Smoe Shared Thoughts on Collecting.

magikbilly

After a long time collecting many different items, I have learned a few things to share:

Trust your intuition.
If you see something you have not seen before that strikes you, buy it - worry about affording it later (and follow through!).
It can be hard to overpay for true quality.
Regrets are things not purchased, or things sold along the way.
Great items can have some problems.
Provenance, and related cross-over stuff from other collecting disciplines, can be useful & awesome. Sometimes you don't get any.
Things can seem to be WAY to good, and still be true (use JUDICIOUSLY!!!!!)
Education is worth its weight in any material!!!

This is a short list and not at all inclusive (and I can't see very well at the moment I am working with one eye). I started it so it can be added to - cut the list above, paste, and add to it if you like so we all don't have to read through a bunch of posts should they accumulate.

Eric

Edited to add: 1) a better thread title per Parry's helpful suggestions and 2) education is worth its weight in any material!!!

PerryHall

<< <i>after long time collecting many things, I have learned a few things >>



This should be the title of your thread rather than just "collecting". Sounds like a great topic and a more specific title will get more people to open and read your thread. Just a suggestion.

NewEnglandRarities

<< <i>after long time collecting many things, I have learned a few things:

Trust your intuition.
If you see something you have not seen before that strikes you, buy it - worry about affording it later (and follow through!).
It can be hard to overpay for true quality.
Regrets are things not purchased, or things sold along the way.
Great items can have some problems.
Provenance, and related cross-over stuff from other collecting disciplines, can be awesome. Sometimes you don't get any.
Things can seem to be WAY to good, and still be true (use JUDICIOUSLY!!!!!)


This is a short list and not at all inclusive (and I can't see very well at the moment I am working with one eye). I started it so it can be added to - cut the list above, paste, and add to it if you like so we all don't have to read through a bunch of posts should they accumulate.

Eric >>



I agree with your thoughts. I am a full time dealer, but I do collect as well and your list is almost exact to my philosophy of collecting coins.

DUIGUY

I fully concure!

magikbilly

<< <i>

<< <i>after long time collecting many things, I have learned a few things >>



This should be the title of your thread rather than just "collecting". Sounds like a great topic and a more specific title will get more people to open and read your thread. Just a suggestion. >>



Thanks! I have changed the thread title.

Eric

illini420

Myqqy

I have learned to look at as many coins as possible, in hand and with attention to detail. Look at everything, so you can start to understand subtle degrees in quality... and then understand when you find true high quality..
When you find a great dealer who gives you honesty- stick with that dealer!!
Listen to your heart, and it will sing to you when you see what makes your heart happy...
And read about the history of what you love, as it will give perspective to your own life in the big picture of things...
And at some point, give a coin to someone, so that they say "WHOA!"...

ricko

Collecting is a very human trait. We see it in most people - some to the point of obsession. While each is entitled to their own degree and desire (be it anything from salt shakers to belly button lint), the intensity also varies. My personal collecting habits include in-depth study of the items and the related information. As such, I tend toward hobbies that have a vast amount of information (i.e. coins, guns etc), and no matter how much I study, practice, discuss, research the field, I am confident I will never know it all and can always find something new and interesting in the sector I choose. As such, my contribution would be - Relish your collection as much for the information as the items you collect. Cheers, RickO

steveben

<< <i>
Education is worth its weight in any material!!! >>



this.

garrynot

<< <i>

<< <i>
Education is worth its weight in any material!!! >>



this. >>




The best part of collecting is researching the back story behind any numismatic material; coins, currency, exonumia.

magikbilly

Hi All

Thanks for all the great responses! I agree - education is a great way to both yourself and assert yourself - and it also increase and enhances the enjoyment of your items and their place in context w/o spending a dime!


Eric

Bear

This threat has real potential. I hope many in the know

collectors and dealers join in with their own lists.

renman95

That's smoe great fuddernuttering advice.

Timbuk3

Cool !!!
Thanks for the education.

LindeDad

Grey prices don't get what you are green with envy for.