My Adventure with the Follow the Lead Picture Game in Coin Collecting

I stumbled onto this coin game recently that’s become my new favorite way to connect with fellow collectors. It started as a simple idea – building chains of coin photos by date or type – but quickly turned into this addictive treasure hunt through my collection.

How the Game Works

Here’s the fun part: you begin by sharing a commemorative half dollar or any coin from 1936 or 1934. Then each person builds on the last post – either matching the coin type (like another Washington quarter) or the exact date. Say someone posts a 1936 Buffalo nickel; I could follow with either another Buffalo nickel or any coin from that same 1936 vintage. It gets everyone digging through their albums and boxes to keep the chain going!

• Kick things off with a commemorative half or 1936/1934 coin
• Always match either the coin type or date from the previous post
• Keep the energy up – quick turns make it more exciting

The Medal Wildcard Twist

The real game-changer came when we added medals to the mix. If you play a medal matching the last coin’s date, it becomes a wildcard – the next person can post absolutely anything! But here’s the catch: you can’t sneak in both a medal and coin in the same post. This little rule creates some great strategy moments. I’ve learned to time my medal plays carefully – drop one at the right moment and you can steer the whole chain in a fresh direction.

I remember when someone posted a 1919 Lincoln cent. Suddenly everyone was scrambling – you could follow with another 1919 coin, play a medal from that year to reset the chain, or even share an elongated cent souvenir. What I love is how this levels the playing field. You don’t need rare coins to participate – that 1919 medal I found in my grandfather’s junk box became my MVP that round!

Practical Tips for Playing

After several rounds, I’ve picked up some useful tricks. First, choose coins with clear dates – nothing kills momentum like squinting at a worn 1919 Lincoln cent trying to confirm the date. Good lighting matters too! I’ve noticed how condition sparks conversation – like when someone shared that gorgeous toned Washington quarter, we spent twenty minutes just admiring the colors. Clear photos let everyone appreciate the details and often lead to great discussions about what makes certain dates special.

• Pick easily identifiable coins – Lincoln cents and Washington quarters work great
• Save wildcards for when you’ve got something special to share
• Double-check dates before posting – I’ve accidentally derailed a chain by misreading a ’34 as ’36!

What surprises me most is how this simple game deepened my appreciation for coins I’d overlooked. It’s not about value – I’ve had just as much fun with common dates as rare ones. There’s something magical about watching connections form between coins across different series and eras. Why not grab your favorite coin and start a chain? You might rediscover pieces you haven’t looked at in years.