Are you still in love with coins?

syraq

I'd sure like to know, because I'm not. I have mentioned it before, the thrill is now gone for me. Gone are the days where an important addition would make my heart beat, or wake up in the middle of the night just to have another look and enjoy it. Even more so, the days of spending too much $$$$ on a coin are definetely over. What's the point since it brings me much less satisfaction than before? The only reason for which I still keep the main core of my collection, is that these coins are non upgradeable and I'm not ready to let them go yet, perhaps because I fear the regrets afterwards,since I've put a lot of effort to build a comprehensive high grade Greek collection without major holes.

I never go to coin shops,I almost never go to my local club anymore, but I still go to a few major auctions , rarely as a bidder though,and I will certainly arrange to come to a US show soon,but only to meet other darksiders.On an everyday basis, almost all of my coin purchases are now from board members. Coins that triggered my attention, mainly because of the conversations and pictures that I saw in this forum. In fact, reading and participating in the forum is probably my most enjoyable activity related to coin collecting, although even there ,I see that often my exchanges and discussions are not purely coin related but rather friendly talk. Coin photography is a big plus, almost a hobby in itself,but I haven't tried it yet.


And how about you? Is the initial thrill still there? Bigger perhaps?

Neptune

syraq - I think you need to find a new niche. Maybe just put those coins aside and see if you can find some other type of coin that peaks your interest. My love of coins is groooooowwing faster than my budget.

What other hobbies or likes do you have besides coins and forum? Maybe you are just depressed about something, and will snap out of it. I wish you snap-out-of-it-luck.

coinrookie

No, I do not get as big a thrill as I did when I first started collecting. But I still look at some of my coins everyday. I still surf e-bay and dealer sites everyday. Collecting is like everything else in life,once you have done it awhile, that wide eyed totally excited feeling begins to diminish. That is human nature. I would think it would be nearly impossible to maintain the same level of interest in in any area after being involved in it for years and years.
The anticipation of buying really expensive coins also becomes more of a chore than great fun. Now I look at it like how long will it take to pay this coin off even if I have been looking for it for awhile. To be honest, I get more of a rush from finding some cool little coin for almost nothing than I do filling a major need in my collection.

Steve

ajaan

<< <i>In fact, reading and participating in the forum is probably my most enjoyable activity related to coin collecting, although even there ,I see that often my exchanges and discussions are not purely coin related but rather friendly talk. >>


To me this is also true. I have met, in person and electronically, so many nice people on this forum. They started out as my 'coin buddies' but now I refer to them as friends. My wife doesn't even refer to aethelred as a 'coin geek' anymore.

Still in love with coins? Maybe, but not in the way I was in the beginning. I still love looking at coins, but the thrill isn't there so much as before. Don't get me wrong, I still collect, but the passion as before isn't there. It may be due to changes in life, I'm getting older, some may say I'm already old - right Terry? Some if it may be just changing priorities. I believe I will always collect, but just not in the same manner as before. That said, I still can't resist a bargain if it comes around.

ajaan

<< <i>To be honest, I get more of a rush from finding some cool little coin for almost nothing than I do filling a major need in my collection. >>


You are so correct on that Steve. My greatest thrill is looking through bulk lots at local coin shows. Something you really can't do at larger national shows.

cosmicdebris

My Kids are grown and gone. Coins are now my children and I love them all.

syraq

Cosmic, we move into opposite directions. My coins have grown and are ready to go and I now expect the kids . Theoretically speaking.

ajaan

<< <i>My Kids are grown and gone >>


I have one starting college next year. So much for the coin budget.

wybrit

I still enjoy the hobby. I'm becoming more and more intereted in the books on the subject. I enjoy photographing the coins I have - it provides me a way to look at them without having to go to the safety deposit box -even look at them "up close" without the ergonomic annoyance of using my microscope.

There have been, however, some big changes to the hobby of late that I am not comfortable with.

The major change even since 2-3 years ago is that now most of the good British coins are in the hands of dealers wanting monster prices for them. There are still places to do the "hunt," but more and more local dealers have sold out their better British inventories to Brit dealers and big league collectors. For example, the last semimajor show in MN was by far the worst for new finds. One of the sellers there told me that he will be unloading all of his material soon (he sells British and colonial almost exclusively) - most of his good material is already gone anyway.

ebay has increasingly become a dumping ground for overgraded and/or improperly described coins. There are few sellers I trust there now to provide coins as described, properly graded, not hairlined and with good customer service. Everyone knows who they are - they're the ones getting great seller's prices.

Coin shops are drying up for supply as well. This was always my favorite venue to find that special piece, because there was little pressure from other folks looking over your shoulder and the dealer can provide some quality time as well. I have still been able to come up with some nice finds this way, most recently a cache of good Edward VII and Victorian coinage, including a 1905 6d graded MS-64 - all for very acceptable prices.

Slabbing is becoming increasingly accepted overseas.


The bottom line is that the hobby has changed and I'll just have to accept that it has.

oldshep

Yes - I'm still in love with coins, perhaps because I started late in life. I also agree, Dimitri, that some of the real pleasure I have had in this hobby has been this forum and the members posting here. A friendly, laid back, unaggressive and helpful collection of people from all over the world.
I hope that your loss in interest does not mean you will not be joining us as much - you are a fine addition to this motley group.

Shep

syraq

Thank you shep, you always have the right words. I'm trying to find a new niche for the moment and hold. I can assure you though,that even if I sell every single coin I have, I'll still come here to annoy you all . Speaking of changes in the hobby, like wybrit mentioned, the internet and this forum in particular proved to be a very positive one, close to an addiction I'd say.

ajaan

<< <i> to this motley group. >>


So Shep, you have met aethelred and spinaker in person also? Cool.

AuldFartte

Syraq, I don't know if it would work for you, but I've been in similar "places" as you with my collecting. I worked on mainly liteside stuff until I got burned out (half cents, then large cents, then US Type Set) mostly by lack of availability of decent coins and outrageous prices for most of what I could find.

I discovered the Darkside (Thank you !!!) and have been obtaining coins that just strike my fancy, regardless of what they are. After seeing a few nice Canadian coins here, I started a Canadian Dollar type set, which has grown into a desire to collect a complete type set of all Canadian coins. I'll probably do the same with type sets for Australia, New Zealand and the UK eventually.

Perhaps just ignore building a "collection" for a while, and just grab some coins that appeal to your sense of aesthetics, for whatever reason. It might "lead" you in a different and fulfilling direction.

syraq

Thank you AuldFartte, you know actually that's what I've been doing for the past year basically. Greek coins (my liteside) have become just like US coins, very difficult to locate and outrageously priced. So, I've been buying British coins, which to me they look like bargains compared to what I was used to,and I filled up very quickly two Whitman albums, a complete 20th century type set in BU, and I'm now trying to do the same with a Victorian album, a much more challenging task that I execute slowly, buying almost exclusively from forum members. But I'm very interested in hearing other members' opinions and feelings, and see how each one of us approaches the subject. Very thoughtful responses so far, thank you all.


edited for grammar as usual

ajaan

I nominate this thread and syraq for a DPOTD (darkside post of the day). Very thought provoking thread.

Sylvestius

I was just thinking that today.

I don't get the excitement i used to, and once i've bought a coin itend to forget i've got it.

I just like talking about them and reading about them, but i'm trying to refire my interest in gold, it's slowly working, very slowly...

But i'm getting back into the gold bug.

I'll be nuts on them again shortly.

wybrit

I nominate this thread and syraq for a DPOTD (darkside post of the day). Very thought provoking thread.

I second the nomination.

spinaker2000

When I first started out (only 3 yrs ago) I was collecting everything under the sun. It was very easy to find a new addition to the collection. Once I "found my direction", I became more selective and only purchased the coins I needed usually in higher grades. The local sources and internet soon dried up. What I could expect to find weekly, was sometimes showing up no more than monthly and then even worse. That's when I branced out a bit to collect S. Africa coppers. It keeps my collection going and has become my main focus. But now that well is starting to trickle too. So I'm back to looking at adding to my older collection. I still love the hobby, still look at coins everyday, still enjoy coming here to keep up with you guys, and still learn something all the time. It's a rollercoaster ride, with the most exciting parts being able to meet you folks at shows, talk coins, have a beer, a good meal and be friends.

ajaan

<< <i>have a beer >>


That'll be the day you have only one beer spinaker!!!!!

spinaker2000

Just tring to keep up with Kelly!!

boz

I too, burned out on liteside. Coin after coin that looked the same, and are now so ridiculously priced. Darkside coins refired my interest, specifically Condertokens and Medals. Now I'm enjoying this hobby as much as ever, if not more.
Hope you find the flame again too. Maybe you just need a break.

laurentyvan

I never go to coin shops,I almost never go to my local club anymore

Perhaps you should-much of the excitement can return-new collectors have an enthusiasm that can re-kindle your own, somewhat jaded sense of coin wonder.

OFEC has kept me in touch with so many different collecting directions that I don't forsee (at least not now) becoming tired of the search.

This forum certainly adds a tremendous amount of texture to coin collecting-where else can you receive expert advice, attribution on unknowns, buying advice, excellent photographic imagery, and peer contact and feedback-no where else but here (that I've discovered).
As Askari and others have mentioned, coin enthusiasm waxes and wanes; hopefully the next high tide will sweep you back up onto a new and interesting shore of collecting enthusiasm.

A strong, organized, disciplined and helpful forum will always be there for you. Your demonstrated knowledge and enthusiasm in this field would only leave the forum poorer by your absence.

cosmicdebris

BOZ

satootoko

Great thread!

Perhaps my decades long layoff is responsible, but I'm more excited about collecting now than I ever was. In my former active phase, even though liteside stuff was far, far less expensive than it is now, my financial situation prevented me from getting really "good" stuff, and now (even in retirement) that's not as much of a factor holding me back.

But there is no question that my discovery of the darkside - the Japanese Meiji/Taisho era, OFEC, and (not the least important) the interaction with members of this and other forums, has heightened the fun factor.

GDJMSP

About all I could suggest would be to repeat what has already been said - when your interest wanes - find a new direction.

But a new direction is not always the answer. Perhaps what you need to do is adjust your focus. If the coins you have collected for years do not arrouse the same passion, take a look at those examples you always passed on because they were to expensive or too hard to find. They are out there - they just come along less often. And the expensive ones - well it seems they are always out there, but beyond reach.

But they aren't really beyond reach, it just takes longer to be able to pay for them. How long depends on each individual, but it can usually be accomplished. I find that obtaining that special coin that I always told myself I could never afford ignites the same passion I felt many years ago as a child. The heart beats faster, the eyes grow wide - and the smile spreads across my face when I at last hold it in my hands ! And then - on to the next one.

It works for me

Neptune

I nominate this thread and syraq for a DPOTD (darkside post of the day). Very thought provoking thread.

3rd

Stork

<< <i>My coins have grown and are ready to go and I now expect the kids . >>



Um, are congratulations in order???


From a mommy side, I can tell you that the kids (and work) definitely usurp alot of attention. It means I can't say that I've gotten to the level of collecting as many as you here, Even so, there are times I find other things are more interesting. But then I look on ebay for a medal or coin and it gets fun again, besides who can resist the Darkside once they have felt the pull? Fortunately there is a vast amount of material to feed the collector instinct (is it genetic I wonder?).

Askari

Just as there are seasons in one's life, there are tides in one's collecting interests. In particular, as a collection matures, it does become hard to sustain the enthusiasm. These doldrums usually signify that you're looking for a new muse to summon you. In fact, that's what you're doing, Dimitri. You're playing around with lesser interests until your enthusiasm catches fire. That's one reason I always strongly endorse OFEC collecting, and not just for newbies -- it (or something like it, like the "accumulation" side of your collecting) should be a continuing "sideline" for every collector. OFEC collecting gives you a broad exposure to the breadth of Darkside numismatics and leaves "signposts and footnotes" regarding other paths you might someday delight in exploring. My collecting German Imperial coinage led to adding period currency, which led to several avenues of currency collecting, back to "accumulating" coins that struck me for their beauty, and then into exploring the medallic art that has created (IMHO) some of the finest-looking coinage in world history.

I actually find my interest in medals waning. I'm starting to feel myself drifting back into collecting coins more assiduously. I also want to break out time to do some more in-depth research on aspects of my collections as well as finally get into coin photography. There's so much "elbow room" for explorers in the Dark Side that sometimes you have to cast your net more broadly than the narrow traditions of Liteside-style single-country collecting. Keep your eyes open for the beckoning muse you would otherwise not see.

... and always remember: the sexiest, most delicious muses are the ones you actually do bravely follow, not the ones you later wish you had.

MacCrimmon

Ah Syraq, be of good cheer.

The pull will always bring you back. I had to sell much that I held dear back in the pre-slab days of 1986, and did absolutely nothing again until 1996, and then it was rare date gold and early U.S. coppers.

They formed the rekindling, but yet they were too pricey for a poor church mouse, so I've sold most of that material and poured the proceeds into the DARK; Victoria, etal. Wyon's design is one that I've always loved, and it affords manifold directions to pursue. At first, I thought to complete an entire date set of the wee farthings, then I bought a ha'penny or two, and then those massive copper pennies....they feel so delightful in my fingertips.

And then, I happened upon some wonderful silver; why not? And then, gold!!! Uh-oh......Una aside, top gold is enough to cripple poor mice and such......I think I'll have to raid the Bishop's larder.

So, the Young Head design is the first priority, and then, whatever I can find in a suitable grade. As wybrit said, very much of the gem material is secure in collections on both sides of the Pond, and prices will not likely retreat for a good while, so my plan is to simply buy all of the 'cheaper' gem material that is coming out of the woodwork, and wait for more relaxed days to fill in the tougher coins.

In the meantime, there's photography....a nice way to revisit the olde friends who spends their days in the dark vaults, eh. There's alway a "re-image" that needs to be tried, eh?

And, of course, this Forum, and hopefully, to meet some the fine coin-folk at a show in the future; not for the coins, just the people!

guysmy

I just got back into collecting. I'm totally siked about it. The US has some wonderful designs (walkers, mercury dimes) but the market strikes me as bloated. Much of the early US coinage is primitive in the design department ie. eagles that look like chickens. I tried to focus my interests since I'm a beginner but it just seems impossible. The following countries have many designs that appeal to me: UK, Russia, Canada, USA, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland. I'm only interested in high-grade stuff.

trozau

I will always be in love with coins until the day that I die (at least my coins). It's just that depending on availability of spendable cash and spot price of gold and platinum, I drift in and out of the market.

Askari

... and also remember that a maturing mind is a broadening mind ... just like our maturing bodies!

laurentyvan

Ah Syraq, be of good cheer.
The pull of coins is strong;
a rarity, a special year,
it's hard to really go wrong.

Silver's sheen and gold that gleams
with history's story to tell-
not every coin is what it seems
not every story ends well.

You have shared your soul-
that part of you that lives
to collect the coins that are your goal
their history relived.

If you stopped your eternal quest,
what then, acquisitor?
I hope indeed you rediscover your zest
and let your spirits soar.

shirohniichan

That's a good question. When I'm really busy at work and home, I don't have time to hunt for coins I need for my collection. I end up just browsing Karl Stephens' monthly list and the semi-annual Heritage auction catalogs. There are so few key coins left that I don't have that I can get really excited when one shows up (and equally disappointed when it sells for 3 times estimated value [and twice my high bid]).

I'm spending more time researching coins for articles and a future book project than I am in looking for the coins themselves.

Luvdawgs

Shiroh, does Karl Stephen have an online monthly list, or is it via email?

JZrarities

Wow. That's about all I can say about this incredible thread. I read every post and Syraq has stirred one of the most thought-provoking simplest questions I have ever had the pleasure to read responses.

-Jeff
(Deep in thought)

shirohniichan

<< <i>Shiroh, does Karl Stephen have an online monthly list, or is it via email? >>



Try http://www.karlstephensinc.com .

cladking

My interest has waned just a little in recent months for the first time ever. I'm sure I
know what the causes are though. The coins I'm most interested in have become impossible
to find cheap and it's getting increasingly difficult for me to get out and look for them. I'm
spending way too much time here on the boards and too little working on my collection.
I need to refocus my interests a little on items which are a little more easily found but
find the resources a little too limited recently.

If this doesn't improve in the next few months then I'll ramp up on the trading I do. It's
a great way to acquire things that can't otherwise be afforded.

One of the areas that I need to spend more time with is darkside.

Darkhorse

I'm wandering aimlessly with no real specific goals, however I do have my bases in German, Brit and Canadian coins. I still love coins, however I've been drifting into medals and, yesterday, I bought a plaque for the first time. I really like the plaque, it's not the best designed piece I have but I like its tangibility, it's usage, and compactness. This may be the start of something good... you've been warned Askari.

boz

<< <i>the interaction with members of this and other forums, has heightened the fun factor. >>


Another great sentiment. I was just over on the liteside forum, first time in a while. Somehow there is just nothing there for me anymore. I enjoy the Darkside mentality so much more.

phut

I like my coins and enjoy long walks on a moonlit beach with them, but soooo many have broke my heart that I'm afraid to fall in love with any one. Every now and then I meet up with a real beauty that I can't take my eyes off. We have a little fling then next thing you know it's goodbye pedestal..hello shelf while I wait for the next to come along. Sure, sometimes I'll take em off the shelf and give another try, but the romance is gone and I realize that it was never love....Just lust.
My latest crush is this beauty (Wybrit's 1854). It will never last though so should I even try?

coinkat

Coins are a vast frontier with so much history and art to enjoy. I still am passionate about coins and I probably will be until that time comes... However, my passion towards coins has shifted as my interests have changed and perhaps my style of collecting has something to do with it. I cast a big net and look at lots of coins and I buy what I like. I my not complete many sets, but I can live with that. I want to attend coin shows to look at coins and develop a better understanding of availability and rarity of certains in certain grades. My experience leads me to believe that seeing the coins in person keeps the passion alive.

Askari

<< <i>This may be the start of something good... you've been warned Askari. >>

LOL!! I am the Sorceror, koo-koo-ka-choo!! A part of my bag of magickal tricks is the siren spell of luring not only Litesiders to the Dark but also Darksiders ever deeper into the Dark ... those misty haunts in unknown climes, ever deeper into terra numismatica incognita. Ah! -- the wonders untold you've yet to behold!!


Oh, and where's Guysmy? I've grown unused to competition and someone needs to be transformed into a
newt!



<jk>

ajaan

<< <i>Oh, and where's Guysmy? I've grown unused to competition and someone needs to be transformed into a newt >>

ColinCMR

I don't think loving coins will ever leave me, it compliments too many aspects of me. I love collecting things (I don't just collect coins), I love learning, studying history and geography for my university degree, I love talking/typing with others and I love being careful on how my money is spent. It's also a good activity to spend any alone time you feel like having. Whenever I tire of a set or certain coins I look through everything else I have or switch to a topical set or check out what else is out there. For some reason I like getting kids invloved or excited about collecting things, in similar ways to the way I was introduced. I don't really have any advice, except that no doubtedly the answers will come.

agraded

And how about you? Is the initial thrill still there? Bigger perhaps?

That's a great question. For me the thrill is bigger than ever before because I've become intrigued with the history behind the English coins I collect. Now I see every British movie and documentary in a slightly different and more interesting light than before. I must have been sleeping in American History class (or gettin' senile now) because much of the history surrounding America's battles for independence and the founding of our country seem fresh and new to me again. And I'm getting a lot of enjoyment thinking about what was happening at the time the coins were minted and what they might have been used to buy. Oh yeah they are beautiful to look at and to hold, but it's the history makes them even more special and interesting now. Some of my coins were minted around the time my Grandmother was born in Scotland and having them reminds me of the stories she told me as a child. And just so you won't think I've completely wigged out I'll mention I don't mind the fact that a few choice coins don't seem like a bad investment as I watch the Dow keep bouncing around the 10K mark. Thanks for the thought provoking question.

Aethelred

<< <i>Are you still in love with coins? >>



Now more than ever!

The friendships that have come about with members of this board are one factor and working with coins full time is another. I have always been a history nut and being able to look at a coin from the period you are reading about makes it tangible. For me coins are like little time machines, sometimes you can hold one and for just a fraction of a second it will snap you back to it's time. I can think of few other things that can do that.

Philip

I haven't had a new addition for several months but I still cannot move my Krause books from the table onto the dusty shelf.

I can understand your point, though, since your liteside is desperately tough. My suggestion is to start something totally off-track that would be enjoyable and broad enough. This is actually how I started to collect Swedish coins

PuddlePirate

PuddlePirate

I guess this is as good a place as any to do my first posting.

I am one of the "lurkers in the dark" and have been following the "Darkside Forum" for months now. For me coins are history and each tells a story. I truely love my ancient coins and lost my heart to an Athenian Owl long ago. I have been cleaning ancients for years taking my time with each coin. I started collecting Morgan's back in 80 and while still my favorite US coin they have lost their glow for me now. Finding this forum has been both educational and truly fun. I currently live on the Island of Kodiak in the Gulf of Alaska. There are no coin shops here, no clubs and fewer collectors to talk with.
For me, holding an ancient, worn down greek Obol makes me wonder who handled it, what it was used for and what it represented. I have been buying odds and ends, anything that catches my fancy for 20 years now, only in the past two years have I developed anything resembling a goal.

Slowly with no real concern for "future" value, I have found myself collecting Penguins, they bring back memories of Antartica Trips on a US Coast Guard Polar Rollers, maritime themes, coins with named ships on them and my "Mermaid" collection (memories of Palau). Penguins however are "my" coins. My world collection would make many laugh, very little high grade material, most is worn and well handled but each peice is special to me and that is all that matters. I am not collecting for anyone else. I don't need the top dollar coin, I don't need the "number one set" of anything. Simple needs, maybe sometime down the road I will grow up and join the "big boys and girls" but for me, at this time, I continue to collect these little bits of history for myself.

I don't know that I have answered your question all that well, I love the hobby and since competition is not a factor to me I probably always will.

ajaan

Firstly, welcome to the darkside. Glad you are here.



<< <i>My world collection would make many laugh, very little high grade material, most is worn and well handled but each peice is special to me and that is all that matters. >>


I don't think anyone over here would laugh at yours, or anyone's collection. The second part of the quote is key. What is special to you is all that is important. That is what collecting is all about.

Have you looked into a 1949 Canadian Dollar? The ship Matthews is on the coin but unfortunately it isn't named. as such.