I can't remember a time when I didn't collect coins, both as a collection-hobby and a means to saving. When I was boy, silver was still in American coinage... what I wouldn't give to have those several shoe boxes back now! Or when silver was the better part of $50 an ounce not too long ago. In earlier years, when my kids were growing up, gathered change always took the family out to dinner. Now it becomes, more often than not, my bakkie or booze fund. Right now, even tho I don't have any grandkids in the works, I have a roll each of all the first series of 50 state quarters... I'm assembling half a dozen pipe tobacco tins with a complete collection of all 50 states each for grandkids someday. Hoping the tins will pique their curiosities as much as the coins.(even if I'm no longer around) Live and hope.