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