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Top 50 Collectors
Gazes
Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭✭✭
I know In the art world, certain magazines and others put out rankings of the top collectors. Is there anything like this with numismatics other than the registries ? Not all collectors use the registry and it would be interesting to see a top 25 coin collector list
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A lot of collectors just want to remain anonymous because of possibility of burglary etc. There are many collections that you never know about until the collector dies or decides to sell and the coins come to market. Most collectors do not use the registry and just put coins in albums or 2X2's or slabs and put them in safe deposit boxes for years. i know collectors with many safe deposit boxes full of coins and one with a storage locker believe it or not. What is the difference between collecting and accumulating?
My goal is one of each not several. There are too many variants here. Is a pack rat considered a collector? We have all seen the barrels of cents that some people have. Is this really a collector or just an accumulator?
Bob
In our industry I think that would not work. There are prominent collectors whose collections would blow your mind who want to remain anonymous. One client I work with has a collection worth tens of millions and he enjoys his coins but seems to have no desire to see his name in lights. Our world of US coins is a small corner of numismatics with people around the world including royalty and cross collecting
The artnet 200 states that it compiled the list by polling dealers, advisors and experts. I don't know if people are listed even if they prefer not to be. Sort of like the Forbes 400 ---some try to stay under the radar and stay off the list while others volunteer financials to be on the list
and then others
All the above?? Cheers, RickO
He seems to be having the most FUN with his collection.
I'm sorta trying to emulate him and have changed MY focus to simply "coins I like."
No matter WHO makes "TOP FIFTY" I think they'd be hard pressed to claim as much enjoyment as he does.
Or so it seems to me.
Coins for sale at link below
https://photos.app.goo.gl/TyJbuBJf37WZ2KT19
why have such a list?
To be ON TOP!!!!
Whassa matta you?
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore...
It might make sense for some of the prolific coin collectors that display at major conventions or who have exhibits on loan to museums (if there are any). Otherwise it does not make a lot of sense.
The collector mentality is similar, but collectors of coins, art, model trains, Magic the Gathering cards, Hummel figures, etc are different enough to make comparison somewhat difficult.
why have such a list?
After Winter FUN the only one that matters is the Big Collector's Series opinions.
The BCS has eliminated all the controversy that surrounds the rankings.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Doesn't it make it easier for the Columbian's
to Uber directly to the collector's house????
for PCGS. A 49+-Year PNG Member...A full numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022
Many learned to stay under the radar from what happened to the DuPont collection.
why have such a list?
exactly, wo cares. we do the best with what we got. jmo
why have such a list?
exactly, wo cares. we do the best with what we got. jmo
I think there is an assumption that it would be based on money. Not necessarily. It could be based upon years of collecting, accomplishments, dedication, etc. Why such a list ? Hearing about others can be inspiring. It certainly can be interesting.
Coins for sale at link below
https://photos.app.goo.gl/TyJbuBJf37WZ2KT19
but did you think of the real world risks posed by such a list?
It's a legitimate concern. Especially in this day and age where almost all info seems public
Originally posted by LindeDad: "Many learned to stay under the radar from what happened to the DuPont collection."
Golden: "I agree with you."
Well, not exactly, the DuPont robbery was a long time ago, before advances in home security technology. Moreover, the DuPont house was a casual choice; the thieves did not know that anyone named DuPont lived there and they knew nothing about coins. While some collectors are very concerned about security, most are not and they figure that most people will realize that their respective collections are in bank vaults, anyhow.
Gazes: " Hearing about others can be inspiring. It certainly can be interesting"
Of course, such a list would be great for the hobby. Again, this week, I am puzzled again by why there was so little discussion, during 2014 and '15, in media, and around the nation, of the Gardner Collection, given its incredible nature.
Gene Gardner Coins Re-Appear in Summer FUN Auction
Gazes: " The artnet 200 states that it compiled the list by polling dealers, advisors and experts. I don't know if people are listed even if they prefer not to be. Sort of like the Forbes 400 ---some try to stay under the radar and stay off the list while others volunteer financials to be on the list"
While many on the Forbes 400 list are included against their will, any list of collectors should only include people who have consented to be on the list or whose collections have already been widely publicized. Exposing collectors who do not wish to be exposed would discourage others from collecting.
In an article last year, I listed the all-time best sets of Barber halves that have been publicly auctioned. All but one of these consignors revealed their respective real names. As "Greensboro" has not, I put the Greensboro code name in quotation marks.
Shireman Finest Known Set of Gem Barber Half Dollars To Be Auctioned
insightful10@gmail.com
How do you differentiate a great collector to a great collection.
I wrote a book on John Story Jenks, who I believed was the greatest U.S. Collector
Several criteria I used to define a great collector included
extensive collection
extreme knowledge of that collection
quality coins
proper care of their coins
and most importantly, the sharing of knowledge on coins, which I believe is the essence of our hobby.
Jenks collected from around 1856 through 1922
He had one of the top ancient and early European coin collections in existence, plus many great American coins
His catalog is one of the most intense in depth historical presentation of a collection, especially on the ancient coins,
not only was their a detailed description of the coin, but an analysis of what they represented, and why they were made
His coins were of top quality. The last set of coins was proof sets from 1856 through 1916, total for all of these was about $284
today they would be worth about $$6 million, the 1892 through 1916 were sold to one individual which coins popped up around 1992,
of these many were certified PR69, which is unheard of and extremely rare.
Jenks spent the last 30 years of his life helping others, including through presentations and lectures on his coins.
This sharing of knowledge is the key to a great collector, it helps the hobby learn as a whole, creates greater interest,
helps others enjoy their coins more, inspires a next generation to collect and seek great knowledge.
IMO Jenks is the greatest American Coin Collector
Kevin
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars
The next 49 prefer anonymity , if you asked me.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Originally posted by LindeDad: "Many learned to stay under the radar from what happened to the DuPont collection."
Golden: "I agree with you."
Well, not exactly, the DuPont robbery was a long time ago, before advances in home security technology. Moreover, the DuPont house was a casual choice; the thieves did not know that anyone named DuPont lived there and they knew nothing about coins. While some collectors are very concerned about security, most are not and they figure that most people will realize that their respective collections are in bank vaults, anyhow.
Gazes: " Hearing about others can be inspiring. It certainly can be interesting"
Of course, such a list would be great for the hobby. Again, this week, I am puzzled again by why there was so little discussion, during 2014 and '15, in media, and around the nation, of the Gardner Collection, given its incredible nature.
Gene Gardner Coins Re-Appear in Summer FUN Auction
Gazes: " The artnet 200 states that it compiled the list by polling dealers, advisors and experts. I don't know if people are listed even if they prefer not to be. Sort of like the Forbes 400 ---some try to stay under the radar and stay off the list while others volunteer financials to be on the list"
While many on the Forbes 400 list are included against their will, any list of collectors should only include people who have consented to be on the list or whose collections have already been widely publicized. Exposing collectors who do not wish to be exposed would discourage others from collecting.
In an article last year, I listed the all-time best sets of Barber halves that have been publicly auctioned. All but one of these consignors revealed their respective real names. As "Greensboro" has not, I put the Greensboro code name in quotation marks.
Shireman Finest Known Set of Gem Barber Half Dollars To Be Auctioned
insightful10@gmail.com
I think you would do great at putting together a top 50 list---use whatever criteria you choose