It Was TIME to Dive Into Coins After Decades of Teaching

After more than 30 wonderful years in the classroom, I’ve finally retired – and rediscovered my first love: coin collecting. Suddenly having hours to spend with my collection feels like opening a treasure chest I’d forgotten about. I’m sorting through duplicates, sharing stories from my numismatic journey, and just enjoying the rhythm of handling coins again. My wife’s got our finances handled (she’s the spreadsheet wizard), while I get lost in the history behind each piece. Our son, who runs the local coin club, keeps me on my toes, and even our tabby cat “helps” arrange displays! Here’s how this new chapter is changing my approach to the hobby.

Rediscovering My Numismatic Passion

Teaching kept me busy for decades, but now I can finally give my coins the attention they deserve. I’m starting with the extras – those duplicates we all accumulate – listing them online with notes about their history. It’s not just about thinning the herd; it’s about passing pieces to collectors who’ll appreciate them. If you’re entering retirement or just finding more free time, block out regular slots for your collection. Trust me, turning hobby time into a daily habit makes all the difference.

Keeping Your Collection Manageable

Through trial and error, I’ve learned that good organization saves headaches later. Here’s what works for me:

• Jot down purchase details – date and price matter more than you think, especially come tax season
• Tackle duplicates first: Move common extras to fund new finds or reclaim storage space
• Get the family involved: My wife tracks finances while our son researches – makes it feel like a team sport

A little structure keeps the joy in collecting when you suddenly have more time to devote.

Smart Money Moves for Collectors

Some financial lessons translate perfectly to coins. Just like selling property, offloading collectibles can bring tax surprises if you’re not ready. Here’s my hard-won advice:

• Chat with a coin-savvy CPA before selling big-ticket items – they know tricks to soften the tax blow
• Keep receipts for grading fees or conservation work – those costs can reduce your taxable gain
• Watch market rhythms: Silver spikes move junk silver, while collector demand ebbs and flows for series like Mercury dimes

Getting professional guidance means more money stays in your pocket where it belongs.

Grading Wisdom and Market Tips

With more free hours, I’m finally mastering grading nuances. Lately I’m noticing hot demand for pre-1965 silver and scarce dates riding precious metal waves. A few things I’ve learned:

• Never cut corners on grading – PCGS or NGC slabs add real value and buyer confidence
• Study wear patterns and mint luster – that difference between MS-63 and MS-65 could be hundreds of dollars
• Listen to club chatter: Our monthly meetings often spotlight undervalued series before they take off

Focusing on these details has already made my collection stronger and more valuable.

Retirement isn’t about slowing down – it’s about fueling new adventures. For me, that means diving deep into coins, learning every day, and swapping stories with fellow collectors. If you’re at a similar crossroads, jump in boots first! Our hobby’s full of hidden gems just waiting to be found. Happy hunting!