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

Discovering a Fun New Way to Connect with Collectors

I recently stumbled upon this coin game called ‘Follow the Lead Picture Post,’ and wow – it’s quickly become one of my favorite ways to share the hobby with fellow collectors. What started as a simple photo-sharing idea turned into this fantastic exercise that trains your eye to spot details while celebrating the coolest pieces in our collections.

Simple Rules, Endless Possibilities

Getting started is a breeze: just post a picture of any commemorative half-dollar or a coin from 1936 or 1934. Then the magic happens – each new post connects to the previous coin in one of two ways:

• Match the coin type (like following a Washington quarter with another Washington quarter)
• Match the date (so a 1936 Buffalo nickel could follow that same Washington quarter)

Say someone shares a 1936 Washington quarter. I might dig out another Washington quarter from my collection, or maybe hunt down that 1936 Buffalo nickel I’ve been meaning to photograph. The connection keeps everyone engaged and looking closely at dates and types.

The Wild Card Game-Changer

Here’s where it gets really interesting: post a medal matching the last coin’s date, and it becomes a wild card! This lets the next player share absolutely any coin, resetting the chain. But remember – post the medal and new coin separately. I learned this the hard way after confusing everyone with a double-post early on!

That wild card rule keeps everyone on their toes. I’ve watched it spark amazing conversations when someone breaks out an unusual medal, often leading to deeper dives into historical context. It’s become my favorite part of the game.

Tips from My Gameplay Experience

After playing several rounds, I’ve gathered some practical pointers to keep things running smoothly:

• Crisp photos are non-negotiable – especially clear dates. Blurry shots cause more confusion than you’d expect!
• Always double-check the last coin’s details before posting. I once accidentally derailed a chain by mixing up dates – total facepalm moment
• Time your wild cards strategically. That rare medal? Perfect moment to shift gears and show off something special

I remember when someone shared an NGC MS66 toned Washington quarter during gameplay. Not only did it look stunning, but it sparked great conversations about toning and grading – showing how even casual sharing can teach us something new.

More Than Just a Game

What surprised me most was how this simple activity deepened my appreciation for the hobby. It pushed me to explore forgotten corners of my collection, rediscovering coins I hadn’t examined in years. And the community aspect? Priceless. There’s something special about this low-pressure way to connect over shared passion.

If you love coins, metals, or collecting in general, try this out. Share your pieces, play by these simple rules, and watch how it breathes new life into your collecting routine. You might just find yourself hooked like I did!