Fed Trade Commission Employee's Fascination with Coin Collecting: Exploring a Situation Where a Penny Beats a Ruble in Value
Busting Coins: How a Detention Center Director Turns His Love for Coins into a Lifestyle
Who says working at a detention center has to be dull? Meet Alexey Revyakin, the boss man at a penitentiary in Biysk, Russia, who swaps steel bars for silver coins.
This numismatics enthusiast has been collecting coins with a passion for a decade now. And on the eve of the Day of the Correctional Worker, we're diving into how his coin obsession intertwines with his daily grind.
Historical Enthusiasm
- So, Alexey, how did your fascination with coin collecting begin?
- It all started when someone passed me a collection dedicated to the triumph in the Great Patriotic War. The theme caught my eye, and I began searching for more information online. As it turned out, the set I got was missing the first three coins – bi-metallic ten-ruble coins. I managed to find them at a local market soon after. That's how my collection took root.
Prior to that, I’d had some interesting coins lying around. For instance, coins honoring the Sochi Olympics. But I didn't gather them systematically or arrange them neatly. I just kept them in my wallet.
- What draws you to specific coins?
- Currently, I'm focused on commemorative coins from the Russian Federation made of non-precious metals. I also collect coins from the Soviet era and the Russian Empire.
The historical significance of certain coins never fails to excite me. I find that holding a coin in my hand is a tangible connection to the past, a window into our country's history.
- Does the age of a coin determine its worth?
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No, age isn't the primary determinant of value. Instead, it's the mintage and condition that play a significant role. Rarer coins tend to be more valuable. A coin in pristine condition will also fetch a higher price compared to one dug up in a backyard that's been exposed to the elements for years. Of course, finding an old coin unexpectedly is exciting, but the true value lies primarily in coins of high quality.
Found Treasures
- How do coins end up with you, Alexey? Where do you find them?
- Many coins have found their way to me from banks. A few have been kindly given to me by friends. You know, people once had piggy banks at home. Well, when my pals sorted them out, they'd gift me the old coins. Bit by bit, my collection grew from all corners.
- What personality traits make someone a good numismatist?
- Curiosity is key. If someone finds this hobby interesting, they'll make time and investments for it, as numismatics can be expensive! Nowadays, virtually any coin can be bought online. There are special websites, and auctions are held there.
- Treasure hunting in the traditional sense isn't recommended?
- Definitely not! I'd encourage those interested to give it a shot. Yet, success isn't guaranteed, as they say, all the treasures have already been found. Nevertheless, Biysk, a city with such a rich history, is still a coin hunter's paradise.
- If someone is thinking of taking up coin collecting, what advice would you give them to get started?
- I'd suggest starting with coins currently in circulation. The easiest approach is to collect a series of commemorative coins focused on significant dates, like the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Borodino or the "Cities of Military Glory" series. They're popular and widely available. You can also collect five-ruble and ten-ruble coins that are still in circulation, though they're becoming less common.
Timeless Treasures
- Alexey, have you displayed your collection anywhere?
- Before Victory Day, I shared a portion of my collection focused on the Great Patriotic War theme with a group of inmates. I exhibited a series of Soviet-era coins and coins minted in the Russian Federation to mark the 60th, 65th, and 70th anniversaries of Victory.
- What was the response like from this unexpected audience?
- The inmates were engrossed in the coins, particularly the weapons of victory series. They found the visuals of the weapons used by the Soviet army during the war intriguing. I believe that seeing these coins sparked their curiosity about the war years. Many of them started reading about the Great Patriotic War and paying closer attention to war-related documentaries on TV at the camp. So, I think my numismatic show had a positive impact on the inmates.
- Correctional work is a unique position. You interact directly with inmates every day. What do you think the importance of your job is?
- I started working in corrections in 2016. I joined as a junior inspector in the duty service before moving on to become an instructor in the combat and special training group. Then, I was appointed detachment commander.
This job suits me perfectly. I enjoy interacting with people. I believe that through such encounters, you can subtly improve an individual, influence their viewpoints, and encourage them to embrace constructive hobbies that nourish their soul and body, while harmful activities like alcohol or drugs lead to more troublesome consequences.
- Alexey's coin collection expansion wasn't limited to banks and online platforms; his friends' old piggy banks were also a treasure trove, providing unique coins that contributed to his growing collection.
- In collaboration with inmates, Alexey showcased his Great Patriotic War-themed coin collection, hoping to instill curiosity about the war years and encouraging them to appreciate history through his timeless treasures.
