The Art & Science of Collecting - Penn State University · The Art & Science of Collecting ... Soda Memorabilia Souvenirs Spoons Stamps Stamps—Commemorative State Quarters ... Acts

College of Agricultural Sciences • Cooperative Extension

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4 - H C O L L E C T I B L E S P R O J E C T

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Action Figures ◆ Advertising Items ◆ Almanacs ◆ Americana ◆ Antiques

Arrowheads ◆ Art ◆ Art Glass ◆ Artifacts ◆ Atlases & Maps ◆ Autographed Sports Balls

Autographs ◆ Badges ◆ Baseball Cards ◆ Baskets ◆ Beads

Beanie Babies (stuffed animals) ◆ Bells ◆ Belts and Buckles ◆ Bonds

Books ◆ Bottles ◆ Brass ◆ Buttons ◆ Cameras ◆ Caps ◆ Carriages ◆ Cars

Cartoon Figurines ◆ Cartoons ◆ Cassettes ◆ Clocks ◆ Clothing ◆ Coin-Operated Banks

Coins ◆ Comic Books ◆ Commemoratives ◆ Compact Discs ◆ Coverlets

Cross-Stitching ◆ Cups ◆ Currency ◆ Decoys ◆ Disneyana ◆ Doll Houses ◆ Dolls

Door Knockers ◆ Drawings ◆ Egg Cups ◆ Egg Rocks ◆ Elvis Memorabilia

Embroidery ◆ Exposition Ribbons ◆ Farm Collectibles ◆ Figurines

Fishing Tackle ◆ Flasks ◆ Football Cards ◆ Fossils ◆ Games

Garage Signs ◆ Genealogy ◆ Glassware ◆ Goblets ◆ Golf Cards ◆ Golf Clubs ◆ Graphics

◆ Hats ◆ Hockey Cards ◆ Inkwells ◆ Insects ◆ Jars ◆ Jukeboxes ◆ Lamps

Leaves ◆ Letter Openers ◆ License Plates ◆ Magazines ◆ Marbles ◆ Matchbooks

Medallions ◆ Medals ◆ Medieval Items ◆ Menus ◆ Microscopes ◆ Minerals

Miniatures ◆ Model Cars ◆ Model Planes ◆ Model Rockets ◆ Model Ships ◆ Model Trains

◆ Movies ◆ Movie Advertising ◆ Music Boxes

Oriental Fans ◆ Origami ◆ Ornaments ◆ Paintings ◆ Paper Dolls

Paperweights ◆ Pâpier-maché ◆ Pencils ◆ Pennants ◆ Pens ◆ Perfume ◆ Pewter

Phonographs ◆ Photographs ◆ Plates–Limited Edition ◆ Playing Cards

Pokemon Cards ◆ Political Buttons ◆ Pop Cans ◆ Postcards ◆ Posters ◆ Pottery

Prints ◆ Quilts ◆ Records ◆ Restaurant Toys ◆ Rings ◆ Rocks ◆ Salt & Pepper Shakers

Seashells ◆ Sewing Tools ◆ Sheet Music ◆ Singing Group Memorabilia

Soda Memorabilia ◆ Souvenirs ◆ Spoons ◆ Stamps

Stamps—Commemorative ◆ State Quarters ◆ Stoneware ◆ Sugar Bowls ◆ Tapestries

Teddy Bears ◆ Telescopes ◆ Theater Programs ◆ Thimbles ◆ Tokens ◆ Tools

Toothpick Holders ◆ Toy Animals ◆ Toy Banks ◆ Toy Cars ◆ Toy Soldiers

Toy Tractors ◆ Toy Trucks ◆ Vases ◆ Videotapes

Vintage Radios ◆ War Memorabilia ◆ Watches ◆ Weather Vanes ◆ World Coins

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Adapted for Penn State by Dr. ClaudiaMincemoyer, Assistant Professor and 4-HCurriculum Specialist, from materials originallydeveloped at Ohio State University

AuthorChris Anderson, Extension Agent4-H Youth DevelopmentFairfield County

Assistance was provided byDr. Robert Horton, Extension Specialist4-H Youth DevelopmentEducational Design and Delivery

Dr. Larry Wilson, Professor and CollectorOhio University

Robert Wilson, Collector

Visit Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences on the Web: http://www.cas.psu.edu

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research, extension, and resident education programs are funded in part by Pennsylvaniacounties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Legislature. T. R. Alter, Director of Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

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Produced by Information and Communication Technologies in the College of Agricultural Sciences

Cat No. IO200A

4-H Collectibles Project

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ContentsMember Project Guide....................................................................4The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Collectibles ........13Collectible Sampler

Activity 1: Autographs .............................................................17Activity 2: Coins ......................................................................20Activity 3: Figurines.................................................................26Activity 4: Leaves ....................................................................28Activity 5: Rocks and Minerals .................................................31Activity 6: Sports Cards ...........................................................33Activity 7: Stamps ...................................................................35Activity Answer Section ...........................................................38

Member Project GuideThis beginning-level project is designed for youth 12 and older who have little or no experience with collectibles.Younger youth may take this project under the guidance of an adult helper. This project may be repeated if aspecialization is selected, new goals are set, and additional sources and activities are used to supplement thisproject book.

Project Guidelines❑ Complete the Planning Your Project section of this guide (Steps 1 through 4).❑ Explore all Interest Areas (each of the six Activities in the Collectibles Sampler constitutes an Interest Area).❑ Take part in at least two Organized Project Activities.❑ Become involved in at least two Leadership/Citizenship Activities.❑ Complete the Project Record on page 9 and continue on additional sheets of paper.

Collecting provides self-actualization,self-enrichment, recreation or renewal

of self, feelings of accomplishment,enhancement of self-image, self-expression, social interaction and

belongingness, and lasting physicalproducts of the activity

(Stebbins, 1982).

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Planning Your Project

Step 1. Achievement Record

Date Started Date Completed Initials Task

Complete the Collector’s Checklist.

Rank your interests from the Collector’s Checklist that are withinyour budget.

Select and complete at least two (2) of the (7) activities in theCollectibles Sampler to learn more about the process of collecting.

Research the collectibles of your choice (see Step 2,Digging Deeper, p. 8).

Choose, assemble, and display a collection.

Select and record which collectible(s) you will exhibit.Never display valuable collectibles for a fair exhibit. Prepare aneducational display instead.

Maintain a record of all items collected.

Studies show that most children arealready collecting things before adolescence

(Olmstead, 1991).

❒ Action Figures❒ Advertising Items❒ Almanacs❒ Americana❒ Antiques❒ Arrowheads❒ Art❒ Art Glass❒ Artifacts❒ Atlases & Maps❒ Autographed Sports Balls❒ Autographs❒ Baseball Cards❒ Baskets❒ Beads❒ Bells❒ Books❒ Bottles❒ Brass❒ Belts & Buckles❒ Buttons❒ Cameras❒ Carriages❒ Cars❒ Cartoon Figurines❒ Cartoons❒ Cassettes❒ Clocks❒ Clothing & Costumes❒ Coin-operated Banks❒ Coins & Tokens❒ Comic Books❒ Commemoratives❒ Compact Discs❒ Cookie Cutters❒ Coverlets❒ Cross-Stitching❒ Cups❒ Currency❒ Decoys

❒ Disneyana❒ Doll Houses❒ Dolls❒ Door Knockers❒ Drawings❒ Egg Cups❒ Egg Rocks❒ Elvis Memorabilia❒ Embroidery❒ Exposition Ribbons❒ Farm Collectibles❒ Figurines❒ Fishing Tackle❒ Flasks❒ Football Cards❒ Fossils❒ Games❒ Garage Signs❒ Genealogy❒ Glassware❒ Goblets❒ Gold & Silver❒ Golf Cards❒ Golf Clubs❒ Graphics❒ Hats & Caps❒ Hockey Cards❒ Inkwells❒ Insects❒ Jars❒ Jewelry❒ Jukeboxes❒ Lamps❒ Leaves❒ Letter Openers❒ License Plates❒ Magazines❒ Marbles❒ Matchbooks❒ Medallions

Collector’s ChecklistCheck any items you are interested in collecting, or suggest your own in the spaces marked “Other.”

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❒ Medals & Badges❒ Medieval Items❒ Menus❒ Microscopes❒ Militaria❒ Miniatures❒ Model Cars❒ Model Planes❒ Model Rockets❒ Model Ships❒ Model Trains❒ Movies❒ Movie Advertising❒ Movie Memorabilia❒ Music Boxes❒ Oriental Fans❒ Origami❒ Ornaments❒ Paintings❒ Paper Dolls❒ Paperweights❒ Papier-mâché❒ Pennants❒ Pens & Pencils❒ Perfume❒ Pewter❒ Pez Containers❒ Phonographs❒ Photographs❒ Plates—Limited Edition❒ Playing Cards❒ Pokemon Cards❒ Political Buttons❒ Pop Cans❒ Postcards❒ Posters❒ Pottery❒ Prints❒ Quilts❒ Records❒ Restaurant Toys

❒ Rings❒ Rocks & Minerals❒ Salt & Pepper Shakers❒ Seashells❒ Sewing Tools❒ Sheet Music❒ Singing Group Memorabilia❒ Snow Globes❒ Soda Memorabilia❒ Souvenirs❒ Spoons❒ Stamps❒ State Quarters❒ Stoneware❒ Stuffed Animals❒ Sugar Bowls❒ Tapestries❒ Teddy Bears❒ Telescopes❒ Theater Programs❒ Thimbles❒ Tools❒ Toothpick Holders❒ Toy Animals❒ Toy Banks❒ Toy Cars❒ Toy Soldiers❒ Toy Tractors❒ Video Tapes❒ Vintage Radios❒ War Memorabilia❒ Watches❒ Weather Vanes❒ World Coins❒ ___________ Other (specify)❒ ___________ Other (specify)❒ ___________ Other (specify)❒ ___________ Other (specify)

Collecting . . . It’s Hobby Forming!

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Rank those collectibles from the Collector’s Checklist that you feel are within your budget.

1) ________________________________________________

2) ________________________________________________

3) ________________________________________________

4) ________________________________________________

5) ________________________________________________

Step 2. Activities: Digging DeeperTo find out additional information about collectibles ofinterest to you:

• Discuss options with family, friends, or your adultadvisor.

• Read books about your collectible(s) at the librarybefore you collect anything. Books about collectibleswill cover price and condition information, preserva-tion and care, display, and other useful information.

• Visit shops, shows, and auctions that promote yourcollectible.

• Begin collecting cautiously and sensibly. Continue toreview information about your collectible by readingperiodicals, visiting shops and shows, and discussingany purchases with your family.

• Check your county’s project guidelines (if any) foradditional requirements, especially if you choose toparticipate in county project judging or prepare anexhibit for the fair.

• If you choose to have your project judged, whatcollectible(s) will you select? Describe them in thespace provided.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Step 3. Learning ExperiencesSelect two Learning Experiences listed in the shadedbox at the top of this page and plan your involvementin the Report of Learning Experiences chart. Beforestarting your project, write your choices in the Plan toDo section. After you have taken part in an activity,record what you did and when. Learning Experiencesmay be added or changed at any time.

Sample Learning ExperiencesCounty project judgingDemonstrationField tripSpeechInterviewProject exhibitProject meetingsTourMall showCollectibles workshopCollectibles event

Collectibles support the collector’sself-esteem during problematic times

(Olmstead, 1987).

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Project RecordList all items collected as shown below. This is a basic list, which can and should be modified. Copy this page asneeded. Use a separate page for each type of collectible (coins, stamps, rocks, etc.)

Item Date acquired Cost Comments

Tyrannosaurus rex 12 May 97 $4.50 Bought at COSI; British Museum Collection

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Report of Learning Experiences

Plan to Do Date What I Did

(ex.) Show April 3 I visited a local baseball card show to get an idea of current market prices on cardsof my favorite players.

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Step 4. Leadership/Citizenship ActivitiesPlace a checkmark next to the activities you wish to do, or plan your own activities in the space provided. Do atleast two. Keep track of your progress by marking the date and month you complete each activity. Leadership/Citizenship activities may be added or changed at any time.

Plan to Do Date Completed Leadership/Citizenship Activities

Assist in setting up or cleaning up for a collectible show or event

Help someone with her or his collectibles project

Help organize a workshop or show in your community

Encourage a friend to take a collectibles project

Teach someone something you have learned about collectibles

Invite someone to talk to your club about collectibles

Arrange for members of your club to visit a collectible shop or show

Advise a member who is preparing a collectibles project for the county fair

Prepare and exhibit a display promoting collectibles

Plan your own activity or activities below:

Collecting is a means of striving toward a sense of closure or completion(Danet & Katriel, 1991).

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Children’s collections in schoolsettings can help promote students’

higher-order thinking skills

(Paley, 1990).

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The WhenAnytime is a good time to collect or enjoy looking atyour collectibles—as long as you keep up with all yourother obligations. Some collectors pay attention, how-ever, to what is called “market conditions.” They buywhen the market is “down” (items are relatively lowerin cost) and sell when the market is going “up.”

The WhereYou can find and see collectibles at museums, stores,auctions, shows, and many other places.

The WhyMany of you are already collectors or are interested inthe hobby of collecting. You may already know whyyou are collecting. If the reason is for fun or relaxation,then you’ve selected a great hobby. If you are collectingmainly for profit, research indicates that many risks areinvolved. In rare instances, collecting can become anobsession. If collecting takes time away from importantconcerns, it can cause hardships in your future. How-ever, if you keep collecting fun and relaxing, easilyaffordable, and in perspective, you are going to have awonderful time.

The WhoOnce practiced by only the rich, the pleasure of creatinga collection of value and enjoyment can be experiencedby many today. This collectibles project is for everyoneand can be tailored to fit anyone’s budget. This projectoffers large numbers of people more chances to be-come involved. Youth can have the creatively satisfyingand personally enriching experience of forming a realcollection, within their means and suited to their ownlifestyles.

The following factors do not restrict creating a valuableand interesting collection:• socioeconomic status• race• gender• rural or urban status

The WhatYou can collect almost anything you want within yourbudget. See the Collector’s Checklist on pages 6–7 forsuggestions. Filling out the checklist, ranking yourinterests, and “digging deeper” are the major steps insetting your goals for this project.

The Who, What, When, Where,Why, and How of Collectibles

Investment is a good motive,but not at the sacrifice of well-

being or social obligations(Olmstead, 1991).

You can also learn important life skills as you proceedwith your collectibles project:

Organizational skills• classifying your collectibles• displaying your collectibles

Decision-making skills• selecting your collectibles• deciding when to buy or sell

Responsibility• protecting and caring for your collectibles• respecting the property of self and others• appreciating quality

Caution• learning to recognize fakes (counterfeits)• ensuring the authenticity of your collectibles• learning the importance of dealing with reputable

sellers

Critical thinking skills• examining and comparing the types and condition of

collectibles• learning objective analysis skills when searching for

and selecting your collectibles• focusing thinking skills and interests

Research skills• researching the history, value, and conditions of

collectibles• gaining familiarity with periodicals, books, price

guides, research facilities, exhibitions

Constructive use of leisure time• enjoying your collectibles and the hobby of collecting• avoiding negative use of leisure time

Long-term planning skills• setting goals• setting self-imposed goals

Financial and business skills• bookkeeping and math skills• investing and understanding the market potential of

your collectibles• learning the intrinsic and market values of your

collectibles• learning supply and demand methods of marketing

your collectible (wholesale versus retail)

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The HowBefore you begin collecting, review the who, what,when, where, and why of collecting as outlined in thischapter. Then, take a moment to consider what you’recurrently selecting and have selected. Consider thefollowing factors:

CareWithout protecting and caring for your collectibles, boththeir condition and value will depreciate (decrease).Because each collectible requires different care, be sureto research what is best for your collectible. Don’t bemisled by some advertising, though. Most collectiblescan be protected very inexpensively. Be prepared tocare for your collection even before you begincollecting.

CautionWatch out for fake collectibles! Read books about yourcollectibles and be aware of counterfeits. Deal only withreputable sellers.

ConditionThe condition of your collectible is determined by itsdegree of wear—whether it is “like new” or worn. Manybooks and guides are available to help you determinethe condition of your collectibles or those you areconsidering to add to your collection. Be sure to consultthem. They may save you a lot of headaches andmoney by knowing your collectibles better. Before youbegin your collection, you must learn about the condi-tions of your collectible.

CostThis is your hobby. Pay for it with your earnings. Askfamily and neighbors about safe jobs you could do toearn your own money to support your hobby.

DisplayAfter some time, you will be proud of your collectionand want to show it to others. If your particular collect-ible is small enough, you can display a number ofitems in an attractive shadow box or curio cabinet.Because larger items require more space, you will onlybe able to show a few of them at a time. Don’t fill thehouse up with them, and do be cautious in what youdisplay. You don’t want your collectibles to becomedamaged or lost.

Record KeepingKeep lists of your collectibles. Use the Project Recordon page 9 as a guide to answer the important ques-tions, “What have I got?” and “How much was it?” Thisis the best way to keep your collection organized andunder control. Otherwise, you may overlook or loseitems. Accurate records also make good business senseand will help you track profits or losses. If you don’tkeep good records, how will you know if you made agood sale or trade?

ValueThe value of your collectibles is determined by a varietyof factors. Many good price guides are available at mostlibraries and bookstores. Some are issued yearly, somemonthly, quarterly, etc. Some are more conservative(listing prices lower than others), while others are moreliberal. The basic truism about the value of your collect-ible is usually that it’s worth “what you could sell it for”if you put it up for sale today. You must learn about thevalue of your collectibles before you begin collecting.

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Collectibles SamplerSelect and complete at least two (2) of the following six (7) activities.

Activity 1: Autographs ..............................................17Activity 2: Coins.......................................................20Activity 3: Figurines .................................................26Activity 4: Leaves.....................................................28Activity 5: Rocks and Minerals..................................31Activity 6: Sports Cards ............................................33Activity 7: Stamps....................................................35

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ing, training, or visiting a particular place that has anaddress that you can find. Talk with your relatives tosee if they have any ideas about where to locate peopleon your list. Go to the library and request the assistanceof a librarian. Show them your list and ask for theirideas. Friends and teachers can also help in this veryimportant step. Once you locate a likely address, enterit onto your list to the right of the celebrity’s name.

3. Writing a Letter of RequestYou will need to write a short note to each of thecelebrities you have selected. Introduce yourself, letthem know you are an autograph collector, and tellthem that you would enjoy having a copy of theirautograph. Let them know that you are enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) (see Step 4 tolearn how to create an SASE) and an index card fortheir signature. Express your thanks to the celebrity fortheir cooperation (whether or not they do cooperate)and sign your name. Be sure that your note is easilyreadable. Have someone look it over for you. In thelower left-hand corner of the index card that you willenclose, write (in small letters) the celebrity’s last name.This will help you later on when you file any returnedautographs. Sometimes, celebrities’ signatures areunreadable!

Celebrities are generally very busy people, so don’t behurt or angry if they don’t respond. However, becausemany do respond, you’ll end up with some veryexciting mail from time to time.

Activity 1: Autographs

How would you like to build a collection of autographsof your favorite celebrities, authors, and sports stars?It’s easy to begin! All you need are ordinary letter-writing materials.

Use 3-inch by 5-inch unlined index cards for thisactivity—they are inexpensive and easily available.Either standard or legal size envelopes will work nicely.

Materials needed:• 3-inch by 5-inch index cards and small file box• Envelopes• StampsOther materials recommended:• Access to information that provides addresses of

celebrities• Scrapbook

1. Selecting the StarsWhich celebrities would you enjoy writing to and askingfor their autographs, perhaps even their autographedphotographs? There are lots of people to consider—movie stars, political figures, singers, authors, poets,scientists, TV stars, sports stars. Make a list of yourfavorites on a sheet of paper.

2. Locating the People on Your ListLook over the list that you’ve selected. Think of placeswhere that individual might receive mail—his or herhome, studio, ballpark, office. Some may be rehears-

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4. Creating an SASETo create an SASE, complete the following steps.Follow along visually with the diagram on the right:a) Enter your name and address on an envelope, as if

you were going to mail yourself a letter.b) On the back of the envelope, in the lower left-hand

corner, write (in small print) the celebrity’s last name.Again, this will help you keep track of any auto-graphs you receive back from celebrities.

c) Place a stamp for the correct postage on the enve-lope (overseas letters usually cost more).

d) Fold this envelope into thirds.e) Insert this first, folded envelope (addressed to you)

into a second envelope. Remember to include yourletter of request and index card in the second enve-lope.

f) Address the second envelope with the name andaddress of the celebrity.

g) Write your name and address in the upper left-handcorner.

h) Place a stamp for the correct postage on the secondenvelope.

5. Receiving the AutographsWhen your autographs arrive, place them carefully intoyour file box. If you cannot read the celebrity’s signa-ture, look at the lower left-hand corner of the back ofthe envelope and the index card. Their last nameshould be in one of those two places so you know forsure whose signature you’ve received. Placing acelebrity’s last name on both the envelope and the cardwhen you send your request is a good idea. That way,if your celebrity decides to use a different envelope or adifferent card to sign, you have two chances of identify-ing the autograph.

6. Displaying Your CollectionUse a scrapbook to display your autographed cards. Ifyou can locate the kind that has plastic sleeves forphotographs, all the better. Take a blank card with youto the store to be sure 3-inch by 5-inch cards fit easilyinto the plastic sleeves.

7. Learning MoreTo learn more about autograph collecting, visit yourlibrary or bookstore.

8. Reporting Your ActivitiesReport your activities in the Project Record on page 9.

Creating an SASE

Envelope 1

Envelope 2

Your name...your address...

(back)

Your name...Your address...

Your name...Your address...

Celebrity’s name...

Celebrity’s address...

Celebrity’s name...

(front)

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

Envelope 1 foldedinto thirds

Insert Envelope 1into Envelope 2

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Alphabet TalkThe following message got scrambled. On the blank lines below, put the words in the correct order, using theletter before each word to sort the words alphabetically. “A” is first, “B” is second, and so on. Good luck!

H. World K. An F. In C. Write

U. Display O. National A. You Q. And

X. Proudly N. Royalty W. Autographs D. To

T. Galore B. May I. And R. Super

G. The P. Heroes S. Stars V. Your

J. Request M. Including E. Anyone L. Autograph

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Activity 2: Coins

We will be choosing the Lincoln Memorial cent seriesfor this activity because the pennies are inexpensiveand easily available. The series begins in 1959 and isour current penny.

Materials needed:• Pennies

Other materials recommended:• Paper coin tubes• Lincoln Memorial cent coin album• Access to books or Web sites about coins, their

conditions, and their values

1. The Gathering StageLincoln pennies can be found in pocket change. Beginby searching those pennies in your pockets. If you haveno money at all, arrange to earn some to pay for yourhobby. Next, ask family members if they will trade theirpennies (5 or 10) for a nickel or dime. If you are pur-chasing something, be sure to check your change forpennies. An easier option is to purchase rolls of penniesfrom your bank.

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2. Organizing Your PenniesLook over the pennies that you’ve collected. Look at thedates on each one. Lay them out from left to right inorder of the oldest to the newest by their dates. Lookclosely for a mint mark just beneath the date. If youfind a 1973 penny, for example, with a “D” mint mark,then put that penny to the right of the plain (no mintmark) 1973 penny. After you have collected a numberof pennies, a portion of your first collection might looksomething like the above photograph.

You will surely be missing a large number of coins inthe complete Lincoln Memorial series, which includesover 100 different pennies. These pennies are differentmainly because of the different dates and mint marks.However, certain years have pennies with no mintmarks; others have both large date and small datevarieties. Most years have “proof” pennies, which arespecially made, while other varieties are very rare andmore expensive. Most of the Lincoln Memorial penniesare easily found. Check your library or bookstore for abook that has a complete, updated list of all the avail-able Lincoln Memorial cents.

3. Updating Your CollectionNext, work on making your collection as complete aspossible. Using your complete list of all Lincoln Memo-rial cents, remove from the list any pennies that youfind. Keep your family and friends informed of yourcurrent list (also called a “want list”) and ask them tolook through their pocket change for you. Always be onthe lookout for pennies in better condition than theones you now have. You will want your pennies to bethe nicest looking with the least amount of wear—signsof wear include discoloration and rub or scratch marks.Continue upgrading your pennies so that your collec-tion has the nicest example of each penny.

4. Displaying the SeriesBy this time, you will want to think about how to storeyour pennies. Paper coin tubes can do the job for youand are usually available free or for a small charge fromyour bank. For more expensive coins, a 2-inch by 2-inch coin envelope or holder works well.

You may wish to display your coins. Individual coinholders or albums, usually made of paper with atransparent window on both sides, are widely available.You will want to avoid albums made from PVC (polyvi-nyl chloride), which damages coins. For most collec-tors, a Lincoln Memorial cent coin album works per-fectly. Some toy, hobby, and department stores carrycoin albums; or, you may need to visit or write to acoin dealer or supplier to purchase one. Coin albumsare fairly inexpensive.

1973 1973D 1974 1974D 1975 1976D 1977 1977D 1978 1978D 1979 1980

No mint mark = Philadelphia mint“D” mint mark = Denver mint

“S” mint mark = San Francisco mint

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Once you have acquired an album, press the penniescarefully into the correct openings. Use a tissue to avoidsmudging your pennies as you place them in thealbum.

5. Coin ConditionsBelow is a list of common categories for describing coinconditions. How would you rate the pennies in yourcollection?

MS = Mint state, or uncirculated (UNC = uncirculated)No trace of wear

AU = About uncirculatedTraces of light wear, but more than half of mint luster shows

XF = Extremely fineShows wear throughout, but all features are sharp and clearly visible

VF = Very fineShows moderate wear, but all major details are basically clear

F = FineMost of design is visible, and the word “Liberty” is complete(except 20 cent and seated dime)

VG = Very goodWell worn usually with any three letters of “Liberty” complete

G = GoodMost details are flat with overall design and most lettering visible

AG = About goodHeavily worn but identifiable by date and type

F = FairOnly identifiable by type of coin

Note: Damaged coins (bent, holed, scratched, corroded) are worth less.

6. Learning MoreTo learn more about coins, coin conditions and coinvalues, visit your library or bookstore. Many excellentbooks are published on U.S., world, and ancient coins.


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Word SearchThe list of coin collecting words at the bottom of the page are all mixed up in the letter box. Some are evenbackwards diagonally. See if you can find them all.

T R H O B B Y E T A D H

I N L E G E N D U E C E

S H E A R T N P B R O A

L E K C I N E C E M I D

R L U R J R P G N B N E

E I H L A P R O O F S S

V N A L A M E O P A H I

N C L U L V T D D L T G

E O F S I R R N C B L N

D L O T S U A A I U A T

G N S E T H U E R M E V

E D A R G O Q L W E H A

ALBUM DIME HEAD LIST

QUARTER CENT DOLLAR HEALTH

LUSTER RARE COINS GOOD

HEART MINT MARK SET

DATE GRADE HOBBY NICKEL

TUBE DENVER HALF LEGEND

PENNY VALUE DESIGN HAND

LINCOLN PROOF WEAR

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State Quarter MatchDraw a line to match the state quarter to its state! If you don’t know the design, check out the United States Mint’sWeb site: www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/index.cfm?action=50_state_quarters_program

Connecticut

Delaware

Georgia

Kentucky

Maryland

Massachusetts

New Jersey

New Hampshire

New York

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Vermont

Virginia

◆25

A Celebration of The 50 StatesApproximately every 10 weeks, from 1999 to 2008,there will be a new state quarter to collect. Eachquarter’s reverse will celebrate one of the 50 states witha design honoring its unique history, traditions, andsymbols. The quarters are being released in the sameorder that the states joined the union.

The schedule for release of each state’s quarter is listedbelow with the date that the state joined the union.

Release Date State Statehood Date

1999January 1 Delaware December 7, 1787March 8 Pennsylvania December 12, 1787May 17 New Jersey December 18, 1787July 19 Georgia January 2, 1788October 12 Connecticut January 9, 1788

2000January 3 Massachusetts February 6, 1788March 13 Maryland April 28, 1788May 22 South Carolina May 23, 1788August 7 New Hampshire June 21, 1788October 16 Virginia June 25, 1788

2001January 8 New York 26, 1788March 12 North Carolina November 21, 1789May 21 Rhode Island May 29, 1790August 6 Vermont March 4, 1791

Kentucky June 1, 1792

2002Tennessee June 1, 1796Ohio March 1, 1803Louisiana April 30, 1812Indiana December 11, 1816Mississippi December 10, 1817

2003Illinois December 3, 1818Alabama December 14, 1819Maine March 15, 1820Missouri August 10, 1821Arkansas June 15, 1836

Release Date State Statehood Date

2004Michigan January 26, 1837Florida March 3, 1845Texas December 29, 1845Iowa December 28, 1846Wisconsin May 29, 1848

2005California September 9, 1850Minnesota May 11, 1858Oregon February 14, 1859Kansas January 29, 1861West Virginia June 20, 1863

2006Nevada October 31, 1864Nebraska March 1, 1867Colorado August 1, 1876North Dakota November 2, 1889South Dakota November 2, 1889

2007Montana November 8, 1889Washington November 11, 1889Idaho July 3, 1890Wyoming July 10, 1890Utah January 4, 1896

2008Oklahoma November 16, 1907New Mexico January 6, 1912Arizona February 14, 1912Alaska January 3, 1959Hawaii August 21, 1959

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Activity 3: Figurines

Materials needed:• Figurines• Access to books, catalogs, price guides about your

figurines• Access to books about dinosaurs if you wish to fill

out the matching game

Other materials recommended:• A place to display your figurines

In the following activity, we’ll outline the procedure forcollecting figurines. Although we use dinosaurs in thisactivity, feel free to select a figurine of your choice—bears, cartoon characters, whatever you like!

Because the cost of collecting some figurines is fairlyhigh, we ask you to select a fairly inexpensive type offigurine. Dinosaurs will be our example, but the choiceis completely up to you.

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1. Selecting a Type of FigurineThe first step is to decide what types of figurines youlike. Figurines are made of a variety of materials—porcelain, metal, plastic, wood, pewter. Look around instores and check prices. Talk with your family andfriends to find out what they enjoy and why. Aftercarefully reviewing the many types of figurines avail-able, list those that interest you the most and are withinyour budget.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Ranking Your Top ChoicesNext, rank your top three choices in order of your mostfavorite to your least favorite.

1)______________________________________________

2)______________________________________________

3)______________________________________________

Now, let’s look more closely at your favorite choice.

What did you list as your most favorite?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the price range for one figurine (for example,does one figurine cost anywhere from $2.00 to $8.00)?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

How many figurines are in a set?___________________

Is there more than one set available?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

How much will an entire set cost?__________________

Who makes your favorite figurine?

___________________________________________________________________

What stores sell your favorite figurine?

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Think Before You Shop!Investigate your figurine collectible before you startbuying. Find out about quality and price differences ofyour figurines. Although many manufacturers make“dinosaur” figurines, for example, only a few makefairly accurate figurines. Most manufacturers simplymake “dinosaur-like” plastic models or just “monsters,”most of which look more like dragons and otherfictitious creatures than any dinosaur that actuallyexisted. Be sure you know a great deal about yourchoice of figurine before you begin collecting them. Ifyou already started collecting before starting thisproject, review what you have and learn more beforecontinuing your collection.

4. Learning MoreTo learn more about figurines, dinosaurs, or othersubjects, visit your library or bookstore.


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Place each leaf in its own separate spot betweendifferent pages in your catalog. Place your leavescarefully, laying them flat for pressing later on.

3. Identifying and Pressing Your LeavesOnce you return from your leaf hunt, check each leafagainst your leaf identification book and try to deter-mine its type. Place a slip of paper with each leaf intoyour leaf press (catalog, large book, or typical press)with the name of each leaf for future reference. Applypressure to your leaf press to help dry the leaves. Thiscan be done by tightening the straps on a typical pressor, for catalog presses, by placing heavy objects (suchas other books) on top of the catalog.

4. Reviewing Your CollectionAfter about a week, open your press and view theleaves. They should retain all of their original color andshape, and yet be dry. If you make reasonable effortsto protect them, these leaves should not discolor orwither. Decide which leaves you wish to keep based oncompleteness, variety of type, and quality of the leaf(no holes, tears, or other signs of damage). Doublecheck the leaves for proper identification. Ask others toreview your leaves.

5. Displaying Your CollectionSelect a scrapbook with the peel and seal type clearplastic pages. Carefully place your leaves into yourscrapbook, making sure that the edges of the leaves donot bend or curl. Place a piece of paper beside the leafdescribing the type of leaf, its scientific name, andwhere and when it was found.

Leaves can be found in most places, including yourbackyard, a park, or the woods.

Materials needed:• Leaves• Leaf press (large catalog or book)• Scrapbook

Other materials recommended:• Access to books on identification of trees, leaves,

and nature in general

1. Deciding on a Leaf PressTo begin, we will need to prepare or decide on a leafpress. This can be a large catalog or book. With acatalog, you place the leaves flat between the pages. Abetter leaf press can be created by using sheets ofpaper (often newsprint) sandwiched between layers ofcardboard (or even plywood), which can be held tightlytogether by straps. See page 30 for a photograph of asturdy leaf press.

2. Gathering LeavesReview a leaf identification guide to become familiarwith simple and compound leaves. Select a time ofyear when leaves are mature and before any majordamage is done by withering, insects, fungi, and othernatural causes. Take your catalog or book for pressingleaves with you and visit the closest safe place to yourhome where leaves may be found. Collect a variety oftypes, trying to find as many different shapes aspossible.

Activity 4: Leaves

◆29

6. Illustrated Leaf Lingo

Simple leaf Compound leaf Petiole

Smooth Toothed Lobed

Pinnate Palmate Veins

Opposite Alternate Needles

7. Learning MoreTo learn more about leaves and trees, visit your library,the Internet, or a bookstore. Many excellent publica-tions are available.


➚

Crossword CheckLet’s check how much you remember about leaves. Solve the crossword puzzle below.

Across4. A leaf that contains two or more leaflets is called a______________ leaf.

6. These grow in many places and are often identifiedby their leaves.

7. A means of drying leaves without damaging them.

2

1

4

3

6

5

7

Down1. A common leaf press.

2. The best time to collect leaves is when they are____________.

3. What you must do with your leaves with the assis-tance of a good leaf guide book.

5. The base of the leaf stem.

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We’ll be choosing a wide selection of rocks and miner-als to learn about their different shapes, textures,origins, colors, weights, and details. Rocks are theoldest collectibles with most of them being manymillions of years old.

Materials needed:• Access to books about rocks and minerals• Notebook• Labels• File box• Index cards

Other materials recommended:• Egg cartons• Old toothbrush• Magnifying glass

1. Gathering RocksRocks can be found almost anywhere—in your back-yard, at a park, in the woods. A few rocks, such asdiamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, are ex-tremely rare and valuable. Begin by visiting the closestsafe place to your home where rocks may be found.Collect any rocks that catch your eye, trying to find asmany different shapes, colors, and textures as possible.Try to find examples of igneous, sedimentary, meta-morphic, granite, and other types of rocks to addvariety to your collection. (Be sure to refer to a wellillustrated rock and mineral book first).

Activity 5: Rocks and Minerals

2. Identifying and Labeling Your RocksOnce you return from your rock hunt, check each rockwith a rock identification book and try to determinewhat each is. Arrange your rocks into different catego-ries to compare them. Suggested categories includesize, shape, texture, weight, and color. If convenient,return rocks that you don’t wish to keep to the placewhere you found them. Clean off a spot (usually theleast attractive side) on each rock you are adding toyour collection. Put a small label or sticker on it andplace a number on the label. Using one index card foreach rock you wish to keep, record the same numberon the card with the date, place of find, and rock type.Also keep a notebook with information in it from allyour rock hunts.

◆31

◆32

3. Displaying Your CollectionDecide which rocks you wish to store together andplace them into an egg carton, clear plastic box, orplastic film canister. A shoe box works well for storingand displaying larger rocks. If you don’t want yourrocks to rub against each other, wrap each one in apiece of tissue paper or separate them with pieces ofcardboard.

4. Learning MoreTo learn more about rocks and minerals, visit yourlibrary or bookstore. Many excellent books are pub-lished on all facets of geology and rock collecting.

5. Reporting Your ActivityReport your activities in the Project Record on page 9.

Scrambled RocksThe words below are confusing, but they all have something to do with rocks and minerals. Can you decode them?

1. ogseiun 2. nidomad 3. peahsrpi 4. oskrc 5. aelts 6. ridyasetnme

1._______________ 2._____________ 3.____________ 4._____________ 5.____________ 6.___________

7. lsbeal 8. iregtna 9. esrbui 10. hewgsti 11. rloosc 12. apiommchert

7._______________ 8._____________ 9.____________ 10.____________ 11.___________ 12.__________

13. aedrseml 14. phasse 15. eeruxtst 16. eltods 17. oohbsxe 18. esmlanir

13.______________ 14._____________15.___________ 16.____________ 17.___________ 18.__________

◆33

We will be choosing recent cards for our activity be-cause they are easily available and relatively inexpen-sive. We will begin by focusing on an individual sportsstar based on your personal preferences.

Materials needed:• Sports cards• Access to books, catalogs, and price guides about

sports cards

Other materials recommended:• Card holders, displayers, or protectors of your choice

1. Selecting a SportSelect a sport that currently has a large number ofdifferent card series, such as baseball or football.

2. Purchasing a Pack of CardsPurchase one pack of sports cards of your choice. Donot place the pack or individual cards into a pocket orother place where the corners or edges may bebumped or bent. The value of sports cards depends ontwo major factors. First, what is the demand of thecard—how popular is the card and how plentiful or

Activity 6: Sports Cards

rare are they? Second, what is the condition of thecard—are the corners bent or fuzzy looking or does thecard look brand new?

3. Determining the Course of Your CollectionCompare the cards you just purchased with informationin price guides and catalogs. Find out more about yourcards, their values, the players, and the sport. You maynow wish to do one of the following:1) focus on a favorite player or two and select their

cards only2) continue collecting packs3) collect entire sets by factory box or pack collecting or

trading with others4) do a combination of the first three5) design your own system of collecting

It’s up to you—what you enjoy and your budget. It’simportant not to get carried away with significantpurchases of cards, however.

◆34

4. Protecting Your CollectionProtecting your cards is important for two reasons:1) to keep them attractive for yourself and others toenjoy, and 2) to maintain their value for future selling ortrading. Bent, discolored, or otherwise damaged cardsare not as enjoyable to look at and their values arelower than new-looking cards. A variety of card protec-tors are available. First, individual soft and hard plasticsleeves are available, usually the same size as the carditself. Second, albums with pages having card pocketsallow you to carry a large number of cards. Also, plasticboxes the size of a card and 1/2-inch, 1-inch, and 2-inches high are fairly common, inexpensive, and hold

25, 50, or 100 cards. Visit a sports card show, hobbyshop, or department store to view the different types ofstorage devices available to you.

5. Learning MoreTo learn more about sports cards, the sport, the play-ers, card conditions, and values, visit your library orbookstore.


Break the CodeA necessary message is just below, but it’s been coded for secrecy. Can you break the code? Each number equalsa specific letter—some are already decoded to help you get started. Good luck!

1=R 2=I 3=O 4=C 5=P 6=N 7=T 8=Y 9=E

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 5 1 3 7 9 4 7 2 6 8 3 1 4 1 2

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 9 1 8 2 5 3 1 7 6 7 2 6 9 9 5 2 6

___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 7 9 2 1 9

◆35

Activity 7: Stamps

Materials needed:StampsAlbum to store stamps

Other materials recommended:Stamp tongsHinges and mountsMagnifying glassPerforation gaugeWatermark detectorStock book(Find out more about these supplies atwww.stampsonline.com or www.usps.com.)

Skills for Stamp CollectorsStamp collecting is a fun and easy hobby to start. Readthese easy directions and you will be on your way tostarting your own stamp collection.

1. Cut the envelope around the stamp.2. Soak the stamp in a small bowl of water. Put thestamp upside down in the water.3. The stamp will fall off the envelope and go to thebottom of the bowl of water.4. Gently lift the stamp from the bowl.5. Dry the stamp between two paper towels.Remember to be very gentle!6. Press the stamp overnight under something heavy. Adictionary works well.7. Mount the dry stamp.

Put the stamp in your album with a hinge or a mount.You can use tape and glue, but that may decrease thevalue of your stamp. A hinge is a small strip of foldedplastic. A mount is a clear sleeve that is open on bothsides. Most stamp dealers sell mounts and hinges.

Stamp tongs are like tweezers with rounded edges.Using stamp tongs prevents the oil from your fingersfrom getting on the stamps. The oil is not good for thestamps.

Make your own albumUse a three-ring binder to make your own stampcollecting album. Use white paper or special acid-freepaper from an art supply or scrapbook store. Makeholes in the paper using a three-hole punch. Mountyour stamps on each page with hinges or mounts.

Decorate the cover of the album with fabric markers orstamps!

A stock book has pages with rows of pockets. You canrearrange your stamps until you decide how you wantto put them into your album. The stock book will keepthe stamps clean and safe until you mount them.

Stamp collecting information adapted from USPS 2001 NationalStamp Collecting Kit.

◆36

Making StampsStamps are printed using four different printing meth-ods. Each method makes a different pattern in thestamp. You can only see the pattern with a magnifyingglass. The methods are:

Intaglio: A picture is engraved into a metal plate. Ink isspread on the plate and goes into the grooves. Paper ispressed very hard against the engraved plate. You canfeel the ridges the ink makes on an Intaglio stamp.

Gravure: A gravure stamp is printed using photoen-graved metal plates. There are no grooves, so you can’tfeel the ridges on a gravure stamp.

Offset: Offset uses photography, metal plates, and arubber-like blanket to print on paper. The image ismade up of tiny dots only visible with a magnifyingglass.

Offset/Intaglio: This is a combination method of printingusing both the offset and intaglio techniques.

How do I get started?1. Ask everyone you know to save you stamps.2. Write to relatives or find a pen pal. You can sendletters with stamps.3. You can purchase new stamps at the post office oron-line at www.stampsonline.com4. Dealers also sell stamps. Many times they offer bagsof inexpensive stamps. Look in the yellow pages ofyour telephone book for “Stamps for Collectors.”5. Go to a stamp show! A directory of shows is listedon www.stampshows.com6. The American Philatelic Society has a “Just for Kids”site. Visit them on the Web at www.stamps.org

Stamp Collecting Web Sites for KidsThe Answer Man:iswsc.homepage.com/iswsc_stampman.html

Bumper Land:www.bumperland.com/stamps.html

The DELPHI page for Beginning Collectors:www.delphi.com/stamps/begin1.html

Oceania Philatelic Galleries—Youth Collector’s Zone:stamps-auctions.com/lists/youth.html

Stamps on Black History:library.advanced.org/10320/Stamps.htm

Scouts on Stamps Society International:www.sossi.org

American Philatelic Society:www.stamps.org (click on “Just for Kids”)

Fun Facts about StampsUntil 1863, most people picked up their mail at the PostOffice. There was no free home delivery.

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing prints about17 billion stamps a year. Private companies also printabout 17 billion stamps a year.

The Ben Franklin and George Washington stamps werethe first U.S. stamps. They were issued in 1847.

Early stamps were printed with no perforations. “Im-perforate” stamps were cut apart with scissors.

◆37

Word SearchThe stamp collecting words at the bottom are all mixed up in the letter box below. Some are even backwardsdiagonally. See if you can find them all.

K F E S G P P G K C G C A O G

R A E T P C I L E T A L I H P

A P I A E T N U O M T L I P C

M W V M R I T Z H U G N B O Z

R R I P F Z B W S A G W L U G

E R E B O G H Y T E J L U I M

T V W B R N N N B V E M C H I

A R U O A X I A X C J K C F Z

W J I K T U T W T Y E W W X I

M A G N I F Y I N G G L A S S

S L L N O Z N P E N P A L K P

C G M O N G Q T F O K N V A W

G E N W G V J Q B G S Z B O I

P G O O C P M V W U T U A S C

S N H G T S M D Z S V B O M Q

ALBUM

COLLECTING

HINGE

INTAGLIO

MAGNIFYING GLASS

MOUNT

PENPAL

PERFORATION

PHILATELIC

SOAK

STAMP

TONGS

WATERMARK

◆38

Activity 1: Autographs, pg. 19

Activity 2: Coins, pg. 23

Activity 3: State Quarter Match

Activity 4: Leaves, pg. 30

You May Write To Anyone In The World And RequestAn Autograph, Including Royalty, National Heroes AndSuper Stars Galore. Display Your Autographs Proudly.

Activity Answer Section

Connecticut

Delaware

Georgia

Kentucky

Maryland

Massachusetts

New Jersey

New Hampshire

New York

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Vermont

Virginia

◆39

Activity 6: Sports Cards, pg. 34

Activity 5: Rocks and Minerals, pg. 32

Activity 7: Stamps, pg. 35

18 U.S.C. 707

4-H Club Motto“To make the best better”

4-H Club PledgeI pledgemy head to clearer thinking,my heart to greater loyalty,my hands to larger service, andmy health to better living, formy club,my community,my country, andmy world.

4-H Club ColorsGreen and White

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