Coin Collecting Using With The Year Of The Dragon Silver Coin

By Marsha Klein

Coin collecting, one of the most accessible and popular hobbies throughout the world, is often begun with a single piece as a gift. Unique silver currency is a wonderful item to commemorate a special occasion like an anniversary or birthday since pieces are dated and often themed. The beautiful Year of the Dragon silver coin is perfect example of a singular piece to build a collection around.

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, which in Chinese culture represents strength and wisdom and is believed to bring prosperity, is the only mythical beast in the Chinese zodiac. It is also credited with being the most popular. Anyone born in the year of the dragon is thought to share these qualities with the creature, making a coin imprinted with its image an ideal gift for anyone born in the year of the dragon.

Whether collecting or beginning a collection for someone else, there are a number of key factors to consider before making any purchase. These factors will influence the type and cost of item purchased. They may also determine how the collection will evolve over time.

The collection might have an eventual monetary goal. It could be planned to be a project that will increase in monetary value over time in lieu of a more traditional investment vehicle. It might be liquidated at some point in the future so that the proceeds can be used to finance a college education or a new home. If the intent is to make money, it's important to consult someone knowledgeable in currency value who can educate the collector about quality, rarity and preservation of the pieces. These elements can dramatically influence the appreciation or depreciation of an item or an entire collection over time.

Some keep a collection for its nostalgic value. Pieces are collected to reflect the history and culture of a particular region or country and are passed down through generations as a family heirloom. In this type of collection the minting date, production value and rarity may be of very little significance. This type of collector is more interested in purchasing groupings of items of importance to them: those that mark the new year, for instance, or an historical figure of interest.

Some collectors begin their collection purely as pleasure. It is a hobby begun with a single novelty item or gift and developed over years into a consuming hobby. These hobbyists often have a much less cohesive collection, purchasing pieces based on their likes and dislikes rather than any intrinsic value.

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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