My Deep Dive into the World of Exonumia: Treasures and Tips

For years, exonumia has been one of my favorite corners of the coin collecting world. There’s always something fresh to discover beyond regular coins, from counterstamps to medals, and each piece has its own tale to tell. Along the way, I’ve picked up some tips and stories I’d love to share.

What Exactly is Exonumia?

Simply put, exonumia covers all the numismatic items that aren’t coins or paper money. Think tokens, medals, badges, and even casino chips. What I love about these pieces is how they connect to local history, social causes, or everyday moments. That connection makes building a collection feel personal and meaningful.

Some Exonumia Favorites I’ve Found

Over the years, I’ve run into all kinds of exonumia, and each type has its own appeal:

• Counterstamps and Tokens: These are near and dear to my heart. From Civil War storecards to commemorative jetons, I’ve seen it all. Here’s a tip: always look closely for small die variations on both sides. They can point to rarity. For example, slight design differences might mean different minting periods or even errors.
• Medals: I’ve got a few in my collection, including an 1879 Temperance medal, but the one that really grabbed me was a Brooklyn Bridge commemorative. With its winged man figure, it probably pays tribute to the workers or engineers who overcame huge challenges. Digging into that history makes the piece come alive.
• Casino Chips and Wooden Nickels: If you’re just starting out, these are fantastic. Wooden nickels from coin clubs, for instance, are usually affordable and a blast to collect. They often celebrate local events, which I think is pretty neat.
• Unique Finds: Every now and then, I come across something really different, like encased coins or even sheets of copper from old mines. These pieces highlight our industrial past. And yes, I’ve run into fakes too. Once, I found a counterfeit that was so skillfully done, I had to tip my hat to the maker. It taught me to always check authenticity, but also to appreciate the art behind it.

Tips from My Collection

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that might help you in your own collecting:

• Grading and Condition: Pay attention to the surface, like wear and luster. When it comes to counterstamps, a sharp impression usually adds value. I always keep a magnifier handy to catch small differences that might suggest something rare.
• What I’ve Seen in the Market: Casino chips and tokens are often overlooked, but they’re getting more attention. Pieces tied to big events, like that Brooklyn Bridge medal, can jump in value if they’re in good shape. My advice? Grab them when you see a good deal.
• Do Your Homework: Always look into the history behind a piece. Wikipedia can be a starting point, but for the real scoop, check out numismatic books and journals. If something seems off, compare it to trusted examples or ask an expert. It’s saved me from a few expensive errors.
• Growing Your Collection: Start with easy-to-find items like wooden nickels or storecards, then branch out. Patience is key. It took me years to build up my counterstamp collection, but it’s been worth every minute. The more you collect, the more you learn and enjoy.

In the end, collecting exonumia has shown me that every piece has a story. Whether it’s a humble token or a fancy medal, each one adds something special to my collection. If you haven’t tried it yet, I say go for it—you never know what treasures you’ll find!