The Art of Collecting
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Steve Roach, Coin World’s editor-at-large, has been deeply involved with numismatics for more than 20 years, starting as a young coin collector in Michigan. Two years spent as a coin grader, nearly three years at a major coin wholesaler and a stint as a paintings specialist at an international auction house have given Steve a rich understanding of the hobby, its market and the unique personalities and exceptional objects that make collecting meaningful. He joined Coin World in 2006 as a columnist, and has served as associate editor and editor-in-chief. He received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Michigan, a juris doctorate from the Ohio State University and is a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers.
A tricky situation: buying gifts for your favorite numismatist
The holidays mean many things. Tradition, family, faith, being thankful and spreading cheer. A big part of the holiday season involves giving and getting gifts.
Few things give me as much pleasure as selecting the perfect gift for someone, but to those in my life who know me as “Steve the Numismatist,” finding a coin-related gift has proven a definite challenge.
I’ve received chocolate coins, a variety of banks, and basic books that are already in my library but were the only coin books at Barnes & Noble. One friend even purchased me a Whitman Lincoln cent folder, which ended up being a fun project that took me back to my childhood days filling out those blue boards.
In this issue we look at some of the different types of holiday gifts available to those with collectors on their lists. From bullion coins of the United States and around the world, paper money items and even (for the especially well-off) custom safes that would bring to mind an image closer to James Bond than a numismatist, there are plenty of options.
The U.S. Mint makes it easy, publishing a holiday gift guide with categories including “Stocking Stuffers” and “Gifts Under $25” (both of which include the fun National Baseball Hall of Fame Young Collectors Set with a 2014 Baseball half dollar).
There are always gifts that go on during the year, such as a membership to the American Numismatic Association, American Numismatic Society, or any one of a number of specialty organizations.
Of course, numismatic publications — including Coin World — are generally always welcome gifts (but because you’re reading this, I trust you already know this).
As a young numismatist I treasured the coin-related gifts my parents gave me. The holidays are a perfect time for introducing someone new to our hobby. After all, it’s better to give than to receive.
More from CoinWorld.com:
Collectors love finding coins bearing the 'CC' Mint mark from the Carson City Mint
Artist reimagines Lincoln cent with portrait of Ronald Reagan
Mint drops maximum edition on four-coin silver Kennedy half dollar sets to 225,000
A Newman Collection Indian Head cent sold for only $42?
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