While hoarding coins due to their value goes back to the beginning of coinage, coin collecting as pieces of art was a later development. Known as the "Hobby of Kings", modern coin collecting is generally believed to have begun in the fourteenth century with Petrarch. Notes of Roman emperors having coin collections are also known, but it remains somewhat unclear whether these coins were studied, considered curiosities or possibly were merely hoarded

Coin collectors often begin by saving coins they have received in circulation, but found interesting. These may be the remnants of change from an international trip, or an old coin found in circulation. Over time, if their interests increase, chance will not be sufficient to satisfy the demands for new specimens, and a potentially expensive hobby is born. Some become dedicated generalists, looking for a few examples of everything. If they have enough resources, this can result in an astounding collection, as that of King Farouk of Egypt, who collected everything (and not just coins either). Some are completists, wanting an example of everything within a certain set. For example, Louis Eliasberg was the only collector thus far to assemble a complete set of known coins of the United States.

At the very highest levels of coin collecting, it can become a highly competitive sport. Recently, this has exhibited itself in registry sets, where the most complete set of coins with the highest numerical grades assigned by grading services are published by the grading service. This can lead to astronomical prices as dedicated collectors strive for the very best examples of each date and mint mark combination.

Every collector collects what interests them, and there are as many ways of collecting as there are collectors. However a few themes are common and are often combined to a goal for a collection.(Source: Wikipedia)

1. Investment - While not every coin is guaranteed to go up in value, many times, they are a great investment. Did you know American Eagle Silver Dollars may be used to fund Individual Retirement Accounts?
2. Hobby - Many people collect coins as a hobby much like Stamp Collecting or Collecting Baseball Cards, and many times you may end up with a rare winner.
3. History - Money dates back to the beginning of man, and speaks volumes about our history.  Just take a look at the State Quarters!
4. Collectors - Some people are serious collectors and collecting coins is a serious business.
5. Learn about the 'Value' of Saving - Coin Collecting and purchasing valuable coins is a great way to teach kids about the value of money and saving. Plus it can be loads of fun.

"It is better than buying a T-shirt!" says Mike, owner of Mike at the Mint.  While that comment is meant to be light hearted it does provoke you to ask yourself: How many of those old college shirts collecting dust in the drawer have ever gone up in value, been fun to collect, and taught the importance of saving; all at the same time?

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