Let’s See Your Exonumia: My Personal Journey Through Numismatic Treasures

Lately, I’ve fallen head over heels for exonumia—those fascinating tokens, medals, and oddball pieces that live outside traditional coinage. They’re like secret passageways into history, each one whispering stories you won’t find in textbooks. From counterstamped coins to quirky wooden nickels, my journey through these treasures has been full of surprises.

The Wonderful World of Exonumia

What blows my mind about exonumia is how wildly diverse it gets. Over the years, I’ve handled everything from Civil War storecards to 18th-century French jetons. Here’s a peek at what lights up my display case:

• Counterstamps and Tokens: Civil War storecards still give me chills—especially spotting tiny die variations between obverse and reverse. Those little differences? They’re often what separates common pieces from real finds.
• Medals: Ever held that 1876 Brooklyn Bridge medal? The winged figure likely honors Roebling or the workers who died building it. And that 1879 Temperance medal? Heavy with history and surprisingly sought-after.
• Casino Chips and Encased Coins: Okay, I’ll admit it—encased coins are my weakness. There’s something magical about coins trapped in protective frames. Casino chips? Fun, but buy from trusted sources unless you fancy modern counterfeits.
• Oddballs: Wooden coin club nickels always make me smile. Then there’s that slab of Anaconda mine copper hanging on my wall—proof that exonumia’s charm lies in its glorious weirdness.

Hard-Won Lessons for Collectors

After years of hunting, I’ve learned exonumia demands a different approach than regular coins. Authenticity checks are non-negotiable—though I’ll confess even some fakes impress me with their artistry when properly labeled. My field notes for fellow explorers:

• Rarity & Condition: Focus on sharp counterstamps and clean edges. On tokens, a tiny die crack can mean everything. For medals, avoid worn details like you’d avoid a slick sidewalk in winter.
• Market Pulse: Anything tied to big events—Civil War tokens, French Revolution jetons—tends to climb. Lately, encased coins and limited medals are red-hot. Smart money follows the stories.
• Grading Wisdom: Check surfaces for corrosion (the silent killer). With counterstamps, clarity is king—grab that loupe! And please, store these rebels in acid-free sleeves. Future you will send thank-you notes.

Why Exonumia Steals My Heart

Here’s the truth: I adore how these pieces freeze everyday moments in metal. That Brooklyn Bridge medal? It’s not just bronze—it’s blood, sweat, and triumph. Even reproductions, when honestly sold, deserve appreciation for keeping history alive. If you’ve stuck to coins, try wandering into exonumia’s playground. The treasures you’ll uncover—well, let’s just say your collection will never be the same.