| Coins have been minted for thousands of years, | | | | heirloom for one's children or grandchildren to |
| with examples dating back as early as 500 B.C. | | | | enjoy. |
| The earliest collectors probably kept them only | | | | Although some collectors are generalists, |
| for the inherent worth of the precious metals | | | | accumulating many various kinds of coins, others |
| they contained, hoping that over time the value | | | | prefer to narrow their activities down to a more |
| of the metal would appreciate beyond the face | | | | specialized field. Some collect examples only from |
| value of the currency. This is sometimes still | | | | certain countries or periods of time, or seek out |
| practiced today, although the actual precious | | | | rare coins with mint errors or that were only |
| metal content of most coins is generally far less | | | | minted for a short period of time, or try to obtain |
| today than it was in ancient times. | | | | a comprehensive collection of one specific type, |
| The modern practice of collecting them for their | | | | such as one of every mint year for Lincoln Cents. |
| artistic or historical significance began in the | | | | Anyone can build a successful collection, even |
| Renaissance, when it became a popular pastime | | | | without investing a great deal of money. Every |
| among the upper classes. Members of the nobility | | | | year the U.S. National Mint sells sets of |
| and even royalty collected and studied coins, | | | | uncirculated currency at an inexpensive price, |
| earning this activity the nickname it bears to this | | | | very well-suited for beginning hobbyists. The U.S. |
| day: the Hobby of Kings. | | | | Silver Eagle, a solid silver bullion dollar, is another |
| Today, people of all walks of life enjoy this | | | | popular choice both for investors and for those |
| once-exclusive hobby, and for various different | | | | who are interested in them for their beauty. |
| reasons. Some focus on the resale value of rare | | | | These are sold by the National Mint, but are also |
| coins and try to build a collection that will | | | | readily available from online coin auctions. |
| appreciate in monetary value so that it can one | | | | Local clubs are an excellent resource for the |
| day be sold. For these collectors, it is more of an | | | | novice who wants to learn more. Talking to |
| investment than a hobby. Others collect them for | | | | experienced collectors can help in avoiding |
| their sentimental value, because they simply | | | | common mistakes and make the hobby more |
| admire the art and history represented in their | | | | rewarding. |
| collection. It is common to build a collection as an | | | | |