|
  |
|
|
Numismatics: The Joy of Coin Collecting
NUMISMATICS: THE JOY OF COIN COLLECTING
Numismatics is defined as the science of coins, in relation to their historical providence. It has also been called “The Hobby Of Kings”. This is probably because it is a hobby that finds its roots in antiquity. That, and the fact that only a noble could pursue a hobby where money was the object being collected, not for its intrinsic value or as a medium of exchange, but because of its history, its rarity, its beauty, its aura, if you will. The King of Siam (made famous for being the basis of the musical “The King and I”) was an avid coin collector, and owned the most fabulous Proof Set ever issued by the U.S. Mint. Historical precedent non-withstanding, the current environment for collecting coins is at a peak that hasn’t been experienced in decades. It is no longer a “Hobby Of Kings”; it is now a hobby for all who would appreciate its allure. Since the late 1990's, a culmination of events has lead to the explosive growth in the field. Just some of these events include the State Quarter program, introduced in 1999, the precious metals bull market of the last few years, the Baby Boomer demographic wave of extra time and money, and the absence of “real” collectibles in today’s disposable world. $500 Beanie Babies, anyone? But aside from these important events, there still remains a question; Why? Why would one want to part with their hard earned currency to purchase a small piece of metal? I mean, c’mon, its just a coin, right? Once again, a multifaceted answer is in order. First off, it’s the sheer history of it all. Reach into your pocket, pick through your change. Go ahead! Every coin is a book, and you’re living the current chapter. See that 1979 quarter? Remember Jimmy Carter and inflation? See that 1964 nickel? Remember the death of a President the year before? And that’s just what’s in your pocket! Visit your coin shop and pick up coins from during World War 2, the Great Depression, the Civil War. It’s a History lesson in a piece of silver!
When you enter that coin shop, ask that gentleman behind the counter if you can see a Saint-Gaudens $20 gold piece. Then you hold that piece in your hand, you’ll get some more reasons to enjoy numismatics. Beauty. Brilliance. Art. Words cannot express the majesty contained in one of these pieces. These stunning pieces, in their own right, rival what has been produced by great artists throughout all time. And unlike a Picasso, we all can enjoy these creations. And there are many, many beautiful coins produced by some of the most skilled sculptors and engravers of their day.
We enjoy their passion when we enjoy this hobby. And my last, and debatably least, important reason for coin collecting is the potential for investment. Not that I am trying to lessen the importance of the financial side of numismatics, by any means. Its just that this very brief overview of the “Joys of Coin Collecting” is concentrating on the sheer pleasure of the hobby. I will talk about making money in the hobby later. And there you have it. You’re probably just starting out, collecting State Quarters or arranging Granddad’s old Silver Dollars. Let me cordially invite you in our fraternity! All are welcome, and there are no membership fees. One base warning however; Numismatics kill! Coin collecting destroys boredom, isolation, and apathy. You will see jaws drop open when you show someone a very ugly Lincoln Cent ...that just happens to be a 1909-S VDB. You will cry when you lose out on an auction for a 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter....Well no, you probably won’t, but I did cry when I lost out on an auction for a 1870-CC Seated Liberty Quarter! You’ll pump your fist in the air when you finally plug that 1950-D Jefferson nickel into your Whitman folder www.USACoinCollecting.com When I was writing this little introduction, I opened up my old dictionary to look at their definition of Numismatics, which I’ve already shared with you. Let me also share you with you the definition immediately following that definition. Num-skull (num’-skul) Dolt; dunce; a stupid person. That is also the definition of someone who does not gain knowledge as he researches coins. We will go into more detail later about what you need to be an effective numismatist, but our old mantra in Coin Collecting is this: Buy The Book Before You Buy The Coin! Don’t be a numskull! http://www.USACoinCollecting.com
|
Contributor's Note
I hope you'll find that this helps you decide to join me as a coin collector! It's both fun and profitable!
|
|
USA Coin Collecting
No reactions yet.
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
The copyright for this content entitled "Numismatics: The Joy of Coin Collecting" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
 |
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
