Show and Tell: My Exonumia Collection Journey

Lately, I’ve been spending more time with exonumia, and what a fascinating world it’s opened up! Tokens, medals, and other numismatic cousins of coins seem to carry stories regular currency just can’t match. They weave together history, artistry, and scarcity in ways that keep surprising me. Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned along the way.

Counterstamps: History Written Over History

Counterstamps have become a real passion of mine. There’s something powerful about holding a coin that’s been overstruck with new marks, like holding multiple moments in your palm. When I line up several examples, I often spot tiny variations in the lettering or symbols that hint at different origins or time periods. Just last week, I caught a subtle doubling on an 1850s merchant token that completely changed its story. Always keep that loupe handy – it’s amazing what details emerge when you really zoom in on wear patterns or inconsistencies.

• Watch for design shifts: Even small differences can point to separate production batches or unexpected rarities
• Condition matters: A sharp counterstamp impression usually means better eye appeal and grade

Medals and Tokens: Windows to the Past

I’ll never forget the day I found my Brooklyn Bridge commemorative medal. That winged figure on it sent me down a rabbit hole researching whether it honored the engineers or the workers – turns out it was both! Pieces like Civil War storecards or Temperance tokens feel like direct lines to everyday life in another era. And don’t overlook the “ugly ducklings” like French jetons from 1776 or wooden club nickels – they’re often hiding in plain sight with great stories. I’ve learned the hard way that provenance is everything; knowing an item’s backstory makes it infinitely more interesting (and valuable).

Once I even picked up a clever fake – not genuine, but so well made I kept it as a reminder to always double-check with reference books or collector friends.

The Wonderful Weirdness of Exonumia

Some of my favorite finds are the true oddballs. Take encased coins – advertising pieces where someone sandwiched a coin between clear covers. Or that rough sheet of copper from Montana’s Anaconda mine that still smells faintly of earth. Casino chips and wooden nickels add such personality to a collection too. Seeing this Charmy Harker piece online got me hunting for similar rarities. If you’re new to the field, Wikipedia’s exonumia page is a great place to start exploring.

Collecting Wisdom I’ve Gathered

After years of hunting, here’s what I’d pass along. The exonumia market keeps growing steadily – counterstamps and historical medals I bought years ago have surprised me with their value jumps. Condition is king: look for original surfaces with natural toning and minimal marks. When something seems too good to be true? Get a second opinion.

• Grading insight: Focus on the surfaces – cleaned or damaged pieces rarely recover value
• Start simple: Tokens are affordable gateways before hunting rarer medals
• Community helps: Local coin clubs and shows are goldmines for trades and knowledge
• Smart additions: Pieces with solid histories often hold value better than bullion in shaky markets

Exonumia has brought fresh joy to my collecting life. There’s always another story waiting in these unusual pieces. Grab your magnifier, hit some shows, and share what you discover – half the fun is in the hunt! Happy hunting, everyone.