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A Notable Man: Jim Cirronella
04/07/2009
Numismatic expert Jim Cirronella knows the value of a dollar.
When you look at currency, whether it's the green in your pocket or the shiny copper penny usually overlooked by many, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it just spending cash or does it mean more? To numismatics expert Jim Cirronella, a resident of Colts Neck since 1971, currency is much more than just mere spending cash. In fact, Cirronella collects and trades money as well as cards and other odd treasures. His collections, however, are more than a mere hobby. He has showcased his coin and card collection at a number of demonstrations and assists locals in the examination and explanation of what a particular coin, bill, or card might be worth. According to Cirronella, a single bill can be worth much more than its face value; upon closer examination it can actually lead someone to riches.
Cirronella said that he had an interest in coins and bills for some time, but didn't begin seriously collecting until the early 1990's. As time passed, Cirronella became even more intrigued with numismatics: the study and collection of coins, tokens, paper money and related objects. Cirronella started to run exhibitions and shows regarding his collection of currency within the Monmouth County area. They became successful, drawing collectors and interested parties alike to his table.
Cirronella explains that to really know what you are looking at requires attention to detail and getting to know the market. He started to research more thoroughly into the collectors' market both by text and online. He took the hobby a step further by discussing the market with top numismatics experts he met at his shows and remains in con-tact with. In this way he's able to gain more insight into the business of currency, enabling him to evoke not only interest in the collections, but also knowledge that has helped him distinguish the value of a dollar bill.
When asked about the matter of collecting and how to determine what is or isn't valuable, he explained, “Every piece of money is unique in number. There are plenty of things that you have to look for in order to determine whether or not the note is worth something.” Have you ever really looked at your money? If you have, you can see that there are many numbers, pictures, and words on a each bill. According to Cirronella, one of the most prevalent features of a bill is its serial number which is the one you see on the bottom left (under the district seal) and on the upper right (above the district seal). “If the serial numbers do not match up, chances are that the note is worth something,” he explained.
Mismatched serial numbers are only one of the many unique characteristics of a single bill. The grade of the money (whether or not it has been circulated) plays an important role in distinguishing the cost of the bill. “I often purchase graded money because the value of the note increases if the money is graded. If the note is not graded you can get it graded,” he said. Cirronella noted that online sites that specialize in this particular market, such as the PCGS website, are great resources to get your money graded, certified, or for other uses such as understanding the jargon of the market and helping in the determination of whether or not your dollar or coin is valuable.
Another characteristic to look for when determining the value of your note is the shift of the bill: whether the note is aligned correctly. Other errors to look for include serial numbers on the back of the bill instead of the front, serial numbers flipped upside down, district seals shifted, and if the serial numbers don't read the same forward and backward. “If any of these characteristics fit your note, chances are the note is worth more than its face value,” Cirronella said. If after an initial examination of your bill you determine it may be worth something, he advises that you do further research by purchasing a collector's guide from a hobby shop or by visiting the PCGS website. The final step: “Protect it! Do not sell it! Upon finding out that you have something that is valuable, most people automatically want to sell it. Don't do that because the value may increase over time and you might get ripped off if you bring it to the wrong place,” Cirronella advised. “The best thing that you can do is to keep it in a safe place and ask around for a good dealer,” Cirronella concluded.
Cirronella Values Community
Although Jim Cirronella is an avid collector of currency, he is devoted to a more profound purpose, saving lives. Since 1975, Cirronella has committed himself to making a difference in the community as an EM and volunteer firefighter as well as manager of the firehouse hall. “I do it for the people of the community. I became an EMT to help people, but I've seen a lot of bad stuff happen. Actually, my first experience doing this there was a fatality. And, I have also seen everything that the people in need owned completely destroyed,” Cirronella said. However, both he and his wife of 30 years, Dolores have invested many years and a lot of faith into the community’s first response units and wouldn't have it any other way. He takes pride in the profession. The Cirronellas only wish is that there were more volunteer firefighters and first responders to assist in the welfare of the community.
To find out more about how to join the Colts Neck Fire Company or to inquire about the Triple Crown Room to rent for up coming events goto www.cnfd.org
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