Let’s See My Exonumia Treasures!
July 2, 2025My Journey with the GTG 1899-O Morgan Dollar: Grading, Reslabbing, and Rarity
July 2, 2025Lately, I’ve been getting lost in the world of animal-themed coins, which led to this fun habit I call ‘Four Legged Fridays’ – my weekly excuse to hunt down and share coins featuring furry companions. Whether it’s ancient relics or modern oddities, this theme’s brought such lively energy to my collecting routine, and I can’t wait to show you some personal favorites.
Some Treasures I’ve Found
While building my collection, I’ve stumbled upon some real charmers that embody this theme perfectly. Here are a few that never fail to make me smile:
- That Sicilo-Punic piece (SNG Cop 1024) with Tanit on one side and a proud horse on the other. It’s such a powerful glimpse into how ancient cultures honored animals.
- A token that first appeared as simple mounds, but revealed hidden animal shapes when I looked closer – a great lesson in always checking coins from every angle!
- A hobo nickel where some clever artist transformed Franklin into a moose. These carved beauties are scarce and can get pricey, but they’re worth every penny for their creativity.
- Coins stamped with lions, griffins, stags – my own little metal menagerie! What I adore is how each creature whispers stories about its time and place.
Collecting Tips From My Experience
Gathering animal coins has been incredibly fun, but I’ve picked up some practical wisdom along the way:
- Grading Matters: When examining animal coins, really study the creature’s features – crisp paws, feather details, or expressive eyes. Full, sharp strikes tend to draw collector attention, especially in top-tier holders.
- Market Pulse: Creature coins are having a moment! Lately I’ve noticed bidding wars for mythical beasts like griffins. Tokens and hobo nickels remain specialized areas, but well-kept pieces can be solid additions.
- Smart Hunting: Narrow your focus to avoid getting swamped. Maybe start with 19th-century horse coins or Victorian-era stags – they’re accessible and plentiful. Online auctions can yield surprises, but always double-check sources for authenticity.
Why These Coins Captivate Me
‘Four Legged Fridays’ has turned my numismatic passion into a proper safari. It’s not about metal content or rarity scores – it’s that magical link between nature and human history, struck in miniature across centuries. Try adding a creature coin to your collection sometime. Who knows? You might find yourself hooked!