It Was TIME to Retire from Teaching: My Full Dive into Coin Collecting

After three decades in the classroom, I knew it was TIME to retire—finally giving me the chance to pour myself into coin collecting without distractions. Let me tell you how this shift changed my numismatic journey, using simple lessons from life and the luxury of time.

Rediscovering Time for My Collection

Now that I’ve hung up my teacher’s hat, I spend hours organizing my coins, particularly those duplicates I’ll be selling. It reminds me of how we used to manage our rental properties—trimming down thoughtfully to get good value. If you’re looking to do the same, try this: sort by denomination, time period, and condition to spot which coins are ready for new homes.

How My Family Joins the Fun

My wife keeps our coin spending in check using budgeting skills from our property days. And our son? As head of the local coin club, he drags me to shows and shares the latest buzz. Having family involved turns collecting into a shared passion—plus it’s nice having someone to keep me honest about impulse buys!

Straightforward Tips for Selling Doubles

Trimming my collection taught me some smart selling tricks. Here’s what actually works:

• Get coins graded by PCGS or NGC before selling—it builds buyer trust and sets fair prices, just like a property appraisal would.
• Keep records of what you paid originally; you’ll need this for tax calculations if you make a profit.
• Platforms like eBay or coin forums reach more buyers, but always include crisp photos and honest descriptions to attract real collectors.

Real Estate Lessons That Apply to Coins

Surprisingly, selling houses taught me plenty about numismatics:

• Like renovating a kitchen, spending on conservation or grading can boost a coin’s value—just ensure the payoff outweighs the cost.
• Watch those taxes! Track sales profits and talk to an accountant, similar to handling property depreciation. Silver or gold coins can also balance your portfolio when markets wobble.
• Timing is everything. Follow trends through CoinWeek or the Red Book—buy when others aren’t looking, sell when interest peaks.

Our Feline Coin Inspector

Coin sorting at our house comes with a supervisor: our cat, who patrols the table like a tiny security guard. Her antics remind us not to take this hobby too seriously!

I’m excited to share more finds and selling stories as I explore this next chapter. Whether you’re starting out or have collected for years, retirement sure gives you space to polish your collection—here’s to great finds ahead!