Are You Having “Fun” with Numismatics?

Do you think of your numismatic pursuits as being fun?

There are many creative ways that numismatics could be considered enjoyable, even ignoring the potential for financial gains.

You may study coins, currency, and exonumia as a fun way to study history. Instead of viewing words and pictures in printed form or online, you can literally hold and examine an actual historical artifact in your hands. You could imagine the possibility of who might have handled this exact piece at some point between its creation and when you held it. You could reflect on the purchasing power it had when and where it was issued. Perhaps you can better understand how the evolution of that name and denomination arose.

You might also appreciate art. Many coins and notes exhibit impressive artistry in their design.  Beyond beauty, you could enjoy considering the importance of the symbolism of the design elements. The company where I work had a customer who owned a “cottage” in the mountains out West (that could accommodate up to 25 guests), where he decorated the walls with Wild West art. He purchased attractive examples of the Series 1899 $5.00 Silver Certificate “Indian Chief” and Series 1901 $10.00 Legal Tender “Bison” notes as more affordable forms of framed Wild West art for his cottage.

I’ve also seen clocks made with coins of different denominations for each hour (1 for 1 o’clock, 2 for 2 o’clock, 3 for 3 o’clock, and so on). Those collectors had a real challenge finding pieces for 7, 9, and 11 o’clock.

Maybe geography is fun for you.  I know of many young collectors (of all ages) who love to hunt for coins or currency from countries they don’t already have in their collections.

Or you might be dedicated to searching for pieces of a specific topical theme (ships, elephants, monarchs, maps, fish, coats of arms, aircraft, to name a few), or for pieces made of different shapes or out of different metals that you don’t already have.

With exonumia and currency, you could seek examples from locations relevant to your family’s history.  Still other collectors scour dealer inventories for “odd and curious” or primitive coin issues.

With the advent of third-party grading services, some collectors have embraced the challenge of assembling “finest-known” collections. There are even collectors who take on the equally arduous task of putting together “ugliest known” sets.

Then there’s the pleasure of the search. When I started collecting, I went through change to see how many holes I could fill in my folders at face value. You can also hunt for your treasures at shops, shows, auctions, club meetings, or online.

Many of the fun forms of collecting described above can be done on limited budgets. As an example, I have acquired a number of coins denominated in hellers (my surname) going back 200-300 years that I bought for less than five dollars apiece.

Another kind of fun would be traveling to visit mints, currency printers, and museums with numismatic collections.

The fun of numismatics doesn’t have to be only with the specimens themselves. There’s the social enjoyment of interacting with people who share your affinity.  Or with mentoring younger collectors, who might even be from your own family. 

Still others who derive satisfaction from serving others can volunteer with numismatic organizations.

Last but not least, there is the opportunity to pursue a career in numismatics, where your passion also becomes your paycheck.

If your involvement with numismatics is only for the financial aspects, you are missing out on the fun.

Last time I asked—Which person depicted on U.S. paper money was born in Cadiz, Spain?  Union Civil War Major General George Meade was born in Cadiz, Spain. He assumed command of the Army of the Potomac just days before the Battle of Gettysburg. Meade is numismatically honored with his portrait on the obverse of the Series 1890 and 1891 $1,000 Treasury Notes.

Here is this week’s question. Which U.S. president was depicted on a U.S. coin when he was alive and serving in that office? Come back next week for the answer.

Patrick A. Heller was honored as a 2019 FUN Numismatic Ambassador. He is also the recipient of the American Numismatic Association 2018 Glenn Smedley Memorial Service Award, the 2017 Exemplary Service Award, the 2012 Harry Forman National Dealer of the Year Award, and the 2008 Presidential Award. Over the years, he has also been honored by the Numismatic Literary Guild, Professional Numismatists Guild, National Coin & Bullion Association, and the Michigan State Numismatic Society. He is the communications officer of Liberty Coin Service in Lansing, Michigan, and writes “Liberty’s Outlook,” a quarterly newsletter on rare coins and precious metals subjects. He now volunteers with the National Coin & Bullion Association as its Industry Issues Advisor.  Past newsletter issues can be viewed at www.libertycoinservice.com. Some of his radio commentaries, "Things You ‘Know’ That Just Aren’t So,” and “Important News You Need To Know,” can be heard at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday and Friday mornings on 1320 AM WILS in Lansing (which streams live and becomes part of the audio archives posted at www.1320wils.com).

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