Starting a coin collection

Here’s why coin collecting (or numismatics as it is called) makes for a great hobby for dads and kids.

• It’s a quiet lifelong hobby that develops focus, care, and attention.
  
• Dads can vibe with kids on an intimate level while spending hours of quality time together.
  
• Coin collections pass on through generations and hold historical family value in the long run. It’s a great thing to share with children when they realize that they’ll be passing it on to their own kids.
  
• It’s easy to start with and inexpensive to maintain.
  

How to get your kids hooked on the habit

• Wheat Cent coins are good to start with younger kids. These are bronzed and have an old rare quality to them. They can be found in pocket change from time to time, so it gives kids something to look out for. While young collectors used to seek out Buffalo Nickels, Indian Head Pennies, and Mercury Dimes, young kids today can collect all 50 states on American quarters and the U.S. Presidents from Washington all the way through G.W. Bush, on American nickels.
  
• A good starter set can cost around 10 to 20 dollars and can help kids start their own coin collection. Make sure the set includes a coin wallet, some folders, and a small display case.
• Dads can teach kids to look at a coin. There’s the Field, the Relief, the Bust, the Legend, the Date, the Rim, the Edge, and the Inscription. Getting to know the parts can hold a child’s attention for hours.
  
• Once they can tell differences, make them look for clues, search for missing mint marks and sort them by decades. There’s a lot of history in coins and older kids can really get hooked uncovering their secrets.
  
• Encourage the habit on a daily or at least a weekly basis. Pick up new rolls of coins occasionally but don’t give them all at once. Let your children cherish the coins that they have first.