Coin Collecting (Numismatics)

My coin collecting again started with my grandmother who had a huge collection of coins from all around the world. I think it is their beauty and amazing designs that fascinate me as well as having coins from all over the world. If you have never visited a “mint”, where coins are struck, it is well worth a visit as it shows you how something most of us use every day are made.

Coin collecting can be as simple as just keeping your change from a holiday abroad, so is readily accessible.

Collection

As coins are a bit more expensive to collect my coin collection is fairly modest compared to my other collections limited mostly to yearly proof sets from various countries but specifically Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. I do also have a small collection of (mint condition) banknotes but this is much more ad-hoc.

Mints

I have managed to visit several mints over the years. These are the same mints I order my coins from every year. They all have visitor's facilities where you can see the coins being made as well as a shop and, often, a café.

The Royal Australian Mint

The Royal Australian Mint

Located in the Australian capital of Canberra, the The Royal Australian Mint has a free exhibit open to the public (guided tours are available) along with a great shop. Fantastic to see the robots moving the coins around…

Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint, Winnipeg

There are two The Royal Canadian Mint facilities, one in Winnipeg, Manitoba (see my mint information page at Royal Canadian Mint) and the other in Canada's capital, Ottawa. Both are free to visit and have very good shops. Tour tickets should be purchased in advance.

The Royal Mint

The Royal Mint

The British Royal Mint is located in southern wales. See my The Royal Mint Experience page for details.

Coin Shows

I have not really attended too many of these but what I have attended I will list here.

York Stamp & Coin Fair

York Racecourse Grandstand

Held twice a year (July and January) at the York Racecourse, this large fair brings together many coin and stamp dealers from the UK and abroad under one roof spread out over multiple levels of the grandstand. The show takes place over a Friday and Saturday with Friday being the busiest day. The sheer range of dealers means there is likely something of interest to most attendees.

On First Floor (coins) Looking down to Ground Floor (stamps)

Entrance is free as is parking with the event well signposted on nearby roads (and fields). There is a small café (ground floor on the left) and a bar (on the top floor) on site for use during the show.

Ground Floor - Stamps

Stamps are on the ground floor while coins are on the second and third.

Further Information

For further information please see:

  • “Coin News” Magazine (from Token Publishing) - Offers great insight into current collecting activity and events including auction results.