NARRATIVE OF A COIN COLLECTOR

 By Bob

I was recently asked to write a brief summary of my coin collecting hobby including how I began collecting, some recollections for my early years as a collector, my participation in the hobby and my present collecting interests.  Let me begin by saying that as my 61^st birthday approaches, I will likely reach 50 years as a coin collector.  It has been so long that I cannot remember the exact timeline, but I do vividly recall my grandfather searching in the attic to find a small tin box of Indian head pennies which he gave to me about 50 years ago.  That box also included a 1904 Panama Balboa and a token from the 1895 Cotton States Exposition held in Atlanta, GA.

Some other early recollections are:

• A local grocer in my hometown would sell customers a silver dollar for 99 cents when they bought their weekly groceries.

• An uncle would always bring both my brother and I a silver dollar when he came to visit and I usually traded my brother out of his.

• My first large cent was dated 1846 which intrigued me since it was 113 years old at that time and 100 older than I was.

• An aunt bought an 1828 half cent for me while on vacation in Florida.

• I completed a Franklin half set when I received a 1949-S half in change at a high school basketball game.

• The coin collecting merit badge was one of the easiest I earned in scouting and I still have that twentieth century type set.

One high school graduation gift was a 1963 proof set.

After college graduation, I still had an interest in the hobby but limited funds to advance my collection.  Most additions to my collection for several years were only semi-key coins that could be found in circulation.  My interest was “rekindled” during the gold and silver price surge of the early 1980’s and I became much more active in the hobby at that time.  So for about 25 years I have actively collected all U. S. silver series by date and mint mark with the exception of Trade Dollars (maybe I’ll start that one too).  For the last several years I have served as president of our local coin club, helped promote and plan our yearly coin show and traveled regionally to most larger coin shows.

Having just returned from this year’s FUN show, I can report completion of my Barber quarter set by purchase of the 1901-S.  My primary focus for several years has been the Liberty Seated (half dimes, dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars) series which are about 95 % complete.  It looks like the 1878-S half, 1870-CC quarter and a few others will have to wait until I hit the lottery – wish me luck!

Let me just conclude by saying my coin collecting hobby has been quite educational, has introduced me to many good friends over the years and just may turn out to be a good investment as well.