The coins you have vs the coins you want

Gazes

Do you think more about the coins you have or the ones you want? At first blush, I would think it be the coins I want. But with me I would say it is 50-50. I spend a fair amount of time looking at my coins, researching coins I own, comparing to coins being sold, etc. Of course I'm always looking for new coins and thinking of my next additions.

Walkerfan

VERY grateful for what I have and satisfied, too.

But I do keep my eyes open for the coins to fill my remaining slots, which aren't nearly as many, anymore.

jdimmick

Greatfull for some of the ones I have been able to aquire, but still think about the ones I don't have, that I want

JeffMTampa

Certain coins I don't think about at all; must be time to sell. Some I pay attention frequently; keepers. Some series I look at daily- need to fill the holes.

topstuf

I had the late, great Russ sell all my mediocre stuff.
He did a GREAT job and I don't miss a single one.

Now, I concentrate ONLY on stuff I know I will like for the duration.
Big change from accumulating "stuff" vs. coins I like for reasons other than filling "holes."
Never again.
Big decision. Don't regret it.

Better one interesting piece than a box of ....stuff.

WildIdea

Def appreciate the coins I have more than ones I don't own.

I would say that if I had all the money back for the coins I have I'd set out to buy them or ones like them again. Only that I also know that what I was buying 10-12 years ago wasn't in the spotlight like now and when they do show up they cost more than I was paying. I mentioned during to a transaction with a dealer at FUN one January I was stoked I scored a pop one Lincoln in PC 65 BN dripping in color and he scoffed that it wasn't RED so was just to not be taken seriously or something. Copper coins in 65-66 BN get made now and then but are quite unique and much more expensive now. This pleases me as well as makes me a little spoiled in a way usually getting me to pass on this or that.

For me, I'd rather not buy into a hot market. Like bust halves right now as much as I'd like to! I'm late to that party. I try to buy what nobody is chasing and buy it from people that don't like it.

Looking for another area to get ahead of the curve on, which I like to think is in eye appealing affordable foreign coins. There's always a new coin out there I've never seen. Not really looking to plunk even more cash into this hobby, but open to an opportunity if it arises.

stevepk

As a selective buyer, it should take several years to reach the point you focus more so on what you have rather than what you don't have. Of course, this depends heavily on your budget. If you have millions to spend, you may not need to daydream about owning a 1796 quarter or a matching 1794 flowing hair silver dollar and half dollar. For an average collector with a limited budget, it may take ten years or more before he can appreciate what he has rather than what he lacks. The key is to focus on quality when you do decide to make a purchase. It is hard to think about the coins you have when most of those coins are dreck material. As for me, there will always be something I want but do not have, and I am sure that will always be a long list. It is best to appreciate what I have versus what I want. Otherwise, this hobby can be a money pit.

Type2

The only coins I want are the ones I have, I do keep my eyes open just in case I see a good deal.

joeykoins

The ones I want are so more greater than the ones I have. Call me greedy but the coins I always long for are error coins that probably never will be reached into my collection? You know, the greats, such as, '55 D.D.,1969s D.D Cent., 1943 Copper Cent, Hot Lips Morgan, and the best of the best, the 1895 Proof Morgan. I'm not asking for too much, huh? LOL

BillJones

I'd say it's 80% to the coins I have and 20% for the coins (and tokens and medals) I don't have. I am always studying and looking at the coins I have, but I'm also searching the Internet and auction catalogs for stuff on my want list.

I am within two British kings of completing that "all rulers" set. The two I don't have are seldom offered. One of them is a well known rarity, and his history tells you why. The other guy is very obscure, and I've learned from the dealers and gathered from the catalog prices, that his coins are not often found.

As for my U.S. want list, there are couple rarities and the rest are "common" except when you want one in "real" AU or low end Unc.

I am not the kind of collector that is constantly selling off material after I have completed a set. The most famous guy who did that was Robbie Brown who was the first to get every large variety from 1793 to 1857. On the day he sold his first set he was out buying the second one.

ricko

I concentrate mainly on the coins I have..... If I could go to shows, I would not be looking for particular coins for sets etc.. Rather it would be a coin that jumps out and I feel an immediate affinity for..... one that has unique design features, a good strike, lack of tarnish, although dirty gold is ok . Now I just look for attractive - to me - coins. Shop more on the BST now... Cheers, RickO

HandH

I'd say it's around 50/50. While I greatly appreciate the coins/medals I'm lucky to own, I find myself frequently planning where I'd like my collection to be in the future. That inevitably includes which pieces to prune and pondering which pieces to add and where. It's great enjoyment.

PTVETTER

I have to admit that I think more about the coins I need.
However once I have completed my dime set my though may change?
It seem that once I complete a set my mind moves them to the back of my mind even though I need upgrades.
As an example my 1938 proof set is complete and I have not looked for any upgrades, but I was told an upgrade is out there.

Cougar1978

The more I have the more I want.....