If only coins could talk

 Posted 02/13/2012  9:59 pm

I was searching another box of penny coins, hence the profile name, and got very philosophical. I pulled out a few coins some having been in circulation for a least 70 years. Some of the coins are black, some are corroded, some have very strange toning. Where have they been to get these effects.
Got to thinking if these coins could talk wouldn't they have a lot of stories to tell. Stories we will never know.
Some of the coins that I pulled out of circulation were 40 years old and still looked as good as new. Where were these coins hiding while the others were being subjected to different environments and abuse. Some of the coins have large marks on them, deep scratches and marks, and battered and beaten. Where have they been and what they have been through in circulation.
I am searching Canadian coins and found quite a number,of US coins, 1000 in about 8 boxes searched so far. Just goes to show how much travel there is between these two countries.
Found a number of coins from other countries, again goes to show how people are travelling and how the world can be very small at times. As I look at these, I reflect and get to see how other countries are choosing to depict the history of their country.
This was my moment of reflection.
It would sure put another dimension to this great hobby if these coins could talk. I certainly got a better appreciation for circulated coins.
Guess this is why there is such a diversity of collectors out there and it is great to have this forum where everyone can share their preferences and experiences in collecting coins.
See "shooting for 100,000 searched pennies" by Crockett, in " Canadian Coins , Bank Notes and Paper money" to see some images of what he is finding. My experience has been much the same. I'm just starting my hunt.