Pocket Piece - Who Has One?

I use a 1986 S Ellis Island silver dollar. For a while I was using a 1941 quarter, but I was about to spend it on more than one occasion. I selected this Ellis Island because it was the worst conditioned commem in my collection. I got the coin as a orphan (no OGP) and it was extremely hazed. The funny thing is after 2 weeks in my pocket the hazing is gone, but the coin is now in circulated condition.

That should be a fun day!


I keep 13 pocket pieces (the number was just coincidence, not of a special meaning). I've had them in my pocket for about 4 or 5 months now. My most notable is a 1964 Proof quarter that is one of the first coins I ever bought. My first purchase was 5 silver proof quarters, and I still have 3 of them, which I will definitely be saving. I thought it would be a nice piece to have with me, and to see what a circulated proof eventually looks at. I think I'll take pictures every 6 months to see how it ages.

I also have an ike, a 2015 penny (which looked 20+ years old after about 2/3 weeks), a few circulation issue commemoratives, and some old silver.

At one time I had a Baseball HOF half dollar, but lost it after about 3 weeks It's the only one I've lost (as of yet).

I don't carry one.

Here's my 1883-O Morgan after nearly a month and a half.

April 2015:





Today:

I'm calling surface damage. There are 3 other smaller and less noticeable spots as well; one in Liberty's crown, another behind her ear, and another a little below her ear. The ebay seller I bought it from disclosed this in the description, and I bought it with that in mind, with the intent of making it a pocket piece.

I wouldn't call it a pocket piece, per se, but I use a worn 1899 quarter as a ball marker when I play golf. I have an equally worn 1900 half dollar as a backup. I don't carry change in my pockets. I rarely carry any money at all. I have to plan in advance if I might go somewhere that doesn't take credit cards!

I see some progress.