Coin Collecting For Kids
It is never too early to encourage your kids to engage in new hobbies. Writing, Dancing, Gardening with kids are some of my favorites. I remember my Uncle and Grandparents showing me their coin collection when I was around 6-8 years old. I was fascinated by the different coin colors, their shine and what location each coin represented. I do wonder if kids today will have the same feeling toward coins, in this largely digital and credit card world.
Explain the Coin Collecting Terminology
Kids who have grown up with a special interest in coins are more likely to collect them.. Once your kids are ready to jump into coin collecting, it’s time to explain the important terminology that will help them navigate the collecting world.
Understanding the difference between coins made from nickel and tin metals will save them from one day purchasing a coin for more than it’s worth. They will know how to check for die cracks before bringing anything home. This education sets them up for success that will be crucial to establishing and growing their coin collection.
Identify State Quarters
Younger kids learn about money by watching their parents pay for food at the grocery store, or while helping parents/grandparents put coins in a parking meter. I believe with coins not being used as frequently as in the past, they are even more precious and important to be respected and collected.
After you receive change from a store, get your kids interested in quarters by pointing out the states on the back of each one. Let the kids feel them and talk about all the places those coins have probably been spent. It will spark their imagination and make them more fascinated with the story behind coins.
Attend a Coin Show
Kids often get bored of doing the same thing. There are only so many online videos about coin collecting that you can watch together. Beside, it is probably best to keep screen time limited, for a number of reasons. They will need to see coins IN PERSON to better understand the vast world of collecting.
When they get old enough to appreciate a collection, travel to a coin show so they can meet with other collectors and see different types of coins. You may also be able to get a coin or two to start their collection. Either way, it’s a great opportunity for them to see that coin collections are popular outside of your home as well.
Meet With a Coin Dealer
It is important for older kids to learn how to differentiate between good and bad coin dealers. If you don’t know a legitimate coin dealer, don’t worry. Sit down with your kids and find a verified numismatist who you can meet together. Talk with your kids about how to look for specializations in coin dealers and if they have a physical shop or if they work independently or as part of a team.
Make It Fun
Make learning about coin collecting fun and kids will be more inclined to be interested in the actual history behind the coins they see and subsequently collect. Tell stories of individual coins, discuss how they are made and possibly even take your kids to tour a mint. Places and museums are opening more now and the weather is great for a day trip. The more memories you make as a family, the more your kids will cherish you AND the art of coin collecting!
Enjoy, Elisa
