Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Starting A Coin Collection Using The Year Of The Dragon Silver Coin

By Marsha Klein


Coin collecting is a popular hobby all over the world. Whether intended as an investment, as a hobby, or merely as a way to mark an occasion, a special coin can make a wonderful gift. For anyone celebrating the birth of a child, an anniversary, or any other major milestone, the unique Year of the Dragon silver coin is an ideal gift or individual purchase.

Mints in most major countries around the world issue special silver coins several times annually to commemorate historical events, significant dates and important political or cultural figures. The Chinese New Year is one of those occasions often marked worldwide by the release of limited edition coins celebrating that year's zodiac animal. These are considered highly sought-after collectibles amongst hobbyists.

The dragon, a mythical, magical creature legendary in Chinese culture for its beauty, wisdom and strength, is the most popular of all the zodiac creatures. Those born in the year under this sign are believed to share these admirable qualities with the beast. Since the dragon also represents prosperity, a coin minted with its image would make a highly appropriate and cherished gift.

There are a variety of factors to bear in mind when starting a collection, whether it is for an individual or intended as a gift. These factors will affect the type of piece purchased. They will also influence what the collection as a whole will one day become.

Think about the reason for starting a coin collection. Maybe it's meant to be a investment to earn money over time and eventually be traded in for its cash value. Perhaps the collection is intended to fund a university education or retirement. If the appreciating value is the most important factor when beginning the collection, it is imperative to seek advice from an expert in the field. Factors including the date of minting and rarity of the piece can considerably affect the value of an item or collection and should be evaluated by someone with knowledge on the subject.

Some collections are kept as an historical record, intended as a means of preserving the history, art and culture of a given time and place. They are often carefully maintained and handed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom. For such a collection, quantity may be considered more important than quality. Emphasis is often placed on ensuring that every piece minted in a certain year or from a certain location or marking a certain occasion is collected rather than the rarity or value of the coins themselves.

For others, the collection is simply a hobby. It is often started as a child with a single gift and developed into a lifelong passion. For this type of collector, aesthetics and uniqueness may be the motivating factors for a purchase instead of the appreciable value of the item.

As either an investment, a keepsake, or a gift, a single coin is all it takes to begin a collection. But a tarnished penny found in a pocket won't do. For a special, meaningful piece to start a collection regardless of the collector's motivation the magical Year of the Dragon silver coin is an ideal starting piece.




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