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Master Collector
RYK
Posts: 35,799 ✭✭✭✭✭
I have always found it amusing that when one reaches 1000 posts on the forum, they get tagged with the "Master Collector" title. The more appropriate label would probably be either "Survivor" or "Master Kibbutzer".
Nonetheless, the title or nature of the Master Collector probably warrants some attention. If you were creating a Master Collector training program, what sorts of credentials, skills, activities, readings, etc. would you advise for the candidate.
Here are some that I would suggest:
Attend a FUN or ANA coin show
View lots at a Heritage Signature Auction
Read TDN's 10,000th post here
Read Mark Feld's advice for collectors here
Start and complete a Dansco 7070 type set
Sell a coin on ebay; sell a coin to a dealer at a coin show or coin shop
I have some other ideas, but I would like to hear some suggestions from the forum.
Nonetheless, the title or nature of the Master Collector probably warrants some attention. If you were creating a Master Collector training program, what sorts of credentials, skills, activities, readings, etc. would you advise for the candidate.
Here are some that I would suggest:
Attend a FUN or ANA coin show
View lots at a Heritage Signature Auction
Read TDN's 10,000th post here
Read Mark Feld's advice for collectors here
Start and complete a Dansco 7070 type set
Sell a coin on ebay; sell a coin to a dealer at a coin show or coin shop
I have some other ideas, but I would like to hear some suggestions from the forum.
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See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
And ... become an ANA member AND check out books from the largest numismatic lending library in the world (after you learn which books you need through your ANA Summer Seminar training, of course!).
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Syllabus:
History of Numismatics in the United States
Advanced Grading Seminar (emphasizing grading conundrums, clever alterations, etc.)
Transition to Becoming an Advanced Collector
The Numismatic Business World (types of dealers, auction mechanics, pricing, coin transactions, etc.)
a special topics course (Colonials, Early Coppers, etc.)
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
I'll go with - At that level, one should be able to discuss the history and the background of any coin in their collection. e.g. Why the dot in the middle of the old cents, why was the planchet lightened to X grains in that year, etc.
<< <i>The post count to qualify for the title of "Master Collector" must be more than 1000, as I have approximately 2200 posts and am designated as simply a "Collector". I really don't mind, though, as I am in good company. I see that Pistareen is also just a "Collector". >>
The point of this thread was not to discuss the arbitrary forum cutoffs for the silly forum "titles" but to provide some examples of foundational resources for collectors who are looking to "master" numismatics.
2.After that, continued access to coins (good, bad, ugly...) is critical to keep one's grading skills sharp.
3.Find a way to stay connected to your collection. About 20 years ago, I finished a set of ChAU Barber halves, and was exhausted. The coins, and the rest of my collection, sat in a safety deposit box for almost 15 years without being looked at even once. In effect, I had become an ex-collector. Find smaller projects to work on, in addition to your primary collecting focus.
4. Find some aspect of numismatics, besides mere ownership and investment hopes, to keep you tied to the hobby.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
RFO - Real Frantic One - buys 3 or more Marvel comics a month - translation - buy 3 or more coin mags a month
QNS - Quite 'Nuff Sayer - had letter published in Marvel comic book - translation - had letter published in Numismatist
etc. There were others, I am sure the collective forum will remember them.
bob
Only got to one ANA show and Heritage did not do Portland.
Have absolutely no interest in a type album.
Even though I sold a lot of coins on eBay never gave a dealer the chance to rip me off at his shop, and refused their offers at the one show I took something to sell.
Edit to add... Bruce and Marks advice to collectors were a good reread even though I read and appreciated their advice first time around I just read both again as a refresher.
My personal take on ANA Summer Seminar: takes more than 1 year's sessions. Just too much to assimilate. Sort of like being served steak, lobster, ribs, and 5 hot fudge sundaes.
Of course some dealers, who often have several of the skills recommended above, would probably take my menu literally and ask whether a mustard-stained shirt qualified for free access to the buffet line.
"Sometimes, you have to pay too much for a coin. As long as it’s the right coin, that’s ok. In fact, for the right coin you almost always have to pay ‘too much’. The secret is in knowing which are the right coins and which are the wrong ones."
I've made progress in integrating that advice as I continue to evolve and grow as a collector. Perhaps once one has mastered that right/wrong knowledge, then one is well on their way to becoming a "master collector".
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"