Another jewel - The Numismatist, November 1909

ANACONDA

Another jewel - The Numismatist, November 1909. Check it out. It's quoted at length in the Bowers Nov. 6-9 2002 auction catalog on page 46 (starts at bottom left) and is very relevant today.

I'm too sleepy to type it all but it is essentially exhortations to new numismatists.

Good night.

adrian

airplanenut

Good night... sleep tight... don't let the bed bugs bite

Blade

Adrian,
Would love to see a scan of that, assuming that wouldn't violate emajor copyright laws.

wayneherndon

Here's a link to the text Adrian referenced:

Link

WH

ANACONDA

Here is the entire write-up. Copied by Bowers and now copied by me.

The best part is a the end - here it is if you're late for work:

Never talk scandal or say mean things about other collectors; if you have nothing good to say, say nothing.

(I'm not preaching, I'm sharing.)





In it, he Numismatist,I November 1909, Howland Wood gave the following advice under the title of "Numismatic Maxims for Beginners." Just one coin variety was specifically mentioned: His advice, by the way, is still relevant today:

Don't set your heart on acquiring any coin right off. If you force the market you generally have to pay more than it is worth.

If you are a young man you can afford to wait; it is only the old men who cannot.

Don't plunge in too quickly at the start and think you must buy every coin offered.

Don't try to collect everything; you'll never catch up with your contract. Also you will not enjoy what you have.

You've got to learn by experience; a few jolts and knocks will impress you more than all of the advice an older collector can give you.

Don't take any man's word that a coin is unique. There are far fewer unique coins than there are said to be.

Collect, if possible, coins in the best condition; you then buy but once, and when you want to sell, you have something worth selling. A poor coin is an aggravation and an eyesore, and you as a rule can get very little for it when you want to sell.

A library goes hand in hand with the collection of coins.

It is better to collect a few series and know your subject than to attempt to collect everything and think you know it all but really know nothing.

Every collector should have a Pine Tree shilling, as that is the first question your guests ask if you have.

Never cry down another collector's coin; give them, at least, the benefit of the doubt.

Never talk scandal or say mean things about other collectors; if you have nothing good to say, say nothing.

The last maxim is the most important one to remember, and it is the one most often transgressed.

nwcs

Very nice to see that wisdom is timeless. Now if more people would follow wisdom...

dorkkarl

<< <i>Every collector should have a Pine Tree shilling, as that is the first question your guests ask if you have. >>

today, maybe it ought to be a randall-hoard large cent.

K S

griffin6

Howland Wood also made the timeless observation, "It is necessary for the astute collector to learn each dealer's standard of grading in order to make intelligent bids." Another (in regards to grading) was to the effect, "It reasonable to believe that no two people see things exactly alike, however, with a set of well published, written standards, it is also reasonable to believe that people would see things more NEARLY alike."

Mr. Wood was a man uncommon logic and good sense, and as I am a great fan of his, I am pleased to republish these favorite maxims as my 250th post on this board!