10 Ways to Combat Coin Ennui
RYK
Posts: 35,797 ✭✭✭✭✭
As an outgrowth of this previous thread, I have made a list of ten coin-related things to do when you just do not feel like buying coins:
1. Get a good coin book and read. The Bowers books are general favorites. The Winter books are great for us branch mint gold enthusiasts. Brush up on your specialty, browse some old auction catalogs (maybe give away or sell some you no longer want), or read a book about a series that is not your specialty--maybe it will become your area someday.
2. Inventory your collection. I use an Excel spreadsheet, but there is dedicated coin software and also the Heritage website "My Collection" feature. Check your buy/sell records to make sure that they are complete. Throw out duplicate statements. An aside: in my Excel spreadsheet, I like to add a one line entry for each coin that explains why I own it and/or why it is special. If I have trouble articulating why I own a coin, it might be time to jettison it.
3. Sell a coin. It's a great way to test the market and also to raise cash for the next purchase. Let's face it, we all have coins that we wish we did not purchase in retrospect.
4. Engage and develop a YN. It might be a child, grandchild, niece/nephew, neighbor, or forum member. An act of kindness toward a YN might make a difference to a child or adolscent looking for direction, guidance, and positive adult interaction. It's a great hobby--share it with a youngster.
5. Photograph/scan your coins. The modern collector has the coins in the safety deposit box and awesome pictures (often nicer than the coins
) at home. Develop and improve your photography skills.
6. Trade a coin to a fellow collector. You might gain a whole new perspective on your coins...and someone else's.
7. Play with your coins. Visit them at the bank. Bring a new silica gel package to keep them dry. Reorganize the box. Maybe get a dedicated box for your coins, so you do not have to look at those depressing wills, heirloom jewelery, and other stuff the might be cluttering up your box. Bring a friend to the bank play with your coins. Maybe you will hook him/her.
8. Learn to grade. Go to a coin shop or show or auction and look at as many coins as you can, without any intention of buying. Look at the coins and try to guess the grade on the holder. Learn to grade a series you do not collect. It's good practice for your eye.
9. Write an article (or book
) about coins. You probably have something interesting to say for all the time you spend on coins. Get the word out. Submit to Coin World, the Numismatist, a coin club periodical, post on a website, etc.
10. Do something not coin-related. Clear your mind of the one that got away on ebay, a message board slight, a TPG undergrade, or whatever else in the hobby that you find annoying. Some have suggested books, movies, and hunting. I like to play with the kids, run, watch football, and attend theatre. Coin collecting may be your passion, but being well-rounded will make you a better and more interesting collector.
This list is not all-inclusive. Feel free to comment on these and add others.
1. Get a good coin book and read. The Bowers books are general favorites. The Winter books are great for us branch mint gold enthusiasts. Brush up on your specialty, browse some old auction catalogs (maybe give away or sell some you no longer want), or read a book about a series that is not your specialty--maybe it will become your area someday.
2. Inventory your collection. I use an Excel spreadsheet, but there is dedicated coin software and also the Heritage website "My Collection" feature. Check your buy/sell records to make sure that they are complete. Throw out duplicate statements. An aside: in my Excel spreadsheet, I like to add a one line entry for each coin that explains why I own it and/or why it is special. If I have trouble articulating why I own a coin, it might be time to jettison it.
3. Sell a coin. It's a great way to test the market and also to raise cash for the next purchase. Let's face it, we all have coins that we wish we did not purchase in retrospect.
4. Engage and develop a YN. It might be a child, grandchild, niece/nephew, neighbor, or forum member. An act of kindness toward a YN might make a difference to a child or adolscent looking for direction, guidance, and positive adult interaction. It's a great hobby--share it with a youngster.
5. Photograph/scan your coins. The modern collector has the coins in the safety deposit box and awesome pictures (often nicer than the coins
) at home. Develop and improve your photography skills.6. Trade a coin to a fellow collector. You might gain a whole new perspective on your coins...and someone else's.
7. Play with your coins. Visit them at the bank. Bring a new silica gel package to keep them dry. Reorganize the box. Maybe get a dedicated box for your coins, so you do not have to look at those depressing wills, heirloom jewelery, and other stuff the might be cluttering up your box. Bring a friend to the bank play with your coins. Maybe you will hook him/her.
8. Learn to grade. Go to a coin shop or show or auction and look at as many coins as you can, without any intention of buying. Look at the coins and try to guess the grade on the holder. Learn to grade a series you do not collect. It's good practice for your eye.
9. Write an article (or book
) about coins. You probably have something interesting to say for all the time you spend on coins. Get the word out. Submit to Coin World, the Numismatist, a coin club periodical, post on a website, etc. 10. Do something not coin-related. Clear your mind of the one that got away on ebay, a message board slight, a TPG undergrade, or whatever else in the hobby that you find annoying. Some have suggested books, movies, and hunting. I like to play with the kids, run, watch football, and attend theatre. Coin collecting may be your passion, but being well-rounded will make you a better and more interesting collector.
This list is not all-inclusive. Feel free to comment on these and add others.
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Comments
Good post!!
Camelot