Have we become coin snobs/elitists/addicts?
RGL
Posts: 3,784 ✭
Oh, the shame ... I have one set with one PR-64 listed. What an embarassment. I have a nicely matched PR-65 1940 Proof Set that almost seems too lowly to list on the registry. My pride and joy set of Jeff proofs still contains four 66s ... Time was, a PR-65 was good enough, but no more. I want 68s ... give me a 68. I must have a 68! The madness into which I descend is checked only by the quantity of my bank account. Does anyone know of a good local chapter of Numismatists Anonymous? Ask yourself the following questions (with no slight intended of those battling alcoholism -- keep up the good fight!):
1 - Have you ever decided to stop buying coins for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
2 - Do you wish people would mind their own business about your coin purchases -- stop telling you what to do?
3 - Have you ever switched from one type of coin to another in the hope that this would keep you from buying too many coins?
4 - Have you had to had to crack open a blue box upon awakening during the past year?
5 - Do you envy people who can buy coins without getting into trouble with their bottom line?
6 - Have you had problems connected with coin collecting during the past year?
7 - Has your coin collecting caused trouble at home?
8 - Do you ever try to get "extra" coins at an auction because you do not get enough?
9 - Do you tell yourself you can stop buying coins any time you want to, even though you keep buying coins when you don't mean to?
10 - Have you missed days of work or school because of coin collecting?
11 - Do you have "blackouts" concerning coin purchases?
12 - Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not collect coins?
What's your score?
Did you answer YES four or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with coins
Think about it ...
1 - Have you ever decided to stop buying coins for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
2 - Do you wish people would mind their own business about your coin purchases -- stop telling you what to do?
3 - Have you ever switched from one type of coin to another in the hope that this would keep you from buying too many coins?
4 - Have you had to had to crack open a blue box upon awakening during the past year?
5 - Do you envy people who can buy coins without getting into trouble with their bottom line?
6 - Have you had problems connected with coin collecting during the past year?
7 - Has your coin collecting caused trouble at home?
8 - Do you ever try to get "extra" coins at an auction because you do not get enough?
9 - Do you tell yourself you can stop buying coins any time you want to, even though you keep buying coins when you don't mean to?
10 - Have you missed days of work or school because of coin collecting?
11 - Do you have "blackouts" concerning coin purchases?
12 - Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not collect coins?
What's your score?
Did you answer YES four or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with coins
Think about it ...
0
Comments
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
al h.
The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
2 yes
5 yes
WHEW i'm safe for now
--------T O M---------
-------------------------
#5 yes Ok so I wish I had more discresenary (sp) money. What's wrong with that?
#6 yes Not enough money to buy the coins I want. See #5
#10 yes I have missed work, but I work weekends If I'm going to go to a show I'm going to miss work. But I schedule the days off a year ahead and swap days with other workers so I don't actually miss any work hours.
Oh and #3 No I have never changed coin types to try and cut back on my coin buying, I have changed though with the hope that I could now buy more!
Cameron Kiefer
Hey, RGL. I also like the old proofs. None of my sets are complete but I am working on it. I'll slowly get there one coin at a time. For me, a PF65 or 66 is just fine. No need for a PF68. That way, I have more money to buy more proofs.
<< <i>Have we become coin snobs/elitists/addicts? >>
Guilty as charged, Your Honor. But guilty with an explanation, if you don't mind: I do try to keep my hand in at least one inexpensive collection (usually Darkside), to keep the "true collector" spirit alive. Not to mention my infamous "Holey Coin Vest", for which I actually seek out "damaged" coins. (There is a new picture of the vest and the new Holey Gold Hat at the top of my eBay page, BTW).
I am contemplating going "back to my roots" and working on a raw, circulated basic 19th/20th century type set; the one in the old Dansco #7070 album that I worked on twice in the past and completed once before switching to slabs. That was a lot of fun- no microscopic grade point splits to worry about...only eye appeal. No "investment" hassles- just pure collecting for the joy of it. Circulated Barber halves also sound like fun.
Since becoming a dealer I buy coins all the time, but those purchases don’t count. If I think I can make an honest buck on it as inventory item, or if one of my customers has given me a want list, I’ll buy it. The trick is never to get attached to something in inventory. Sure, I like certain coins more than others, but there is a “wall” between my collection and my business. The only coin and tokens that cross that wall are upgrades that I can afford to exchange between the business and my collection. Otherwise, all inventory items are for sale.
I am not a nut for super high grade coins in my collection because they tie up too much money in too a few pieces. To me rarity and collector interest come first, and then quality. I’ll locate LEGITIMATE high grade for customers, but most of my collection ranges from AU-50 to MS-64. If you look at as many coins as I do, you will find that a fair number, but certainly not all of the slabbed coins with high grades on them, are no better than some PQ lower grade coins. The main difference is that they have wildly higher price tags.
“Buy the coin, not the holder.” That’s my motto. And don’t get upset by what the other fellow owns. My collection is well above, but there are some guys out there who could buy my collection with their tax refunds, and there is no way I can compete with them. It IS fun to sell to them, however.
Out of the closet Morgan lover
Tom
Lust: passionate desire for; a craving or or desire for something - may be uncontrollable. YES
Denial: refusal to accept the truth. YES
Well, looks like its time to check the old health insurance policy and see what benefits it provides for shrink consultations and recovery.
Thank you for your attention. Time to go pet the cat.
By realizing the Truth that you refuse to except the Truth, you therefore are not in denial. I hereby pronounce you cured.
<< <i>.............hi everyone, my name's Al and i'm a coinaholic!!
al h.
hi al, welcome, theres a lot of fun ,and knowledge here.
<< <i>...thanks for sharing. My name is J. P. and I am a coin addict!! Yes I've recently been diagnosed with severe coin envy and I am not in de-Nile(why would anyone want to be in a river with coins?). >>
hi jp, welcome to the forum, lots of fun..river of coins, kinda like rug burn.
<< <i>...thanks for sharing. My name is J. P. and I am a coin addict!! Yes I've recently been diagnosed with severe coin envy and I am not in de-Nile(why would anyone want to be in a river with coins?). >>
you cant always get what you want ? sure you can ...just charge it.
Thanks Clankeye,
I feel better already. The way is now clear; the light shines; I see the highway sign - it say "BUY IT NOW".
Gotta go - time to run over to the Post Office and purchase a money order so the seller will ship fast!
The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)