Carrying History: My Deep Dive into Pocket Pieces
June 23, 2025Would This Be Worth the Purchase? My Numismatic Insights
June 23, 2025
After teaching science for more than 30 years—plus another 20 when they needed me—I’ve finally packed away the chalk. This change has given me the gift of time to return to my first love: coin collecting. I’d like to share how this new chapter is transforming my approach to the hobby.
From Classroom to Coin Cabinet
Retiring after all those years feels strange—I’ll miss my students and the buzz of campus life, but certainly not the paperwork! My wife and I spent two decades building up rental properties in Flagstaff, which we sold last summer to make our move to Southern California possible. With that behind us, I can finally focus wholeheartedly on my collection. Our son, who runs the local coin club, keeps me plugged into the community, while my wife manages our finances with her usual skill. Me? I’m just the resident storyteller and collector, though I’ve learned to keep a watchful eye on our cat during sorting sessions—her paw strikes faster than a minting press!
Smart Money Moves for Collectors
Selling those properties taught us valuable lessons about financial planning. Unloading rental units can bring steep capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes—we navigated these with our trusted CPA’s help. If you’re in a similar spot, look into options like 1031 exchanges to postpone taxes by trading properties, but remember it’s a delay, not an escape. Always consult a professional about improvement credits or other deductions. Now that we’re settled with dependable wheels (my 2008 Suzuki still zips along nicely), I’m redirecting funds toward coins. There’s something deeply satisfying about investing in these little pieces of history.
Rediscovering My Collection
With this newfound freedom, I’m tackling my accumulation of duplicate coins. Here’s how I’m approaching the extras:
- Take your time examining: I’m carefully checking each duplicate for wear, shine, and authenticity—my loupe and grading books are constant companions before anything gets listed.
- Sell with purpose: I’ll be listing coins online with straightforward descriptions and prices that reflect today’s market. It’s a practical way to fund those special finds.
- Tap into club wisdom: Belonging to a local coin group, especially with my son at the helm, means great chances to trade, get advice, and keep current on grading changes.
This whole process isn’t just about thinning the herd—it’s renewing my fascination with each piece.
Making Collecting Part of Retirement
Retirement should be fulfilling, not frantic. Here’s what works for me:
- Set achievable targets: I dedicate a few weekly hours to organizing, reading, or visiting shows—enough to stay engaged without burning out.
- Bring family along: My wife’s financial skills help us budget wisely for new acquisitions, making this a shared adventure.
- Stay a student: I’m always digging into grading guides, historical backgrounds, and market trends—there’s always more to learn.
If retirement is on your horizon, let it rekindle your collecting spark. It’s a wonderful way to lose yourself in stories and artistry.
As I sign off, I’m looking forward to sharing more of this numismatic journey. Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about finally having time for what truly matters. Happy hunting, and may your finds bring you as much delight as mine bring me!
