For 40 years, coin collecting was my passion. I loved the history, the artistry, and the thrill of the hunt. My collection was a source of great pride. But as the years went on, I began to look at it from a different perspective: as an investment.
What I found was surprising. Many of my most valuable coins were worth the same, or even less, than they were in the 1980s.
This is the story of why I made the difficult but ultimately rewarding decision to divest from my coin collection and how it transformed my financial future. I hope my experience can offer a valuable perspective to other lifelong collectors.
The Changing World of Coin Collecting
When I started collecting, the hobby was different. Today, two major shifts have changed the landscape:
- The Internet: The “thrill of the hunt” is gone. Any coin, no matter how rare, can be found online in minutes. This has flattened the market and changed the nature of collecting.
- A Generational Shift: My children and grandchildren, like many in their generations, have no interest in continuing the hobby. I realized that my collection, my legacy, would likely be sold as soon as I was gone.
Seeing these trends, I decided to take control of the process myself.
A Passion vs. An Investment
I will always love coins. But looking at my collection with a clear financial eye, I had to admit it was not performing well as an asset. My passion was not yielding a profit.
I realized the capital I had tied up in my collection could be working much harder for me in other investments. In early 2016, I made the decision to sell my entire collection to American Rarities.
The Financial Results: From a Static Collection to Active Growth
The results of that decision have been life-changing. I reinvested the proceeds from the sale into two areas:
- Real Estate: I purchased a rental property that now provides a steady monthly income.
- The Stock Market: My investments in the market have appreciated significantly, yielding far greater returns than the coins ever did.
While I miss the hobby, the financial security, peace of mind, and active income I’ve gained have been a much better fit for this chapter of my life.
Is It Time for You to Make a Change?
If my story resonates with you, it may be time to evaluate your own collection. Ask yourself:
- Is your collection providing the financial returns you expected?
- Does your family share your passion for the hobby?
- Could the capital tied up in your coins be used more effectively elsewhere?
There is no right or wrong answer, but a professional valuation can give you the clarity you need to make an informed decision.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Appraisal
American Rarities provided me with a fair, professional, and respectful process. They understood my position as a longtime collector and made the transaction smooth and transparent.
If you are considering the future of your collection, I highly recommend you start with a free, no-obligation appraisal from their team.
Contact them today by email, text, or the form below to get started.
