Dump a bowl of coins onto the kitchen table and most people see parking-meter money.
A coin collector sees history, rarity, and potential value hiding in plain sight.
That shift in mindset is exactly what transformed Fort Dodge resident Ed Albright from paperboy to lifelong numismatist—and it’s what keeps the coin collecting hobby thriving across the United States, even in an era of tap-to-pay apps and shrinking cash use.
From kids searching rolls of pennies to retirees bidding at local auctions, coin clubs like the Fort Dodge Coin Club show how a simple curiosity about pocket change can become a multi-generational passion, and in some cases, a meaningful part of a family’s financial picture.
“You never know what you’re going to find when you go through a bowl of change at home,” Albright likes to say—and he’s right.
Before we dig into pennies, silver and club auctions, remember: this article is educational only. Coins can intersect with your finances, so big decisions deserve individualized advice from qualified professionals.
TL;DR – Why the Coin Collecting Hobby Still Matters
- The coin collecting hobby remains surprisingly widespread; one CivicScience survey reported that 38% of U.S. adults have collected coins at some point, even if only casually.
- Local coin clubs offer family-friendly environments where kids, parents and grandparents learn together, trade coins and share knowledge.
- Pennies—especially pre-1982 copper cents—are an easy, low-cost entry point for new collectors. In 1982 the Mint shifted from 95% copper to mostly zinc, creating multiple collectible varieties.
- Classic silver coins dated 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver and are still widely hunted in change, bank rolls and old jars.
- Joining a club or national group like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) connects collectors to education, auctions and a network of more than 24,000 members worldwide.
Why the Coin Collecting Hobby Still Thrives
Numismatics has been part of American culture for well over a century. The American Numismatic Association was founded in 1891 “to advance the knowledge of numismatics… and enhance interest in the hobby,” and today counts more than 24,000 individual members, plus hundreds of affiliated clubs.
Despite smartphones and digital wallets, there are several reasons the coin collecting hobby continues to attract new participants:
- Tangible history – Every coin carries a year, a place and a story, whether it’s a 1943 steel cent or a Morgan silver dollar from a Western mint.
- Treasure-hunt appeal – The idea that a rare variety or silver piece might be hiding in a roll of coins is irresistibly fun.
- Educational value – Collecting naturally teaches geography, economics, metallurgy and art history.
- Community – Coin clubs, ANA conventions and online forums give collectors a social outlet around a shared interest.
Market research suggests the formal “coin collecting market” (including auctions, grading, and specialty dealers) is projected to grow at an annual rate of about 8% through 2035, reflecting a blend of traditional hobbyists and new digital-age investors.
So while cash may be less visible at the checkout counter, numismatics remains very much alive on bourse floors, in club meeting rooms, and in family living rooms across the country.
Starting the Coin Collecting Hobby with Pennies
Why Pennies Make the Perfect Starter Coin
Ed Albright’s advice—to start with pennies—is spot on, especially for beginners and young numismatists:
- Low cost of entry
- You can still order rolls of cents from your bank at face value.
- Rich variety
- Wheat cents (1909–1958), Memorial and Shield designs all offer different eras and designs.
- Historic metal changes
- Until 1982, U.S. cents were 95% copper. Mid-1982 onward, they became 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating—a shift driven by rising copper prices.
- Collectible complexities
- Because both copper and zinc cents were produced in 1982, there are seven different date/composition varieties for that year alone, giving collectors a built-in challenge.
For kids, searching a $5 box of pennies on a snowy day, the way Albright does before a trip, can be both an inexpensive activity and an introduction to systematic collecting.
Penny-Hunting Checklist
New collectors can start by sorting cents into:
- Pre-1982 copper cents (heavier, 3.11 g)
- Post-1982 zinc cents (lighter, 2.5 g)
- Wheat reverse cents (1909–1958)
- Any coins with unusual color, off-center strikes, doubling or other potential errors
From there, they can research dates, mintmarks and varieties using online guides or beginner books, and eventually branch into older U.S. series.
The Role of Coin Clubs in the Coin Collecting Hobby
One of the strongest themes in the Fort Dodge story is the coin club itself—a family-friendly group where fifth-graders and octogenarians share the same tables, coins and stories.
What Local Coin Clubs Offer
Most local clubs, especially those affiliated with the ANA, provide:
- Regular meetings with short programs, show-and-tell and club business.
- Coin auctions with low minimum bids so everyone can participate.
- Youth programs, including junior auctions or educational handouts.
- Exposure to many collecting specialties—from bank bags and tokens to wartime nickels and Civil War currency.
The ANA notes that member clubs—more than 300 worldwide—receive access to educational materials, publicity support and other benefits designed to “advance the hobby” and “promote education.”
For a newer collector, that means you’re never far from someone who can help identify a mystery token, explain a grading term, or share the story behind a particular design.
Community, Family and Storytelling
Clubs like Fort Dodge’s often become extended families. Grandparents bring grandkids; long-time members like the late Pete Fritz show off metal-detected finds from local parks; dealers such as the owners of Fort Dodge Coin & Stamp share market insight.
As one ANA youth-program article puts it, collecting through a club can feel like “unlocking a treasure trove of benefits,” from educational activities to real coins earned as rewards.
That sense of shared discovery keeps people in the coin collecting hobby long after the first lucky penny.
From Hobby to Valuation: When Coins Become Assets
For many collectors, there comes a moment—often at retirement or after an inheritance—when a cherished collection also becomes a financial asset that needs to be understood, insured or passed on.
Market Context
- The United States removed 90% silver coins from everyday circulation after 1964; pre-1965 dimes, quarters and half dollars remain popular “junk silver” targets for both collectors and bullion investors.
- Error coins and key dates routinely bring five- and six-figure prices at auction. A 1968 “no-S” Roosevelt dime, for example, sold for $40,800 in early 2024.
While most people won’t find a five-figure dime in change, a carefully assembled collection of silver, early copper or limited-mintage modern issues can represent significant value.
Basic Steps for Coin Collection Valuation
- Inventory the collection
- Group by type: cents, nickels, silver coins, paper money, tokens, medals, etc.
- Identify key material
- Pre-1965 silver, older series (like bust halves or early dollars), proof sets and gold pieces warrant special attention.
- Use reputable price guides and auction archives
- Online resources and printed guides provide ballpark figures, but remember that grade and eye appeal heavily influence final value.
- Consult professionals for important items
- ANA member dealers, major auction houses, or certified appraisers can give more precise opinions, especially for estate or insurance work.
A key YMYL point: significant financial decisions—such as selling a large collection or reallocating funds based on coin values—should be made in consultation with both numismatic and financial professionals.
Pros and Cons of the Coin Collecting Hobby
Benefits
- Educational and historical – Coins serve as portable primary sources, documenting wars, economic crises and cultural shifts.
- Affordable entry, flexible depth – You can start with pocket change and later move into rare gold or high-grade type sets.
- Family bonding – Stories like Albright’s show how grandparents, parents and kids can share a multigenerational activity.
- Potential financial upside – Well-chosen, properly stored coins may at least hold value against inflation and sometimes appreciate significantly.
Risks and Challenges
- Overpaying or buying problem coins – Cleaned, damaged or counterfeit pieces can lose much of their value.
- Market fluctuations – Demand for certain series or modern issues can wax and wane.
- Storage and insurance – Larger or more valuable collections require secure storage and, ideally, documented appraisals for insurance.
- Time and learning curve – Becoming proficient in grading, series nuances and market behavior takes commitment.
Taking a measured, education-first approach is the best way to enjoy the coin collecting hobby while managing these risks.
FAQ: Common Questions About the Coin Collecting Hobby
1. How many coin collectors are there in the United States?
A precise number is hard to pin down, but a 2022 CivicScience survey reported that 38% of U.S. adults have collected coins at some point, and ANA membership plus market data suggest hundreds of thousands of active hobbyists today.
2. Are pre-1982 copper pennies really worth saving?
Individually, most are still worth face value in everyday transactions. However, their higher copper content, heavier weight and shrinking presence in circulation make them popular with variety specialists and “copper hoarders.” Many collectors separate them by date and mintmark for future study or potential bulk resale.
3. What’s the best way for kids to get started in the hobby?
- Start with change jars and bank-rolled cents or nickels.
- Join a local coin club or the ANA Young Numismatist program for activities and free coin opportunities.
- Use simple folders or albums to organize finds and track progress.
4. Do I need expensive equipment to be a “real” numismatist?
No. For most beginners, all you need is:
- A basic magnifier (5x–10x)
- Good lighting
- A notebook or digital spreadsheet to record finds
- Access to introductory books or trustworthy online resources
More advanced tools—digital scales, reference libraries, grading service submissions—can come later if the hobby sticks.
5. When should I consider getting coins professionally graded or appraised?
- When individual pieces might be worth several hundred dollars or more.
- When you’re planning to sell or insure a collection.
- When you inherit coins and aren’t sure how to identify or value them.
In those situations, consult ANA-member dealers or major certification services, and coordinate with a financial advisor or planner as needed.
Conclusion: Keeping the Coin Collecting Hobby Alive—One Penny at a Time
From a grandmother’s rhyme about lucky pennies to a roomful of collectors trading stories at a midwestern club meeting, the coin collecting hobby is ultimately about connection—connection to history, to tangible value, and to other people who see treasure where others see spare change.
For U.S. coin collectors, industry professionals and curious newcomers alike, the path forward is clear:
- Start simple—maybe with a handful of pennies on a winter afternoon.
- Plug into community through a local coin club or the ANA.
- Learn continuously, treat major purchases thoughtfully, and keep one eye on both enjoyment and financial prudence.
Somewhere in your pocket, your car’s cup holder, or a forgotten jar in the closet, the next coin that sparks a lifelong passion might already be waiting. All you have to do is look.
