FREEHOLD — For those who are curious about coins and collectibles, a Freehold Borough store may be a place worth visiting. Superior Rare Coinage and Collectibles, 41 E. Main St., has been in business at this location for 16 years.
Owner Elliott Durann said coin collecting runs in his family.
“My grandfather and uncles collected coins. I had money for coin collecting through a paper route,” Durann said.
He appreciates the history and antique appeal of his business and said it is an “expensive hobby.”
“Coin collecting is popular for investors and hobbyists, and customers range in age from 7 to 90,” Durann said.
He offered some advice to individuals who are newcomers to coin collecting: when looking to buy, find someone to trust.
“When you buy on the Internet, you don’t see it until you buy it. When you walk in the shop, you see what you are getting,” Durann said.
He said for newcomers, three things matter the most.
According to Durann, one needs the pricing guide for United States coins. A Guide Book of United States Coins or “red book”; a magnifier; and proper lighting.
“All coin values are based on date, mint mark and condition,” he explained.
In addition to visiting a coin shop, hobbyists and investors might also be interested in joining a club filled with coin enthusiasts.
Since its founding in May 1970, the Ocean County Coin Club has promoted coin collecting and the study of numismatics — the study or collection of coins, paper currency and medals.
Jim Majoros, who was president of the club for 15 years until 2013, said there are about 170 members.
“Half of the members are oldtimers and half of the members are newcomers. We also have an excellent juniors program,” Majoros said.
About 10 junior members in their early teens participate in the club, Majoros said. The coin club welcomes beginners and young collectors to its meetings and coin shows.
In addition, the club’s newsletter, the Sand Dollar, provides articles and club news. Ocean County Coin Club members are encouraged to write articles for the publication.
The Ocean County Coin Club meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Ocean Fire Company No. 1 firehouse, 400 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. The meeting for junior members is from 6:45- 7:30 p.m. and the meeting for adult members is from 7:30-9 p.m. Juniors are welcome to stay for both meetings.
At each meeting there are show and tell events, junior programs and announcements. An auction is held once every month at the meetings and educational programs are held when there is no auction, according to the club’s website.
“It’s an interesting hobby. I get a lot of questions about when family members pass away (and leave coins behind),” said Majoros, who may be contacted for additional information by sending an email to major9@comcast.net.