History, geography, math and many other subjects can be learned through coin collecting. It’s a great hobby that many kids enjoy getting involved with. But how do you get them started? Here is a basic guide to coin collecting for kids.
Getting Started
Start with a good coin collecting book. Good books on coin collecting for children always include lots of good, clear pictures. They may have illustrations of different currencies from around the world, or they may focus on the history of currency itself.
Some books tackle the subject of coin collecting from a single country, and give a lot of great history about the coins of that region. In the beginning, give the child several options for how the collection will take shape. Notice which ways their interest seems to be drawn - to the historical, financial or geographical realms of this exciting hobby.
Learn about how coins are minted. Regardless of what your interests in the coin collecting spectrum, it’s important to know how and where coins are made. Each coin that is “minted” in the United States has what is called a “Mint Mark,” which tells the coins owner where that coin was made. It’s important to understand the minting process and location of the mints, mint marks, etc. because coins minted in one place may be of a different value than coins minted in another place, in spite of the fact that they were minted at the same time.
Define the Focus
When starting a collection it’s best to have a narrow focus. While kids can choose to collect any and every sort of coin they come across, it’s easier to collect when you’ve defined what kinds of coins you want to start with.
Some options for narrowing the focus could include:
- I collect only quarters (or nickels, dimes, pennies.)
- I collect only American (or Spanish, French, German) coins.
- I collect only coins from a single mint.
- I collect only coins minted before 1900 (or 1950, or my birthday.)
- I collect only coins that spark my interest.
- I collect only coins that are hard to find.
You and your child may come up with a whole different set of criteria for your coin collection. The more personal and unique the collection, the more interest your child will take in it.
Finding Coins
Coins that are still in circulation are relatively easy to find. You can buy them at your local bank, or Credit Union. You may also “happen across” some of these types of coins in your own pocket change.
Coins that are more difficult to find can be obtained at coin shops, coin shows, from coin dealers, and even online. Help your child make wise choices when purchasing coins for the collection.
Other Helpful Hints
- Show encouragement and interest in your child’s collection.
- Make coin collecting something special that the two of you can do together.
- Set aside certain times or days to build, research or otherwise “focus on” the collection.
- Plan trips to hunt for coins, or even take a longer trip to visit one of the mints.
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