In the last post I mentioned we received some coins, including Indian Head pennies, as part of a larger donation. To learn more about these coins and coin collecting in general I spoke with Rodney, the go-to coin expert at South Park Coins here in Forney.
Indian Head Pennies
Q. When were these pennies used, and when did they get replaced?
A. Indian head cents started in 1859. They were thicker than they are now and were called “copper-nickels” because of their composition. They changed to bronze and copper in 1864 which resulted in two varieties of 1864 cents, one in copper-nickel and one in bronze. Indian cents were replaced in 1909 with the Lincoln cent which we still see to this day. The U.S. mint made 1909 Indian cents and 1909 Lincoln cents at the same time.
Q. Are they popular with collectors?
A. Yes! Collectors love Indian cents! There is a mystique about coins that you never see in everyday life, and most people are enamored by the design of coins from our past. An Indian cent that is bright red and looks as though it was made yesterday is a wonder to behold! What a beautiful coin! (Even one that is worn out is a treasure to keep!)
Coin Collecting
Q. Are you a collector yourself? How did you start?
A. Yes, I am a collector at heart. Coin collecting is a passion that never goes away! I got started when my Grandpa gave me a silver dollar from the 1800s. I was fascinated with it and started reading as many books about coins as I could find. I still have that particular coin!
2014 Silver Eagle
Q. What’s “hot” right now in the coin collecting world?
A. Silver dollars and the new American Silver Eagles are as hot as firecrackers!
Q. Do you have any advice for people thinking about starting a collection?
A. Always buy the book before the coin. Knowledge is the key to successful coin collecting! Buy the best quality that your budget can afford.
South Park Coins
Q. How long has South Park Coins been in business?
A. We have been in business for almost 30 years.
Q. How did you get involved in coin collecting/brokerage?
A. I have been interested in collector coins most of my life, but when the opportunity to get involved full time arose I jumped in with both feet. I never realized this could be a career until the owner of South Park Coins talked me into coming to work for him.
Q. Who are your main clients? (long-time clients, online buyers, etc.)
A. Of course, South Park started before the online craze started so we have customers that don’t even have a computer and don’t like anything automated, and we also have lots of Ebay and online customers that are repeat customers. We have the best of both worlds!
Q. Describe your business generally. Do you keep an inventory, or do you buy for specific clients? Do you sell entire series in bulk or “special” and rare individual coins (or both)?
A. Yes, Yes, and Yes! We cover every collector from a single coin purchase to whatever their needs may be. We also buy any collection the same way, from a single coin to a massive collection, it doesn’t matter – we will pay the highest possible price in order to make any deal work for both the seller and South Park Coins.
Many thanks to Rodney and South Park Coins! Check out their website and their ebay store.
