Ben Kagay began his numismatic journey like so many young numismatists; he was nine years old when he found enjoyment plucking America The Beautiful Quarters from circulation and clicking them into albums. Nearly a decade later, Kagay pursues his coin callings by pursuing U.S. type pieces.
“One set I’m working on is an 1883 Proof Set,” says the 18-year-old collector. “My favorite coin series is the Saint- Gaudens Double Eagle,” which Kagay says he likes because of its beautiful design and patriotic themes. It’s perhaps no surprise that one coin the young collector has his sights on is the 1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. “I think this coin is especially interesting because of its symbolic design and uniqueness.”
Kagay’s transition from collecting coins straight from circulation to chasing pieces that have scarcely seen commerce in the past century reflects his deepening love for numismatics. “I credit almost all this growth to generous individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting numismatics,” says Kagay.
Among his accomplishments are attendance at various numismatic summer seminars, exhibition of his coins at large coin conventions, presentations on a variety of numismatic topics before significant audiences, and two years working as a coin authenticator for a major antiques dealer. He even placed second among young numismatists in a PCGS grading competition at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in 2025.
“I enjoy the hobby so much because of the endless amount of knowledge to learn and the nearly endless number of coins to collect,” Kagay remarks. “It’s practically impossible to run out of numismatic journeys to pursue, which makes the hobby exciting.”
He tells other young numismatists to channel their passions into certain numismatic subjects if they want to become proficient in their hobby field of choice. “Research and study your favorite part of numismatics and specialize in that area,” he advises. “This will enable you to one day be ‘the expert’ in that area.”
While he is studying chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma, Kagay still fosters his love of numismatics. “I’m certain that I will always be a coin enthusiast and perhaps start my own numismatic business in the future.”