ikaros

Oh, yes. That's one of the reasons I don't mind worn coins. They've been places. I mean, how did this coin get from England to America? With an 18th century immigrant? With an Army Air Corps pilot returning from WWII with a memento? Yeah, there's no way to establish provenance, but it's cool to think about.

Here's the dean of my collection, age-wise: a 1749 penny. I can't get a decent scan off it; it doesn't look this ratty in person. Still, I was pleased to get my hands on it, even if it's nowhere near mint state. Eventually, I shall improve upon this.

Well, not only did I get an all-in-one printer/copier/scanner for six bucks today, but my first full crown, and my second oldest coin. So yay me, I'm going to share images! First up is the old-timer, an 1825 George IV farthing: This was a real sweetheart, reasonably priced and quite nice eye appeal (better than the scan)--and the only older coin I currently own is a 1749 George II penny (remind me to scan that some day). Next, the 1953 Elizabeth II Coronation Crown: I fell in love with this as soon as I saw it, especially the four-shield design on (what I assume is) the obverse. And it's my first crown! I love being early enough into my Brits that I can be excited about that.

Heck, no. I remember one roll in particular in '79 or '80 that had one Franklin, five 90% Kennedys, and the balance 40% Kennedys--one roll, all silver. The only thing that could be better would be to make that hit now.

Gots to be the Shield.

I have three sets going--the mint and silver proof sets, and two pocket-change sets. Always! Heck, I don't care if it's not a megabuck coin, as long as I like it!

The one that I've put the most effort in is the Whitman Classic 20th century type set (no gold). Missing only the T1 Standing Lib, which will hurt my wallet a lot. Littleton 50 State Quarters, which of course is in progress. Franklin and Jeffersons and Mercurys, which are in progress, and incomplete because I've only just returned to collecting after a layoff.