Would you rather be a world class numismatist or world class athlete?

GoldenEyeNumismatics · January 21, 2009 3:25PM

What say you?

edix2001 · January 21, 2009 3:28PM

If I was a world class athlete, I'd be over the hill already (even tho' likely in better health), but I've got the rest of my life to become a world class numismatist

PerryHall · January 21, 2009 3:40PM

I'd rather be a world class athlete which would generate a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to buy more coins. Actually, I don't see why one can't be both.

GoldenEyeNumismatics · January 21, 2009 3:44PM

<< I'd rather be a world class athlete which would generate a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to buy more coins. Actually, I don't see why one can't be both. >>

I think there's a difference between having the means to buy expensive coins and being a true world-class numismatist. I don't think a professional athlete would have enough time to say, write a comprehensive book on a subject, until after they retired, in which case they'd no longer be a professional athlete anyway.

Coxe · January 21, 2009 4:05PM

I detest professional sports. My view is that they and warmaking are biological competitive releases we drive to since our biological evolution has not kept up with our societal evolution (civilization). All the power to those who dig that stuff. I just never saw the purpose. (Watching the superbowl for a few hours would be like clockwork orange torture for me.) I'd rather be a world class basketweaver than a world class athlete.

BBN · January 21, 2009 4:06PM

which pays more? If a world class athlete you always be able to have a good income even after retirement with continued endorsements and sports broadcasting. Now if you're a world class golfer you could have a career that lasts for decades.

Elcontador · January 21, 2009 4:14PM

I've been a runner for 40 years plus and used to run competitively. It's in the blood. I'd take being a world class 10K runner any day over a world class numismatist (I don't want anyone to think that I am dissing numismatics in making the statement; it's just who I am).

PutTogether · January 21, 2009 4:25PM

World class athlete. I could finally live out my dream of being super rich while simultaneously acting obnoxious to people lesser than I. Oh, and breaking every law I can seemingly without consequence.

Coxe · January 21, 2009 4:31PM

<< World class athlete. I could finally live out my dream of being super rich while simultaneously acting obnoxious to people lesser than I. Oh, and breaking every law I can seemingly without consequence. >>

You could be a coin dealer then.

(Just kididng, to my delaer friends on the forum.)

PerryHall · January 21, 2009 4:35PM

<< 

<< World class athlete. I could finally live out my dream of being super rich while simultaneously acting obnoxious to people lesser than I. Oh, and breaking every law I can seemingly without consequence. >>

You could be a coin dealer then.

(Just kididng, to my delaer friends on the forum.) >>

CoinJunkie · January 21, 2009 4:36PM

Athlete, without a doubt.

lava · January 21, 2009 5:07PM

Being either would be a chick magnet, but I'd go for athlete so I don't brush my teeth and spit down my tummy.

frnklnlvr · January 21, 2009 7:28PM

Most of you that chose athlete did so because of the money. Let's say you're already a millionaire and money has nothing to do with it. Which would you choose?

GoldenEye, I'm not trying to take over your thread so I apologize in advance if I've done so.

BTW, I would choose numismatist.

TwoSides2aCoin · January 21, 2009 8:15PM

Since this is the coin forum, I choose to be a world class numismatist.
However, I still keep a jock hanging in my closet.

Signed

U.N. Dr Ed Orbs

(that's undoctored orbs)
not University of Numismatics' Doctor Ed Orbs.

Steve27 · January 21, 2009 8:15PM

I hope your kidding; let's see do I want to be the biggest geek on the block or the biggest idol?

keets · January 21, 2009 8:42PM

many of us have already made the choice and reached the goal even though we don't realize it.

thebeav · January 21, 2009 10:42PM

<< Athlete, without a doubt. >>

Hands down.......

edsondl · January 21, 2009 10:53PM

I am sure that many are thinking of the money from being a "world-class" athlete. But he didn't say in which sport.

World-class speed walker?
World-class fencer?
World-class biathalon?
World-class skull?
World-class badmitton?

I think that most "world-class" athletes don't make much from their sports, just look at all of them working at Home Dopot in those commercials at every olympics. Most of them do it for love of sport, competition or accomplishment.

Now, can one be a "world-class" numismatist without the cash to back up a killer collection? How does one define "world-class numismatist" anyway? Collection quality, grading ability, historical knowledge, knowledge of varieties, understanding of market? I am not sure.

Longacre · January 21, 2009 10:54PM

Other than major league sports professionals, I think coin dealers make more money. Who was that dealer in CA who disclosed that he has revenues of around $80 MM per year? Even taking a conservative guess at his net results in a pretty hefty annual income.

EvilEmpire · January 21, 2009 11:34PM

Always wanted to BE a world class athlete, and if I were born with testicles, I possibly could have been. Actually went to college on a hockey scholarship, but alas, it was for WOMEN'S hockey. None of the 'regular' women's sports (field hockey, volleyball, gymnastics,etc) moved me like football and ice hockey. Growing up with 3 older brothers, well, contact sports were big around the house. Not even being able to dream about playing pro, was a bummer. Then, to see the circus sideshow with Manon Rheaume (for those not in the know, she was an Olympic Silver Medal winner, a goalie that the Tampa Bay Lightning signed in the early '90's, and simply used her as a publicity stunt, damn Phil Esposito...), made it clear women had to make do with gymnastics and figure skating (God, I hated those little white skates with the teeth at the toe of the blade).

World class athletes actually have alot more time on their hands than one would think. Play a game for 6 months, 6 months off (except hockey....but did you know the average hockey fan has a higher education than fans of the other major sports, on average? This is fact. Now, I am NOT saying the PLAYERS are that bright). All that money, they can buy whatever they want to. Now, IF they can read and comprehend, they COULD become world class numismatists. One doesn't need to write a book to be one, though it does go hand in hand more times than not. Basically saying that there could be a co-existence between the two. Now, if Wayne Gretzky and Bruce McNall (who claimed he made his first fortune in the ancient coin business) did their homework, instead of the Honus Wagner card the spent $451,000 on (whats that card actually worth now, anyone know?), perhaps they would have gone after an 1804 dollar, 1913 Liberty head nickel, and some of the many other rarities that have maintained their value and increased dramatically. This throws doubt as to his claim of making a fortune in coins, but.....

Thanks for bringing up some great memories, and bumming me out at the same time...lol!!! Great question!

edited to add what was actually paid for the card.

garsmith · January 21, 2009 11:49PM

<< I'd rather be a world class athlete which would generate a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to buy more coins. Actually, I don't see why one can't be both. >>

doh · January 22, 2009 12:02AM

Athlete

dbldie55 · January 22, 2009 12:14AM

I would think an over whelming majority of "world class" athletes are poor. I would think every Olympic medalist would be considered world class, and there are hundreds of them. How many people here even know the sports they compete in let alone who they are?

I would still prefer to be one rather than a world class numismatist.

ricko · January 22, 2009 12:16AM

Hmmmmmmm very weird choice..... juxtaposed as it were... Since I have always been a runner, climber, spelunker, swimmer AND coin collector - that would mean making a choice would eliminate the other... nah, I will stay the way I am and enjoy both worlds...Cheers, RickO

RunnersDad · January 22, 2009 12:28AM

I would have to choose world class athlete! I have played many sports at a high level, but started running in high school. It paid my way through college and given that I am still running at an elite(or just below elite level) running always trumps all of my other hobbies when it comes to devotion. I will always make time to train or workout but I will not do the same for my hobbies.

The exhileration of winning a medal at the Olympic games or world championships....or even a major road race would/does give me greater satisfaction than would owning a great coin. I love collecting, but at least for right now my true passion lies with running. One day I will get to a point where I cannot compete at a high level anymore, than my priorities will shift. But until then.......

Walmann · January 22, 2009 12:29AM

World class numismatist.

Don't have to worry about fighting off numerous unknown women, only a few strange ones.

All protective gear goes on the coin not the body.

In the golden years the coins are nicer to look at than trophies.

TwoSides2aCoin · January 22, 2009 12:31AM

Athletes go to the Precious Medal forum.

signed

Joe the Jock

57loaded · January 22, 2009 12:54AM

i'd rather be the numismatist, seen too many world class athletes with no real life or appreciation for anything but themselves.

same thing with being a lottery winner....forget it....although those sugar plums have danced in my head as well as being a world class athlete....

i could not handle the fame and fortune.

RedneckHB · January 22, 2009 12:55AM

I do believe those 2 choices are mutually exclusive.

Broadstruck · January 22, 2009 1:12AM

<< Being either would be a chick magnet, but I'd go for athlete so I don't brush my teeth and spit down my tummy.

>>

Glad world class pornstar wasn't on the list!

coinspeak · January 22, 2009 1:23AM

I always wanted to be a major figure in the Martial Arts world.

i am a figure but small.

I ill take it.

As long as the kids keep asking m to teach them I will be fulfilled.

Today at 1 pm the Scooter Store is examining me for a powerchair. sucks that it has come to this.

I will be going to my friends dojo next week to start cane training.

My son joined me at the coin club I am joining last night and that makes me feel great.

I bought him 2 coins for his collection.

He is a double black diamond skier and only 11.

I am learning the monoski in the adaptive ski program.

Keep the faith!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MrEureka · January 22, 2009 2:28AM

Would you rather be a world class numismatist or world class athlete?

If I wanted to be a world class athlete, I guess that's what I would have tried to become.

lava · January 22, 2009 4:40AM

<< 

<< Being either would be a chick magnet, but I'd go for athlete so I don't brush my teeth and spit down my tummy.

>>

>>

Because my belly sticks out too far.

dizzyfoxx · January 22, 2009 4:43AM

<Would you rather be a world class numismatist or world class athlete?>

Hard to say, depends upon which one gets all the hot women.

MikeInFL · January 22, 2009 4:44AM

"Would you rather be a world class numismatist or world class athlete?"

Athlete -- better pay and better women.

ElKevvo · January 22, 2009 4:48AM

Hmmmm....a world class athlete could always become a world class numismatist as time catches up and interests change but it would be difficult to go the other way. Not that it could not be done, just thinking of the folks I see at coin shows...other than myself of course

K

pmac · January 22, 2009 4:52AM

<< Other than major league sports professionals, I think coin dealers make more money. Who was that dealer in CA who disclosed that he has revenues of around $80 MM per year? Even taking a conservative guess at his net results in a pretty hefty annual income. >>

Was his name Manny?

Nysoto · January 22, 2009 4:57AM

Where is Monsterman? He is both

CoinJunkie · January 22, 2009 5:01AM

A couple of points:

1) I didn't choose athlete because of the money.

2) Stating that coin dealers probably make more money ignores that a minority of coin
dealers are "world class numismatists", IMHO.

Coxe · January 22, 2009 5:04AM

<< Where is Monsterman? He is both >>

Was he the pro ball player who used to post a bit? His name was Greg I think?

Coxe · January 22, 2009 5:08AM

<< A couple of points:

1) I didn't choose athlete because of the money.

2) Stating that coin dealers probably make more money ignores that a minority of coin
dealers are "world class numismatists", IMHO. >>

Also

(1) World class athlete doesn't necessarily mean a successful and rich athlete.
(2) The fraction of world class numismatists who are also full-time career coin dealers is declining. I'm seeing serious productive numsmatic research being usurped by highly knowledgeable and disciplined collectors, though many of them have assumed part-time dealer status too.

notwilight · January 22, 2009 5:12AM

<< "Would you rather be a world class numismatist or world class athlete?" Athlete -- better pay and better women.

>>

At least more women.

I've gotten more enjoyment from my athletic accomplishments over the years than anything else I've ever done. And I've never been an elite athetete per se but just being a top amateur runner and single digit handicap golfer has been quite enjoyable. In college I was a conference level pole vaulter at a school that could get beaten in sports by some high schools (University of Chicago) To be an elite level athlete would have been great and I hope my son can be at least college level in his chosen sport (golf). I'll take sports. --Jerry

PawPaul · January 22, 2009 6:13AM

a world class numismatist couldn't hold a roll of toilet paper for a world class athlete

DarkStar · January 22, 2009 6:40AM

It's a little late for me to be a world class athlete, but I'd much rather be a world class chess player that a world class numismatist.

DJCoinz · January 22, 2009 6:41AM

<< I detest professional sports. >>

Blasphemy!

lasvegasteddy · January 22, 2009 7:04AM

option c

to win the "isle of man tt " and "paris to darkar" would mean more then option a or b...to me anyways

HansMoleman · January 22, 2009 7:32AM

I would like to be a world-class kung fu master.

ArizonaJack · January 22, 2009 8:16AM

They call poker a sport, so are poker players atheletes? Doyle Brunson was also a coin collector untill his house was robbed while away at a tourny.

CoinJunkie · January 22, 2009 9:00AM

<< They call poker a sport, so are poker players atheletes [sic]? >>

In a word, no.

shirohniichan · January 22, 2009 9:04AM

<< 

<< They call poker a sport, so are poker players atheletes [sic]? >>

In a word, no. >>

How about it two words? "Heck no!"?

Fairlaneman · January 22, 2009 9:12AM

Both take absolute full time attention and a keen eye for the finer points of the game along with the willingness to work hard. With that said I would take either option. Huge problems though. Sights gone, attention span is gone, hard work span now is only about 15 minutes at a time and sometimes CRS kicks in.

Ken

Would you rather be a world class numismatist or world class athlete?

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