I've collected coins since at least 1982 as a kid, but I recently stepped up to higher grades and rarities when it dawned on me that first, I could, and second, I really should. My official excuse is that I'm collecting tangible assets to use as a hedge against inflation and to reduce the volatility of my investment portfolio. But, actually, it's because I like shiny stuff. I get to mix my love of a hobby with financial sensibility. The beauty of it is, some of the most expensive and desirable purchases can also be the smartest long term financial decisions--you don't get that shopping for electronics.
As a child, the Saint Gaudens double eagle was a favorite, the ultimate coin in my mind at the time, reading through the Red Book, and I hoped some day to own one. Jump forward to this year; I'm living well but the economy isn't, and I happen by a coin dealership on a business trip, picking up a silver eagle at the time while rekindling my interest in coin collecting. The next few days I read up about the recent spike in gold over $1000 an ounce and realize the bullion coins I bought ten years ago had quietly doubled in value while I wasn't paying attention. Since I could now afford it, I looked up a coin show, planned for, and found an MS65 1908 No Motto Saint, and declared that my collecting is now at the next level.
I chose an MS65 type Saint, favoring condition over rare date and choosing a condition that was in the sweet spot between bullion value and numismatic value. Well, that, and I went with my budget; MS67s right now are a bit much, and rare dates that cost more than my car may have to wait while I pay off a mortgage. The $4 Stella was out. But, I found that the price difference between XF, AU, and lower MS Saints was minimal for a thousand-dollar coin. For only twenty more, you could get ten points of grade difference. MS64 seemed the optimum sweet spot, above which numismatic value overshot bullion value and prices bolted skyward. Still, I couldn't find a No Motto 64, and I wanted the No Motto variety, and I felt it was better to splurge and get the better grade than compromise with a lower one.
My goal at this point is deciding where to go next. I'm aiming for both an investment portfolio and an enjoyable collection, with a balanced mix of bullion stockpiling and higher numismatic worth. I pulled out a walking liberty half dollar folder and started filling in the commons with circulated grades, bought pretty close to silver spot; I figure that if I'm collecting bullion, I could have fun with it rather than just buying little bricks. (though back in 1982 I was an avid Lego enthusiast as well) Still, where I am now, I can get a few silver filler coins every two or three weeks, but a really good numismatic rarity takes a bit more planning.
I'm leaning towards types, simply because of the variety. I'm just trying to decide on which types to get next.
Improperly Cleaned, Our passion for numismatics is Genuine! Now featuring correct spelling.
<< <i>Mine are relatively small... I need three Large Cents to complete the Braided Hair series...1839; 1840; and 1841. I'm looking to complete the series in VF or better.
Leo >>
My, My... my goals were pretty small but I actually took a big step back in the Braided Hair series and sold off several sub-par examples. I did manage to pick a decent 1840 but I sold off a cleaned 1844; a recolored 1850; and my 1848 and 1851 with rim hits... I bought a real nice 1853 that's now in my type set. I also managed to finish off my Lincln set with a nice 1909-S VDB... bar none, my priciest acquisition
So how did you do this year?
... there's still time for Santa Claus to come...
Collecting: Dansco 7070; Middle Date Large Cents (VF-AU); Box of 20;
<< <i>Well, with just 40 more minutes of 2007 to go here it indeed might be time to set some goals for next year:
1. Get a coin-related job in the US 2. Write more articles on focused subjects 3. Publish something in-print instead of online only 4. Get at least 35% with my seated half dime date set (currently at 18.92%)
I think I can do that
Dennis >>
1. Get a coin-related job in the US-Didn't get it, but did visit the US for the first time last June, and January 5 will be the 2nd for the FUN show 2. Write more articles on focused subjects -Current projects: Seated Half Dime Errors and 1854 Liberty Head Cent Patterns (J-160 to J-162) 3. Publish something in-print instead of online only -My first printed article was in the November issue of the Gobrecht Journal 4. Get at least 35% with my seated half dime date set (currently at 18.92%) -Not really here, now at 24.32%
Overall I did quite OK I think, succeeding in 2 objectives and a half one. I travelled to the US for the first time, bought some coins (not that many though, spend my money for lots of other things) and had a great time as usual again.
I never get tired of posting this, my major purchase for 2008 which I absolutely love:
Comments
U.S. Type Set
...to find in a small dollar roll from the bank.
As a child, the Saint Gaudens double eagle was a favorite, the ultimate coin in my mind at the time, reading through the Red Book, and I hoped some day to own one. Jump forward to this year; I'm living well but the economy isn't, and I happen by a coin dealership on a business trip, picking up a silver eagle at the time while rekindling my interest in coin collecting. The next few days I read up about the recent spike in gold over $1000 an ounce and realize the bullion coins I bought ten years ago had quietly doubled in value while I wasn't paying attention. Since I could now afford it, I looked up a coin show, planned for, and found an MS65 1908 No Motto Saint, and declared that my collecting is now at the next level.
I chose an MS65 type Saint, favoring condition over rare date and choosing a condition that was in the sweet spot between bullion value and numismatic value. Well, that, and I went with my budget; MS67s right now are a bit much, and rare dates that cost more than my car may have to wait while I pay off a mortgage. The $4 Stella was out. But, I found that the price difference between XF, AU, and lower MS Saints was minimal for a thousand-dollar coin. For only twenty more, you could get ten points of grade difference. MS64 seemed the optimum sweet spot, above which numismatic value overshot bullion value and prices bolted skyward. Still, I couldn't find a No Motto 64, and I wanted the No Motto variety, and I felt it was better to splurge and get the better grade than compromise with a lower one.
My goal at this point is deciding where to go next. I'm aiming for both an investment portfolio and an enjoyable collection, with a balanced mix of bullion stockpiling and higher numismatic worth. I pulled out a walking liberty half dollar folder and started filling in the commons with circulated grades, bought pretty close to silver spot; I figure that if I'm collecting bullion, I could have fun with it rather than just buying little bricks. (though back in 1982 I was an avid Lego enthusiast as well) Still, where I am now, I can get a few silver filler coins every two or three weeks, but a really good numismatic rarity takes a bit more planning.
I'm leaning towards types, simply because of the variety. I'm just trying to decide on which types to get next.
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1
<< <i>Mine are relatively small... I need three Large Cents to complete the Braided Hair series...1839; 1840; and 1841. I'm looking to complete the series in VF or better.
Leo >>
My, My... my goals were pretty small but I actually took a big step back in the Braided Hair series and sold off several sub-par examples. I did manage to pick a decent 1840 but I sold off a cleaned 1844; a recolored 1850; and my 1848 and 1851 with rim hits... I bought a real nice 1853 that's now in my type set. I also managed to finish off my Lincln set with a nice 1909-S VDB... bar none, my priciest acquisition
So how did you do this year?
... there's still time for Santa Claus to come...
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
<< <i>Well, with just 40 more minutes of 2007 to go here it indeed might be time to set some goals for next year:
1. Get a coin-related job in the US
2. Write more articles on focused subjects
3. Publish something in-print instead of online only
4. Get at least 35% with my seated half dime date set (currently at 18.92%)
I think I can do that
Dennis >>
1. Get a coin-related job in the US-Didn't get it, but did visit the US for the first time last June, and January 5 will be the 2nd for the FUN show
2. Write more articles on focused subjects -Current projects: Seated Half Dime Errors and 1854 Liberty Head Cent Patterns (J-160 to J-162)
3. Publish something in-print instead of online only -My first printed article was in the November issue of the Gobrecht Journal
4. Get at least 35% with my seated half dime date set (currently at 18.92%) -Not really here, now at 24.32%
Overall I did quite OK I think, succeeding in 2 objectives and a half one
I never get tired of posting this, my major purchase for 2008 which I absolutely love:
ANACS F-15
Dennis
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