It's been a while since my last blog regarding "coin collecting for DUMMIES" . So if you want to catch up, here is the list of previous posts:
PART 1- So you want to start coin collecting?
PART 2- Strike quality
PART 3- Commonly used terms
PART 4- Getting your friends and family started
PART 5 - Why buy a coin for more than face value
So far in this series of blogs on "coin collecting", I've covered a wide variety of topics to get even the beginner up to speed. Each blog should read as a "stand alone" topic, but when read together, as this series is intended, complete novices should be avid numismatists in no time, and know their Proofs from their Peidfort and their Bullion from their Brilliant Uncirculated.
Although the knowledge gained through coin collecting takes a life time to aquire, I'm going to end this little series with just these 6 easy guides to get you started on an adventure that will forever change and evolve the longer and more time spent trying to master it.
Here is the most important lesson, and I can't stress this one enough - JUST HAVE FUN.
There is something so satisfying about having a collection of little treasures. Small, intricately designed pieces of beautiful art that you can display and look at, any time you wish, this is the draw for millions of people worldwide.
You can also learn a lot from collecting coins. Over time, you may find yourself delving into history books, learning about politics, different cultures, iconic individuals and milestone events. Studying coins and their backgrounds can lead to a whole other passion for learning new things! You may branch out into other hobbies, but the lure of coins will always drag you back the next time you come across something new.
Moreover, collectors find a lot of pleasure in the “treasure hunt.” It can require a lot of research, but it can be really exciting to eventually find that perfect coin for your collection. And this is the fun of it all. Plus when you're losing all hope, a small piece of history can just land in your pocket from change after shopping or simply found, left, thrown away on the streets as useless rubbish.
So the greatest advice I can ever give to anyone thinking of starting to collect coins is make sure you're enjoying it. If you're solely in it for profit, you'll find that the daunting task of keeping on top and continually adding to any portfolio will soon wear pretty thin. Prices of key pieces can fluctuate immensely over time, one moment youre down, then you're up, then out of pocket again....
But if you price your collection in thoughts, feelings and memories shared with loved ones, and try to forget about any dollar value tied up in it, then you really will get the most out of collecting coins.
Thank you for taking the time to read this little mini-series I've put together. I hope you've found at least one of them useful, and that I have broadened any existing knowledge you might have had. More importantly, if only one person decides to give this amazing hobby a try, then it would have all been worth it for me.