This is the full list of the 41 reasons to collect error coins. The votes are shown behind each statement.
The thrill of the hunt is exciting. (83)
Error coins do not have to be old to be collectable. (68)
I collect error coins for their variety. Each coin is unique in it’s own way. (66)
To me it’s a lot more fun than collecting normal coins. Looking for them is like panning for gold. (59)
Understanding how the coin actually became an error is also a big part of it. (58)
An error coin is a source of knowledge of what can go wrong in the manufacturing process. (53)
Continual growth of knowledge is an additive aspect of the hobby. I learn new things all the time, and the pace never seems to slacken. (53)
I just can’t imagine ever finding this hobby boring. (52)
It’s fun to show new great errors to other error collectors and show them to others who have never seen an error coin. (51)
An error coin collector needs to be more knowledgeable about the minting process than the regular coin collector. (51)
They make you think. For some errors it takes hours to come up with a reasonable explanation for their existance. And sometimes you just can’t come up with an explanation that makes any sense. (50)
I like my errors clearly visible to the naked eye, and clearly distinguisable from normal coinage. (50)
I like error coins with great eye appeal - even for a non-collector. (47)
Unique errors are not hard to come by. In what other field of collecting can you purchase a one-of-a-kind example for $50 or less? (47)
Magic still exists in the error collecting field. (44)
They are neat. (44)
There is an infinite variety of combinations and permutations which makes error collecting an open-ended challenge. (42)
There’s just so much to do and see in mint error collecting, it boggles the mind. (42)
Just show one of your great errors to a young collector and watch his eyes dance. THAT’S MAGIC! (42)
There is an allure of owning items that the government didn’t want to get out. (40)
Today, regular coinage is produced in the billions of coins. Where is the challenge and rarity to be found? I can see very few choises except in the field of errors. (39)
To err is human, and one man’s error is another man’s treasure. (39)
It is by its nature very limited - with many great rarities. (38)
There’s so much physics and mechanics involved, which really engages my scientific curiosity whenever I fix my gaze on a new mint error. How did this particular error come to be? What were the processes involved? (37)
I think what attracted me was how obvious it is, even for a non-collector, to see that you’ve got something special in your hand. (37)
Show a regular date/mint collection to a non-collector friend, will he recognize the 1804 dollar as something special? Now show your friend a full brockage, an off center strike, a double strike or an off metal. See the difference? Everybody would pause to look, many would get excited. (37)
New errors or newly recognized errors pop up all the time. (37)
It is interesting to watch differences in the minting process from minting facility to minting facility and changes in the minting process over time. (36)
When collecting errors, it’s wise to cultivate an open mind. Errors are not always what they seem. (36)
I see much more variety in mint errors than in other areas of numismatics (i.e. ‘normal coins’), which allows for great expansion in the coin collecting hobby. (36)
I got interested when I found an error coin in my change. (35)
I don’t remember exactly how I got the error bug but I have it bad. (34)
For me error collecting is the desire to have something that no one else has but everybody wants. (34)
It is fascinating that it is impossible to get a complete collection. (32)
Error coins receive attention by non-collectors. (31)
There are FAR more than just three types of 2000 cents, for example! Besides the ordinary 2000 P & D issues and the San Francisco mint Proof cent, there are broadstrikes, double strikes, off-centers, die caps, off-metals (cent struck on dime planchet), die trial strikes, and of course clips, just to name a few, and every one is different! (30)
The only reason to look at your change. (27)
Debating one’s fellow collectors is an enjoyable aspect. (16)
It’s art. (15)
They reinforce my point at work speaking about quality control. (8)
I don’t collect error coins - I deal in errors. (5)