My daughter, who's 10, has always been a bit of a collector. She's got a bag of rocks, a box of "glass" she's found outside, a box of old jewelry, and a box of coins. She can talk for hours about where she found something, what makes it interesting, or why she chose to keep it. With the acquisition of my boyfriend's uncle's coin collection, she's really got the itch to start collecting coins in earnest, especially the state quarters (she already has some, and the collection we inherited came with some of the older ones she was missing) She had a blast helping me search through the lincoln pennies and organize them by year and mint mark. I ordered her a few coin folders from Whitman, plain penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and then the 100 slot state quarter folder (holds one from each mint for each state) I figured that might get her started in organizing/sorting/storing what she already has, as well as help give her something to "complete" like a full book. But where do we go from here? Aside from the obvious searching pocket change, should we buy rolls from the bank every now and then just to see what we get? Is there any value in buying coin lots from places like Ebay? Is there somewhere else we could buy/get lots of coins on the cheap? I'm not interested in spending loads of money, and she wants to collect because it's fun and interesting, not so much as an investment. She turned her nose up at the mercury dimes but fell in love with the walking liberty half dollars. Any advice is appreciated
Maybe buying one of those 'bags-o-world coins' that dealers sell ...she might think its cool to see such a wide variety of coins from different countries and they are almost always pretty cheap. something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/A-COLLECTION-OF-FIFTY-ASSORTED-WORLD-COINS_W0QQitemZ140071582882QQihZ004QQcategoryZ93510QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem or this: http://cgi.ebay.com/200-ASSORTED-FOREIGN-COINS-GRAB-BAG_W0QQitemZ180073221639QQihZ008QQcategoryZ544QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Find out if she likes the look of Jefferson nickels. Reason being that Jeffersons are the only US coin series that is almost completely obtainable from circulating change. She would have to sort through many bank rolls, but that would be the fun of it. And it would cost virtually nothing to acquire 95% of the collection.
What about circulating world coins minted in her birth year? Or narrow it down to: Circulating (BUSINESS STRIKES) coins of her birth year. Uncirculated nonbusiness strikes of her birth year. Proof birthday coins. Silver coins of her birth year. Commemorative birth year coins. Start with U.S. coins, then add Canadian, then Mexican, then coins of your family's heritage. Clinker
I think you are doing what is needed---get her the folders---maybe a magnifying glass....and some rolls from the bank....lets say $10 a week in change from the bank----let her pull out the dates she needs and take back the rest the next week---soon you will only need to add maybe $1 a week to get the $10 back. Speedy
There are just tons of things to do. For instance try searching the web for coin shows in your state and area. Usually works if you type in coin shows and your state. Take her to a few if possible. Next I have to agree with acanthite about the Jefferson Nickels. However, pending how much money you want to try ask at a few banks for bags of them. I used to be able to buy a bag of Nickels for $100 or was it $200. Can't remember, and a bag of cents for $50. That could keep her busy for a long time. If she is able to use a computer, and all kids can, show her the coppercoins web site. You may want to even buy her one of the books on Lincoln Cents. It is loaded with info on cents. Also, at the banks buy rolls of quarters, halves and always ask for the older large dollar coins (Ike) dollars. Now watch for this. Some banks charge to bring in coins or charge if the amount of coins is above a certain amount. The trick is to open accounts in numerous banks. Get the coins from one and take them to a differnt one when your done and deposit them into your account there. They never charge for coin counting if you put them into your account. Now as for the folders. If she shows real interest you may want to start looking into Albums where you can see both sides of the coins. They are really a lot more expensive but will protect the coins better and you can see both sides of the coins. Check out the Whitman web site for information. They are even cheaper at many dealers than at the Whitman web site. Don't forget to buy her a few magnifying glasses. Back to the folders. If you'll notice the backs of the slots in most folders look shinny. That is usually glue from the process of putting the slotted piece down on the back piece. If this glue gets on the coins, some day in the future she will take the coins out and find the backs all messed up.
Your daughter is old enough, so buy her a copy of The Guide Book of United States Coin, by R.S. Yeoman, edited by Ken Bressett. Tons of info in there and facts about all coin series. Months of reading and learning.
If you want her to stay interested, ask her what her favorite coin is and collect it. Don't try to make her collect any particular coin just because she has the folder. Get rolls from the bank for whatever her favorite might be. If she feels like she has to collect everything, or collect something she doesn't like, it won't be fun anymore.
I'm speaking as the father of a six and a half year old daughter that is also a Young Collector. Yes, let her explore to find something that she likes that won't blow the budget. (Obviously searching through rolls is very inexpensive.) Don't discourage her saving up for a nicer coin. The "treasure boxes" at some coin shops can be a source of inexpensive world coins and circulated common US coins as well. Not all coin shops have them and sometimes attitudes can vary towards children, but there are some wonderful dealers out there. Ours is a keeper! Speaking of budgets, it would be a good idea to set a modest budget for coins for her. Don't discourage her saving up for a nicer coin. Coin shows can be a lot of fun and some of them are Really Nice with the kids. Thalia Elizabeth has gotten some nice freebies. If you are anywhere near Niagara Falls, Canada, consider taking your daughter to the CNA (Canadian Numismatic Association) Convention-- they have some terrific things going on for kids. Other regional meets have activities as well, but we can speak to the CNA first hand. You might check to see if there are any coin clubs in your area and whether they have an auxiliary club or events for Young Collectors. Those are usually a great source Finally, this is a great place to visit and get advice too . Enjoy, and glad to have you!
Definitely go get some books. My daughter who is now 9 started with a penny (cent) book. She has the state quarter books of course also. I'd also consider grabbing a box of pennies from the bank. My daughter loves searching for wheaties with me. It's also a great way to fill her books.
