Dylan’s journey into the world of numismatics began at the tender age of five when he unearthed a £2 Brunel Portrait coin, worth a surprising £30. This early discovery ignited a passion that has since grown into a remarkable collection of 1,000 rare and valuable coins. His dedication and expertise recently earned him the prestigious title of Junior Collector of the Year from ChangeChecker, solidifying his place among the rising stars of the coin collecting community. His collection boasts an impressive array of rare coins, including the highly sought-after 2023 Atlantic Salmon 50p, a coin considered the rarest of its denomination in the UK, often fetching £50 online.
Despite his success, Dylan remains grounded in his approach to collecting. He emphasizes accessible methods for acquiring rare coins, often exchanging banknotes for bags of 50p and £2 coins at the bank, meticulously sifting through them to uncover hidden treasures. This cost-effective strategy allows him to pursue his passion without significant financial strain, offering the flexibility to spend the coins if he ever decides to part with his collection. Beyond banks, Dylan frequents thrift stores and second-hand shops, expanding his search for rare finds. He also utilizes online platforms like eBay, primarily for sourcing specific coins, rarely parting with pieces from his own collection. His most profitable sale to date involved two London 2012 Olympic ‘wrestling’ coins, purchased for £1 each and later sold for £8 apiece.
Dylan’s keen eye extends to error coins, those minted with imperfections that elevate their value among collectors. He recounts finding a “cud metal” 2p, an error characterized by a blob-like imperfection caused by a broken die. This experience exemplifies his understanding of the nuances that distinguish ordinary coins from valuable errors. He advises aspiring collectors to familiarize themselves with the standard appearance of coins to readily identify discrepancies and potential errors. These imperfections, though seemingly minor, can significantly increase a coin’s worth in the eyes of collectors.
The young numismatist’s expertise isn’t limited to acquiring rare coins; he also generously shares his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. His passion for collecting culminated in his being crowned Change Checker’s Junior Collector of the Year, a testament to his dedication and contributions to the collecting community. This prestigious award brought him not only recognition but also a trove of collector’s items and a subscription to Coin Collector Magazine. Inspired by Christopher Collects, a prominent figure in the online coin collecting world, Dylan launched his own YouTube channel, Dylan Collects Coins, further extending his reach and sharing his passion with a wider audience.
Dylan’s collecting interests extend beyond coins, encompassing stamps and comic books, particularly Beanos. While he refrains from selling his prized coin collection, he has ventured into selling comic books, demonstrating a shrewd understanding of market value. He recounts selling a vintage Night Rider magazine for £40 on eBay, reinvesting the profits back into his coin collection. This cyclical approach underscores his commitment to the hobby, prioritizing the expansion of his numismatic pursuits.
For those seeking to uncover hidden treasures within their own homes, Dylan’s advice offers valuable insights. He emphasizes the potential value of rare coins and banknotes often overlooked amidst everyday items. He notes that rare £10 notes, identifiable by their unique serial numbers, can sometimes fetch multiples of their face value. Quirky or historically significant serial numbers can further amplify their worth, as demonstrated by a seller who secured £3,600 for a note with a serial number related to Jane Austen’s birth year. Online marketplaces like eBay serve as useful tools for gauging the potential value of coins and banknotes, particularly by examining sold listings to determine realistic selling prices. Dylan also recommends referencing the latest scarcity index to assess a coin’s rarity and consulting resources like Change Checker for expert guidance on identifying valuable coins. His journey from a five-year-old discovering a £30 coin to an award-winning collector serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that passion, knowledge, and a keen eye can unlock the hidden treasures within the world of numismatics.
