Building A Type Set Collection. Suggestions.

I'm really excited about putting together something for these guys. I've got quite a few that are working on quarter sets (both ATB and State Quarters). I know a lot of collectors didn't like those but I think they have been great for learning. My goals aren't about getting kids into coinage or collecting, it is all about engaging them in historical/relevant events, landmarks, time periods. Those that take away coin collecting as an interest...well, that's great too. I almost wish I was a stamp collector for this very reason, last thing I need is another hobby though.

@oih82w8 - TPG coins would be great for "pass around-ability". I may bring in some for that. I definitely want to have some ungraded, un-slabbed, problem coins just for the tactile sensation of handling some old stuff. I also like the idea of an album or something to keep up with them in. I'm not worried about the kids stealing them, just being misplaced.

@namachieli - That's a great idea. Thanks for that. I have no idea how I would put together a "coin drive"...but that's something to think about for sure. Also...holed coins, that's exactly what I'm getting at. Damaged stuff that people don't have any emotional/sentimental attachment with or not much investment in but that make great learning tools. I know what you mean about the expense of a 7070. That part is still in the air. The only reason I am even considering an album as opposed to a custom or just a three ring binder, is for presentation. As a matter of fact, the binder keeps sounding better just so I can add to it over time and have more than one coin of each type.

@muddler - I'll look into the capitol holders for sure. 20th century doesn't go back far enough though. I know I want some 1800 coins, maybe even late 1700's. I do like the idea of a slide show, especially for gold coins.

Not sure of the age groups you are discussing but for economy purposes and a flexible method, I'd try using those 20 slot plastic sheets for 2x2's. Then putting them in a large 3 ringed binder. Doing this you could leave spaces for future additions. If all coins were in a 2x2 flip, you could write something on them and/or just put a number on them. Then add a sheet of cardboard or heavy paper in front of each one of those plastic 20 slotted pages for informatioin. With a number on the 2x2, such as 244 and the date, then on that sheet in front of that you could have a item number with all sorts of information about that coin.
Sort of a text book about coins and the history dealing with them. Also, this would allow you to even add more or less coins as time progresses. The students likes and dislikes could be discussed and such a binder of coins could be modified to agree with any such suggestions.
As an example you might hear students mention why so many Pennies and so few Nickels.
And of course you might want to mention it does not say Pennies on our Cents but that would be just ignored anyway.
The above suggestion is so much better than an Album of any type where information about the coins is just not possible. Having a page for such information on the coins, their history, quantitiy minted, where minted, etc. could be added and make each coin more interesting.
Might end up being a coin/history text book and you could end up being rich from that.

@just carl - that's what I'm talking about...lesson plan ideas. Definitely convinced that the binder is the way to go now too. Absolutely right about being able to include information on the flips that I wouldn't be able to include in a pre-made album. I'm also going to use namachieli's idea about the "coin drive" and see what I can get some of the publishing companies to donate for supply stuff, maybe some more quarter folders while I'm at it, I've bought plenty...that's for sure.

I think you would be able to skip the the harder to find/more expensive peices, and just use a visual aid to show the design. But having a big heavy Peace or Morgan dollar, or Trade dollar in your hand speaks for its self.

I would think just talking to the Admins on the best way to go about setting up the donation (if you want to go that route) would be best.

I for one would love to donate a couple pieces if it means hooking a few bright eye'd youngsters. (I'm 26 btw. ;) )

If you end up setting something up, that members here could donate coins .. I know I would try
and send a couple for the cause. Maybe plan to set up a sign up sheet, so you could get different
coins.

What popped into my head as I was reading was to take a Dansco Presidential albumn and put a coin into
the slots .. that were in circulation during that presidents term of office.

Of course all the selected coins would have to be the size of small dollars .. or smaller.
If you selected the P and D set/album .. you could place the correct small dollar coin
and a coin from their term of office.

The 7070 album is a good idea .. just was thinking there may be another choice that may be cheaper.
Of course I have not researched if any ...presidential terms of office had all high priced coins.

Thanks everyone.

For sure not going to use the 7070. I want to step outside of those boundaries a little and not have missing holes for ones I just can't fill. I'm going to start with the 2x2 album to make some coins available sooner rather than later. Because of justcarl's post I also want to take some large note cards, fold them over like the 2x2 flips, cut appropriately coined sized holes in them. Then figure out how to glue in my own mylar or plastic, essentially making a 3x5 flip (estimation). On the notecard/homemade flip could be notes about the coin or time period and that flip could have a holder/slot in a scrapbook that would have even more information (bigger picture kind of stuff) that relates to the lesson itself. Later, the large homemade flips could be taken out and placed in quiz groups for students to recall the bigger picture info with prompting from the coin flips themselves. Anything to help recall without flatout giving the exact information, you know? I will for sure keep some just for passing around as well. I'm really not worried about any of them being stolen from me. It is a really poor school but they are really great kids who love the kind of stuff that is different than what they normally get.

All of this will be an extended work in progress that I will definitely keep you guys posted on.

Also, that's why I love this site. I may not post often but I find myself reading someone's post almost everyday since I joined it.
Thanks

I cannot believe I am going to suggest this....but reproductions may be something to look into as well. I know my kids love seeing the variety and as of right now do not care about the value so a repro every now and then gets them excited. That way you could have a larger variety of 'coins' and not spend an arm and a leg (also, if 1 or 2 disappear, it did not cost an arm and a leg).