Show and Tell: My Latest Coin Acquisitions and Numismatic Insights
July 3, 2025My Insights on the New Horizon 2025 Vault Box
July 10, 2025
The Many Faces of Exonumia
When I first started exploring exonumia, the sheer variety amazed me. I’ve held Civil War storecard tokens that feel like history in your palm, and French jetons from 1776 where you can practically see the era in their designs. Encased coins became an instant favorite of mine—there’s something special about a coin preserved in its own little frame, often with period advertising or messages. And yes, even wooden coin club nickels count! They bring such character to a collection, though I’d always suggest getting them verified through trusted dealers or clubs.
Memorable Finds and Their Stories
Some pieces really stick with you. I’ll never forget this Brooklyn Bridge opening medal featuring a winged figure—maybe honoring the workers or the Roebling family. It’s a powerful reminder of the hands that built our landmarks. An 1879 Temperance medal in my collection speaks volumes about social reform movements too. Counterstamps have become a particular passion; I’ve handled sets with hundreds showing tiny die variations. You really need to study both sides closely—sometimes the difference is just a slightly thicker letter or a design tweak. Once I even found a counterfeit piece. While it wasn’t valuable, it made for great discussions about authentication!
Hands-On Collecting Advice
Here’s what I’ve learned through trial and error: Always inspect pieces for die variations—examine both sides under good light for font differences or design quirks. With fragile items like that Anaconda mine copper sheet I found, preservation is key. Acid-free holders are worth every penny to prevent toning. When grading, pay special attention to surfaces, strike quality, and originality—wear hits counterstamped pieces particularly hard. Market-wise, Civil War tokens and early French jetons hold value well due to scarcity, while common exonumia like casino chips offer affordable entry points. Don’t shy away from reproductions either—they’re great learning tools if priced appropriately.
Why You’ll Love Collecting Exonumia
What makes this corner of numismatics so special? It’s the stories behind each piece and the connections you make. Start with something simple—maybe a merchant token or wooden nickel—then let your curiosity guide you. Before you know it, you might stumble across something that becomes your new passion.
