Rod Gillis, former Education Director at the American Numismatic Association, shares valuable insights for those new to coin collecting. In this video, Gillis discusses one of the most crucial decisions in a collector's journey—how to collect. With years of experience and a passion for engaging with collectors, he explores various innovative ways to approach the hobby.
Some collectors focus on United States coins, while others are drawn to world coins or coins from specific locations or significant years, such as the year of their birth. There are also enthusiasts who collect stock certificates and paper money, whether it features unique designs like a horse or a distinctive color like purple. The possibilities in collecting are as vast as a collector’s imagination and budget.
Gillis outlines the two most popular methods of coin collecting: by type and by set. Collecting by type involves seeking the finest example of specific coin denominations, such as Barber half dollars, Liberty seated half dollars, or Walking Liberty half dollars. Collecting by set is the more common approach, where collectors aim to acquire all the years and mint variations of a particular coin.
While collecting by set can be incredibly rewarding, Gillis advises newcomers to start with less challenging sets to gain experience before tackling more difficult collections. For instance, assembling a set of Jefferson nickels or Roosevelt dimes is an easily accomplished and cost-effective way to begin a collecting journey. He cautions against starting with challenging sets like Morgan Dollars, which can be financially demanding and potentially discouraging for new collectors.
For those seeking a collection with more appeal, Gillis suggests assembling a set of Franklin half dollars, all made of silver and no longer found in circulation. This provides a satisfying collecting experience without a significant financial commitment.
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