New Year's thoughts on the Box of 20 approach to collecting...

MrEureka

In 2008, I'm going to the "Box of 20".

Not that I'll limit myself to 20 coins in my collection. In the areas that I collect seriously, that would make no sense. In those areas, I'm looking to build the biggest and best collections possible, and I will never walk away from a great coin because it doesn't fit in a box.

HOWEVER, the "Box of 20" approach is perfect for the many other series that I don't seriously collect, where I am constantly tempted by things I don't necessarily "need", or even know the first thing about. By going to the "Box of 20" strategy, I can keep buying what I please, as long as I'm willing to make room for the new coin by selling something else. The approach will allow me to continue exploring all areas of numismatics, without the inevitable strain on my resources caused by trying to collect everything. It will also help me learn, as selling is the best education.

As a result of this decision, I'll need to sell some coins that don't fit in my core collections, and this will not be fun. However, it will force me to select my core series and increase my focus, which I'm looking forward to.

wondercoin

Makes perfect sense.

Wondercoin

P.S. - Email sent

Newcomp103

I have decided to do the Walker short set in 2008...which just so happens to have 20 coins! I was not aware of that until recently...so I will be working on that...does that count as a box of 20?

BAJJERFAN

I doubt that I will even add 20 coins in 2008 UNLESS I buy a roll of ASEs and keep them. Thus far the lack of diskapline in adhering to the rule of 20 has wurkt well for me so why screw with a good thing thats workin.

mrearlygold

Hmm, examples of the ideal box of twenty for US and World coins or shall we break the world into regions, or individual countries.......( eeek I almost sound like a neocon )

BAJJERFAN

I bet I could come up with a real nice box of 20 out of the Jack Lee Morgan set.

itsnotjustme

I could do a box of 20, even less than 20. It would work like this:

I would take all my odd denaominations (1/2, 2, 3, 20) and put them in a box.

All my cents in the next box.

All my 5 cent coins (half dimes and nickels!) in the third.

All my dimes, quarters, halves and silver dollars in boxes 4, 5, & 6.

Ikes in box 7.

Gold Type into Box 8.

Errors in Box 9.

And my 1859 Mint Set in Box 10.

That would cover my core collection.

Boxes 11 - 20 will cover neat coins I like, coins to sell, coins to hold for investment reasons, bullion, sample slabs, odd style (dollie) slabs, etc.

FullStepJeffs

So, multiple boxes of 20 are okay as long as it's your primary specialty... okay, then I'm good!

Since I rarely ever buy anything outside of my primary specialty... I'm good! I got the box of 6 or 7...

Steve

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Zoins

I haven't hit 20 for my top areas of interest yet so I'll be working on it for 2008

Lakesammman

Did the concept exist before JP?? Seems to me it was a marketing ploy to get people to fill a box with coins"that matter", coins that he happened to be selling.

Doesn't seem to make much sense to me from a collecting strategy.

Myqqy

Doesn't seem to make much sense to me from a collecting strategy.

I get the philosophy behind a box o' 20, but damn if it wouldn't kill me trying to adhere to it. I like the idea of a seperate box for each area of numismatics that calls to me...

Steve27

Twenty just seems arbitrary to me, and thus has no appeal.

PerryHall

<< <i>Twenty just seems arbitrary to me, and thus has no appeal. >>

Never made any sense to me either. Name one great collection in the class of Norweb, Eliasberg, Ford, Pittman, etc that had only 20 coins.

BAJJERFAN

I'd like to see PCGS offer boxes that hold 40, 50, 75 or even 100 slabbed coins.

RYK

Andy,

I like your approach. I have converted my core gold coin collection into a "Box of 20" and will not add an additional coin unless I can kick one out.

I am thinking of doing the same with seated coins and draped bust coins (and maybe even copper or medals). For someone like myself, who is easily distracted and tempted, it adds an element of discipline and structure. It is clearly not for everyone, but based on the quarterly (or so) discussions here, a concept that has some merit and traction in the collecting community.

MrEureka

So, multiple boxes of 20 are okay as long as it's your primary specialty... okay, then I'm good!


First of all, any strategy is OK if it works for you. I was only outlining my own plans.

Second, you misunderstood what I'm doing. I'm not imposing any quantity limits on my "primary specialties". It the extracurricular coins that are being limited to 20, for the reasons I explained in the OP.



My wood PCGS box that I purchased from PCGS holds 30, so shouldn't one use 30 for this theory so to fill up the entire box and be strict about it?


Any boundaries you choose to set are fine if they will help you accomplish your goals. The key is to define realistic goals and then implement a strategy for accomplishing them. I think my plan will work well for me. If it turns out I'm wrong, nothing will stop me from changing my strategy.


One last thought for now. In the same way that the size of a box can be used to limit one's purchases, the selection of a specialty can do the same. By picking a challenging series and setting high quality standards, a collector can ensure that he (and his wallet) will not be overwhelmed by opportunities to add to his collection. In other words, finding the coins - as opposed to finding the money to pay for them - becomes the primary challenge. To me, that's a more enjoyable and more satisfying way to collect.

mach19

<< <i>Doesn't seem to make much sense to me from a collecting strategy.

I get the philosophy behind a box o' 20, but damn if it wouldn't kill me trying to adhere to it. I like the idea of a seperate box for each area of numismatics that calls to me... >>






I like this approach, And a honest effort will be made! Execpt the Three of Ocean in View DDR's that I Discovered ( I have HUNDREDS of them stashed )

IGWT

-- " . . . . As a result of this decision, I'll need to sell some coins that don't fit in my core collections, and this will not be fun. However, it will force me to select my core series and increase my focus, which I'm looking forward to." --

I like your decision. What's for sale?

MrEureka

I like your decision. What's for sale?

Unfortunately, the targeted coins are all from the Darkside. I only have one US coin in my collection and it's the beginning of a "primary" (and very short) set.

Of course, I have plenty of US coins in my inventory, which you are more than welcome to peruse at FUN!!!

IGWT

Unfortunately, the targeted coins are all from the Darkside. I only have one US coin in my collection and it's the beginning of a "primary" (and very short) set. Of course, I have plenty of US coins in my inventory, which you are more than welcome to peruse at FUN!!!

You should convince Regulated to adopt the box-of-twenty approach like you. He might then sell me the piece from his personal stash that suits my dalliance on the Darkside. I'll certainly be stopping by your table at FUN.

MrEureka

You should convince Regulated to adopt the box-of-twenty approach like you.

Not a chance! I sell him too many coins.

tradedollarnut

In other words, finding the coins - as opposed to finding the money to pay for them - becomes the primary challenge.

Let me tell you right now that this sucks just as much as not having the money to buy what you want!

IGWT

<< <i>In other words, finding the coins - as opposed to finding the money to pay for them - becomes the primary challenge.

Let me tell you right now that this sucks just as much as not having the money to buy what you want! >>


Really? I find looking but not finding nearly as enjoyable as looking and finding. I feel oddly content when nothing suits me.

MORGANHUNTER2

<< <i>I'd like to see PCGS offer boxes that hold 40, 50, 75 or even 100 slabbed coins. >>




tape em together!

Lakesammman

Was there a box of 20 before PCGS/NGC started making boxes with 20 slots?

Agree - FINDING good coins has become the challenge. Being patient is the next greatest challenge.

mgoodm3

I have just the opposite approach. Core - box of 20, cheap stuff - (errors, CWT's) unlimited. I've tried the whole series and US type set things, but they just don't work well for me. I will buy coins that I like from a smattering of series and types, but only ones that truly speak to me.

AngryTurtle

I was thinking about this before I saw the thread. I have sorted my collection into boxes of twenty - copper type box of twenty, silver type box of twenty, gold box of twenty Commem box of twenty ( some are getting bigger than twenty but so what). Its a good way to take stock of what I have and compare the different coins of the set.

oreville

tradedollarnut said:



<< <i>In other words, finding the coins - as opposed to finding the money to pay for them - becomes the primary challenge.

Let me tell you right now that this sucks just as much as not having the money to buy what you want!
>>



Maybe this is the beginning of a new name for tradedollarnut?

"booknut?"

MrEureka

<In other words, finding the coins - as opposed to finding the money to pay for them - becomes the primary challenge.>

Let me tell you right now that this sucks just as much as not having the money to buy what you want!

At least when you have the money but can't spend it, you still have the money.

MrEureka

As a result of this decision, I'll need to sell some coins that don't fit in my core collections, and this will not be fun.

Actually, "not fun" isn't quite right. In fact, it sucks, big time. Just shipped out another 100+ coins today. I'm getting closer...

amiller

Congratulations on the progress you have made to streamline your collection into a more manageable, enjoyable venture. I *know* that I need to do the same, but can't bring myself to devote the time and effort.