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People of Timmins: Local man continues family's coin collecting tradition

'My dad looked over my shoulder one day and saw what I was doing. He went through his pockets for change. That is the day Bob’s Coins was born,' says local coin collector.

For our second issue of People of Timmins, we interviewed Orest Lawryniw, a local coin collector.

Q: What got you into coin collecting?

A: I started collecting when I was 12-years-old. At that time they sold blue Whiteman folders for different denominations of coins. I had one for each and tried to fill the folders. My dad looked over my shoulder one day and saw what I was doing. He went through his pockets for change. That is the day Bob’s Coins was born. My dad was named Bohdan or Bob for short.

Q: What about coin collecting has kept you dedicated to it all these years?

A: It is history. Each coin has a story to tell and it is interesting finding out how the coins came to be. People may not know but coins are not the only items in the numismatic hobby. When the natives traded for beads and trinkets they were actually trading in currency. There was a time when stamps and playing cards were used. Anytime you trade for something you are in effect creating a currency of sorts.

Q: Are there a lot of coin collectors in Timmins?

A: There are quite a few collectors in the Timmins area. There is also an active coin club of which my late father was one of the founding members.

Q: What's the coolest coin you've managed to collect and where did you find it?

A: Pre confederation tokens are some of the most interesting coins. These were issued by banks, blacksmiths and merchants, to name a few. I come across these from time to time when I acquire collections and estates. I have also been fortunate to have a four dollar Bank of Montreal banknote at one time which I acquired in a collection I purchased.

Q: If someone wanted to start coin collecting, what advice would you give them?

A: Do not try to collect everything that is out there and stay with the older material. Most of the items the mint now produces is mass produced and declines in value in a short time.

I am not saying not to buy any newer items. If something comes along that you really like then you could consider a purchase.

Older material tends to appreciate as it is harder to find and the production was much lower. A 1948 silver dollar is a rarity as is the 1991 quarter. When collecting buy what you can afford and upgrade when you can. This also applies to banknotes.

Also remember age does not mean it is valuable. Condition and how many were produced is what determines the value of an item.

I would also caution about people selling their coins to the travelling roadshows that frequent our area. In the coin collecting community these people are referred to as Roadshow pirates. They will offer very little for coins or banknotes, they are very unscrupulous, and tarnish the name of honest buyers. Sell to a known dealer or collector who has the knowledge and experience to offer fair value for what you are selling.

Just remember they do have to make a profit. Do not quote eBay or other online selling sites as this only insults the buyer.

These sites are overpriced and only sell to unsuspecting or novice collectors. Another place not to buy from is the Shopping Channel as they alter the coins by cleaning them or by ironing the banknotes. Never should a coin be cleaned or banknote be pressed.

Q: Do you think you'll ever stop collecting? If so, what will you do with your coins then?

A: I will collect as long as I can. It is an enjoyable hobby. I hope that someday my children will continue.

Q: Okay, time for a few fun, rapid fire questions. If you were a computer program, which one would you be?

A: Google. I love helping people find answers to their questions.

Q: What song is at the top of your playlist?

A: Here for a Good Time by Trooper

Q: What is the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning?

A: Play with the dog for a few minutes before taking a shower.

Q: Thanks for participating!

A: I would also like to add that schools should be offering clubs in Numismatics. The younger generation does not seem to have an idea about currency and coins and I believe once they start the hobby they will be on a journey that will take them around the world without leaving home.