My Adventures with Thursday Thirties: Collecting Coins from the Thirties

I’ve always loved the idea of ‘Thursday Thirties’ – where I explore coins from any century that feature years ending in thirties, like the 1930s or 1830s. It’s become my favorite way to connect with history through coins, and I’ve uncovered some real treasures along the journey.

What Makes Thirties Coins So Special

Thirties coins act like time machines for me, transporting us from ancient Rome to modern America in a single collection. They’re not just Depression-era pieces – any century with a ’30s year qualifies, creating this wonderful playground for discovery. I’ve found this approach pushes me to hunt down unusual pieces and admire the artistry different eras brought to coinage.

Standout Examples from My Collection

Here are a few of my favorite thirties finds that show the incredible range out there:

• Ancient Treasures: My Constantine I coin from A.D. 335 always gives me chills – a 20mm bronze with that rosette-diademed portrait staring back across centuries. It’s actually copying Trajan’s denarius design, and holding it feels like touching Roman history itself.
• Medieval Rarities: Snagging that 1438 Liege II-8 piece was pure luck – they say fewer than six exist today. It taught me to always dig through those ‘common’ boxes at shows!
• Ostrogothic Era: The Ostrogothic coin from Witigis’ reign (530s Ravenna) amazes me with its helmeted Roma bust. How did such beauty emerge during Italy’s Gothic Wars?
• Modern Finds: My 1939 Seated Liberty Quarter (VG8) was a $100 auction steal – still can’t believe my luck. Then there’s that 1939 error coin with gas bubbles trapped in the planchet – like frozen history hiccups!

Practical Collecting Insights

From my hunt for thirties coins, here’s what I’d pass along:

• Rarity and Value: Pieces like the 1438 Liege don’t come often – I track auction results for months before jumping. For modern thirties coins? Focus on key dates. Many 1930s U.S. coins hide in plain sight at fair prices if you’re persistent.
• Grading Tips: With circulated coins like my VG8 quarter, I look for clear outlines despite wear. That magnification loupe isn’t just for show – it helped me spot those gas bubble errors that make a coin special without costing a fortune.
• Market Observations: Deals like my $100 quarter prove patience pays off. I’ve noticed pre-1900 thirties coins often get overlooked – perfect for building a meaningful collection on a budget.

This ‘Thursday Thirties’ habit has truly transformed how I collect – blending historical curiosity with that electric thrill of the chase. Give it a try sometime; your next great coin might be waiting in a dealer’s case right now!