Spreading My Numismatic Wings

My name is Matthew Jackson, and I am from Missouri. I have been into collecting coins for a long time now. My first coin collecting memories are from about 12 years ago. Beginning when I was around six years old, my grandpa would give me coins every time he visited. My grandpa is my coin collecting inspiration. He was the one who got me started in the hobby. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be interested in coins, and definitely not where I am today.

Thank you, Grandpa!

A few years ago, I was at a coin shop in Rochester, Illinois, when I came across an 1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar. Right away I thought it was a beautiful coin. When I found out it was under $20, I knew I had to get it for my collection. A while after that I was at a local coin shop in St. Louis, Missouri. I was looking at their bargain wall and came across a Booker T. Washington Half Dollar. The best part about this is that I was reading Booker T. Washington’s book Up from Slavery for school at that time. Because of this, I ended up getting the coin. Since finding those two coins, I have become extremely interested in commemorative half dollars. They are the main series I collect now.

My set is really coming along as I write this. I already have most of my favorite issues. Eventually my goal is to complete the commemorative half dollar set. This is a really fun set for me to collect because I’m a big history guy, and these coins commemorate some extremely important events and moments in our country’s history.

My favorite commemorative half dollar is the 1918 Lincoln-Illinois type. I have been obsessed with Abraham Lincoln since my earliest days. But what I find intriguing about the 1918 Lincoln-Illinois Half Dollar is that while many coins featuring Lincoln portray him during his presidency, the commemorative half depicts him as a young adult before he was president.

I am passionate about educating others on the great hobby of numismatics. I am also fervent about making sure people know what they are doing and how to avoid getting scammed. I even delivered a coin talk for the senior-citizen members of my church, teaching them the basics of numismatics and how to protect themselves from getting taken advantage of. This is supposed to be a safe and fun hobby!

I plan on making numismatics my career. I currently work at a coin shop called Scotsman Coin & Jewelry, and I buy and sell coins on the side. I am still trying to figure out where my place in numismatics will be for the future: grading, owning my own coin business, working at a small shop, or working at a big coin company. Regardless of what my future holds, I love this fun and profitable hobby!