It Was Time to Quit Teaching After 30+ Years and Dive Deep into Coin Collecting

After thirty years in the classroom, I knew it was time to trade my lesson plans for coin albums. Retirement means I can finally give my numismatic passion the attention it deserves—organizing my collection, sharing what I’ve learned, and yes, finally tackling that box of duplicates.

My Journey from Classroom to Coin Cabinet

Leaving teaching after three decades was bittersweet—I’ll always miss the kids, but definitely not the grading (the school kind!). My wife and I had built a nest egg through rental properties, and selling them funded our move to sunny Southern California. Now, with that settled, I’m pouring my energy into coins. You should see the duplicates stacking up! I’m itching to list them for sale while really digging into market trends and precious metals. Honestly? It’s thrilling to focus entirely on what lights me up.

Practical Advice for Taming Your Collection

Sorting through my extras taught me a few things about managing a collection without losing your mind:

• Get key coins graded: Professional slabs build buyer trust and often mean real money, especially for rarities. Worth every penny.
• Start small: List your common duplicates first. It’s a great way to learn the ropes before handling your pricier pieces. Sites like eBay work well, but remember—crisp photos and clear descriptions make all the difference.
• Tap into your network: My son actually runs our local coin club, and wow, has that been helpful! Whether it’s joining a group or starting one, having fellow collectors means support for appraisals, trades, and just keeping a finger on the market’s pulse.

Financial Smarts for Your Coin Hobby

Managing rentals taught me about investments, and coins? They’re real assets. Here’s my approach:

• Don’t ignore taxes: Selling coins can mean capital gains, just like selling a house. Keep good records of what you paid and when. Seriously, chat with a CPA about timing sales or potential deductions—it saves stress later.
• Mix in some metals: Gold and silver coins add ballast when markets get shaky. I watch spot prices and try to buy on dips. A little bullion alongside your numismatic treasures makes for a smarter mix.
• Watch the market: Demand stays strong for classics like Morgans or early commemoratives, but condition is everything. Keep an eye on grading trends too—a tweak by PCGS or NGC can shift values fast.

Grading Wisdom & Keeping Coins Happy

Grading can make or break a coin’s value. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) to be careful:

• Pay close attention to surfaces: Grab a loupe and hunt for wear, scratches, or cleaning marks. They can tank a grade. A mint-state coin with its original glow? That’s the prize.
• Store them right: Acid-free holders or slabs are non-negotiable. Heat and humidity are the enemy—mine live in a climate-controlled safe. Toning might look pretty, but uncontrolled? Bad news.
• Learn before you buy: Grab a Red Book or PCGS guide. Knowing your stuff is the best defense against overpaying for a coin that’s been… optimistically graded.

What’s Next for This Coin-Crazy Retiree

This new chapter is all about diving deeper into the coin world. I’m excited to list more, share knowledge, chat with other collectors, and maybe even help a few new folks find their way. The big lesson? Whether you’re just starting or finally have time like me, coin collecting offers a lifetime of discovery. I plan to make the most of it—it’s never too late to pursue your passion.