My Adventure with the ‘Follow the Lead’ Coin Picture Game

I’ve been having a blast lately with this coin game that builds connections through dates and types – it’s really sparked my collecting passion in new ways. It began simply: post a coin and let others follow your lead. What started as a casual experiment turned into hours of rediscovering my own collection while seeing amazing pieces from fellow collectors.

Here’s How the Game Plays Out

The fun begins with either a commemorative half dollar or any coin dated 1936 or 1934. After that opening move, each new post must connect to the previous coin in one of two ways:

• Match the coin type – if someone posted a Washington quarter, you’d play another Washington quarter
• Match the date exactly – say a 1936 Lincoln cent after someone’s 1936 Washington quarter

This simple connection keeps things moving and lets everyone showcase interesting pieces, whether they’re rare commemoratives or everyday pocket finds.

Medals Add That Special Twist

What really keeps the game exciting is how medals work as wild cards:

• Play a medal matching the last coin’s date, and it becomes a “free pass” – the next player can post absolutely any coin
• Just remember to post medals separately rather than combining them with coins in the same turn

I love how this rule creates unexpected turns. That rare 1919 medal I posted once completely shifted the direction, letting us jump from a Lincoln cent to a modern silver eagle!

Tips From My Game Sessions

After many rounds, I’ve gathered some practical advice that makes playing both enjoyable and educational:

• Clear dates matter: Double-check that dates show clearly in your photos, especially with trickier pieces like elongated cents where details can fade
• Showcase your stars: This is your chance to highlight beautifully graded coins like those NGC MS66 toners – they often spark great conversations about preservation and value
• Mix it up: Rotate between denominations and eras to keep things fresh. Following a Washington quarter with a 1947 coin could mean showing a Franklin half or even foreign issues
• Avoid date slips: Nothing stalls the game faster than posting the wrong date. I always verify dates before photographing – it’s good collecting practice too

Why You Should Give It a Try

Beyond being great fun, this game has genuinely deepened my appreciation for coin history and collecting. It’s a relaxed way to engage with everything from silver quarters to bronze medals, and I’ve discovered undervalued gems through others’ posts. Seeing fellow collectors’ treasures constantly inspires my own hunt for new pieces – every session feels like a hands-on numismatic journey.

Give it a shot sometime! You might just rediscover forgotten favorites in your own collection while connecting with other enthusiasts.