been through get me as close to that experience as I can get. I like to collect them because it takes patience and a discerning eye to find the right coins that have all the qualities I want. It's the thrill of the hunt and the scarcity of the quality pieces I vow to find.
Same here, history is why I collect, Just think. A 1863 Indian head penny.Touched by the same hands by someone in the civil war, same hand who pushed a bullet in the end of musket, being in a pocket of soldier, all of that history in my hand touched by me a 150 years later
Perhaps not the best reason to collect, but what I like about them is they represent MY history..meaning, every single one has a story that means something to me. Perhaps given to me by this person or that one; maybe a favorite customer when I was a waitress so many years ago (I have a lot of those), or coins brought home from a trip overseas with my father many years ago, that we received in change for this or that. Coins from Russia, a mission trip. I've some that were given to me from trips I only heard about.. Birth years of friends or people who are gone now, and when I look at them, I think of those people. Beauty...I've coins that I have purchased for their sheer beauty. Sometimes after I learn the history of some event, I have purchased a coin in order to have a 'part' of that history. Coins I have won in contests, here, remind me what I have learned here, and they remind me of each individual I have encountered in the process. Each of those have a history now with me. All for the sentiment. And now that I have been here for a while, and read so many posts, I can honestly say that I am fascinated by all of the complexity there is to coins and currency. I do not see ever learning it all, however I expect I will continue to enjoy the journey! LucyRay
I find it interesting that 80 years ago you could pay for your $20 purchase with a $20 piece of gold -OR- a $20 piece of paper! OR that a Civil War soldier could have used the very same Seated Liberty dime in my collection to buy a drink-150 years ago. And that my great-great uncle (he's 102) was 24 when gold coins stopped circulating-I have to wonder if he ever received or spent one at face value...
It's funny how we can be so removed from that concept. To the strong majority of the public, the idea of spending anything more than a cent, for another cent is absurd. Whereas we're on the complete opposite spectrum. Spending $23 on a penny seems like such a no brainer...
I have gotta agree with you Snaz. We look at it sometimes as a "Great Deal" yet others are Just like I find it funny when I tell my cousins/friends I spent an absurd amount of money on a penny. They also hate thinking of why I invest in silver and searching for silver in rolls.
