Why It Was Definitely TIME for Me to Retire After Decades of Teaching and Dive into Coin Collecting

After teaching science for over 30 years, stepping away to focus on my true passion—coin collecting—felt like the perfect next chapter. Now that I’m retired, I’m happily immersed in numismatics and want to share some thoughts that might strike a chord with other collectors.

My Leap into Full-Time Collecting

Saying goodbye to teaching was emotional, but it’s given me the freedom to pursue coins with all my energy. My wife’s always been great with money management—she handled our rental properties for years before we sold them—so she keeps our finances in order while I focus on the hobby. These days, I’m reorganizing my collection, weeding out duplicates, and getting more involved in the community. It’s become a family thing too: our son runs the local coin club, and even our cat joins in—though she mostly “guards” my coin table by batting at loose change!

Handy Tips for Your Collection

Here’s what I’ve learned that might make your collecting journey smoother:

• Dealing with duplicates: I’m thinning out extras by carefully logging and pricing them—it’s like selling real estate. Fair pricing and honest descriptions attract buyers while protecting your investment.
• Family teamwork: Get loved ones involved like my wife does with budgeting. Having that second pair of eyes helps avoid costly mistakes when buying or selling.
• Community connections: Join clubs or online groups like my son did. You’ll learn more than any book can teach and make friends who share your passion.

What I’ve Learned About Value

My real estate background showed me how similar properties and coins can be when it comes to building value:

• Grading matters: A professional grade or careful restoration can lift a coin’s value significantly—like how kitchen remodels boosted our property sales. Just keep records of any work done.
• Tax smarts: When selling valuable coins, consult a tax pro. I learned from real estate sales that small details affect your bottom line—the same care applies to coins.
• Market watching: Gold and silver coins often gain value over time, but stay alert. Rarity and condition drive demand like location affects property—I regularly check auction results and collector chats to spot trends.

Retirement has truly rekindled my love for this hobby, and I’m looking forward to sharing more finds. Whether you’re new to collecting or have been at it for years, remember: good things come to those who take their time and seek expert guidance when needed. Happy hunting!