I have collected coins for 40 years.  I started collecting United States pennies by date and mint, placing them in the blue Whitman folders.  I soon added nickels, dimes, and quarters.  All coins going into my collection were taken from pocket change.  On special occasions I would go to a bank to get rolls of coins.

In 1968 I had the good fortune of going to England to live for almost three years.  While there, I started collecting English coins (what a surprise).  At that time it was possible to get coins dating back to the 1800's in change.  What fun!

Upon my return to the United States, I started collecting United States Type coins in addition to the circulating coinage that I still collected by date and mint.

About 1985 I discovered that collecting ancient coins was possible.  It was a thrill the first time I bought a coin that was over 2000 years old.  Collecting ancient coins became my main passion (as far as coin collecting goes) for some time.  It requires much more work, but the outcome is much more fun.

I discovered Food and Agriculture Organization coins by accident.  I was impressed by the beauty of many of the coins, the diversity, and the challenge of putting together the set.

My most recent foray is Civil War Token.  It enhances my recently awakened interest in history.

For me the enjoyment in collecting coins is not in hoarding as many coins as possible, but in learning the history behind the coins.

Happy collecting