What are some good gifts for a coin collector, also called a numismatist? Reportedly, some very famous people have been into coin collecting: Tony Blair, Buddy Ebsen, John Quincy Adams, Nicole Kidman, Jonathan Rhys-Davies, and “Coin King” Louis Eliasberg; but many numismatists keep their coin collecting to themselves, a secret passion for private enjoyment. But whether your favorite coin collector spent most of their childhood collecting the change from business traveling uncles to build a small foreign coin trove, or if the numismatist is enthusiastic, yet new to the hobby, there is a plethora of great gifts for coin collectors available today.
Chances are, your favorite coin collector is not always the easiest person to buy for. It would be quite easy to purchase a lot of coins and be done with holiday shopping, but most coin collectors already know that the online bargain coins available may not be what they appear to be. If your goal is to give the gift of coins, consider an eBay gift card, as purchasing random coins may be a waste of money and possibly a bad gift. Here is a list of ten non-coin gifts for numismatists:
Coin shirt – The ultra cool Indian Head Penny sweatshirt available from café press shop “Tokyolobby” features a simple engraved-style image of an Indian head penny. It is also available in t-shirt form and comes in gray or white for $23.99.
Ultraviolet lamp – With a handheld ultraviolet lamp, coin collectors can check coins and bills for authenticity and evidence of previous repair. You can get a great portable for just $26 from Safepub.com or one with a magnifier for a few dollars more.
Coin Accessories – Your favorite numismatist will love sporting a stylish Golden Dollar Coin Watch from Coin-jewelry.com. This watch features a choice two of classic coin dollars, either Sacagawea or the brilliant American Eagle. The watch is an authentic Swiss quartz gift which uses a golden dollar coin as its face. The coin used is carefully layered in silver and then accented in gold to bring out the engraving. It comes in a stainless steel case with a matching band layered in 3 micron gold plate. Water resistant casing. For similar jewelry, check out the entire online selection. Other great coin accessories like an Indian Head Penny Money Clip and a 3 Coin Money Clip featuring three vintage coins is available from Absolute Ties. These novelties are made by mounting authentic coins in a base metal plate. Coinjewelryetc.com carries really nice handcrafted coin novelty jewelry in varieties from cufflinks to pendants. Using vintage coins as a medium, this creative company can fashion just about any type of jewelry accessory; including mounted, cut, melted, and hammered coins. Some of the gifts literally destroy the coin in their creation, so be sure to make gift choices that will not make your favorite numismatist squirm.
Commemorative Coin – If the numismatist on your list is also a patriot, consider the gift of a commemorative coin. I am not referring to the “Freedom Tower Silver Dollar” coin, which is a coin shown on television commercials across the nation. The Freedom Tower dollar is actually not a Legally Authorized mint coin from any government (but possibly a territory), and just a gimmick to get sales for the silver plated “coin”. The US Mint releases commemorative coins every year. Coins like the Yellowstone National Park Silver Dollar, the Marine Corpse 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar, and commemorative medals like the one for Pope John Paul II and Peanuts Creator Charles M. Schulz.
Coin Year Set – What happened in the year 1977? I was born! Consider purchasing a coin set from the birth year, wedding year, or any special year from your favorite coin collector’s lifetime from Center Coin. For around $18.50 each, you can give the gift of coins minted from a specific date. For just $10 more, you can add a birth year greeting card for the coins so they can be mounted with a picture. The frame is the perfect size for a wallet-size picture and coins. Please note, these are called “Year coin sets” not proofs. Proof coins are something totally different, though you can find those for a much higher price through collectors online.
Gift Certificate – A gift certificate from Mint Products is a great gift in coins and coin collecting goods. With everything from proofs to ancients, this site has just about everything a coin collector would want, including albums, reference books, and loupes.
Coin collecting magazine – Coinworld is the foremost magazine in the coin collecting world. With current trends in metals, information about events and coin shows, value trends, articles, features, and more, Coinworld has tons to offer the coin collector. Coin world offers an online and print publication and offers a supplemental magazine, coin values at a special combo price.
Whimsical bank – What better gift for one who loves coins than a randomly-filled whimsical bank? Just gather up your change, purchase a cute bank, and fill the bank with assorted coins. Consider the Frog Bank from FAO Schwarz. This cute green frog with flower motif is just a little guy at just under 7 inches tall, but he is such a charmer. Another idea is to purchase a vintage mechanical bank. These items are highly sought-after collectibles by coin collectors and hobbyists around the world.
Building with coins kit – For all the dogs in the collection, a building with coins Coinstruction kit from Boardgames.com and Toys2wish4.com allows coin enthusiasts to transform spare change into intricate designs. The instructions are all there. There are several varieties of kits from skyscrapers to robots. All are under $20.
Graded coin slabs – A case of 500 coin holders may seem like an odd gift, but they are essential tools for die-hard coin collectors. Tcbulk.com offers a wide variety of coin collecting sleeves and organizers which are used to hold coins individually. Mix and match for a variety of sleeve sizes. $150 / 500 holders (24lb case.)
Whether you want to focus on the love of coins in general or choose a tool for the numismatic hobby, have fun selecting the perfect gift for your favorite coin collector. Happy Holidays!
