By Adam D.
I have been collecting coins for as long as I can remember, starting out like most, finding the odd coin here and there, all the while being ever vigilant with my pocket change. I started to become a serious collector in 1998 at the age of 13, extending my horizons globally; collecting world coins along side my simple, yet treasured, Canadian collection.
Whenever I would find a world coin I would study it, examining any symbols, portraits, and languages, trying to figure out which wonderful land this coin came from. With the help of books, the local coin dealer, and later on through Internet resources, I would be able to determine its origin. Now this hobby would be just fine if I left it at this, but no, once I learned of a particular country, I would become intrigued, wanting to know more, and finding out about its people, history, and politics. I can safely say that my interest in politics and history is due to world coins; when writing an exam, trying to remember a particular date or event, I often find myself picturing the coin which commemorates that event.
My true passion for world coins lies with my deep and humble respect for the monarchy and the Commonwealth of Nations. Collecting world coins from fellow Commonwealth Realms in particular is where my heart for the hobby lies. Though I thoroughly enjoy other international coins, it is those coins that display the effigy of Her Majesty the Queen, that are my main focus. Some may call it romantic idealism, but I correlate my original interest in coins at a young age with my sense of loyalty to the Crown. We see a shared bond among Commonwealth Realms on the obverse through the Sovereign, on the reverse, we see how truly unique and distinct each Realm is in its own right. This is why I treasure these particular coins the most; it is because of the current link of a shared Sovereign, representing each state respectively, through a system of constitutional monarchy, which is embodied on the coinage.
Though I enjoy collecting encased coins in uncirculated, or proof condition, it is those coins that have been circulated that have the most character, not only are these coins affordable, but they can be handled without fear of damage. There does nothing like going though a container of mixed world coins, sifting through them, not know what you will find. This, in my opinion, is the most enjoyable part, the hands on approach to the hobby. Yes, encased coins are beautiful, and become real heirlooms, not necessarily in monetary terms, but in sentimental value. Yet they do not have the same interaction ability as circulated coins. As many of us know, collecting is intended for pleasure. If you are in for economic gains, you really miss out on the true essence of the hobby, and this is what many of us fail to do. I collect because I love it, though there are times when one may go over board, in general, this hobby can be a fairly affordable, a pastime that you can start as a child, or well into retirement.
It is still exciting to find the odd world coin in change, and that is the sign of a passion for the hobby, those who collect world coins, regardless of the grade, know how thrilling it can be to find a coin from a faraway land. The only way we know the look that our faces express is by the notation of any observers that may happen to be around. Unless you are a collector of coins, it is difficult to understand the sheer joy the hobby can bring to an individual. These metallic discs are more than just units of monetary exchange, they are works of art, they tell a story, they come to symbolise a nation. Yes my friends these coins tell us of the world’s magnificent history, as well, they record the present for future generations within a simple piece of metal.
We see that world coins, and coin collecting in general embraces the world, we know that regardless of culture, or traditions, that these simple, yet astonishing bits of metal unite people. Whether at a small local coin club, or an international gathering, those who have a passion for the hobby of world coins know that they do not only have an understanding of the fellowship created, but also, of a greater understanding of the world as a whole.