Hypothetical: If It Became Impossible to Own Rare Coins . . .

Varlis

If it suddenly became impossible to own rare coins, would you still be interested in numismatics? For you, how much of the hobby is about the thrill of owning a particular issue, or of completing a particular series, and how much is about aesthetic appreciation of coins? A good analogue to this scenario might be the rare art market. Few people can afford $10,000,000 for a Picasso or whatever, but plenty of people still frequent museums and own art books and have posters on their walls. If you could never own rare coins, would you still study them? Would you have a virtual collection? Would you visit coins in museums?

airplanenut

I like being able to pull something out and hold it... can't do that at a museum. Think about the old, worn stuff... you can appreciate its history so much more when you put it in your hand...

Barberman55

A good part of the fun in numismatics is, the thrill of the hunt, and the pride in owning those coins. The hobby wouldn't be the same, if I couldn't buy coins anymore.

coinbuf

At some of the current prices are we not there yet? Really, I cannot afford most of the great coins that I see posted here, the flowing hair dollars, and the many cool pattern coins. Is'nt this like a museum in a way.

Chris

CUEBALL

Great question!I had to think about that for a while.I really like to collect coins but if I could never own one and I could other collectables like antiques,stamps,autographs,or other things historic then I believe I would switch hobbies.I like the ownership and holding them in my hand.

nwcs

I'd be interested in the history but in a more detached form. Such as in my interest in ancient civilizations.

midwestcoin13

doesn't affect me I dont collect rare coins.

jcping

Without any ownership, I won't participate the hobby

Bear

The coin collecting fraternity has many choices to follow in the hobby.

One may collect for absolute rarity, condition rarity, unusual denominations

or circulated coinage in pleasing , untampered condition. Collections can cover

all price ranges and yet the enjoyment achieved is the same. In the thousands of

years that coinage has been available, humankind has collected these pieces of

history. Certainly, as long as money continues as a means of trade, collecting will

continue. Some day in the distant future, I suppose we will be collecting early examples

of credit cards.

FullStepJeffs

I'd just keep collecting my Jeffs... too bad for you...

Steve

sumnom

Most of my collection is common circs. It would be no problem for me. In fact, as things are now, it is largely impossible for me to own rare coins

cladking

If I couldn't own coins then most of my interest would evaporate. I'd probably
pay more attention to ancients and learn more about them but overall interest
would be much lower.

In a very real sense, though, we already don't own coins, we merely take care
of them for a time.

Conder101

I don't think it would change my interest that much, while I am a collector, I am formost a numismatist.

Bootleg

<< <i>If it suddenly became impossible to own rare coins, would you still be interested in numismatics? For you, how much of the hobby is about the thrill of owning a particular issue, or of completing a particular series, and how much is about aesthetic appreciation of coins? A good analogue to this scenario might be the rare art market. Few people can afford $10,000,000 for a Picasso or whatever, but plenty of people still frequent museums and own art books and have posters on their walls. If you could never own rare coins, would you still study them? Would you have a virtual collection? Would you visit coins in museums? >>





coins are history,who knows who held them before me or you did,.........plus art on the old coins is what makes them ....in my opinion...

Gemini

"To Take The Liberty Away of Collecting Coins is Death"........one of Patrick Henry's lesser known quotes...

BillJones

Since I am more of type collector than anything else, most of my coins are considered to be common dates within their series. I enjoy really attractive coins first and foremost. I'd rather own a high grade, fairly common coin than a low grade really ugly rarity. Sure, rare dates grab my interest, but qulity is more important to me.

Having said that, really common modern coins don't do much for me. When it comes to modern coins most of my interests are in Proofs and multicoin commemorative sets.

Baley

I would visit coins in museums the way I gravitate toward things like antique armor and weapons in museums now.

In fact, that's exactly how I feel about coins that it IS impossible for me to own and study, like the collection at the Smithsonian (visited twice) and the ANA/Bass collection in Colorado Springs

But if I could have NO collection of my own, I'd have little interest in common coins

clackamas

What would this be Fahrenheit 4510?

Varlis

Interesting responses. I considered this a good thought experiment because for me, the answer points to a difference between coins and, say, fine art. I know if I were unable to actually possess coins, I would be much less interested in them, for whatever reason. Not so with fine art. I can afford to have very few pieces in my posession, but it's very easy for me to appreciate a painting I don't own. With coins, the opposite is true. Having them makes them better. While I'm satisfied to view a painting in a musuem or in a book, with coins I'm always driving to add another to the collection. Is there then a fundamental difference between coins and art? Or not.

mozeppa

we are only care takers...some good ...some not so good....you can't take em with you!...only pass em on to another care taker.

either through sale or bequeathing!

midwestcoin13

<< <i> Is there then a fundamental difference between coins and art? Or not. >>



yes people who collect art are snobby and rich.Plus they scare me