5 Movies That Inspire You to Start Coin Collecting

Coins are all around us but one rarely thinks about their value and uniqueness. Even an ordinary coin and its value, such as the 1964 penny value, can become the subject of discussion in thematic circles. Although its value is low in most cases, exceptional specimens remind us that the world of numismatics is full of surprises. Now imagine that even this ordinary coin could play a crucial role in an adventure, a mystery, or even saving a life. That is how coins are often portrayed in movies.

So today we are going to tell you more about five movies in which coins take one of the central meanings. These five films, which we are talking about below, do more than just entertain - they spark an interest in coins due to sharing fascinating stories, inspiring viewers to look at coins in a different way.

How Movies Inspire Coin Collecting

Cinema has an incredible power to create images and evoke emotions. When viewers see mysterious riches, ancient artifacts, or coin collections in a movie, they involuntarily become interested in their history. Coins often symbolize adventure, mystery, or connections to great historical events. As a result, the viewer begins to dream of touching that history through his or her own collection.

Now, let us explain how this works with the example of five movies that can persuade you to start your own collection.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

The plot of the first film in the series centers on magical gold doubloons that become the cause of a curse. The coins in the film symbolize wealth but they also become elements of a mystical puzzle. All these create an incredible desire to study and collect such coins in real life.

The movie awakens interest in pirate gold and coins from the age of the Great Discovery. Viewers begin to dream of finding an antique doubloon or a real-life piastre, so popular among pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Examples that collectors should look for:

Tip: Start with replicas or coins from later periods to gradually move on to finding originals.

2. National Treasure (2004)

This movie is about the hunt for a secret hoard hidden by the founding fathers of the United States. Here coins play a key role in searching for clues, e.g. one of the mysteries involves a rare coin from colonial America.

Due to the film some people can be inspired to study the coins that were in circulation during the early years of the United States. And here numismatics opens doors to history: antique pennies, dollars, and other coins help us understand how the country's economy and culture developed.

What collectors should look for:

Lifehack: To find information about a coin, its rarity, historical features and even its market value, the Coin ID Scanner application is a great option. Just install it on your phone to have your personal numismatic assistant always at hand.

3. Coin Heist, 2017

In this movie, coins are also central to the plot.  A group of teenagers decide to hack into the Mint and create $10 million worth of counterfeit coins to raise money for a school rescue. Despite the fantastical nature of the plot, it can be argued that collectors often take notice of unusual coin variants and even coins with minting errors.

Minting errors such as double images, incorrect metal planchet, or design offsets are valued by collectors around the world. The movie reminds us that sometimes unusual or even erroneous can be valued much higher than ordinary or other aspects (such as the age of the coin). 

What to look for for collectors inspired by the movie:

Tip: Begin your search with modern U.S. coins, paying attention to minor flaws. For example, error coins often fall into circulation in the early years of minting new designs. Moreover, don't rely on your eye alone, use pocket magnifiers or magnifying glasses to examine details closely.

4. Ocean's Thirteen (2007)

Coins are glimpsed in the movie as part of complex scams involving rare and expensive items. They symbolize both wealth and the ability to appreciate the unique. The movie inspires one to collect rare modern coins. For example, commemorative or anniversary issues of limited edition coins can be a good start for a collection.

Coins that collectors should pay attention to:

Lifehack: If you're just starting out, consider pocket collections. For example, collect coins with small denominations or commemorative specimens from circulation. Most coins from such series can be found literally in your wallet and then traded with other collectors.

5. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

The mountains of gold coins in Smaug's dragon's lair (part of his hoard) are a delight. The scene where the characters wander through a hall filled with gold is captivating. The movie raises interest in fantasy or ancient coins associated with myths and legends.

Coins which may be of interest to collectors:

Step to a New Hobby

Movies about treasure and adventure not only entertain us but also open up new hobbies for viewers. So, due to cinematography, you can truly love collecting coins, because you will be looking for something that inspired you, but only in real life.  So, here you may start with something that is closer to you: coins in your wallet, jubilee issues or your first simple purchases. Remember, that the key here is your curiosity and the desire to learn more.