While much of coin collecting is about grading, history, the minting process, and the buying and selling of coins to meet a collecting goal, the fellowship that comes from associating with other collectors is a very tangible benefit as well. For one thing, a lot of coin collectors really are fun people who love to... Continue reading →
For years, I have been preaching that the best way to attract new collectors is to give them varied pocket change, which they can collect for face value. To me, the reasons are obvious: zero risk, the fun of looking through coins, and the fact that it reaches all Canadians because circulating coins are everywhere.... Continue reading →
Coin designs often have to pass through the hands of bureaucrats and study groups before getting into production, a process that’s not conducive to artistic risks. Modern coin designers have great talent, but I suspect much less artistic freedom than many would like to have. Just once I would like to hear someone tell me... Continue reading →
As busy as this seems, it continues to amaze me that many collectors, possibly most, almost never get out to shows. That happens for a number of reasons. Obviously, many collectors outside of central Canada simply do not have access to as many shows. Another reason is that many collectors practice their hobby in private,... Continue reading →
I find it remarkable that I knew Jim for nearly a quarter-century, and that he was nearly 80 years old when I first met him. At that time he was already retired, and a living legend in the truest sense of the word. He had started out as a coin enthusiast, and then a part-time... Continue reading →
Electronic transactions are becoming more and more common. It isn’t even unusual now to encounter situations where cash is not an option. I am sure that 100 years from now, carrying cash will seem as logical as walking around with gold nuggets in your pocket. What really worries me is that we may have to... Continue reading →
In my opinion the most promising way to attract new collectors is with the 25-cent series. Granted, the wonderful pure nickel commemoratives of 1992, 2000, and 2001 have already been mostly gobbled up by the Mint’s alloy-recovery program, but the multi-plated family has more than 40 commemorative issues alone, some are in colour, and that’s... Continue reading →
Make no mistake, errors are errors, but die varieties are a different thing altogether. If you want to move into the world of errors, take some time to learn. As with all areas of numismatics, educating yourself is the best investment you can make. Continue reading →