"Twenty coins" theory?

Libertad

Does anyone recall this theory, from previous threads or personal preference? As I recall it involved keeping
a few of your favorite coins on display, rather than a whole bunch, and changing them out through review of the
contents, with a discipline to keep only twenty in the 'box'. One comes in only if another goes out?

I remember the practice was designed to keep the warmth of the hobby glowing bright red, without
the distractions of the 'also-rans' in the collection.

My bookshelves are getting too cluttered, and it takes too long to review them to see which strike me as
fun lately.

I'd do a seach, but I'm basically lazy and am hoping for a fresh discussion.

kieferscoins

one thread

another one

and another

Cameron Kiefer

coinkat

I have heard the theory and collectors should just do what works for them.

BAJJERFAN

I think thats pretty much right IIRC. IMHO it wouldn't be much of a collection for most people. If you decide to collect a full set of most anything you will a lot more than 20 spots in the box.

Conder101

The 20 coin box "theory" is not a collection. It is a numismatic speculation plan. I'd rather collect.

PTVETTER

I have over twenty boxes and that's not enough.

As was said before, the more the merrier.

coin collecting is addictive

Robgetty

Yes, that is not collecting advise; that is investing advise.
(And I always get it pushed back at me by dealers who
want me to sell them all of my misc coins and buy from them
a few high priced coins for my "collection"!)

oreville

I happen to think it is great advice for when you are over 90 years old.

Keep life real simple since you might not remember where all of your coins are after 90 anyway?

MrEureka

The "Box of Twenty" strategy is to a collection what stomach stapling is to a compulsive eater: a last resort. Better for the collector to try to become more focused and discriminating than to subject himself to the rule of a plastic box.

morgannut2

Basically that's about half the strategy, rather than theory. The Rosen Numismatic Advisory, certaily in the past year, has proposed that those who buy rare coins for INVESTMENT reasons, limit their investment to one or two certified boxes of the rarest, lowest population, classic date and most eye appealing that they or their consultant can find. The strategy has nothing, or very little to do with collecting for collecting sake. Merely if you chose to have a small percent of your investment portfolio in bullion as Warren Buffet and other wise investers have done, it is also suggested that is an alternative. You may put some percentage , or a part, into rare coins. Wisely chosen, they are not only a hedge against inflation, but have significant long term potential for increased apprecation on numismatic terms alone. The returns are best for top coins historically, plus the 20-40 coin stategy aims at lowering high transaction costs. But this is investing, not collecting as a hobby for fun. Rosen argues of course, you can do both if you chose. Obviuosly one reviews their coin portolio periodically just as one reviews and culls their stock/mutual fund selections.

roadrunner

I will second the Parrino/Rosen method of a box of 20 or 40 if the primary objective is appreciation over time. I would submit that most collectors/accumulators/investors/speculators (myself included)
let the number of things we purchase get out of control. Kid in the candy store mentality and human nature at its finest. Invariably we end up paring down the coins we shouldn't have purchased (and there are usually lots of them) and replacing them with keepers ultimately.

Over the past 30 years, the box of "20" concept has probably outpeformed all other concepts. That is, quality, not price, is #1.
And one can still strive to own 20 unrelated numismatic items, other than they are all knockout and indemand pieces, and do very well.
But, you could have done just as well by putting together 20 or even 30 related registry pieces. The end result is the same. Quality. If a series has more than 20 pieces (like the 144 piece commem set), then your "box of 20" is actually 144. But simpler is usually better. To anyone who has the 4-letter word "investment" in their vocabulary, the box of 20 concept should be seriously considered.

roadrunner