One of the things I love most about collecting coins is not just the coins themselves, but the stories and people behind them. There’s a reason why columns like “coin finds” in Coins magazine have expanded lately—people are fascinated by the adventures of coin collectors! We all enjoy hearing those wild tales and discovering unique finds, secretly wishing we’ll experience them too. 😉

One of my goals for this blog is to regularly feature fellow collectors and learn about their journeys. Since I’m the only reader of this blog right now (haha), I thought I’d start things off by sharing my own story.

If you’d like to be featured here, feel free to answer these questions yourself and let me know! Bonus points for sending pictures, though it’s not a requirement.

Here are my answers as of today (2/25/14):

I inherited a “hobo nickel” from my grandparents before they passed away (it’s the one pictured on the right). I regret not knowing about it when they were still alive, as I would have loved to ask where they found this amazing piece of artistry—carved from an old buffalo nickel like the one shown on the left. Although I missed that chance, I did manage to get it authenticated by a hobo nickel expert at my first coin show. He advised keeping it for sentimental reasons (which I am), but he also offered me $150 for it, saying its value could reach $250 since it’s an original from way back, unlike the modern versions you see today. Even better!

(Quick tip: When seeking a coin appraisal, especially if it’s unusual, consult a specialist. Not all collectors recognize or care about these unique pieces. The first person I showed this nickel to said he’d never seen anything like it, while another offered me just $5, calling them “a dime a dozen.”)

Growing up, I often visited yard sales and antique shops with my mom, so I’ve always admired old things. However, it was inheriting my grandparents’ collection that truly sparked my interest. That collection included the hobo nickel, some Morgan dollars, Walking Liberty halves, and other intriguing foreign coins. But it wasn’t until I met a fellow collector at a flea market two years ago that I seriously got hooked on the hobby. I started purchasing coins from his collection every other weekend, which led to us becoming friends. I soon began devouring every magazine and book on the topic, and now I’ve created my very own website about coins! Haha… funny how life unfolds.

I once found a Kennedy half dollar with a cross engraved on Kennedy’s head—and a dollar sign etched on the bird’s feathers! I got a roll of half dollars from the bank and, seeing this coin, I felt both scared and excited. I haven’t found any information on it—perhaps it’s just random?—but it remains one of my favorite coins in my collection.

I paid exactly $1,964.95 for a 1 oz. gold Buffalo proof from the Mint. Unfortunately, I bought it at the height of the gold market (March of 2012, ugh…), and paid a premium because I purchased it directly from the Mint. Still, at least I knew it was genuine! (I’ve since sold it.)

I have two standout bargains to share, though neither is specifically a coin! The first was a yard sale find (always exciting!), and the second was a lucky snag at an online auction:

Best Bargain #1: About four years ago, before knowing much about coins, I stumbled across a yard sale with mostly kids’ items. While searching through a bag of toy coins (as money has always intrigued me), I noticed one was unusually heavy. I ended up buying it for 25 cents, and later discovered it was actually an ounce of silver (valued around $13 back then). Quite the deal at just 25 cents!

Best Bargain #2: My other bargain came from an online auction where I scored a second edition Red Book for just 19 cents! While bored one night, I randomly placed a bid of about $20, thinking they’d be worth hundreds as listed in modern Red Books. I never expected to win! The next morning, I discovered I was the highest bidder and owed only 19 cents. WOW.

TIP: Always check out non-coin related auctions for coins and coin books! It’s the best way to find deals without competing with loads of other collectors or experts who know how to price them right.

Yes, I’ve been ripped off—quite literally too 🙂 But since I’m new to collecting, I’m not putting down large sums of money just yet. Unfortunately, I get taken advantage of more because I’m still learning the ropes.

The most memorable time I got ripped off was when I purchased a 1923 large-sized $1.00 Silver Certificate at a museum gift shop (mistake #1—you always overpay!), only to realize weeks later it had rips and was covered in tape! How did I miss that before buying it?? I certainly would have chosen a different bill from the display case if I’d realized!

I paid $35.00 for it, but it’s probably worth only $15-$20 at most. In mint condition, they’re valued at $140+, and I really do like them (I’ve since picked up a non-ripped replacement).

Old U.S. coins are my favorite! I especially enjoy those from the 1700s to 1800s, but I’m starting to appreciate old foreign coins too—they seem more elegant than many of ours.

Be on the lookout for items that seem out of place when hunting for bargains. Yes, the Red Book above is technically a “book” and thus belongs in a book auction, but it wasn’t marketed to coin enthusiasts—just lovers of old books. Similarly, the weird silver coin found in the toy bag was clearly a “coin,” but not one you’d expect. Many adults wouldn’t give it a second thought. While you won’t always strike gold searching for deals in nonconventional places (or I’d have 1,500 more bargains to share!), it’s a good habit to cultivate. The “look where others aren’t” strategy.

Two magnificent coins come to mind when I think of favorites, but my absolute favorite would be a 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 gold commemorative—octagon version. It’s just so cool looking! Back in 1948, this coin was valued at only $475 according to that very same second edition Red Book. Today, it’s worth between $50,000 and $180,000, which is perfectly fine by me. No need for a million-dollar coin around here—I’m thrilled with a $100,000 one. 😉

(And my second favorite, which is more attainable, is the Saint-Gaudens gold double eagle from the early 1900s—an absolutely stunning coin.)

Share your answers to the seven questions above, along with any pictures you’d like to include, and you could be featured next! Whether you’re a longtime collector, newbie, casual observer, or even a coin dealer, we’re eager to hear your stories.

Shoot me an email at j(at)cointhrill(dot)com or use the contact form.

Can’t wait to meet you all!