Coin collecting is a fabulous hobby for the young ones as it gets them working with their hands, looking at coins, and learning history through geography, in addition to how money works through what they find as treasure. The key is to ease into it for safety and enjoyment.
Top starter coins (where to begin collecting)
One of the best coins to start with for those young collectors is one that you can replace easily. Specifically, it refers to modern low-denomination coins (nothing rare/valuable).
Good options include:
UK decimal coins (1p to £2)
Anything else, like 50p and £2 commemoratives found in change, can sometimes prove to be popular because the designs do vary a lot, but most of them are so common that you wouldn’t bat an eyelid.
Kids love sorting world coins bought in mixed small bundles (by country, by animal, or building, and even more for unusual shapes.
(only accept pre-decimal coins – old pennies, halfpennies in good condition and cheap).
In particular, do not start with any valuable silver or gold coins. Child-friendly means avoiding anything frail or that can be lost or broken by children.
A simple starter set idea
Provide small, immediate success goals for your child
Collect one specimen of each denomination issued in the UK
Find five different 50p designs
Throw in three coins from different countries.
You could also make this a weekly thing: once per week, check your pockets/purses/change jars together and then add to the collection! For Coin Dealers UK, visit www.gmcoins.co.uk/
Generic storage tips (to avoid ruining your things)
Rubbing, moisture, and fingerprints are the main reasons coins get damaged. No fancy equipment, just some basic habits.
Whenever possible, hold coins by the edges
Do not clean coins. They will scratch if they are rubbed or polished, and this devalues them
Use coin wallets or small envelopes. Now tag the date and/or source.
Keep in a small file box or binder far from bathrooms, kitchens, and windows (wetness is the adversary).
Put the mini “do not eat” silica gel packets that accompany the packing in the storage box to lower its humidity.
Aim for educational (but not dull!)
Keep questions simple: Who is on the coin? What year is it? What does the design celebrate? Kids will generally begin to pick up what aspects of coins can make them more appealing than others.
Coin collecting is a hobby that can grow with your child for many years, starting from a few safe starter coins and basic storage.