Archive for June, 2008

One remarkably rewarding hobby, in more ways than one, is coin collecting. Though it may not have the same visceral excitement as, say, hang gliding, it has a subdued joy that is more than worth the experience. The simple joys of finding a coin you’ve been looking for or discovering a mint-condition penny from forty years ago is a pleasure that is not to be missed. While this may be difficult for some to understand, coin collecting is a reward all its own and, for those who do it, there is nothing else like it.

To understand the pleasure of coin collecting is to understand the pleasure of discovery. You do not collect coins just to have metal lying around, you collect coins to find something new. This is because, with the number of coins minted around the world, there is always something new to discover. There are always more coins, more designs, more commemorative editions, and more periods in history to explore. Which means that completing a coin collection is impossible, because there are always more coins to collect.

However, it is not only the coins themselves that make coin collecting so enjoyable. There is also the fact that there is always something more to learn about coins and coin collecting. The joys of discovery are not only in the coin shops, they are also in the mind. With every article, book, or simple observation there is something new to learn, ponder, or finally decide. The exploration of topics and knowledge has its own rewards and coin collecting provides plenty of opportunity to do just that.

Of course, coin collecting has more tangible rewards as well. Coins do tend to increase as the years pass on, so there are monetary rewards in addition to the mental rewards. And there is a certain excitement in finding a unique coin that is worth a whole heck of a lot of money. And, when you do manage to do that, you not only get the satisfaction of discovering something unexpected, you can keep it for its investment potential over the long haul. After all, rare coins are not getting any more common, so they are only going to increase in value over time.

So, with all these exciting facets to a coin collection, how do you actually start with coin collecting? The best thing to do is to just start looking through the change you have on hand right now. After all, all the coins that are now being collected were once change in someone’s pocket. So start with the coins you already have, learn about them, and then move out from there. And, as you collect more coins and learn more about them, the continual process of discovery will be its own reason for continuing your explorations. Then, when you finally discover the joys of simply collecting coins for the sake of collecting coins, you will be able to assemble an impressive set of coins that will be an investment all its own. Which will make a lot more people happy about the fact that you enjoy coin collecting so much.

Coins and Coin Collecting, http://www.coinsandcoincollecting.com

Your guide to getting the very best from your coin collection.

Tags: coin collecting, , , , coins, hobbies, hobby

When you were a child, did you ever have a lucky penny or other coin collection?

Back then you knew how exciting it was to find change. With some homework, you could determine where your coins were minted and what they are made of. If you were really lucky, you may have found a collectible coin such as an Indian Head cent, a Buffalo Nickel, or a Mercury Dime.

Today, coins such as the recently minted US state quarters are injecting new life into the hobby of coin collecting. The statehood quarter program has become one of the most popular commemorative coin programs in U.S. history.

This program was met with great enthusiasm when the first quarter honoring Delaware was released into circulation on January 4, 1999. Since that time, over 35 other state coins have been released. Each state quarter features the profile of the nation’s first president, George Washington, on the obverse or “heads” side. The reverse, or “tails” side of each coin features artwork celebrating the spirit of the state. For example, the Delaware coin features an image of Caesar Rodney, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a leader in the American Revolution.

According to the United States Mint, over one-hundred million individuals are collecting state quarters to some degree. That trend is expected to continue through 2008, when the last coin of the series, Hawaii, is released into circulation.

For the curious collector who is seeking special, limited issue, collectible coins, the opportunities are endless!

One such collectible coin is the coveted Morgan dollar which was originally widely circulated in the late 19th century. To celebrate the spirit of the American West, this coin was recently reissued in a limited release. The Morgan dollar is just one of hundreds of collectible coins that celebrate America’s history and currency. Other examples include coins dedicated to historical monuments like Mount Rushmore and figures such as Sacagawea.

There is the small chance the collectible coin you own could become extremely valuable. The most valuable U.S. coin is the 1933 St. Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle. It is one of a kind, and last sold at auction in 2002 for $7,590,020!

While not every coin you collect will be worth millions, you can create a collection you will cherish, with time and research. Many coin collectors collect for the hobby and the chance to share with their loved ones the history and fun of coin collecting.

Most collectors agree; it is more important to collect coins that are of personal interest instead of working to create a collection based solely on value. Collecting coins solely based on value is hard to maintain and is viewed by many as more work than hobby.

If you are digging in your pocket, and wondering if your change includes a valuable piece of American history, you owe it to yourself to investigate the hobby of coin collecting. You don’t need to be an expert, or spend lots of money to enjoy the “Hobby of Kings.” All you need is curiosity and some time. The change you carry does have a very rich history!

The Internet is full of great resources on collectible coins. From coin collecting books to coin aficionado blogs, there is a lot of great information for both the novice and expert collector. The web can also help you locate local coin collectors, upcoming shows, and clubs so you can share your passion for numismatics with others!

For more information about all kinds of coins including commemorative coins and US state quarters, visit:
http://www.shopcsntv.com/

I am a coin collector that appreciates history. These are some of my favorite collectable coins.

Tags: coin collecting, , coins

Imagine a picture-perfect Cayman wedding in a setting of old world style and elegance! Wouldn’t the magnificent Caribbean seas just south of George Town amidst the exotic tropical paradise of the Cayman Islands tickle your fancies? Yes, those dreaming of a romantic Cayman wedding are welcome to the ideal destinations of Grand Cayman, gifted with a delightful wedding chapels, and enchanting seaside gazebos. With a-la carte dining on the water’s edge, with professional wedding planners, photography and limousine services, they are ready to create exclusive Caribbean wedding packages, waiting to be explored by those seeking unforgettable weddings or honeymoons or even cocktail dinner parties with exclusive Caribbean food and hospitality.

Wedding in Cayman Islands is a treasured experience with various customized wedding packages and cruise ship-wedding facilities. Complete with a charming seaside gazebos and exquisite marquees created for theme parties, they make your wedding in Cayman the most memorable ever.

Does the vision of delicious Caribbean cuisine and dessert wines, impeccably served in a setting of old world style and elegance in the Grand Cayman restaurants haunt you so much that you are desperate to explore their pleasures on your D-day? Behold, Grand Cayman’s fine dining establishments reckon you on that extra-special day when you are one with the sweetheart of your dreams! Offering you the best of Cayman fine dining and hospitality, they leave a lasting impression on your palate, and heart.

A romantic Caribbean wedding in Cayman Islands is a dream for many. At Grand Cayman’s idyllic wedding destinations, it comes true, with exclusive services for those aspiring for a memorable wedding in Cayman Islands.

Some of its features include:

Exclusive Caribbean and European cuisine for weddings in Cayman Islands, including soups and appetizers, mouth-watering salads, seafood delicacies, exotic desserts and wedding cakes, Caribbean, Spanish and Italian coffee. Not to forget are the classy dessert wines that hold delight of a memorable wedding in Cayman old-world style.

Indoor banquets maintaining their classic elegance. Private dinners, cocktail receptions at the warm, cozy dining rooms, offering scenic views of the seaside are bound to make your Cayman wedding grand and elegant.

Outdoor wedding gazebos for a perfect seaside-wedding backdrop, created for exclusive cocktail wedding receptions.

Exquisite marquees acting as the perfect location for a romantic ceremony of wedding in this beautiful island. Needless to say, these act as perfect settings for customized wedding theme parties.

Exclusive Caribbean entertainment, including floorshows, classical shows, harp players, DJs and exclusive boat trips.

Wedding limousine services, catering to the transportation needs of the couple, marked with privacy, comfort and luxury.

With traditional wedding packages, Feng Shui packages combining timeless design principles with environment-friendly materials, with exclusive wedding packages designed for those who aspire to spend their day in Grand Old style, there are fascinating wedding packages offered by these grand wedding destinations that cater to your personalized wedding in Cayman. Not only that, some exclusive ones even look into the legal aspects of your wedding in Cayman Islands.

Those craving for the taste of old-fashioned plantation atmosphere attracting celebrities and royalty with intriguing Caribbean dishes, fascinating wedding cakes and champagn and taped music will find these really worth enjoying.

However, all said and done, great cuisines and unforgettable dessert wines are not the only things that Grand Cayman restaurants offer. With Cayman fine dining pleasures offered at the exquisite seaside gazebos of Grand Cayman restaurants, the smell of seafood mingles with the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves and the golden hues cast by one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets. No wonder, then, that the Grand Cayman restaurants today are hot seats for US vacation tourists, with delectable Cayman fine dining accommodating the diverse tastes of people coming for a business luncheon, a romantic dinner, and even for a picturesque Cayman wedding. No wonder then, that nestled in the Caribbean, just one-hour south of Miami, Cayman destination weddings today account for nearly 10 percent of the overall 2.4 million marriages held in the United States each year (according to the ‘Conde Nast Bridal Group’ report). Discover their pleasures, and let your special day go off without a hitch, with the sea beckoning you and your sweetheart!

** Lopa Bhattacharya (Banerjee) is a content writer/developer working on websites for overseas/Indian clientele. Has worked for various corporate website projects, CD-Rom presentations, brochures, flyers and other communication materials on varied themes ranging from travel, hotel industry, photography, web design and software development to US-based clubs and network communities. Was previously an editorial associate for a news, culture and entertainment portal based on the life and times of Kolkata.

Tags: cayman fine dining, , , , cayman wedding, cayman wedding destinations, wedding in cayman

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