As a teen. My first job (junior high) was working part time for a coin dealer. I became a numismatist when I figured out that the dealer didn't know what he was doing. Nothing like dipping the silver coins in Jewel Luster every Friday so they would look good for the weekend customers. How times have changed.
I started collecting at 12 and began chasing quality coins and notes when I was 16. I collected until I was 23 and then briefly got out. I got back in to paper money the next year, and coins at 36.
I kick myself for selling off that first collection, as there were some awesome coins / notes (1909S VDB Lincoln in AU50, 1910 $10 gold in MS62, 1865 two cent in MS 65 BN to name a few). Hindsight is 20/20.
Comments
I view the lists of "requirements" in the OP as a list of characteristics.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Hoard the keys.
I kick myself for selling off that first collection, as there were some awesome coins / notes (1909S VDB Lincoln in AU50, 1910 $10 gold in MS62, 1865 two cent in MS 65 BN to name a few). Hindsight is 20/20.