Florida has a long tradition of attracting treasure seekers of all kinds—from beachcombers unearthing shells at dawn to history enthusiasts chasing relics of the past. But hidden beneath the surface of everyday life are treasures of a different sort: Coin collectibles, which range from the rare and historic to the very beautiful, which tell stories of the past across centuries and continents.
In the Tampa Bay area, for residents and visitors alike, the go-to name in coin appraising and collection is Tampa Coin Buyers, a business that has thrown itself into the help of the collectors and the sellers of coins and currency. In this article readers will look at the world of coin collection, the role of expert appraisal, and also how Tampa Coin Buyers is becoming a main resource in that dynamic community.
The Allure of Coin Collecting
Coin collecting, what one terms “numismatics,” is a much wider pursuit than what may at first present itself as simply the collection of old currency. It is a field that brings together history, art, economics, and very personal interest. From the ancient Roman denarii to the early American copper cents, each coin is a piece of time, a mark of a period’s leadership, culture, and craftsmanship.
For a great many collectors the thrill is in the search. Rare coins turn up at estate sales, in old dusty safety deposit boxes, and out of the back of family heirloom collections. Also, what may appear to be very ordinary coins have a large history or metal value…