Coin collecting can be a fun and engaging hobby for children, fostering an appreciation for history, geography, art, and even basic economics. Here’s how to get your child started:
- Start Simple and Affordable: Don’t overwhelm them with valuable or rare coins initially. Begin with readily available coins from pocket change, a piggy bank, or even couch cushions.
- Make it a treasure hunt: Visit a local bank and ask for rolls of pennies or other denominations to sort through. This can be an exciting way to discover new coins.
- Tell a Story: Each coin carries a history. Talk about the figures, symbols, and events depicted on the coins, connecting them to history and geography. For example, point out the state on the back of each quarter and discuss interesting facts about that state.
- Explore and Discover: The [U.S. Mint offers a “Kids Introductory Coin Collecting Bundle”] that includes a coin folder and activity book. There are also books like “A Kid’s Guide to Collecting Coins” by Arlyn G. Sieber and others on [Amazon.com].
- Coin Folder or Album: These are inexpensive and designed to hold coins securely while allowing for easy viewing. Examples include the Lighthouse USA Coin Folder Kaskade or the [BCW Coin Collectors Album].
- Magnifying Glass: To examine the details on coins, including mint marks and possible errors.
- Soft Gloves: To prevent fingerprints and natural oils from damaging the coins.
- Soft Towel or Pad: To hold coins over while viewing to prevent scratches in case they are dropped.
- Always wear soft cotton gloves when handling coins and hold them by the edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin.
- Do not clean valuable or rare coins. Cleaning can damage the coin and reduce its value.
- For common coins with heavy dirt, soak them in distilled water to loosen debris. If necessary, use a very soft brush while submerged, then rinse and air dry on a lint-free cloth.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing when cleaning coins.
- Keep coins in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from heat and moisture. A safe deposit box or a home safe with silica gel packets can be good options.
- Use acid-free and PVC-free coin holders or albums to prevent damage to the coins.
- Label each coin with its type, year, and any other relevant information.
- Consider a secure storage solution for the collection, like a home safe or a bank safety deposit box, especially for more valuable coins. There are various storage options available, including boxes for coin slabs or albums designed for holding coin pages.
- Connect coins to history and geography. Discuss the countries they came from, the people depicted on them, and the events they commemorate.
- Teach financial responsibility by connecting coin collecting to saving, spending, and budgeting.
- Encourage research about coins through books, websites, or talking to other collectors.
- Attend coin shows or visit a coin dealer to learn more about the hobby and see different types of coins.
- Consider joining a coin club, which can provide opportunities to meet other collectors and learn from experienced numismatists.
Remember: The goal is to make coin collecting a fun and rewarding experience for your child. Be patient, supportive, and celebrate their discoveries and accomplishments along the way.
How to start a coin collection for kids?
I can help with that. Look around your house, check your pockets and your piggy bank, peek under the couch cushions and in the car.
Gather the coins you find somewhere safe.
Make a list of your coins. …
Add to your collection when you find new coins or travel to other countries.
What coins should a beginner collect?
From my experience, Pennies are great to start collecting. There are a lot of varieties and it’s fun to hunt for them in coin rolls. The state and national park quarters were also made to kick start coin collecting.
How to become a certified coin collector?
Good point! The Numismatic Diploma Program provides individuals the opportunity to obtain a “Numismatic Scholar” certificate by completing a series of online courses. As each course is currently being updated, the first course and second courses are now available, with more courses coming about 6-8 months apart.
How to organize a coin collection for beginners?
By Year: Arrange coins chronologically. By Value: Sort from highest to lowest value if focusing on investment potential. Take clear, high-quality photos of each coin. Include images of both the obverse (front) and reverse (back). Label photos with the corresponding coin information for easy reference.