Was hoping to get some input from members here, my niece who is young has an interest in coins, on top of the regular gifts im purchasing this year I decided to throw in a couple numismatic items, however im struggling to figure out what I should purchase to instill some curiosity or fire. What have you guys had success with in the past gift wise for a yn? Anything yall can recommend? Currently ive purchased a 2009 penny set, but unsure what else to throw in. .. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-Lincoln-Bicentennial-Penny-8-pc-Set-P-D-Mint-Red-Packaging/143656166078?hash=item21729322be:g:62wAAOSwXEdaX5vL
I used to give out mercury dimes at scout camps. You could also buy buffalo nickels in bulk and give those out; they are interesting enough and affordable. Another idea is to get them whitman wheat penny or state quarter books.
Coins with interesting shapes are good. Younger kids tend to be less interested in the condition or rarity of a coin, and they don't have much sense of history yet. I gave these to my kids (ages 5-18 at the time) and they seemed popular. For US coins obsolete denominations like 2 and 3 cent pieces are good.
An assortment of 2x2 holders and a stapler . . . you'd be surprised how suddenly everything gets scrutinized for the opportunity to "entomb" it in one's holder.
Get her a Peace dollar; gorgeous design and a great discussion starter on why we don't make coins like those anymore.
I'll second @CamaroDMD idea of a proof set, also maybe one from a foreign country for that year also.
People might scoff at the various modern world releases, but they offer a variety of options for all sorts of interests. You can find Disney, animals, cars, movies, etc and any of those can spark an interest in a young collector.
You can never go wrong with Silver Eagles for the young ones. A proof would be cool also. Make sure you put them in airtight capsules though.
I see it was already suggested......but a nice proof set from her birth year would be cool. How old is she? If she is 11 or 12.....she might think an OLD coin is cool. Maybe a 18XX morgan? A little fellow I am helping is really fascinated with older coins. Over 100 years old is super cool to him.
I was a very excited young coin collector. Honestly the one thing that was given to me that I remember the most was my very first Redbook.
Quite right Paddy.........the ultimate book of dreams wherein I developed my love of commemorative issues from a very young age.
If she's quite young and an HP fan, she may be inspired by this set. I know they're not real and I know some serious collectors may frown upon them. But they foster imagination and sometimes, something "fake" can end up stoking a "geniune" interest.
How old is she exactly? Depending on the age, the recommendations might vary significantly. For example, if she's 10-11, a couple of books would be a great idea! Not so much if she's 5 or 6. My Coin Christmas - I was 10. I got 3 Whitman blue albums with a few coins in them (a few wheat pennies, a Susan B Anthony, and a silver quarter, if I recall), a Red Book, and Coin Collecting for Dummies. I was hooked, and haven't stopped since. Since that time, I'd probably add one more book to the kit, (link below), but this is a really great kid's collecting starting kit.
The US mint offers annual ornaments. Ones for kids and one's a regular one. This year it's a snowflake with a nickel in the center. I thought it looked nice so I got one. They use random uncirculated coins for the center piece each year. Last year was a wreath with a Kennedy half.