My Adventures in Four Legged Fridays: Hunting for Coins with Furry Creatures

I’ve always had a soft spot for coins featuring animals, and nothing beats my weekly “Four Legged Fridays” ritual—hunting for pieces with furry creatures. It’s become my favorite way to keep the collecting spark alive, and over the years I’ve uncovered some real treasures. Today, I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned to help you build your own collection.

Standout Finds from My Collection

What I love about this theme is how unexpectedly varied it gets—it’s not just the usual lions or stags, but any four-legged pal that catches your eye. Take that Sicilo-Punic coin I found (SNG-Cop-1024): Tanit on one side, a gorgeous horse on the other. The history practically leaps off its surface. Then there’s that hobo nickel I’ll never forget—a Franklin half dollar carved into a moose. Quirky, hand-altered pieces like that give a collection real personality. And tokens! I’ve scored some with animal designs every bit as compelling as coins, like one crammed with a whole menagerie.

• Sicilo-Punic coin (SNG-Cop-1024): Tanit and horse combo—ancient coin gold
• Hobo Franklin moose piece: Creative carvings that often fly under the radar
• Tokens with lions or stags: Wallet-friendly ways to mix up your collection

Field Notes from My Hunts

Here’s the good news: animal coins turn up everywhere if you know where to look. I’ve had my best scores combing through eBay (that’s where the moose nickel surfaced) and chatting up dealers at coin shows—they’ve always got surprises tucked away. When checking condition, train your eye on the animal details. Wear on fur texture or legs can really knock down value. I try to grab pieces graded MS-60 or better—they hold up well over time. And market-wise? These hold steady appeal, especially unusual subjects. Sometimes buying raw coins to grade yourself pays off nicely.

Why Critters Make Collecting Click

Chasing furry faces has taught me to see coins differently. I’ll never forget squinting at what seemed like random bumps until—aha!—they resolved into stag antlers. Those little discoveries remind you to slow down and appreciate the craft. And swapping stories with fellow collectors? That’s half the fun. If you’re just starting, common animals like horses or dogs give you plenty to hunt without emptying your wallet before you move to rarer finds.

At the end of the day, my Four Legged Fridays remind me that coins carry more than value—they carry stories of creatures we love. Happy hunting, and may your next find have paws or hooves!