Shifting Numismatic Gears

I might drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, but I’ve certainly come to learn a thing or three about changing gears in my ongoing numismatic adventure. After more than 30 years as a coin collector and having grown through various phases of my life since first delving into the hobby as an adolescent, I suppose this is a lesson that comes naturally. Of course, you don't have to come of age in numismatics or venture into mid-life as a hobbyist to experience different chapters of life that can influence your numismatic goals. Perhaps you’re enjoying retirement and only recently came into the hobby with newfound free time, yet have already found your interests changing just since venturing into the world of coins.

That’s the way it goes – it’s totally normal for your interests to change as you further pursue your numismatic journey. While my love of Lincoln Cents has remained strong for all of the years I’ve been involved in the hobby, my other numismatic collecting interests have shifted from type coins and gold to moderns and Canadian coinage. Shifting numismatic gears means one of several things: taking time to study up on new areas of interest as I come about them, selling off coins I’m no longer interested in to afford the ones I am, and making sure I stick with PCGS-graded coins to ensure I’m getting the real McCoy with every new acquisition.

Even as my collecting interests evolve, I am still building on the same basic core of numismatic knowledge I began amassing all those years ago as a kid reading numismatic books in the backseat of the family car on road trips. And that, I feel, is one of the main points of our wonderful hobby to begin with – to always be curious, always be learning. Shifting interests is a result of continuing curiosity, and understanding these new areas of numismatic interest means I must keep learning if I really want to know what I’m collecting.

Don’t be afraid to venture beyond what you know. Sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the fascinating new avenues of the hobby just waiting around the next corner.