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While it is tough to determine where the fascination for collecting coins started, many theories pointed that the fad began following the imprint of the earliest coins in approximately 650 B.C. During that time, the products were initially bartered for valuable metals such as silver and metal, which were weighted cautiously. The implementation of the coin system was due to the deceitful traders who attempted to rob others through exchanging metals with lesser value. Since then, the people recognized coin as the determining value of trade.

Greece started the craze of adding characters to their coins. Paid artists made this possible. Mythical personalities were the common theme of the design. However, this changed when Alexander the Great chose to incorporate authentic designs for the coins rather than unrealistic images.

Early Coin Aficionados

The father of humanism, Francesco Petrarch, was among the earliest and most famous coin patrons. He is probable the one who started the Italian coin collecting. His interest in coin collection brought awareness to the hobby, which was admired for its class and worth. Shortly, it turned out to be a well-liked indulgence among popes in the Renaissance era. Before long, the pastime became a gratifying practice for Roman emperors as well. There were even proofs revealing that they paid more than the real worth of the coin to acquire those that were not in circulation. The fervor shown by the Renaissance dignitaries towards it led to its dubbing as the Hobby of Kings.

Among the noted Coin Enthusiasts were Emperor Maximilian, Pope Boniface VIII, King Louis XIV and Henry IX of France, and Elector Joachim II of Brandenburg, who initiated the Berlin Coin Cabinet.

The Gathering of Collectors

The number of coin collectors who joined its very first international convention was overwhelming. Around 40,000 people attended the event, which took place on the 15th through the 18th of August 1962. The event, which took place in Detroit, Michigan, was the efforts of the ANA or the American Numismatic Association and the CNA or the Canadian Numismatic Association. Both organizations were involved in the study of money, its history, and other interesting facts.

Coins in the US

After the ratification of the Coinage Act of 1972, the congress formed the United States Mint. They manufacture coinage for the US for it to conduct business deals. You can find the US main Mint, which is also the largest, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with branch facilities in San Francisco California; Denver, Colorado, and West Point, New York. The only coins from Philadelphia with minted marks until 1980 were the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and the Jefferson Nickel. With the exclusion of cents, US added the P mintmark on their coins in 1980. The Denver branch opened in 1863. Today, its coins bear the D mintmark. On the other hand, the San Francisco branch began operating in 1854. There produce bear the S mintmark. Finally, the West Point branch started its operation in 1937. The coins generated there bear the W mintmark.

Present Day Coin Collection

Nowadays, more and more individuals are lured towards having their own collections. This is a good investment because the value of the collection appreciates over time. Collectors have their coin collecting supplies ready just in case they find an interesting piece. In fact, many museums, like Smithsonian, are highlighting priceless and exceptional finds. Groups of Numismatists are spreading awareness about the importance of trading and collecting coins.

Collecting coins is a form of adventure. There is a hidden pride and joy of finding unique and precious pieces. Aside from its artistic presentation, the history behind the coin makes it more interesting.

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