Options
POLL: Are You a Numismatic Dandy?
Longacre
Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
Please vote for which type of collector best represents yourself.
A. “The Numismatic Dandy”: The Numismatic Dandy is a highly polished individual, who seeks not only the best coins, but only those coins offered by the best dealers. The Dandy believes that a dealer provenance is just as important as a collector provenance related to a coin. The Dandy looks with scorn upon coins purchased from dealers or websites that the commoners frequent, such as Ebay or Teletrade. The Numismatic Dandy only collects coins of the classic series, and would not be caught dead even looking at a modern coin at a show. He dresses impeccably at coin shows, and does not care that both dealers and other collectors know that he only purchases the best, and does not want to be bothered with other collectors of lesser status. While The Dandy is relatively confident in his abilities, he secures the advice of the best advisors related to his collecting, and believes that the numismatic world revolves around him. Here is a picture of the typical Numismatic Dandy:
B. “The Throwback Collector”: The Throwback Collector longs for a bygone time in numismatics. He refuses to acknowledge the existence of the Third Party Grading services, and the sight of plastic slabs makes him sick. If the Throwback Collector had his way, coin collectors would know how to grade themselves, would not be dependant on a dealer to judge eye appeal, and would be able to avoid the temptation to collect the series that is hot at any particular time. He remembers a time when numismatics was a gentleman’s pursuit, and when you were able to make all of the purchases for your collection at the monthly VFW Hall coin show. The Throwback Collector does not like the “new dealers” who may possess marketing savvy, rather than deep numismatic knowledge. He does not use the Internet to make any purchases. Here is a picture of the typical Throwback Collector:
C. “The Professor”: The Professor is a very studious individual, who views the coins as a means to the end of discovering new information in the science of numismatics. The Professor does not typically care about the quality of the coins that he purchases, so long as they present a newly discovered die state, a nice example of a particular die break, or a variety that has not been identified by the leading researchers of the day. He may or may not have a very deep collection in terms of number of pieces, but the coins themselves represent varieties that are very seldom seen (or recognized) by the collecting masses. The Professor does not mind sharing his knowledge, but looks with a jaundiced eye toward those collectors who are slaves to the sheets and continually analyze the population reports. Here is a picture of the typical Professor:
D. “The Collector Who Is a Dealer Wannabe”: The Collector Who Is a Dealer Wannabe is a hybrid animal. He is a collector at heart, but he longs to be a numismatic dealer. He is enamored by the sexy lifestyle of traveling first class, staying at the best accommodations, eating at the fanciest restaurants in the country, and rubbing elbows with multimillionaire collectors and people of society. The Collector/Dealer Wannabe sometimes forgets which role he plays at particular times during a coin show. He likes to get preferential treatment on the buy side at shows because he is a dealer, but he does not want to be held to a higher standard when he is reselling to a regular collector. The Collector/Dealer Wannabe is always torn between collecting for pleasure and collecting for profit. At a show, he is usually miserable due to this dichotomy. He tends to complain a lot on the Internet message boards. Here is a picture of the typical Collector/Dealer Wannabe:
A. “The Numismatic Dandy”: The Numismatic Dandy is a highly polished individual, who seeks not only the best coins, but only those coins offered by the best dealers. The Dandy believes that a dealer provenance is just as important as a collector provenance related to a coin. The Dandy looks with scorn upon coins purchased from dealers or websites that the commoners frequent, such as Ebay or Teletrade. The Numismatic Dandy only collects coins of the classic series, and would not be caught dead even looking at a modern coin at a show. He dresses impeccably at coin shows, and does not care that both dealers and other collectors know that he only purchases the best, and does not want to be bothered with other collectors of lesser status. While The Dandy is relatively confident in his abilities, he secures the advice of the best advisors related to his collecting, and believes that the numismatic world revolves around him. Here is a picture of the typical Numismatic Dandy:
B. “The Throwback Collector”: The Throwback Collector longs for a bygone time in numismatics. He refuses to acknowledge the existence of the Third Party Grading services, and the sight of plastic slabs makes him sick. If the Throwback Collector had his way, coin collectors would know how to grade themselves, would not be dependant on a dealer to judge eye appeal, and would be able to avoid the temptation to collect the series that is hot at any particular time. He remembers a time when numismatics was a gentleman’s pursuit, and when you were able to make all of the purchases for your collection at the monthly VFW Hall coin show. The Throwback Collector does not like the “new dealers” who may possess marketing savvy, rather than deep numismatic knowledge. He does not use the Internet to make any purchases. Here is a picture of the typical Throwback Collector:
C. “The Professor”: The Professor is a very studious individual, who views the coins as a means to the end of discovering new information in the science of numismatics. The Professor does not typically care about the quality of the coins that he purchases, so long as they present a newly discovered die state, a nice example of a particular die break, or a variety that has not been identified by the leading researchers of the day. He may or may not have a very deep collection in terms of number of pieces, but the coins themselves represent varieties that are very seldom seen (or recognized) by the collecting masses. The Professor does not mind sharing his knowledge, but looks with a jaundiced eye toward those collectors who are slaves to the sheets and continually analyze the population reports. Here is a picture of the typical Professor:
D. “The Collector Who Is a Dealer Wannabe”: The Collector Who Is a Dealer Wannabe is a hybrid animal. He is a collector at heart, but he longs to be a numismatic dealer. He is enamored by the sexy lifestyle of traveling first class, staying at the best accommodations, eating at the fanciest restaurants in the country, and rubbing elbows with multimillionaire collectors and people of society. The Collector/Dealer Wannabe sometimes forgets which role he plays at particular times during a coin show. He likes to get preferential treatment on the buy side at shows because he is a dealer, but he does not want to be held to a higher standard when he is reselling to a regular collector. The Collector/Dealer Wannabe is always torn between collecting for pleasure and collecting for profit. At a show, he is usually miserable due to this dichotomy. He tends to complain a lot on the Internet message boards. Here is a picture of the typical Collector/Dealer Wannabe:
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
0
Comments
I'm mostly C, but not as anal.
I'm a touch A, but not as pretentious.
I'm a touch B, but more realistic and practical.
There's a fraction of D in me, in the sense that everything I buy will eventually be resold by someone, so getting good value is part of the collecting strategy.
None of the above.........
"You Suck Award" - February, 2015
Discoverer of 1919 Mercury Dime DDO - FS-101
Most of us do not strictly fall into any of these categories, but hilarious post.
<< <i>Clever post, but I'm just a guy who collects coins for their beauty and history. >>
Me too!!!
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
<< <i>I'd vote for a blend of characteristics from more than one category. >>
I agree , 2 and 4
Longacre - You're hilarious!
I figure I'm 10% Dandy, 10% Throwback, 50% Professor, 30% Collector/Dealer.
That was a good one! I think you could come up with more catagories. A hoarder and a registry fanatic come to mind. Of course I don't have any funny graphics or witty descriptions. Great stuff!
I'd say of the options given "C" best fits me but there are many differences. I guess I'm a distant cousin to a "C".
Great Job.
The source does not matter to me UNLESS I’ve had a bad experience with a certain dealer. If you screw on purpose or try to screw me I’m done with you. I only see a couple of the larger dealers at the shows. Usually I deal with the medium sized firms that don’t have “an attitude.” Some of the big companies have too much overhead relative their sales, you have to pay for that. To me the previous owner of a coin, can be important, but I don’t go out of my way to buy pedigreed coins. Previous sellers don’t mean a thing to me. As soon as the invoice is drawn and the money has changed hands, who sold the coin becomes less and less important over time.
Excellent post.....
Ken
Russ, NCNE
My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
<< <i>collects coins for their beauty and history. >>
That's me.
<< <i>glad to have the Internet and ebayteletradeheritage. >>
That's me.
<< <i>None of the above. I'm a dumpster diver. >>
OK, so I wouldn't go totally hungry.
Herb
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Although, I am slightly skinnier than Barney
"La Vostra Nonna Ha Faccia Del Fungo"
Mostly 3 I guess, but a bit of 2 and 4.
President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay
==Looking for pre WW2 Commems in PCGS Rattler holders, 1851-O Three Cent Silvers in all grades
Successful, problem free and pleasant transactions with: illini420, coinguy1, weather11am,wayneherndon,wondercoin,Topdollarpaid,Julian, bishdigg,seateddime, peicesofme,ajia,CoinRaritiesOnline,savoyspecial,Boom, TorinoCobra71, ModernCoinMart, WTCG, slinc, Patches, Gerard, pocketpiececommems, BigJohnD, RickMilauskas, mirabella, Smittys, LeeG, TomB, DeusExMachina, tydye
<< <i>Please vote for which type of collector best represents yourself.
B. “The Throwback Collector”: The Throwback Collector longs for a bygone time in numismatics. He refuses to acknowledge the existence of the Third Party Grading services, and the sight of plastic slabs makes him sick. If the Throwback Collector had his way, coin collectors would know how to grade themselves, would not be dependant on a dealer to judge eye appeal, and would be able to avoid the temptation to collect the series that is hot at any particular time. He remembers a time when numismatics was a gentleman’s pursuit, and when you were able to make all of the purchases for your collection at the monthly VFW Hall coin show. The Throwback Collector does not like the “new dealers” who may possess marketing savvy, rather than deep numismatic knowledge. He does not use the Internet to make any purchases. Here is a picture of the typical Throwback Collector:
Well, I will buy slabs but I then crack them out. And I do think they are bad for coin collecting and will celebrate the deaths of the slabbing companies. (Obviously,authentication services will pop up and remain.) I don't care what a slab grade is; hell, I'm getting pretty darn close to just rejecting numerical grading as a whole. The series I collect are generally obscure. However, I like big coin shows compared to small ones, and grew up with the various Baltimore shows, going to my first one in 1987-88ish, when I'd be about 10 or 11. I do prefer dealers who actually know something about the coins. I have however used the internet to buy coins, but rarely (Heritage auctions and email bids to PCAC). I much prefer to make my purchases in person, where I can make a calm, relaxed decision as to if I want it or not.
<< <i>C. “The Professor”: The Professor is a very studious individual, who views the coins as a means to the end of discovering new information in the science of numismatics. The Professor does not typically care about the quality of the coins that he purchases, so long as they present a newly discovered die state, a nice example of a particular die break, or a variety that has not been identified by the leading researchers of the day. He may or may not have a very deep collection in terms of number of pieces, but the coins themselves represent varieties that are very seldom seen (or recognized) by the collecting masses. The Professor does not mind sharing his knowledge, but looks with a jaundiced eye toward those collectors who are slaves to the sheets and continually analyze the population reports. Here is a picture of the typical Professor:
Well, I can tell you that this private restrike was struck using an 1804-dated die, and not a reworked 1807 die. I know that M. 56-n would refer to a New Jersey copper while M. 56-xx would refer to a 1787 Connecticut copper. I can attribute at least half of early early gold die varieties by memory, and at least 80% of half cents by memory. I do care about the quality of my coins, though I think that condition (as the EAC understanding) is more important than grade, and definately follow "buy the best you can afford and understand" which means my half cents are typically VG-VF depending on the series, with somes G's and some EF's. I am also more interested in the die states they possess than their grades. I just love half cents with cuds. I knew of the new variety of the 1797 half eagle in the SI before Coin World reported it, and also that the 1828/7 half eagle had two varieties, one of which is unique, before it was widely reported. I can tell you that the 1836 proof quarter eagle that Heritage is auctioning has been worked on, and apparently is McCloskey's variety F. I have even made up somes notes based on the outlines in the Bass II catalog fleshing out the attributions of classic head quarter eagles, even though I don't collect them. I do sometimes look down upon the people who have been around for a while but whose knowledge is not any deeper than being able to recite pop reports and price guides, coupled with perhaps a "folk belief" of the comparative worth of the major grading services. (Interestingly, their recitations of the pop reports and price guides seem to always be done in a way to back up their folk beliefs. Not that I'm drawing any cultural analogies here. Or maybe I should....) However, I generally don't verbalize such thoughts that often.
So, I'm certainly a combination of B & C.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
I am a B
I think it's neat to have perfect coins from awesome collections, but then again, I don't really relate to any of the categories.
For one, I buy my coins in a variety of ways. Almost all the coins I buy are raw, I'm a fairly young collector at the age of 18 (13 years of collecting), I don't care much about newly discovered varieites that 98/100 people cant see, and I don't care to be a dealer. I still think it's cool to strike mutual friendships with interesting characters in numismatics, but I don't care if they have $1 in their pocket or $100,000.
It's the one collector with the most passion that I enjoy being with. The person with the stories of their greatest find, that's who I'm a wannabe for.
Great post and awesome pics.
What about the collector who doesn't give two sh#ts for the stuffy numismatic dandy or the throwback collector and their artificial interpretations of what collecting "ought" to be? The post was pretty funny I have to admit.
Tyler
I'm an aspiring Dandy...although in order to be a true "dandy" money cannot be an issue. Only if I was so lucky!
I've thought about the wannabe persona, but have a difficult time selling nice pieces that I've aqcuired!
Collector of Early 20th Century U.S. Coinage.
ANA Member R-3147111
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BONGO HURTLES ALONG THE RAIN SODDEN HIGHWAY OF LIFE ON UNDERINFLATED BALD RETREAD TIRES
But I guess I would be closest to the collector wannabe, though I have no asperations of becoming a dealer!
I only sell those coins I am able to upgrade from!