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Why I collect coins
JCB1983
Posts: 143
My first exposure to precious metals was in 1986, and at the age of 3. I got to take part in the once a decade gold pouring at the Tropico Goldmine in Lancaster CA. My great Uncle Glenn Settle owned a grocery store in the 1930's and married a woman named dorene burton from the Burton Family. Cliff burton owned the mine and made it prosper for over 50 years with the help of my great uncle who was chief of mining operations. Glenn past away 4 years ago at the age of 99, but along with my grandfather taught me a great deal about precious metals, numismatics, and geology among other things.
Fast forward to 1988 and I decided to check out the coin store, while my mom was checking out at piglly wiglley. I wish I could remember the name of the coin store (I believe it is now closed), or the dealer, but I don't. I do however remember the first time I laid my hand on a 19th century American Silver coin, and how it was mesmerizing and awe inspiring to hold such a thing. (It was an 1872 SLQ). It wasn't so much the silver aspect, but the history behind such a coin. The SLQ was worn down, probably AG, and the date was hardly visible. I knew it was a piece of history, and that it was something very special.
Along with my friend lewis who also got hooked on coins, we started saving up our money, picking weeds for a buck, and occasionally mowing lawns. We put down the original Nintendo and started filling up dansco's. Still have them to this day, as well as the 1872 Seated Liberty Quarter. History took on a whole new meaning. I would go to the library and read about historical events in 1872, and other years from coins that I collected. I learned things such as Yellowstone became the worlds first national park, and patents were given out for the first blue jeans, and the Steignway Grand Piano.
I frequently visited the Mojave Desert to visit my family during summer months. One of the most nostalgic encounters I had was when Uncle Glenn would let me play his vintage chrome pace slot machine from the 1920's. The machine was full of mercury dimes, and although I never hit the jackpot, he would let me keep some of the winnings.
To keep a long story short, the years went on, I went back and forth with collecting baseball cards, or whatever was popular at the time. At the age of 32 and with an 8 year old son I have found a new found passion for numismatics. It is always the history that brings me back, and the memories of the younger years.
Fast forward to 1988 and I decided to check out the coin store, while my mom was checking out at piglly wiglley. I wish I could remember the name of the coin store (I believe it is now closed), or the dealer, but I don't. I do however remember the first time I laid my hand on a 19th century American Silver coin, and how it was mesmerizing and awe inspiring to hold such a thing. (It was an 1872 SLQ). It wasn't so much the silver aspect, but the history behind such a coin. The SLQ was worn down, probably AG, and the date was hardly visible. I knew it was a piece of history, and that it was something very special.
Along with my friend lewis who also got hooked on coins, we started saving up our money, picking weeds for a buck, and occasionally mowing lawns. We put down the original Nintendo and started filling up dansco's. Still have them to this day, as well as the 1872 Seated Liberty Quarter. History took on a whole new meaning. I would go to the library and read about historical events in 1872, and other years from coins that I collected. I learned things such as Yellowstone became the worlds first national park, and patents were given out for the first blue jeans, and the Steignway Grand Piano.
I frequently visited the Mojave Desert to visit my family during summer months. One of the most nostalgic encounters I had was when Uncle Glenn would let me play his vintage chrome pace slot machine from the 1920's. The machine was full of mercury dimes, and although I never hit the jackpot, he would let me keep some of the winnings.
To keep a long story short, the years went on, I went back and forth with collecting baseball cards, or whatever was popular at the time. At the age of 32 and with an 8 year old son I have found a new found passion for numismatics. It is always the history that brings me back, and the memories of the younger years.
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"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Awesome story.
I agree! Thanks for sharing that.
There is something about slot machines and old coins. I have a Comet nickel slot filled with buffaloes. The old machine and the old coins just go together.
Thanks for the post.
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