In the quiet town of Park City, Utah, Mark Avery has turned a childhood pastime into a profound exploration of history through his passion for coin collecting. Beginning at the tender age of 10, Avery's journey into numismatics was sparked by a simple reward system set by his father, who would bring home rolls of dimes from the bank for completing yard work. This initial interest in coins would grow into a lifelong pursuit, leading him to become an influential figure in the coin-collecting community and the president of the Wasatch Coin and History Club. With a collection that has burgeoned over the years, Avery now possesses approximately 1,000 ancient coins, 500 U.S. coins, and around 10,000 world coins. His collection reflects not just monetary value but the rich tapestry of history that each coin represents. "Coins are little timestamps of history; they allow us to connect with the past in a tangible way," Avery explained. His fascination lies not only in the coins themselves but in the stories they tell and the historical contexts they encompass. Avery's expertise as a numismatist—specifically, a classical numismatist—has equipped him with the skills to evaluate coins effectively. He shared some of the tricks he has learned over the decades, such as examining the coin's edge for copper traces and listening for distinct sounds when dropped. "Silver has a dull sound, while copper or nickel coins have a tinier sound," he noted. These skills are essential for anyone interested in distinguishing between genuine ancient coins and their modern counterparts. In addition to collecting, Avery has dedicated himself to teaching others about the historical significance of coins. He founded the Wasatch Coin and History Club, a nonprofit organization aimed at bringing together history enthusiasts and aspiring numismatists. At club meetings, he presents engaging lessons, drawing connections between coins and historical events. For instance, he often relates the coins of Joan of Arc to her birthplace, enriching the narrative with geographical and cultural context. "Every coin has a story, and I use them as tools to engage others in learning about history," Avery remarked, emphasizing his role as a storyteller. His presentations cover a wide range of topics, including the origins of American folklore, the history of angels depicted in coins, and even the late Roman coinage. One of his most popular sessions delves into the life of Alexander the Great, exploring not just his military achievements but also his cultural impact through the dissemination of Greek literature and ideas. Avery's passion for coin collecting transcends mere hobby; it has evolved into a commitment to inspire others. Recently, he shared a particularly thrilling find—a small horde of coins minted by a Saxon king, uncovered while metal detecting in England. While eight of these coins were donated to museums in the United Kingdom, Avery retained one for his personal collection, a testament to his adventurous spirit and dedication to history. For Avery, the act of sharing is as important as collecting. At club meetings, he often circulates coins among attendees, allowing them to handle examples from his extensive collection. "I want to help young people get excited about history, leadership, and courage through these artifacts," he said. This hands-on approach makes history accessible and relatable, fostering a deeper understanding of the past. Despite his extensive collection, Avery is starting to consider downsizing as he approaches a new phase in his life. However, he remains committed to teaching and sharing knowledge about numismatics. The Wasatch Coin and History Club meets on the last Tuesday of each month, providing a platform for enthusiasts to gather, learn, and share. This month’s presentation, titled "World War One Through Coins, Currency and Stories of Courage," invites attendees to bring their own World War One coins or relics, promoting a collaborative learning experience. Mark Avery’s journey from a young coin collector to a passionate educator highlights the intrinsic connection between history and numismatics. His efforts to engage the community through storytelling and hands-on learning exemplify the profound impact that ancient currency can have in unlocking the past and inspiring future generations. As he continues to share his love for coins and history, Avery stands as a bridge connecting the present with the stories of our past, one coin at a time.