For those who pursued a career in numismatics, why did you decide to make your hobby your job? And for those who didn't, why not?
I have been involved in numismatics since childhood, over 50 years. I have been blessed that my career has been in numismatics, but not in the normal sense, like being a dealer, auctioneer, or anything on the collector’s side. I have been in the minting trade for over 36 years. I have made everything from the lowly Chuck E. Cheese token to official presidential inaugural medals to legal tender products for foreign nations in pretty much every metal you can imagine. My clients have been the local carwash around the corner to government mints, including the United States Mint, The Royal Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, and many others. It fills me with pride and joy at a coin shop or show to see products that I have been a part of making for sale and being sold to happy collectors. It is so cool to tell others that I made their item, and at times, I can back it up with production photos and explain how it was made.
As a numismatist/collector, it was so very amazing to be able to attend industry events like mint director conferences and technical forums at the WMF and be involved in the latest technologies and innovations in minting and being able to apply this information to making numismatic items. I was even called upon to be an expert commentator on minting for a History Channel show. As a YN, I never would have dreamed that I would be involved in anything like this. I figure I have another 10 - 15 years left in me, I am looking forward to what is next for me in the trade, it is what I'm good at. I am also excited to see where numismatic products will go from here and how I will get to be involved.
Sean Moffatt, OKC Metro, OK
In 2020 I decided to make buying and selling coins more than my hobby by selling on eBay. However, it seems that I entered at an unfortunate time as the prices of coins were escalating, and soon after, the market seemed to cool. Even now, the selling prices will not clear any profit, especially since they have to sell to brokers or through eBay. I've been advised to keep my purchased coins for about ten years to achieve any possible profit. Looking back at the values of coins over time, I see this appears to be true. So, I'm collecting now just for enjoyment, knowing in a few more years, I will sell everything at a big loss but will have enjoyed the experience and write it off as the cost of my hobby.
Name and Address withheld
