The American Numismatic Association recently launched an online resource called Treasures in Your Pocket. The guide provides a wonderful overview of coin collection as a hobby and describes how to get started discovering your own rarities. 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar BU Uncirculated The American Numis-Who?
This organization is one of the foremost leaders in coin collecting and all other things related to currency (with a website called ‘money.org’ it’s pretty clear who’s the expert). From their site: “The ANA is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA serves the academic community, collectors and the general public with an interest in numismatics.” The group has its roots in a simple idea: A man by the name of George F. Heath – a doctor from an obscure Michigan town – found himself wanting to share his hobby with like-minded fellows.
In 1888, he produced and distributed a leaflet titled THE NUMISMATIST. The 4 pages of Heath’s ruminations on coins eventually found their way to small groups of collectors in major cities such as Boston, Montreal, and Pittsburgh. Three years later the American Numismatic Association was formed in Chicago. Becoming A Numismatist In following Heath’s example it is not difficult to practice numismatics: A healthy amount of enthusiasm and the dedication to learn from other collectors through books, online resources, and clubs are all it takes to start discovering hidden rarities among your spare change. However, it is common for new prospects to become discouraged when they don’t immediately make any exciting finds – they’re called rare for a reason.
From the ANA: “Many treasure hunters say it’s not about having the treasures, it’s about finding them – the thrill of the hunt.” There are myriad sources for more information with several books and sites recommended in the Treasures in Your Pocket article. The ANA website also has directories of clubs and dealers to help you find contacts in your area, and as always you may browse our selection » of collectible coins. Becoming A Numismatist In following Heath’s example it is not difficult to practice numismatism: A healthy amount of enthusiasm and the dedication to learn from other collectors through books, online resources, and clubs are all it takes to start discovering hidden rarities among your spare change.
However, it is common for new prospects to become discouraged when they don’t immediately make any exciting finds – they’re called rare for a reason. From the ANA: “Many treasure hunters say it’s not about having the treasures, it’s about finding them – the thrill of the hunt.” There are myriad sources for more information with several books and sites recommended in the Treasures in Your Pocket article. The ANA website also has directories of clubs and dealers to help you find contacts in your area, and as always you may browse our selection of collectible coins.