My Adventure in ‘Four Legged Fridays’: Collecting Coins with Furry Creatures

I’ve always loved coins featuring animals, especially those with four legs. That’s why I started my weekly ritual called ‘Four Legged Fridays’ – it’s become my favorite way to explore the furry friends in my collection. Each Friday, I pull out coins, tokens, or medals showcasing creatures from majestic lions to humble hares. These pieces add such character to collecting, weaving together history, artistry, and pure fun. Let me share some discoveries I’ve made, practical tips that have helped me, and thoughts on grading these special pieces.

Spotlight on My Favorite Furry Creature Coins

During my Friday explorations, I’ve fallen for some real charmers. One standout is a modified hobo nickel I found – a Franklin half-dollar transformed with a hand-carved moose that gives this common coin such personality. Another treasure is my Sicilo-Punic coin featuring Tanit on one side and a spirited horse on the reverse; holding something that ancient feels like touching history. Here are a few others that never fail to make me smile:

• A stag token (not technically a coin, but too beautiful to ignore)
• Lion and griffin coins from different eras, each telling stories of mythology and power
• Modern commemoratives with animal motifs – perfect pocket pieces for daily inspiration

What really grabs me is how the artistry brings these creatures to life – the texture of fur, the muscle in their legs, the personality in their stance. It turns metal into something magical.

Practical Advice for Collecting and Identifying These Coins

From my hunt for furry numismatics, I’ve learned a few tricks. First, explore everywhere – flea markets, coin shows, online auctions. That moose hobo nickel? Found it on eBay after months of searching. When examining pieces, pay attention to relief details like “mounds” – these can help distinguish similar designs, especially on ancient coins where animals carried deep symbolism. For tokens and medals, inscriptions and dates are your best clues. My go-to suggestions:

• Keep a simple reference guide for animal symbols – you’ll spot patterns across cultures
• Check condition carefully under good light – worn legs can really affect value
• Enjoy the chase – many animal coins won’t break the bank but offer rich stories

I’ve noticed pieces like that Sicilo-Punic coin gaining steady interest lately. Their blend of history and artistry makes them wonderful starters for new collectors.

Grading Tips and Key Observations for Preservation

Grading animal coins requires special attention to those creature details. Coins with sharp features – think defined fur or strong leg positioning – typically grade higher. That hobo nickel I mentioned? Its value lives in the carving depth; flattening would hurt it badly. What I’ve learned:

• Watch for scratches on the animal’s body – common flaws that lower grades
• Use acid-free holders – tarnish can obscure delicate details
• Get rarer pieces professionally graded – top-condition animal coins can surprise you at auction

This whole adventure has reminded me how coins connect us to nature’s wonders across centuries. Whether you collect precious metals or simply love a good story, try your own ‘Four Legged Fridays’ – it might just become your favorite collecting ritual too. Happy hunting!