My Numismatic Adventure with Four-Legged Fridays: Collecting Furry Creature Coins

I’ve always been drawn to coins featuring animals, and lately I’ve been having a blast with a fun theme that puts furry critters front and center in my collecting. I call it “Four-Legged Fridays” — a weekly ritual where I hunt for coins, tokens, and medals celebrating our four-legged friends. It’s turned up some amazing finds, and I thought I’d share what I’ve learned with you.

The Wonderful World of Furry Creature Coins

In my searches, I’ve found all kinds of coins with animals — lions, griffins, stags, and even mythical creatures. One of my favorites is a Sicilo-Punic token with Tanit on one side and a horse on the other. It’s a beautiful example of how ancient cultures honored animals in their coinage. Then there’s this hobo nickel in my collection: someone carved a moose next to Benjamin Franklin, adding a fun twist to a classic U.S. coin. These finds show that animal coins come from every time and place, giving collectors an endless variety to chase.

My Approach to Collecting Furry Creatures

If you’re thinking about starting your own animal-themed collection, here’s what’s worked for me:

• Begin with popular animals: Look for horses or lions on world coins — they’re common enough to find at auctions without breaking the bank, making them a great way to start.
• Check condition carefully: I always grab my loupe to check the animal details. Coins with clear legs or faces usually grade better and are more valuable. Watch out for scratches or weak strikes — they can really hurt a coin’s appeal.
• Don’t forget tokens and medals: These often have fantastic animal designs and can be real steals online because they’re sometimes overlooked.

What I’ve Seen in the Market and Where to Look

From what I’ve seen, there’s always a market for animal coins, especially ones with a cool history or great art. Rarities like that Sicilo-Punic token or the moose hobo nickel can command high prices because they’re scarce and tell a story. My go-to spots are online — eBay and specialty coin sites. I set up alerts for terms like “animal coin” or “four-legged” and have found some sweet deals. And remember: condition matters most. Coins with sharp, well-preserved animal images tend to rise in value quicker these days.

In short, my Four-Legged Fridays have made my collection more fun and helped me see how coins link us to the animal kingdom. Whether you collect gold, ancients, or modern issues, I hope you’ll give furry creature coins a try. It’s a great way to bring some character and a bit of wild history into your collection.