In the world of coin collecting there is no limit.  The earlier you start the longer you have to enjoy this fascinating hobby.  Unlike the age at which you start collecting, it is wise to limit your choices of what to collect, but always have an unlimited curiosity for the hobby.  There are hundreds of thousands of coins in the world, but I suggest for the beginner to limit yourself to your country of origin and then concentrate on pennies, dimes, nickels, quarters or the coins you get in change.

   I learned how to collect Walking Liberty Half Dollars from my grandfather nearly 50 years ago.  I saved my money and purchased some of the older ones that I could not find.  I have since collected a large amount of nearly every coin the United States has ever minted.  What excitement it is to acquire a coin you have been looking and saving for.  Metal detecting can also reward you with a rare find.  By learning at an early age to collect coins I have learned and developed other values that have been very beneficial throughout my life.  

   A child learns many things through coin collecting.  Learning the real value of money, saving money, researching coins, using the internet to connect with many, many fine coin dealers, learning U.S. history through coins, building relationships with fellow collectors, trading and buying from friends and sharing common knowledge and interests with others.  I can not  say enough about the value of the hobby of coin collecting.  I have all of these years of experience thanks to a grandfather who opened up the world to me.

   If you know a young person or if you are a young reader of this, please consider purchasing that first, and inexpensive coin album and get started.  Do a lot of reading at your local library or online and start collecting.  Ebay has been my favorite online store for researching, selling and purchasing a large number of coins in recent months.  Thanks to the U.S. mints, grandpa, and Ebay.