Coin Shop in Venice, Italy

When we decided to go on our first trip to Europe, Italy was the destination. Being a coin collector, I wanted to look at examples from the large cities we were going to visit- Rome, Florence, and Venice. I asked a fellow collector I had met the previous summer while taking classes at the American Numismatic Association’s Summer Seminar (another story) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, if he had any suggestions. He told me about the Il Mio Hobby Coin Shop in Venice. As a total rookie in world travel, I found it hard to believe I could really find that spot in a land that seemed so far away. 

Our visit to Italy was transformational. We love the food, the pace of living, and the passion of its people. We ended with four days in Venice. On day two, I set out to find Il Mio Hobby.  Walking and wandering in Venice transports you into a city that remains much the same as when it was built. Street after street with no cars or motorized vehicles to break the sound of people walking and talking. I kept turning corner after corner and after at least two gelatos I found Il Mio Hobby. I entered and introduced myself. The owner spoke no English and I spoke no Italian, but we quickly found coins were a common language. He showed me early gold coins produced by the Vatican for the Pope and many others. I bought a couple of treasures and went on my way. He was very friendly and I decided to bring Carolynn back the next day. On day three, we set out for a return visit. As we entered, he greeted us with open arms. He showed Carolynn many ancient coin treasures. He volunteered to take us to see a special staircase just a few streets away so we could take photographs. He closed his shop in the middle of the day and took us arm and arm and off we went for our personal tour. We were stunned. What a treat!  This kind of experience is why we travel. I also visited the Doges Apartment Museum above St. Mark’s Square. There I saw all the coins of Venice- each looking as new as the day it was minted.

What is your hobby? How have you used travel to inform and add to your collections?

Links:

Doges Apartment Museum

St. Mark’s Square

http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/il-museo/percorsi-e-collezioni/le-sale/

Il Mio Hobby

Paulucci 20

Via Barcella 181A

Venice

30174 Venice, Italy

July 4, 2023