| In the world of numismatics, a coin is | | | | challenge of acquiring coins of historical |
| valuable only to the extent someone wants it. | | | | numismatic value. I strongly urge any |
| I have common Lincoln cents that I wouldn't | | | | serious collector to invest in high-grade |
| part with. Whether it's the historical | | | | coins that possess strong return potential. |
| appeal or perhaps just beautiful toning; that | | | | If you see a coin you like, collect it. I |
| is a value that makes a collector in the | | | | have many fine examples of coins that I have |
| first place. | | | | collected simply because of the eye appeal. |
| | | | |
| A coin collector's rule-of-thumb is 'the coin | | | | But for most collectors, investing in coins |
| you don't pick up is the one you need'. | | | | for future profit is a back burner thought. |
| | | | The typical collectors I know collect what |
| The point is, you just never know. | | | | they like. The thrill will always remain in |
| | | | the research, hunt and acquisition. And I |
| Recently in an Internet coin forum, I came | | | | always promote that. |
| upon a question from a collector who believed | | | | |
| he had a Lincoln Memorial cent that was | | | | So what great advise did I pass on to the |
| missing the depiction of Lincoln on the | | | | owner of the error coin? In the simplest of |
| reverse. A picture of the coin was included | | | | words, I suggested he assemble a complete set |
| and this inspired many comments from other | | | | of that error in each year of production. |
| forum members. | | | | Start from 1959 to the present. |
| | | | |
| Most of the comments seemed to be focused on | | | | Not only was a challenge presented to anyone |
| the value of the coin and how its disposition | | | | who read the forum post but also the spark to |
| should be handled. Calmer heads prevailed | | | | enjoy coin collecting in the simplest form. |
| and convinced the owner of the coin that what | | | | A complete collection of this variety would |
| he was really looking at was the result of a | | | | not only be enviable but one of personal and |
| worn die. The harsh reality is the coin he | | | | monetary value. And a collection of this |
| possessed is of value but not in terms of | | | | sort is doable. |
| dollars and cents. And who hasn't | | | | |
| experienced that feeling. | | | | To you the reader, this advice can apply to |
| | | | any aspect of collecting. Right now, I'm |
| I'm the last one to bust anyone's bubble but | | | | assembling a project set of Memorial cent |
| unfortunately most variety errors are not | | | | obverse die cracks. It started from three |
| considered rare or valuable. There are | | | | beautiful examples found within days of each |
| exceptions and perhaps this is what he had | | | | other. And I had none in my personal |
| hoped. But as a coin collector myself, I | | | | collection or business inventory. So the |
| knew there must be a silver cloud somewhere | | | | hunt is on. |
| in his find. So I replied to his post | | | | |
| pointing out the hidden value in this coin. | | | | So before you toss that coin in a jar or hand |
| | | | it over to a sales clerk, take a moment and |
| The rules in coin collecting are very simple. | | | | think about it. |
| There are none. Coin collecting is more | | | | |
| than making a buck. For some, it's the | | | | You'll be glad you did. |