Numismatic pet peeve: "my collection"

keets

I detest the expression, "my collection" when it refers to a group of coins that someone's paid a dealer to locate, as though it relates to achieving some kind of goal and learning how to grade by looking at raw coins on the bourse floor. Beside the fact that the coin was "collected" by someone else and then they just bought it and paid the "finders fee" it almost implies that there is some skill in "collecting" the coins when we know that it is 75% money and 25% who you are...unless of course you are a doctor(and would have a nasty habit of whining about stupid stuff and sucking up for personal gain).

Anyone else share this pet peeve?

ColonialCoinUnion

No.

Fairlaneman

Geez.....

More Pet Peeves are needed today.

Ken

coinnut86

I wouldnt say its a pet peeve for me, but I definatly understand what you're saying

AZLARRY

NO

keets

it's a joke/barb aimed at a particular forum whiner, so you "no-ers" should get over your indignation.

Shamika

I must admit, 90% of the fun is in the hunt. Just handing over money for the right to own a top notch collection is sort of lame.

BlindedByEgo

My Collection™ is a feature on Heritage where I have a catalog of my certified coins. It also refers to the bags of silver, double row boxes of coins in flips, and assorted GSA holders that annoys my wife and gets her saying things like "you love your collection (ugh) more than you love me", or "why don't you just sleep with your #$%$%%$ collection, you #$%^ jerk!"

So I guess my answer would be no.

ER

Note to self: Change it to Someone else's Collection.

100proof1957

i have an organized hoard !

Artist

Kind of like buying a Hot Rod that is already 100% done.

keets

Kind of like buying a Hot Rod that is already 100% done.

ya think!!??!!

AgMe

<< <i>Note to self: Change it to Someone else's Collection. >>



or

A friend of mine's collection...

100proof1957

That hot rod comment strikes a nerve !

did a frame off resto 69 Camaro SS in the 80's

car was stolen,never recovered,ins paid me 5500.00

its a 50 k car today,yes thats 50,000.00 !

No BS

CoinHusker

<< <i>
Anyone else share this pet peeve? >>




I had a dog named "Peeve" once.

streeter

Keets, tell us what do you really think.

LanLord

I guess I haven't run into the situation yet.

jdsinva

<< <i>Anyone else share this pet peeve? >>



No really. . .

RYK

Sorry, Keets. My apologies if you did not did not get the memo. I have a new policy of not getting baited into flame wars here. Have fun!

ER

<< <i>Sorry, Keets. My apologies if you did not did not get the memo. I have a new policy of not getting baited into flame wars here. Have fun! >>


You're fanning there, Robert.

keets

hey Robert

not trying to bait you. i've done parody posts before, i'm sure you know that. you just managed to hit my "petty extreme" level with this one. not like you haven't whined about other petty things before, this was just a new low that was ParodyWorthy™ and got the thread. evidently there were others who thought so and evidently, judging by you're above reply, i must have hit a nerve.

why is it easy to rag about what others do in the hobby when it should be just as easy to collect what you enjoy, accept what/where others strive to find there enjoyment while not getting upset about how that simple act is performed? it's all gotten very stale over the past few weeks to the point where you'd have to be in a coma to not notice that it seems to be polarizing forum members and promoting disharmony. acceptance of others and there dissimilarities is perhaps the most glaring thorn in our Numismatic side.

go back and read your post with the replies that followed; always the allusion to things which shouldn't matter............................

is it really so hard...................oh, just forget it.

coinlieutenant

Keets, I dont think Robert was whining at all. He is trying to spark discussion and you seem to want to mock him for doing it. Let well enough alone. There was no harm in it. You talk about lack of harmony. How is this thread helping?

I disagree with the content of Roberts post on "making a coin" btw, so dont think that because he is a friend I am rushing to his aid blindly. Friends can disagree, but mocking and faceciousness is usually not shared amongst friends.

Just my two cents. Again, not trying to start a flame war, just want everyone to think about what they say. There are three types of posters here.

1. Those that respond to posts only.
2. Those who actively work on posting interesting and informative topics (to varying degrees of success) and do #1 and #3 as well.
3. Those who post, but post mainly pictures and do #1 as well.

Robert, regardless of what you think of his threads, is a person who cares about coins and the collectors who love them. He fits into category #2. We need more people like him. It is tough to spark informative discussion here. Shouldnt we try and help those people by responding genuinely to those threads instead of confrontationally or in mockery? I dont know for sure, but why do you think Feld is taking a break from these boards? He is tired of the lack of good discussion and the way people disrespect each other.

V.r,
John

keets

hey John

i appreciate your opinion, but i wonder if you can give honest consideration to the main point i've labored to make before and again today, that there are far too many members here who cannot accept what other do, what they choose to collect and how they choose to go about collecting. sometimes it's very blatant and other times it's quite subtle. for the most part, there seems to be an underlying self-interest which drives members to be "against" certain things.

since i have your attention, would you care to comment on my former reply, 2nd paragraph??

coinlieutenant

You and I are trying to make the same point I believe from that paragraph of yours and my first post.

I guess I disagree that Robert was trying to do that in his post on pet peeves. From his perspective as a collector he sees many overgraded coins and associates that overgrading with "making". Perhaps it was a veiled warning to other collectors.

J

RYK

Keets,

I will accept your insults (unless of course you are a doctor(and would have a nasty habit of whining about stupid stuff and sucking up for personal gain) without responding but not you putting words in my mouth: why is it easy to rag about what others do in the hobby when it should be just as easy to collect what you enjoy. I was not ragging on about what others do, just a verbiage that struck a nerve with me. Please do not credit me for this disharmony; I believe you deserve the credit. And, FYI, the index case was a Barber dime! Enjoy your, er, " "parody" ".

JJM

I guess I agree with your point, but I hand selected every pc I own,...If some one in that case did approach me and say that I would ask a ton of questions about them as I would anyones collection,.....I'd doubt a person who just purchased a set would have all the answers....Id also say that person is probably a investor and not a collector

morgannut2

Keets--I agree-about "MY Collection"-- Often what is meant is my "Registry Set or Set", words that honestly describe the achievement. My only disagreement with your idea is that a large number of collectors do use dealers to find graded coins, but they are very selective about the coin once they see it. I that sense they are chosing the coins, especially when they are cracked out and put in a collection with matching toning, grades, etc. (album).

bhartman35

I wouldn't go about it that way, but I don't think it's fair to say that such a person isn't a "collector". A collector is someone who amasses a collection, by any means possible. (You could even be a thief and a collector, I suppose.) What I wouldn't call such a person is a hobbyist. The hobby involves searching for that special coin for your collection and sifting through those coins that you don't want. IMHO, the only difference between using a dealer and using QVC is that the dealer probably has access to better coins. But at that point, it's not a hobby. It's just an outlet for your money.

JJM

Baley

I tend to agree with the OP... if all one does is write the checks, they're not my definition of a Collector.

Investor, maybe, accumulator perhaps, dabbler, possibly.

Of course, most check writers have "smoe" say in what coins are acquired, so, as in almost all things,

there is no black and white, only gold, silver, and copper.

rmoss

I am just a poor old fat man, but let me win the lottery and you would be amazed at the collection of babes I would be running around town with. Money, what will you do to get it, how much of it will you give up to get what you want.

Bikingnut

No. Regardless how I obtained the coins in "my collection", they are still mine and the collection is "my collection" that has taken years to find the right coins for the collection.

Dennis

Trime

Collector: 2. to gather (i.e. stamps, coins) as a hobby.

Don't know what else is going on in this thread but the Websters dictionary does not offer conditions for a collector. Thus where you get them ( gather them from) only matters to the individual "collector"

SFDukie

Wow.
I've been flamed a couple of times in this thread already, and I doubt the person who penned the words intended to cause offense.
I mostly lurk in the USCF, and reply to threads when I have a question or something to contribute. I am a casual collector, and I have gleaned useful info from both Keets and RYK-thank you.

Keets, I am primarily in your posting category no 2. I reply to threads. I try to post a question when I am curious, or have a question I feel others may have. On occasion I post a new thread here, but not very often. I am not an expert numistmatist in any area. I try to learn from others, improve my eye, learn numismatic history, etc. I do not attend enough coin shows, visit enough dealers, read enough books, etc to make a meaningful original contribution to numismatic knowledge at this point, but I appreciate those who share their knowledge. I try to be a "good citizen" in other ways and share my expertise in areas where I can-and I do this primarily via pm.

Is it really so hard to be civil here? There are posters here who are charlatans, and those who take advantage of others, but by and large this community is eager to help others and promote the hobby. (And I am firm in believing that it should first and foremost be a hobby-this is supposed to be fun, folks. No one is dying here).

I enjoy a discussion of issues and ideas, but please save the personal attacks for elsewhere.
Don

Longacre

It does not bother me how someone acquires a collection, either by seeking out the coins himself, or paying a dealer to do so. It just does not matter to me.

bhartman35

I think the real distinction is between the terms "collector" and "collection". Not everyone who has a collection is a collector. Some of them are investors. (I think this is why there's controversy over posting the price of silver and gold in the forum.) If your collection is a way to amass wealth, and you don't care about the coins as coins, I'd say that makes you an investor. A collector is a hobbyist. Having someone hunt down coins for you, to me, sounds like you're looking at it as an investment. (For one thing, you're willing to put money into avoiding the task of the search and review, which is part of the actual hobby.)

That's not to say that investors are bad. But a coin collector is something different.

UncleJoe

Hey listen guys and gals, there are so many expressions that are being TM'd that I'm afraid to write anything for fear that I might violate a TM unknowingly!!!

Oh yeah, I agree! (or is that also TM'd?)

Joe.

Gemineye

Keets....I'm still learning to grade. +or - one point ....I found that camera you hid in my bathroom............now I can read the PCGS Grading Guide......

Then I will be skillfull to grade my own Collection and to Hell with PCGS................!!!!!!!!..................
I will then start my own grading service ..become successful ..and be bought out by PCGS.......................

SFDukie

<< <i>I think the real distinction is between the terms "collector" and "collection". Not everyone who has a collection is a collector. Some of them are investors. (I think this is why there's controversy over posting the price of silver and gold in the forum.) If your collection is a way to amass wealth, and you don't care about the coins as coins, I'd say that makes you an investor. A collector is a hobbyist. Having someone hunt down coins for you, to me, sounds like you're looking at it as an investment. (For one thing, you're willing to put money into avoiding the task of the search and review, which is part of the actual hobby.)

That's not to say that investors are bad. But a coin collector is something different. >>



Can't one appreciate a coin, want a nice example for their collection (or for a gift for a loved one, etc), and feel that another may be better equipped to find said target coin? I know nothing about hammered coinage. If I decide to buy one for myself or as a present, it might take me a long time to learn enough not to get "taken". I agree that it is preferable, and admirable, to educate oneself, but not everyone has the time or resources needed to do so. That doesn't necessarily mean said buyer is looking at the purchase as an investment. In fact, it can stimulate them to grow as a collector.
Don

billboat

Keets--being easily confused I need to ask--your peeve is when some one buys a set of, say, IHCs from a dealer and calls it "my collection" versus someone who buys individual IHCs from various dealers over time and calls it "my collection"? Like having one's dinner in a restaurant or buying the ingredients and cooking it yourself. Some else did the picking and choosing--not you.

Edit--I'm primarily a responder to posts(#1) but sometimes try to share whatever information I have on a topic. Also, after reading the thread again I realize this is a whole 'nuther thing. Those of us outside the circle don't necessarily have a clue.

streeter

GD Keets, you really like to stir the pot. If the basis of this thread is really about money-- AND---how people use it to accomplish their objective---

Dad's two rules on money...
1. Money isn't everything but it's running a darn close second. TIME is first.
2. Money doesn't talk.....it swears.

keets

for those who care..........

from this thread by RYK-----I detest the expression, "making a coin", when it refers to sending a coin to a grading service and having it slabbed at a certain grade. Beside the fact that the coin was "made" at the Mint, it almost implies that there is some skill in "making" a coin when we know that it is 75% luck and 25% who you are...unless of course you have doctored the coin (and would therefore not want to talk about it).

Anyone else share this pet peeve?

my parody-----I detest the expression, "my collection" when it refers to a group of coins that someone's paid a dealer to locate, as though it relates to achieving some kind of goal and learning how to grade by looking at raw coins on the bourse floor. Beside the fact that the coin was "collected" by someone else and then they just bought it and paid the "finders fee" it almost implies that there is some skill in "collecting" the coins when we know that it is 75% money and 25% who you are...unless of course you are a doctor(and would have a nasty habit of whining about stupid stuff and sucking up for personal gain).

Anyone else share this pet peeve?

this was a joke poked at RYK's rant and never intended to be taken very serious. evidentally it struck a bit too close to home, my fault and the result of some built up angst over all the crap from the past couple of weeks. my apologies to anyone i've angered or insulted.

Gemineye

I'm still lookin for more cameras Keets..............................

bhartman35

<< <i>Can't one appreciate a coin, want a nice example for their collection (or for a gift for a loved one, etc), and feel that another may be better equipped to find said target coin? I know nothing about hammered coinage. If I decide to buy one for myself or as a present, it might take me a long time to learn enough not to get "taken". I agree that it is preferable, and admirable, to educate oneself, but not everyone has the time or resources needed to do so. That doesn't necessarily mean said buyer is looking at the purchase as an investment. In fact, it can stimulate them to grow as a collector.
Don >>




Sure, someone could do that, but is that coin collecting, or is that just shopping?

I'm collecting Mercury dimes right now. Given enough money (which I certainly don't have), I could hire someone to go out and buy the complete set of 87 coins. (1916-1945. Did I calculate that right?) But if all I've done in pursuit of these coins is make room for the display case, that sounds to me more like interior design as a hobby, rather than coin collecting.

That's the long way of saying that I don't think you can dissociate the acquiring of knowledge from the hobby aspect. Again, that doesn't mean that the assemblage of coins isn't a collection. But a collector is more than the person who holds the collection.

rmoss

The area where I live is not the numismatic capitol of the world. If I want nice coins I have to have a dealer involved. It helps that I have one that I can trust. The fact that I don't have in person access to bargain bins, bourse floors, and legit dealers should not make someone doubt my collection.

rec78

First of all i dont know why it would be a "peeve" at all. Since when does it matter how you obtain your coins to call it "my collection"? My collection is my collection no matter how i obtained them- one at a time-or the whole collection all at one shot . Sorry but you have no "peeve" here.

leothelyon

<< <i>for those who care..........

from this thread by RYK-----I detest the expression, "making a coin", when it refers to sending a coin to a grading service and having it slabbed at a certain grade. Beside the fact that the coin was "made" at the Mint, it almost implies that there is some skill in "making" a coin when we know that it is 75% luck and 25% who you are...unless of course you have doctored the coin (and would therefore not want to talk about it).

Anyone else share this pet peeve?

my parody-----I detest the expression, "my collection" when it refers to a group of coins that someone's paid a dealer to locate, as though it relates to achieving some kind of goal and learning how to grade by looking at raw coins on the bourse floor. Beside the fact that the coin was "collected" by someone else and then they just bought it and paid the "finders fee" it almost implies that there is some skill in "collecting" the coins when we know that it is 75% money and 25% who you are...unless of course you are a doctor(and would have a nasty habit of whining about stupid stuff and sucking up for personal gain).

Anyone else share this pet peeve?

this was a joke poked at RYK's rant and never intended to be taken very serious. evidentally it struck a bit too close to home, my fault and the result of some built up angst over all the crap from the past couple of weeks. my apologies to anyone i've angered or insulted. >>



I care! Gave it some thought! Since when is, waiting for the approval of a TPG service, called, "making the coin or grade"?

On the subject of, "my collection"! Very wealthy folks can do that, acquiring entire collections and I encourage that they do. And not for mere investment but also to help preserve our american heritage in coins! If that makes any sense?

Leo

bhartman35

<< <i>The area where I live is not the numismatic capitol of the world. If I want nice coins I have to have a dealer involved. It helps that I have one that I can trust. The fact that I don't have in person access to bargain bins, bourse floors, and legit dealers should not make someone doubt my collection. >>





I have no access to any of those things, either. I do all my buying online, and rely on Ebay and Photoshop to get a better look at the coins. Sometimes that works out. Sometimes....not so much. I don't think the "in person" aspect has a lot to do with it. It's the time and attention involved that makes a hobbyist, I think.

oreville

Keets:

A interesting observation if one goes beyond the "parody" and all that other "too close to home stuff"

Some of the coins in "my collection" which means the most to me have the pedigree of another collector on the slab, namely the Norwebs.

They spent so much time with me in Ohio back in the early 1970's that I can never forget what they gave me. The love of collecting pretty and awesome looking coins.

Are they part of "my collection" now? Only in a sense that I am now the temporary custodian of "the" coins they enjoyed with their son Jr. for so many years.

Even they worried who would take care of "the" coins after they were gone.

I see it as "their" coins as well.

numonebuyer

I guess I am in the clear since I have had zero help from any dealer.

Trime

OK Keets was joking and meant no harm. So..... new thread!