Working with coins can “change” your perspective!

It’s funny to look back and notice how one decision changed your world. A big one for me was my choice to build a career around writing about coins. I used to spend money with abandon. Well… really, I still do that. But now? Oh my, that Wheatie in the handful of change just caught my eye. And – I think I heard something… could that possibly be the sound of something silver…? Oh no, it’s just a Canadian quarter.

The thing is, it sneaks up on you. First, you’re checking your change at the store. That’s not really all that noticeable… but then it starts to grow. It was a few years back when I first realized I was hooked. Catching up on my then-favorite TV show, I perked up when one of the main characters said that her dad had found a buffalo head nickel in the glove box of his car. As soon as she said that, I yelled at the TV, “No way! It’s a buffalo nickel, or an Indian Head. Get it right!”

As I glanced sheepishly around the empty room, grateful that no one was around to witness my mini rant, I thought: Wow. So this is what happens when you spend your life writing about coins.

Of course, the “flip side” (there’s another thing – those little phrases that just sort of stand out all of a sudden) is when you’re out somewhere, and your numismatic career comes up.

“So, what do you do for work?”

It’s the oldest conversation starter in the book. For some, it’s an easy answer. “I’m a car salesman.” “Oh, I’m a chef.” “I’m a doctor!” But try to imagine the looks I get when I explain that I spend my days writing… for a coin company.

When people find that out, one of two things happens. Either they’re not interested, and their eyes glaze over like I’m trying to explain cold fusion (can you believe that not everyone collects coins?!), or they’re fascinated – and have questions. Surprisingly enough, one of the most common is, “Wow, so do you guys make your own money?!” (No, we don’t – that’s counterfeiting!)

Of course, whenever someone asks what you do, there’s a good chance they’re going to ask you for advice, too. Once the coin conversation starts, it usually goes something like this:

*Person reaches into pocket and pulls out some coins* “So, what are these worth?!”

“Hmm. Well, I see two quarters, three dimes, a nickel, and that’s what… 6 pennies. Not counting the pocket lint and gum wrapper, you have 91 cents.”

All kidding aside, any time I walk away from one of those conversations I can’t help but think that THIS is why I love what I do. It doesn’t matter if someone collects scarce Morgan dollars, or if they find joy in a handful of circulation-quality pieces. We always say, “collect what interests you.” That’s because regardless of what you like to collect, any one, anywhere, can find something that’s special to them – and that’s what makes this hobby great.