I am a Hilton-based dealer in coins, medallions, banknotes, tokens and military medals. So how did a trained mathematician and physicist with a career as a professor of computer science stumble upon that as an end-of-life occupation? The answer is simple. I decided on retirement that, if old age was likened to a second childhood, I should take that to be literally true. I collected coins as a boy, so here I am enjoying the hobby all over again and supplementing my pension to boot. Along the way, over 15 years, I have encountered some interesting people: the man who printed the Rhodesian banknotes; a lady whose grandfather was at Mafeking during the siege; the curator of the Baynesfiels Estate Museum who had a collection of previously unknown tokens; an Australian on his uppers who had a rare and valuable Boer War tribute medal. The list is long because I have found that most of those who have things that I want to buy are interesting people.Of course, the coins are interesting too and some are fascinating. Many of the coins, medals and tokens pictured here were purchased locally and all came to me originally from South African sellers.
My main numismatic interest is in the commemorative medals of South Africa. There are over a thousand of these recorded on my website www.southafricanmedals.com
I only sell on BidorBuy and eBay. However, I am the chairman of the Pietermaritzburg Numismatic Society (aka the Maritzburg Coin Club) and one of our objectives is the encouragement of coin collecting as a hobby. We can advise you on purchases you wish to make and steer you clear of unscrupulous dealers. You should be particularly cautious when considering the purchase of Mandela coins and medals as an investment. The Society has bandaged many a burnt finger. We always welcome applications for membership. Young or old, man or woman, experienced or novice, collecting coins is fun, rewarding and profitable.
More about Michael Laidlaw Coin Dealer.
