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Some Random Thoughts.

I'm becoming a real fan of the writings of Q. David Bowers. I especially like his recent articles in Coin World. I especially enjoyed his column in the August 19th edition of CW.

He writes about why he thinks some people stop collecting coins. Reasons include:

1. Some people don't find that gem coin worth thousands for bargain prices.

2. People realize that grading is an art not an exact science.

3. They find out that some people in the coin collecting community are not always as enthusiastic about you collecting coins as you are.


Mr. Bowers goes on to write about what can make people happy with their collecting, and perhaps help them to stay collecting in the future.

1. If something about the hobby that you don't like, such as a certain dealer you don't trust, or what the ANA is doing lately, or what the mint's new policy is, just leave it alone. Don't dwell on such things, because there are plenty more dealers and other things about the hobby that can make you happy. To quote Mr. Bowers column, "Emphasize the good"

The ultimate secret to enjoying your coin collecting, Mr. Bowers says, and I heartily agree, is knowledge. The more you know the better off and happier you will be. I had been thinking that my personal numismatic Library is kinda lean on books about my favorite series, Silver Dollars. I didn't have any books specifically about Morgans. So to rectify the situation, I am working on my library. I am even thinking about not going to a coin show in the near future so I can spend the money I have on some more books. I especially want to get the Vam Book by Leroy Van Allen, and George Mallis.

My point behind this post is, I am getting back to the basics of coin collecting. I am working on moving past just being a coin collector. I want to be a numismatist. I want to study the coins I collect, perhaps find a variety that no one has seen before. That would be really cool. image

If you have a subscription to CW, check out Mr. Bowers article. If you don't have subscription go out and pick up a copy. Think about what you really like about collecting coins. Can you see yourself still collecting 5, 10, 15 years from now? Will your desire to get that extra point for your registry set keep you collecting in the future? When you complete your set of coins in PCGS, NGC, or whatever holdered coins what will you do next? Will you even still be collecting?

Not jumping on anyone's case. Why you collect coins is a completely personal thing. I just started thinking about my own collecting pursuits and I just wanted to share my thoughts with the group.

Nuff Said.
J'har

Comments

  • TomBTomB Posts: 21,200 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You should still go to shows, just leave your checkbook and cash at home, you will learn quite a bit by looking, listening and talking.
    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • jharjhar Posts: 1,126
    That's why I haven't abandoned the idea of going to this show. I just don't know if I can stand to keep my hands in my pockets!!!!LOL
    J'har
  • FlashFlash Posts: 1,090 ✭✭✭
    You can usually find books for sale at coins shows, too.
    Matt
  • keetskeets Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
    a friend told me that you can't beat enthusiasm!! if i can stay at the point of having fun with our hobby it's easy to find something enjoyable in it. right now i'm focused on searching for high grade raw Ike's. they are cheap and plentifull, similar to a morgan to grade and they even tone nice. i bought a roll today of rainbow toned coins!! with winter just around the corner, an investment in a few books might be a good idea. what's the name of that Overton book on bust halves?image

    al h.image
  • jharjhar Posts: 1,126
    I this the one you're looking for keets.

    Early Half Dollar Die Varieties 1794-1836 (third edition)

    I'm starting to consider myself more of just a Silver Dollar Collector. That would include those Ikes. I've just started with the morgans because those are my favorites.
    J'har

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