Three Levels of Coin Collecting

Coin collecting has been a fascinating and popular hobby for many generations.  Its popularity is connected with the appreciation of money and the hopes of finding that one coin or collection that is valuable.  However, even though rare and expensive coins are sometimes difficult to find, the sheer benefit of this hobby is the pride collectors take in the collection and preserving of coins.

Coin collecting enthusiasts can be categorized into three levels of coin collecting.  These three levels in coin collecting include those who collect as a hobby, the more curious collectors, and the ones who are investors.

Coin Collecting as a Hobby

The first level of coin collecting is the hobbyist who simply enjoys the entertainment value.  This level of coin collecting is known as the hobby level, and both adults and children can be found in this category.  These coin collections are characterized by a limited number of coins that are gathered through an arbitrary process of selection.  Generally, their collection contains coins minted in years that are special and meaningful just to them.  These minted coins could reflect a special year such as an anniversary, graduation, or other significant event. 

In addition, this level of enthusiasts may collect commemorative pieces.  Such coins could include the bicentennial quarter, the recent state quarters, or the anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase commemorated through the minting of nickels.

Curious About Coin Collecting

The next level of coin collecting is defined as the curious.  This level of coin collecting can be best described as individuals who will purchase coins to add to their collections.  These coins are not rare and generally not expensive.  They can be found by shopping online or in antique shops. 

They are simply added to the collection based on the uniqueness of their appearance.  There is no particular rationale or focus in mind with their being added to the coin collection.  However, this level of coin collecting is important as the collector often moves onto the next level of coin collecting.  This advancement continues because of the growth of their collection, investment of time and resources, knowledge of coin collecting, and interaction with other coin collectors.

Collecting Coins As An Investment
The ultimate coin collection process takes the collector to the level of investor.  At this level coin collecting becomes an investment with the term investment being defined as expecting a return on the asset.  This is a very serious level for the coin collector and involves meticulous research.  The investor also is aware of the value of the coin and the influences that come to bear on its worth, specifically the coin’s condition and uniqueness.

Investors’ coins are handled with great care and often within a secure environment.  Any possible return on the investment may be realized only when the coin is exchanged for something of greater value.

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