Many times I find my self drawn to a specific coin because of the stellar art work. I collect some that are not low mintage and will buy those in silver just for the art. I do not collect old coins because I do not enjoy the looking like I use to. If it is silver I stay in the area of 3000 total production and 1000 for gold proof only. This is usually foreign mint purchases. The U.S. Mint does what they do. France a while back 2003 I think put out a coin to commerate the Louisiana Purchase. It had one side with Satchmo playing his horn and a river boat in the back ground. The obverse were the traders of the land shaking hands and buildings depicting the older period.By just turning the coin you had a complete experience in art of what happened and how things progressed. France has done a nice job with some of their art work in the last few years. I have stayed with a few mints for proof gold and silver, but on the whole end up each year with more U.S. Proof coins then all others put together. Be well Floyd I miss a key here and there, age has caught up with me in some areas ( stiff fingers ) .
I view coin collecting as an art collection that is an ode to history or an ideal and in some cases historical in themselves as well.
I find the possible history of who may have used the coins I now own, to be interesting to contemplate. Did General U.S. Grant buy a drink with my half dime, or bought a round with my Bust Half? What imfamous Nazi may have spent my 5 Reichmark coins? Could Jesus, or one of the disciples, have used my Widow's mites? Who in history might have used your coins and/or currency, and for what purpose?
I love the history behind them as 'SC' says who handled them it's facinating to think about, now having said that I also buy coins for the pure beuaty of them some of them are minature works of art I just love em :thumb: De Orc :kewl:
