Interviewing... 'Ezequiel'
Interview #10, talking to a student that likes collecting coins as a hobby (currently not planning on being a professional, but only time will tell)…
Where did you buy your first coin?
The coin that launched my interest was a Hercules 50 Francs that my dad gave me as a kid. I did have coins previously, and also tourist tokens, but had never thought of collecting until I found that Hercules one again. The first coins I bought, however, were at a flea market in my city in 2022, when I really started my collection.
What sort of coins do you collect?
I collect all sorts of coins, but mostly French ones. For me, the older the better! I really like coins that are especially ancient: the oldest I currently have is an Olbian cast dolphin from the 5th century BC.
What’s the last coin you bought?
The last coin I bought was this bronze nummus minted in Rome in 375 AD depicting the bust of the emperor Valens. The reverse portrays Victory advancing left, holding a crown in her right hand and palm in her left. It's not a rare coin at all, but I still find it pretty nice overall with an attractive green patina.
What advice would you give to someone keen to start collecting?
Don't clean your coins! Unless you know what you’re doing, they’ll certainly lose some value.
Have you ever made a mistake collecting (if so, what)?
Yes, the mistakes that most people end up making when starting collecting. I cleaned some of my coins and also bought some cheap PVC Chinese albums at a flea market (that I ended up never using).
What’s your dream coin (ie if you could have any, what would it be)?
Probably an ‘essai’ Franc engraved by Daniel Dupuis. ‘Essai’ (pattern) coins were made as a test, produced before launching the manufacture of the soon to be circulating coins. Sometimes they were presented to the public. I really like most of Daniel Dupuis' coins and other works (like his tokens/medals), so I'm especially interested in getting my hands on one of his test coins!
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