Dave Bowers' blog this week. Old, but timeless.

Julian

Worth reading.

Dave Bowers blog

ricko

Thanks Julian... good article... Cheers, RickO

coinsarefun

Great advise never gets old. Thanks for the link.

1tommy

Thanks for Sharing and there is really some great Advice and shows even over time these things still apply to make the hobby more Enjoyable and I love Number 2 and believe in every word.....Enjoy

bidask

(7) Respect Your Fellow Numismatist: Either have a good word for the other collector, or say nothing at all. Don’t talk scandal, or knock the other man’s collection, that only belittles you and gives him free publicity. He collects what he wants; you collect what you like.

WinLoseWin

Good stuff that is still relevant.

Although following a couple could lead to a shortage of posts on the boards here, especially:




<< <i>(5)...Don’t envy the big collector... >>



and



<< <i>(7) Respect Your Fellow Numismatist: Either have a good word for the other collector, or say nothing at all. Don’t talk scandal, or knock the other man’s collection, that only belittles you and gives him free publicity. He collects what he wants; you collect what you like. >>



Those sports are just too popular to lose from these message boards

EastonCollection

I read David Bowers article this morning before this post. I thought that this was great and all collectors should live by these rules to enjoy this hobby to its fullest. I only wish dealers would have 10 commandments to live by as well.
First rule - Don't clean or work on coins
Second rule - Don't be too busy for the young collectors as they are the future of our hobby.
Others?

LoveMyLiberty

<< <i>(7) Respect Your Fellow Numismatist: Either have a good word for the other collector, or say nothing at all. Don’t talk scandal, or knock the other man’s collection, that only belittles you and gives him free publicity. He collects what he wants; you collect what you like. >>




This advice holds true in any situation.

keyman64

I have not heard the word "plutocrat" used in a loooong time. I'll have to start using that one again.

Good read.

MrEureka

Complete their series in the best condition available.

In the current coin market, this is not always good advice, even for someone who can afford the best.

golden

Very nice article.

cladking

<< <i><< (7) Respect Your Fellow Numismatist: Either have a good word for the other collector, or say nothing at all. Don’t talk scandal, or knock the other man’s collection, that only belittles you and gives him free publicity. He collects what he wants; you collect what you like. >> >>



I hope not too many people follow this advice. I can use all the free publicity.

ebaytrader

<< <i>Complete their series in the best condition available.

In the current coin market, this is not always good advice, even for someone who can afford the best. >>



How so?

tradedollarnut

<< <i>

<< <i>Complete their series in the best condition available.

In the current coin market, this is not always good advice, even for someone who can afford the best. >>



How so? >>



Here's a real life example of why not: I have an Eliasberg 1795 dollar in PCGS64 that I consider very high end. At the 1997 sale, Laura graded it lock 64, shot 65 and I graded it '65, wow!'. In the recent Newman sale, a gem example was available that I could afford to buy but I declined to raise the bid on a fellow collector. Not only did I rather he have the coin, but I also could not fathom paying $400,000 for a partial point upgrade. The difference in price exceeded my appreciation of the difference in quality.

MrEureka

<<

<< Complete their series in the best condition available.

In the current coin market, this is not always good advice, even for someone who can afford the best. >>



How so? >>

Another example:

What if you want to collect Bust Halves by Overton but you're not going to be able to spend the many millions it would take to buy finest knowns whenever they are available? Unless you're willing to switch to another series, you're going to have to settle for vast incompleteness or some "merely choice" or even circulated coins.

Also, in response to the article's advice - common today - that one should focus on a single series and do it "right", I think we (the numismatic community, and especially the "industry") have taken it too far. Frankly, I think it would be more gratifying and educational to fill 100+ coin albums than to create one Registry Set for the same amount of money. And that's before we even bring ancient and world coins, paper money and tokens into the picture.