By Douglas Keefe,
Beachcomber Coins
I read a cute article about a long-time collector, who, when asked what his favorite coin was, his reply was anything but what would be expected.
Most collectors would say their favorite coin is the most valuable one or a rare coin they searched for years to locate. This is their prized possession, and it holds a place of high esteem in their collection. Examples would be the owner of the only 1933 $20 gold piece in private hands, or one of the five owners who own the only examples of the 1913 Liberty Head five-cent coins. On a more modest level, someone who just splurged to buy a 1909-S VDB one-cent coin would consider this his prized possession.
The answer given by the aforementioned collector was certainly not expected. He said his favorite coin(s) were a 1942 dated Mercury dime and a 1942 dated Mexican 10 centavo, certainly coins one would not consider to be coins held in high esteem. When queried why these coins were, he went on to explain these coins were the catalyst to a life-long pursuit of a collection that probably would never end.
He bought those two coins at a coin show many years ago because they struck his eye as being in nice condition, but mainly because they were his birth year. His thought then was, “Why not start a collection of coins from around the world that were struck in 1942, my birthday?” And he has done just that.
The article didn’t go into detail as to if the collector was just looking to obtain a single coin from every country, which may be doable, or to obtain as many different coins as possible with the date 1942, which would really be a challenge and would occupy a lot of space.
On a cost basis, just finding a single coin from every country would be cheap because common coins from all countries are usually found in dealers’ junk boxes and cost almost nothing. However, obtaining all coins from every country could truly break a budget, considering gold and silver coins were struck in those years.
This collection is an example of what I try to emphasize about collecting: One’s collection should be what makes the collector happy, be it the pursuit of rare items, or the more common. That is why I try to explain to relatives who have inherited a collection that seemingly has no value that the value was to the collector, because it gave him purpose and happiness.
Having been in the business for 55 years this summer I have probably seen quite an assortment of different items people have chosen to collect, so many that there is not enough space here to list them all. But some examples that may not be considered mainstream are: beer trays, beer tap handles and beer signs; matchbook covers; old tools; Native American arrow heads; old magazine pages advertising cars and famous cigarette smokers — I’m sure you get the idea, collecting is personal and reflects the interest of the collector.
And the main thing I emphasize is that their collections make them happy, something that is priceless.
Douglas Keefe and his wife Linda are owners of Beachcomber Coins and Collectibles in Egg Harbor Township. It is their only location.
