This should be fun: What has coin collecting taught you about other things? (Life, people etc?)

TheLiberator

I have learned that no matter how good something looks, you need to investigate it REALLY REALLY well. Things aren't always as they seem.

I have also learned that no matter how simpe a hobby looks, there is more than likely a great deal to learn before you are any good at it at all.

In addition, I have learned that money will make people do some really nasty things. (Well...this is nothing new, it is just that this has given me a chance to see it in person.)

What about you guys ans gals? What has this hobby taught you?

jhar

No matter how excited you may get about your new purchase, new find or coin collecting in general, most people really won't understand why you like it so much.

mgoodm3

nice things cost money.

razorface1027

I have also learned that no matter how simpe a hobby looks, there is more than likely a great deal to learn before you are any good at it at all.

Totally agree. You gotta take a severe butt whoopin' b-4 actually LEARNING. When you finally learn, applying this knowledge is when the true quest begins.

What about you guys ans gals? What has this hobby taught you?

PATIENCE!


Tom

PerryHall

That you get what you pay for except sometimes when you buy on eBay.

MrHalfDime

I have learned that some of the finest people it has been my distinct pleasure to know are involved in this great hobby of ours. Involvement in numismatic organizations such as the JRCS and LSCC has introduced me to others of similar collecting interests, and provided me with life-long friendships with some truly great people. Even in the very short time that I have been a member here on this forum, I have once again met some truly fine people.

ChangeInHistory

Learn to be self-sufficient.
Shut up and listen/learn/read.
Appreciate the good people in the hobby/life.

Weiss

Condition is one of the most important factors in anything collectible. And almost without exception, leaving something in "original" condition (uncleaned, unpolished, unrefinished--in short, un****ed with) is better than tampering with it until you have the opinion of several genuine experts in that field.

This is something I learned from coins 25 years ago, and something you can still see (often with painful consequences) on these boards, on eBay, in your local shops, and on shows like the Antiques Road Show.

I'd add that keeping the original bill of sale, box, packaging, COA, etc. is always a good idea.