A bit disappointed with the Numismatist
Gazes
Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭✭✭
I got this month's magazine of the Numismatist. The cover is titled "the death of money"--Hungary's Disastrous Hyperinflation.
The article is well written and interesting. However, the cover story for a magazine aimed at collectors about Hyperinflation in Hungary about 80 years ago? As a collector I would much prefer a cover story about an uber collector like the Tyrant or a collector I've never heard of or recent multi million dollar sales I'd coins or perhaps a collection that was put together with very little funds, etc.
Definitely not a cover story that makes me energized about coin collecting.
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Comments
Agree as that would encourage stacking bullion more than collecting coins.
Glad I don’t have such a narrow view of numismatics.
The story scratched an itch I have for information about that period of European monetary history. To each his own.
This article sounds very timely considering the massive government deficit spending and increasing inflation that we've been having. It's only going to get worse. I'm definitely looking forward to reading this article. I couldn't care less about the Tyrant or recent multimillion dollar coin sales.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
As I said the article is interesting and well written. But this is the ANA's magazine---I think there are better choices to write about coin collecting and related areas than a cover story about hyper inflation in the 1940s in the eastern Europe. This magazine is the journal for collectors---I think the membership would be better served with a cover article that is more focused on its base. As others have said, to each their own.
I haven’t read it and it may be very interesting but when I’m reading a magazine titled the Numismatist the last thing I want to read about is hyperinflation in Hungary in the 40’s. Now of course I do have the option to either read it or not. To each his own.
A story that needs to be read, but maybe not the lead story in a collector publication.
There are a lot of people drawn to high denomination coins and currency. It is a collector's niche just like any other. It is also a niche accessible to more people than 5 figure coins or the Tyrant collection.
There's room for all kinds of things in the hobby.
You are simply not at the center of the world of numismatics
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ANA. American Numismatic Association. Sounds like the perfect place for a story about Hungary 70-80 years ago. What’s wrong with that. Seems timely and the other day there was a rather heated debate about Hungary. I believe the focus was the 1900’s. I’ll tell ya the Goulash was flying ! And no one was safe. Last time I go to a pot luck! 🤓🙀
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
It’s all interesting if relevant IMHO
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
Sounds like if you are that disappointed maybe you could share an article that we would all like to read.
Any publication is always looking for a quality submission.
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
Personally rather than a cover article about economics in 1940 Hungary in my national coin journal, how about
1) the impact on the lack of shows on collecting (until the last year the lack of shows was unthinkable)
2) interviews with various top dealers
3) interviews with collectors
4) ideas on the most challenging collections on a budget
5) articles about great collectors from past years
6) take a look at doug winter's site---any of his articles could be expanded to be a cover story
7) a cover story about YNs and the future of the hobby
Those are all good suggestions, but it is not an either/or proposition. Those topics can be covered as well.
I don't get the Numismatic but I might get it to read the article on the Hungarian inflation. It is an important historical topic that crosses a number of interests.
For me, numismatics opens doors to many other things. That is what I like about it.
Plus, those European hyperinflations are a cautionary tale that may become quite relevant some day. If so, it will impact every single aspect of your life.
Perhaps Coin Week would be a more fitting read for you.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
The title is The Numismatist. There is a lot more to numismatics than U.S. Coins. Also, numismatic is not just about collecting. I believe the official definition of numismatics is the study or act of collecting coins, paper money, tokens, and medals. A big part of numismatics is learning about the history and artistry of the items.
I personally find the Numismatist to be the best large scale publication in numismatics. Each issue usually has something interesting to read. Earlier today I actually wrote and submitted my first letter to the editor for The Numismatist in which I discussed the great magazine they produced every month especially their continued coverage of more esoteric topics such as tokens. The recent two-part series on company stores and scrip was of particular interest and am glad they continue to publish such interesting articles.
As others have said I am glad that my view of numismatics isn't so narrow. If an article isn't of interest just don't read it.
ANA-LM, CWTS-LM, NBS, TAMS, ANS
Personally, I would page past interviews with almost anyone but a few legends.
I don't need one man's opinion on the impact of the lack of shows. If someone wants to do a scientific study, that's a different matter.
YNs...yawn
But a few pages here and there could be dedicated to those things. I'm not sure why one cover story on Hungarian hyperinflation is bugging you. It's not like European hyperinflation gets the cover every month.
Published by the American Numismatic Association. Am I missing something If I were looking for a read about US coins would I go to the HNA. Hungarian Numismatic Association. No.
JBK history does repeat and those who fail to learn. Etc.
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
Perhaps Gazes is right but consider the timing of when the magazine was compiled and edited (early August)
i assume that such an article could be written for the October or November issue.
But did anyone write such an article?
People always discuss expanding and growing the ANA and making it more relevant. Dont think having their flagship magazine doing a cover on 1940s Hungarian inflation will grow the organization.
Just because you aren't interested in it doesn't mean others are not.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/123802209380?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item1cd32fcc64:g:BYMAAOSwpElguM1F&amdata=enc:AQAGAAACoPYe5NmHp%2B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsSxXDXcCydCuSj2Tq2S%2F3GnjSwyw5wXRiCxOGI2pAvF0BUEbqFVl%2FH%2Brtkd9b%2FcVtKjURRyfAgE76lJxqWkyOX61dF6gGaReUf%2BDTZXQaN1AQXHGjuVgZLaoSLlZJ1W%2BYIz7j1V7GJPDwl5m3bv8rQDE81YhAHtB%2BW1ALnk35ezMKSd0tQHvzDiz%2FbDw7G1rXR84wpVEtjyDOX%2FYkBZm2v9idy4wBNkfnFgSd7f15xjBbmt1RJAeQ53l7AMxwh1XYK1%2BxGbyXcaANsfmZCNDlELBO0xwm3fGEYaVkUghNrrlpOffg%2FbUXNLtkdlybG6LBJoso4mL4T7UVfaXXBTX2GlxlfkRnQAkYzdK17Kn%2FH6A5NzD3qg%2BVSrt%2Bd53LqaWen2r3oqBSJd4HTRCXjb8nad%2FhXYByIQmlZZhg2mJ%2BX7WmvCmxEp80kLJIHjZ854Rgn4AoJwgaKu%2FV7eAUAEUqsebO25lto%2Fgr8i5XQuqg35CoedK0KP99V4TQlncVPSRSsgAWPs8i6nWh7CWBelz50%2FWD4Kk7hl%2BTITgfVuCiaxjzESbtkXpGZQMboLUcBFRQh3lD94jYDSA1Zv%2BOL4nzzznOzYD0Rc6HWyRHyeDCqI5U8e%2Be4h7RSnZ%2F%2FHgadwQj%2F1N7moSi1cVL7SShOJML5iMwym2CVOaaYfEwABysevPd%2BNGUfy9XTPnoHNhaYvcGszu5OIpfJftlli8Mk%2Fit3ko%2FyBGcWQivvoX52BMdVK2Bum7LDt9MApDqMFA2MZNjAPWTByZIOhCry%2FCsXa6um3%2FgCFAer9UT6G2aPwqH4lEW6iOE7kHWazXGTJ64duzzMkgowomBPzsE1sxF0Qoo9lQ%3D%3D|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2334524
Yes, you are missing something. Something you could easily find if you simply looked. The ANA is not "American" because it is for "American" coins but because it is headquartered in the USA and was created for American collectors. It is for collectors of all types of material. Nowhere in their mission statement does it mention US coins and currency at all. See below.
https://money.org/our-mission
Our Mission
The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The Association serves the academic community, collectors and the general public with an interest in numismatics.
The ANA helps all people discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs including its education and outreach, museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars.
The founder, Dr. George Heath studied WORLD history through coins
https://money.org/ana-history
Dr. George F. Heath of Monroe, Michigan, when not involved in his practice of medicine, gained a knowledge of world history by studying his collection of coins
Just stating my opinion that I dont think the flagship magazine of the ANA is best served by making their cover article focused on the topic of Hungarian Hyper inflation. My own opinion is they would be better served with a cover article more focused on collecting. I am fine with people who disagree. Ironically if I had instead posted a thread with a link praising the article I am guessing I would have 2 comments and nothing else lol
Thank you And I appreciate your response. Think if Dr.Heath had the internet.
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
I'll admit I have not seen the article yet. But personally I'm less interested in reading another glamour story about billionaires and their million dollar coins. I would probably take the time to at least skim through an article about this:
LIBERTY SEATED DIMES WITH MAJOR VARIETIES CIRCULATION STRIKES (1837-1891) digital album
Funny how no one who has posted on this thread so far has actually read the article.
You didn't say the article was bad, you said you didn't like the topic, at least as a cover story. So, no need to read it in order to disagree.
I agree. I did read the article and learned something. Well written and researched. And yes, I said I was "disappointed" that article was given the coveted position of the cover on the ANA magazine---I think there are better cover articles for the valuable spot on the cover.
Bingo! It is the American Numismatic Association, not the Association of American Numismatics.
Me, too!
Expand your horizons and expand your mind. Be interested in everything.
So I'll give this one more try. I think I'm pretty well read. I have many interests and a big library on lots of topics. One interest is coin collecting. When I joined the ANA I looked forward to a magazine primarily about coin collecting. I dont get much info about coin collecting from my wall st journal subscription, NY Times, the Atlantic, the Economist, etc. So when I get my "coin magazine" and it talks about Hungarian inflation I am disappointed. That's all. We are all free to research and be interested in lots of things.
Yes, reading about how the fat cats can buy up everything is boring. As long as the tsars don't buy up everything I'd like to collect, I can get along without them. They are in one numismatic world; I am in another.
Yes---lets not discuss Hansen, Tyrant and any coins that sell for 6 figures and instead have threads about european economic theory in the 18th and 19th century!
I'm not a "fat cat" buying up anything but I can find it interesting reading about those coins and those collections. Open your mind and expand your horizons. By the way, some people do enjoy reading about those things---the Hansen thread is one of the most popular ever on this forum.
Sounds like a plan @gazes. You expressed my thoughts exactly.
I've spent the past couple of days working on an exhibit for Winter FUN about the comparative and satirical Bryan Dollars. When I'm not working on that, I am looking at a Power Point presentation about the coins of the 12 Caesars for my local club. And then there is my Winter FUN presentation about Abraham Lincoln and the issues covered on his presidential campaign tokens the helped elect him in 1860.
Have I put you to sleep yet?
I read the article. It's interesting, and reasonably well-written. It's an interesting period of history, especially considering the period of hyper-inflation was induced on purpose, there didn't seem to be any other great options, it resulted in the relatively quick restoration of Hungary's industrial base, and it disappeared quickly when a gold standard was re-instituted.
As for this article being the cover story in The Numismatist, well, it didn't strike me as odd, but I can see how a few folks might see it that way.
As others have said, maybe try writing a piece. You'll learn more than anyone else and it's sort of fun seeing your work in print.
Yes, I have been fortunate enough to get two articles published in "FUN Topics" recently. It's fun to see your name in print.
No way for me. I get flogged enough right here. I sure as heck don’t need magazine or Guest Commentary feedback. Especially nation or world wide circulation. I’m fine right here. Most of what I call flogging is really just the good folks here pointing out the error of my way. Please do not stop. I am learning and this place is the real gold mine. Thanks 🤓🙀
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
A propos nothing, Budapest is a fabulous place to visit. Prices (in 2019) weren't out of hand, so apparently they've got the hyperinflation under control now.
I don't subscribe and haven't read the article. For those that have, was the focus on Hungarian coins and currency of that period? That would seem to be relevant to the ANA. A historical overview on hyperinflation in Hungary, while easily could by interesting, timely, important, etc., and may be of interest to subscribers, but it doesn't seem relevant to the ANA.
.
Im a bit surprised at the responses. You say "if an article isn't of interest just don't read it." First, I did read it unlike many who attacked my OP without reading the article itself. I even said it was interesting and well written. But so are articles in the Wall St Journal, history magazines, the Economist, etc. I am a member of the ANA and this is my organization's monthly magazine. I hope that I am able to voice my "disappointment" at the content rather than being told how narrow minded my interests. Yes---I love coins (some on here I suspect don't based upon there negative posts on other threads). I love reading about coins, collections, collectors, etc. "Hungary's Disastrous Hyperinflation" was a disappointment to me and I am sure some others. Sometimes I will read through the Numismatist and wonder if I am reading a magazine for coin collectors. Yes, I know the ANA also has collectors of medals, tokens and paper money but the majority of members are coin collectors. This is a forum and and as a member of the ANA I thought I would express my view. Telling me to simply not read the articles I don't like or telling me I have narrow interests actually seems pretty narrow minded to me. If you want to convict me of something---maybe I just want more content about US coins and US collectors.
Op I don’t disagree stopped it a long time ago.
Considering half the coin community lived through this event I would think it would be fun to take a stroll down memory lane
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
A few posters seem to keep ignoring that numismatics (and the ANA) is not just about coins.
The issue is not that they are not interested in Hungarian hyperinflation, the issue is that they apparently think that only articles about US coins are appropriate.
Almost certainly. Do you think there is a topic that would not disappoint anybody?
I'm unable to read the article. Can you please explain the link in the article between Hungarian hyperinflation and numismatics? Was there, for example, a particular emphasis on coins and currency from that period?
The frustrating things about these threads are they become a game of telephone. My OP that begins by stating that I was disappointed that the cover article had to do with Hungary's HyperInflation in the 1940s morphs into some "think that only articles about US coins are appropriate." I have never said that and I don't think anyone in this thread has said that. What I did say is I was disappointed that the feature/cover article for the ANA magazine had to do with a topic that I don't think is in the best interest of advancing the numismatic community. Yes, it is my opinion (and many others who have reached out to me). But please don't mischaracterize my posts as stating "only articles about US coins are appropriate."
Uhhhhh....I didn't didn't name you - there are others who were more blatant in that position.
I don't have access to it either so I am not in a position to explain anything.
The obvious assumption is that being in the ANA magazine, the subject was approached from a numismatic perspective.
You didn't say that, but at least one other poster did.