Carry-le-Rouet is the one place on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea that is worth your attention and visit. Here you can enjoy a stay at Le Magique Parc, go for a walk along the seaside or explore the local markets. But do you maybe want to add a special twist to your family vacation?
One amazing hobby, perfect for the whole family, is collecting and coin collecting in particular. It unites the whole family, develops attention to detail and brings the joy of discovering new pieces of artifacts. Due to modern technologies and their capabilities to identify coin by image, this hobby became easy, accessible and interactive for all members of the family. So, today we would like to talk about why coin collecting is a great hobby for the whole family and discuss how to take the first step to join this activity.
We already mentioned that coin collecting is a great family pastime that will appeal to everyone. But why? So, below we are going to consider what makes it appealing and how a shared hobby can be a way to spend quality time together.
1. Strengthening family ties
Collecting coins together turns ordinary outings and trips into exciting adventures. Children learn from their parents, and parents find opportunities to share their experiences. This is especially important in the gadget age when family communication becomes a real value.
2. Skill and intelligence development
Collecting develops:
Critical thinking, as you have to analyze information about coins.
Attention due to studying the smallest details and marks on coins.
Ability to find interconnections, as each coin is a part of history, and the collector becomes a kind of historian.
Interesting fact: according to Harvard University research, collecting stimulates the areas of the brain responsible for memory and decision-making, and helps preserve cognitive function well into old age.
3. Love of history
Every coin has its own story to tell, be it from the Napoleonic era or the French Revolution. Owning such artifacts gives you a touch of history that comes alive in your hands.
As you walk around Carry-le-Rouet, go to local markets, gift stores or antique stores. There you can find interesting coins at affordable prices. If you think you've found an interesting piece, ask the sellers where a coin is from and listen to their stories. Often there is a fascinating story behind a simple coin. And if you collect modern coins, look at the change left over from your purchases. It may become the basis of a collection.
Interesting fact: France switched to the euro in 2002, but francs are still valued among collectors.
Modern technology makes collecting more convenient and fun, especially for beginning collectors. The Coin ID Scanner app is a great assistant that makes it quick and easy to learn more about a coin you find. Here's how you can use it:
Take a picture of the coin. Simply point your phone's camera at the coin, follow the instructions, scan the coin on both sides and the app will automatically process the image.
Get detailed information about the coin you found. Coin ID Scanner will provide historical information about the coin and its main features: the year and country of issue, the composition and design data of the coin, and even the current market value, rarity and value of the coin.
Tip: Coin ID Scanner can be especially useful for beginning collectors to quickly help them quickly determine if a coin is worth adding to collection. Due to the app you will also be able to save all the coin data and maintain an electronic database with all the details of your collection digitally. In addition, you can find a lot of useful information in the app: articles and reviews of famous and rare coins, insights, recommendations and tips on coins, the process of collecting and coin storage.
If you're just starting to collect coins, it's important not to overwhelm yourself with complicated and expensive specimens. It's better to pay attention to the affordable and interesting coins that can be found in France. In the table below you will find a few ideas.
Title | Years of production | Characteristics | Interesting fact |
50 euro cents | Since 2002 | Yellow-gold-colored coin, made of northern gold - an alloy of copper, aluminum, zinc and tin. Diameter - 24.25 mm, weight - 7.8 g. | The French version of the coin is decorated with a profile of Marianne. Marianne is the national symbol of France, representing freedom, reason and republican ideals. |
1 euro | Since 2002 | Bimetallic coin: inner disk of copper and nickel alloy, outer ring - nickel and brass. Diameter - 23.25 mm, weight - 7.5 g. | The French version of the coin depicted Marianne with a crown of EU stars until 2008. In 2008, the design was changed to a stylized tree (a symbol of strength and harmony). |
2 euro commemorative | Since 2004 | Standard size coins (diameter - 25.75 mm, weight - 8.5 g) are dedicated to important events or personalities. The metal is similar to the regular 2 euros. | France issues commemorative coins to mark, for example, the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings and anniversaries of European integration. These coins remain in circulation but often become collectors' items due to limited mintages. |
5 francs Morlon | 1933-1959 | Nickel alloy coin with a diameter of 31 mm and weight of 12 g. The obverse shows a female figure symbolizing the republic. | This design was one of the last major denominations before France switched to the euro. |
10 euro silver | Since 2002 | Collector's coin made of sterling silver. Diameter is usually 37 mm, weight 22.2 g. These coins are minted in limited editions and are dedicated to the culture and sights of France. | Collector coins are often dedicated to themes such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or French cuisine. |
Tip: Make collecting a tradition: every time you go to a new place, find one or more coins for your collection. Thanks to this, you may create a shared history of your family's travels. By the way, you don't have to spend large sums of money to start collecting. Many interesting coins can be obtained for free, just by paying attention to the change or on excursions in museums.
Properly organizing your collection does not only help you keep your coins in perfect condition, but also makes them a part of your family history. So let us give you some recommendations for organizing your finds well.
First of all, you need to choose a way to store your coins. Options include coin albums, storage boxes and pencil cases (or frames). Specialty albums with clear pockets allow you to store your coins safely and view them conveniently. If you prefer a box, choose a model with sections or use small envelopes for each coin. This will protect them from damage. And for extra beautiful coins, you can use decorative frames to display them on a shelf.
Then you need to organize your collection. Categorize the coins by country, year, or denomination, for example. You can also use description cards for each coin (information about the date of discovery, historical context, or personal memories).
Tip: Allow children to sign their own coin description cards. This will help develop their creative and writing skills. You can also work together to add a small drawing or photo of the place where the coin was found to connect it to the family history.
Carry-le-Rouet is more than just recreation and entertainment, it is also an opportunity to discover a new family hobby that unites, develops and inspires. Coin collecting is a fun and affordable way to make vacations rich and educational. So start your collection today and let each coin become part of your unique family history.