Why Coin Collection.......

I started collecting because of travelling. Wherever you go you get new coins and at some point I decided to put them in a folder.
I think I started just before the Euro came out while I was living in spain, I had been working in the US the previous three summers and gained some different coins, a Buffalo nickel, some 50 cents, and the quarter series had started so I have a nice set up to about new york and not much beyond.
I am so limited on budget normally I stick with what I find. I collect whatever euro coins I can get my hands on, normally buying the €2 commemoratives. But I still travel, got myself a Ukrainian set recently and am going to Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey in 2 weeks, so that will add to it.
When I get money I might be dangerous. I have a large Spanish and German collection when I can get to an Austrian coin show I will try and at least get all the circulating coins from 1850 or so onwards.

And like others, the chase is the big bit. It does not need to really old or expensive, I want the smallest most modern coins as well as the others.

Should have simply switched to uprights. Much easier than coins.

Started out when I was about 10, and really got into it. I remember chasing down the 20th century type set, got everything except the gold. Really had a passion. Like someone else's story I read here, I discovered females(!) and coins took a back seat. Eventually they made their way out of the backseat and into the trunk! A friend of mine that I worked with a few years later told me of the bundles of money he was making selling sportscards on the side. I saw dollar signs, and jumped into that. Actually did card shows for 8 years, and in the early 90's when even a moron could rake in cash selling cards, I was doing 200K a year just doing shows. Then along came ebay, and I found I could make similar money, but not have to load up my car in the morning at 5AM.
Well the card market went bust for me for the most part about 2005. So, I sold everything off. Was bored until the beginning of 2008, when I heard of somebody I worked with going through rolls at the bank for varieties and silver. Tried it out, I'm HOOKED ON COINS AGAIN!!
Started out doing it just for the extra money, and at this point still am mostly doing that, but once my cash flow gets back where I want it to be, I will get that 20th century type set going again. This time, WITH THE GOLD!!

I am torn cause I know I will have my 67 Camaro RS/SS one day. Coins stay safe at home, at the car shows.
Economy wise:
- Coins
- Car: Trade for 4x4
- My Firearms(RIP Charleston Heston)
Just like they say:
Country boy can survive!

I started out when I was 8 years old, Halloween night, 1975. My neighbor across the street gave me a 50 cent piece instead of candy. At first I was a little miffed, but then figured that I could buy something with it. Mt dad showed me that I would better off holding on to it, it might be worth something someday. A few days later I showed my next-door neighbor, you know the type, can always one-up you on anything! Turned out he did not have one of these half dollars, he tried to offer me some Mexican coins for it. That is when I caught the "bug". And I have been an active collector ever since...going on 34 years, and still expanding, my collection that is. My wife says my mid-section is expanding as well!


In other words... for the pure pleasure of appreciating a form of art that you can hold in your hands, and pass your knowledge on to others!


continued success!

I agree with most, if not all, of the previously mentioned reasons. In addition, I love the cherrypicking aspect of the hobby. With a good eye (or magnifying glass) and a little education you can snag a rarity out of a junk box! Woo Hoo!

I collect because I love history, and coins are a little window back in time.