The Final Four of My Coin Hoarding Adventure

I’ve always tossed spare change into my truck door, letting it pile up until recently when I finally sorted through it. What began as a simple count turned into a fun adventure that reminded me why I love coin collecting—every piece has a story, and treasures often hide in plain sight.

The Great Coin Count

When I emptied that door compartment, I couldn’t believe how many coins I’d collected. I separated them by denomination—quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies—stacking them into tidy piles. The total? A whopping $3,303! That’s not chump change. It really shows how those little amounts add up, especially when you’re always on the go. Like that time at the marina when I told the cashier to keep the extra to avoid jingling coins in my pocket. For fellow collectors, it’s a good reminder to check your own stash now and then. You might just fund that rare coin you’ve been eyeing or even a nice fishing trip!

Practical Coin Handling Tips

While sorting, I checked each coin with a loupe before adding it to my main collection. It’s worth doing—you never know when you’ll spot a rare mint error, key date, or silver coin worth way more than face value. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up:

• Always loupe before storing: Don’t just toss coins aside; a quick check might reveal a hidden gem.
• Organize as you go: Sort by type and era to make grading and selling easier down the road.
• Store smartly: Use coin holders or tubes to prevent damage—I learned this the hard way after years of coins jingling in my truck.

Doing this not only keeps your coins safe but also makes sorting feel like a mini treasure hunt.

Coins, Basketball, and Fishing: It’s All Connected

While counting, I thought about other passions like watching the Final Four—Florida’s grit, Houston’s defense, and that star from Duke. It hit me how much coin collecting is like sports or fishing: you need patience, a keen eye, and sometimes a lucky break. Take fishing—I guide charters in retirement, and on slow days I learn to be patient. Coin collecting teaches the same lesson—the market can be up and down, but sticking with it pays off. If you’re just starting out, remember: coin collecting isn’t only about the big finds. It’s about the thrill of the hunt and the history each coin holds. So next time you’re going through your coins, treat it like your own final four—focus on the little things, enjoy the moment, and you might just land something amazing.