Numismatics and Recession  

Coin collecting is an interesting hobby, but it can also become discouraging at times. Obviously a person with a lot of disposable income can easily assemble a collection that someone with limited means might never realize. So no matter what someone might argue about historical or artistic significance, coin collecting is about the active accumulation of wealth. It is about quality over quantity.

One coin in uncirculated condition can be worth hundreds of the same coin which happen to have been passed around alot. This would indicate that a coin should be removed from circulation at mintage. Some coins are never intended for circulation. Look at the silver and gold American eagles. Proof strikes with certificates of authenticity and a pretty box to keep it in. How rare can a coin be in MS 69 if none of the coins ever leave their airtight containers?

I've read that gold plated and colorized coins are worthless junk but someone must buy worthless junk because they sure do make alot of them.

I suppose what it boils down to is that coin collecting is a luxery, and setting aside money to be saved and not spent is a thrifty habit. I would like for my collection to appriciate in value, as I intend to leave it to my son when I pass. If only to keep up with the inflation.

It is interesting that in this age of electronic banking with credit cards and direct deposit that a coin has the best chance of beating inflation by transending its denominational value as a collectors item. Case in point. I purchased the pictured coin, an 1899 indian head cent for $6.00 on ebay and feel I got a good deal. It's only a cent! That is astronomical apprication of value. Nor am I the only person out there doing this.

Right now has a huge tendancy for becoming the past, or rather, history. This predidential campaign were are witnessing, whether you care or not, is future history. So I'm trying to look past $4 gas and an energy bill that feels like a kick in the privates and set aside some coins of the realm for my son, for someday. Right now it looks more promising than the stock market, and it's cheaper to get into to boot.