It Was Time: My Retirement Journey into Coin Collecting After Decades of Teaching

After three decades teaching science, retirement finally called my name. Those long classroom days had worn me down, but now I’m pouring my energy into what truly lights me up: coin collecting. This shift has taught me plenty about managing my nest egg while diving deeper into numismatics.

What Selling Properties Taught Me About Coins

During my teaching years, my wife and I built up rental properties that we recently sold to fund our California move. That real estate journey showed me some truths that ring just as clear in coin collecting – especially about timing and presentation. Fixing up a house before selling (think new roof or fresh paint) lifts its value like proper grading and cleaning do for coins. And tax strategies? They matter whether you’re dealing with property or rare coins. That 1031 exchange trick for deferring capital gains? There are similar plays in numismatics. I’ve learned to always consult my CPA before moving high-value pieces – depreciation recapture and collectibles taxes can sneak up on you.

• Track every improvement or repair to add to your cost basis, just like keeping detailed records of coin purchases and grading reports
• Tax surprises sting – plan ahead like you would with coins by holding long-term for better rates
• Property management headaches taught me to outsource tedious tasks; now I let trusted dealers handle appraisals so I can focus on the fun parts

Diving Into Coins During Retirement

With my teaching days behind me, I’m fully immersed in the hobby. I’m thinning out duplicates and leaning on the community – my son actually runs our local coin club. While listing extras for sale, I’ve had to outsmart our cat who thinks my coin table is her personal scratching post! Handling coins daily has sharpened my grading eye. I examine each piece under good light now, hunting for mint marks and wear patterns before pricing. It’s become second nature.

From what I’m seeing, rare coins like pre-1933 gold are holding strong, so I’m prioritizing those in sales. If you’re starting out, move those common duplicates first to build confidence. And always share a coin’s backstory when selling – that history hooks buyers and adds real character.

Handy Tips From My Collection

After years in this game, here’s what works for me: First, treat your collection like any investment – spread across eras and metals to weather market ups and downs. Silver coins offer stability while key-date rarities can jump in value. Second, presentation matters as much as with real estate. Getting coins professionally graded by PCGS or NGC justifies higher prices; that slab tells buyers they’re getting the real deal.

• Tax smart: Hold collectibles over a year for better capital gains rates – but chat with your tax pro first
• Community counts: Join a local club or online group – I’ve picked up grading tricks like checking Morgan dollar luster from fellow collectors
• Guard your treasures: Keep coins safe from pets and humidity in albums or safes

Retirement has given me the gift of time to pursue coins with fresh eyes. Whether you’re just starting or have collected for years, lean into this phase to refine your approach. After all, it’s about the thrill of discovery and the stories in our hands.