Is this a bad idea ???

[jrh-migration]

Is this a REALLY dumb idea or just a dumb idea Has anyone thought about getting a circulated example of their favorite coin (St. Gaudens for me as for many others I would guess) just to be able to handle it without worrying about getting a fingeprint on it. Or letting your kids play with it and handle it without worrying (or caring) whether they dropped it or not. Maybe carry it in your pocket or use it as a ball marker on the golf course.

 

One of the pleasures in collecting is actually being able to touch the coin and not just the plastic holder. I'd never do this with something MS-60 or above, but what about a nice clean XF (or even AU). Tell me why I shouldn't do this because I'm about ready to do it. Has anyone ever done this (I would guess so whether they want to admit it or not - I don't know) ?? Maybe lots of people do this ?? Anyone got a nice clean XF St. Gaudens at a reasonable price ??

[Bruceswar]

I have a few coins that I have so I can just touch.. nothing special.. just some regular ones...

[AVickery]

Sounds like a great idea to me, I can't think of any drawbacks to make a valid point of why you shouldn't(hopefully you won't run it through the wash though ) It would also be a great tool to educate people and show them what an old gold coin looks and feels like, perhaps spurring a new collector or two along the way. Plus, you might even be able to pick one up at close to melt value. As for myself, I have been carrying a 1912-S Barber Half for a couple of years now, that started out as a nice VG and is down to AG.

[DonHeath]

 

[TomB]

I think it's a great idea. I carry with me a Norse American Medal and a proof Washington half dollar. They are both slowly wearing away. One of my keychains has what was a choice AU Trade dollar on it (now VF) and another has what was a nice EF A&R Seated half (now F). It's a cool idea.

[jtryka]

I think it's a fine idea, especially with a Saint, how else can you appreciate the third side (that being the lettered edge)? I personally do not have a Saint to carry around, simply because knowing me, I'd drop it somewhere and never find it again! I do have a 1902 half eagle love token that I love to handle every now and then, and the feel of gold in your hand is wonderful! As for getting a Saint like that, I did see a bunch of circ common dates at the Portland ANA in one case for about $45 or $50 over melt, so they can be found. Good luck!

[chrisfuccione]

I always try to have a old coin in my pocket. Alot of the time I can use it to start a conversation or educate someone about coins. CHRIS

[Hoot]

I also like the idea quite a lot. I've wanted for some time to carry around a nice circulated $10 Indian. Marvelous coin and a beautiful design that sparks curiosity.

 

 

Hoot

[EVillageProwler]

I had a variation on this theme at one point. I would carry raw coins, in their plastic or paper flips, in my pocket. I'd choose a special coin -- typically very valuable -- and use that as a good luck piece.

 

Because the coin was raw, I'd take it out of the flip whenever I wanted to hold it. I can remember 3 of the coins I used like this: 1849 $1 in Fine or ChF and thoroughly original and with uber-attractive rose patina; 1873CC W/A dime in AU+ with original medium blue-gray patina; and, 1852 $1 in EF+ (I forget what this coin looks like, even though it's the only one of the 3 that I still own).

 

I *think* I also carried around with me some Cambodian hammered silver coins (avg circ) and a draped bust large cent G+?).

 

BTW, folks, I don't do this anymore. That means there's no need to mug me for my coins!

 

EVP

[Count_Erfit]

This is my "feely" box.

 

Da box

[Dry]

I used to carry around a new SAE. Its a twisted pleasure to actually rub wear into an uncirculated silver coin.

 

My 85 year old grandfather still carries around a California fractional gold coin in his wallet. He doesnt intentionally abuse it though. He has other coins in a safety deposit box, but he wont put this one up.