I know lots has been discussed about kids and collecting, but wanted to share this story. Last year I got back into collecting and got my two kids (ages 10 & 17) a proof set each and split a mint set between them. I kind of regretted giving the mint set away- the only one I purchased. I didn't think the kids were really into the coins, so I offered them $20 each for their halves of the mint set. I was floored to be told unequivocally they weren't selling them, NO WAY. I was glad (and sad) at the same time. I was planning to continue the proof sets for Christmas (already purchased), but now have learned I will also get them mint sets too, one for each and ONE for me too.
I started collecting when I was 6 years old, almost 50 years ago. Got a bunch of old Indian Head pennies and polished them up real bright with an eraser. They looked fairly dazzling in the old blue Whitman coin album. Kids do the darndest things. It's cool that your young'uns are interested in coin collecting and it sounds like you've got the bug, too. Also seems like you are willing to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with your kids. That's really cool!
That's great that you can share the hobby with your kids. I know that if it weren't for Joe, I would still enjoy my coins...but not NEARLY as much.
Well that's awesome, I just donated my time to teach a group of boy scouts to get there coin collecting merit badge. I have 30 sucess stories from the BSA and this will only add to my collection. The children are the future of our hobby.
Well,when I was in the Cub Scouts over here in New Zealand back in 1988,the first badge I went for was the Hobbies Badge.Guess which hobby I chose for doing a project on? You guessed it - coin collecting! I was a Six Leader the whole time I was in Cubs (February to November 1988).Times were very tough growing up in the Wanganui area.Fordell is a very tiny village,which,surprisingly for its size,had a Scout Group consisting of Keas,Cubs,& Scouts. Aidan.
I'm only 26, but I've been collecting for a number of years as well. I don't remember how old I was...
Please excuse my ignorance...what's the difference between a proof set and a mint set? I thought they were one in the same...
A "mint set" is a set of regular circulation coins for a particular year, assembled and packaged together by the issuing mint. They can vary tremendously in quality, depending in part on the country of issue, as some countries do take pains to select high quality coins, and others don't. A "proof set" is a set of proof coins for a particular year, assembled and packaged together by the issuing mint. "Proof" is a method of manufacture, not a condition grade, and the quality of the coins ranges from much better than most circulation coins to superb, again depending in part on the country of issue. Proofs are usually struck at least twice from highly polished dies, frequently resulting in mirror-like fields and frosted design features. Another category sometimes seen is "SMS", which is an abbreviation for "Special Mint Set". When those are issued the generally consist of high quality circulation strikes, sometimes taken from the first production of new dies. In general they will exhibit higher quality than ordinary mint sets, but lower quality than proof sets.
Thanks for the info. So if I want to collect the best, I should get proof sets, not mint sets, right? I just got some U.S. coins for my birthday. They say "United States Mint Proof Set" on the cardboard package - are they the best? Thanks again.
That depends on what you mean by the best. As a general rule Proof coins are of a much higher quality than business strike coins ( coins that are struck for circulation ). So if that is what you mean by the best - then yes. But if your question is in relation to value - not necessarily.
I collect Eisenhower dollars, among other things. High grade proof (PR68)silver Ikes are currently selling at considerably less than $50 on Teletrade right now and even less on Ebay. Truly, the proof specimens are the epitome of the coiner's art. However, if you want a real challenge, try finding a high grade (MS66 or better) P or D mint Ike dollar. These were made for utilitarian purposes and no special effort was made to ensure these coins were in pristine condition when issued. It is not uncommon for freshly minted Ikes right from the mint bags to grade a paltry MS62-MS64. Even a decent MS65 for most P and D mint Ike issues will bring upwards of $35-$50 and all P and D mint Ikes in MS67 or better consistantly bring over $1000. So, the best could be interpreted as the best available for the issue, any issue. But I guess the best is whatever brings you the most satisfaction to collect. Proof, BU, or even a collection of nice circulated coins can be challenging and a lot of fun. It's up to you to choose. If it's fun, then collect it. That's the best.
