I must start this week’s post by saying I was thrilled to have the interaction from y’all for the introductory post in this Friday series. As a result of one clever post by user, Silver Chronic, the series has undergone a name change- Metals, She Wrote. Shout out to fans of Angela Lansbury. You are the true heroes.
I had tossed around a few ideas for this week’s topic, but sadly, I then experienced the loss of a family member. My focus changed a bit, and the more I thought about family and the unique traditions each possesses, the more I kept returning to coin collecting. I mentioned in the comments of my last blog that my grandfather worked on the railroads for 40 years. Before I knew that, I had a fascinat
ion with trains. Upon his passing, I inherited some of the most stunning memorabilia dedicated to one of the earliest means of extensive transportation. To honor him, I am adding the Train 5 oz Silver Antiqued Hobo Nickel to my collection.
For many, their story is the same; rather than trains, however, those cherished moments with loved ones revolved around collecting rare and historical coins. Nights spent under a magnifying glass, with dad, mom, grandfather, uncle, etc., passing on their passion for stunning bullion. Days spent at coin shows filled with excited children looking to make their first big find will forever be etched in the memories of the teacher and the student.
Family is forever; your physical flesh and blood might not always be there to examine your latest haul, but the passion of examining coins and the memories spent pouring over change buckets in search of that “one coin” you need to complete your set will forever remain.
So, tell me how you started collecting. Did a family member play a role? Do you want to start a new tradition with a loved one? What’s your favorite family memory while collecting?
-J
My dad was a stamp collector and worked for the postal service for a few years when I was very young. When my 2 older brothers and I were in elementary school, the half pint milks we bought at lunchtime cost 3 cents apiece. Dad would get a roll of pennies at the bank each week and we would eagerly open them and sort through to find Indian Heads or Steel WWII pennies. The ultimate quest, however, was the 1909 S VDB. We never found one but we loved the search.
I realized last week as I was sorting pennies and separating the ’82 and earlier coppers that I need to teach my grandchildren the value and significance of coins:1909S VDB, 2009 Lincolns, Buffalo nickels, War nickels (found 2 last week in separate coin rolls), Roosevelt dimes, State quarters, Silver and not silver Kennedy halves, Dollars galore, etc.
My grands never met my Dad, I will have to bring his spirit to them.
I love that story. What a wonderful way to honor your father, by teaching your grandchildren. I want to do some research on those coins myself, now! I love sifting through change to see if I ended up with something rare. 🙂
-J
My mother and grandmother both collected. I was hooked at an early age with treasure hunting and coins. I’m obsessed with it. I still get a thrill by even a small find. Like stumbling across a silver war nickel! Not an extremely significant find but it still made my day! Happy hunting!!
Hey, every find is exciting! Knowing what has value and stumbling upon it is indeed part of the thrill!
-J
Hi, I’m from Costa Rica, in my family the coin and bills collection is a thing of the last 3 generations, I must study a lot to learn what we have there. We are a family of watch parts and repairing since 1891, immigrants from Italy. I would like to make something special for my dad and his passion: coins and watches…. Nice blog, I’ll keep reading your posts, sincerely carolina
Thanks for the reply, Carolina! That is very cool. I’d love to see what you come up with!
-J