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If it isn't rare, why bother?
291fifth
Posts: 25,241 ✭✭✭✭✭
Is there really any good reason to fool around with coins that aren't actually rare?
All glory is fleeting.
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<< <i>Is there really any good reason to fool around with coins that aren't actually rare? >>
Could you define rare?
Even circulated Lincolns in albums can be a lot of fun! And I can find 10+ of every single one of those on eBay right now.
collect them? Dang sure are fun to find, though!
bob
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Many Walkers are common and they are common and affordable
I will not go on the world stage- rarity is important for part of the collection just not all of it
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Rare in terms of original mintages?
Rare for the grade?
Population reports?
Availability at shows and auctions?
"R" numbers?
Eric
Coin Rarities Online
If all it takes is money to buy an numismatic item, it is not rare.
Very, very few US coins are actually rare but many, many are very expensive because that is what people want to collect.
Beauty
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Competition
Greed
I'm sure there are more...
<< <i>I have always thought a question, or statement like this in the OP is rather elitist. >>
And, you would be correct.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
<< <i>Fun >>
A Winnah!
Especially since we're just fooling around
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
<< <i>Is there really any good reason to fool around with coins that aren't actually rare? >>
For the top 5 collectors, No.
For the rest of us, Yes.
<< <i>Is there really any good reason to fool around with coins that aren't actually rare? >>
the answer is simple. rarity isn't the only thing enjoyable about numismatics.
.
The op is likely an elitist with a fat wallet or a good eye for esoteric die-varieties, that wants to think he is some how superior to the 80% to 90% of U.S. coin collectors that tend to buy coins that are for the most part readily available, and are not rare by any real metrics (less than 100 extant or is it even a lower number to qualify for rare?).
As always, collect what you like and enjoy the hobby. A collector that buys low pop esoteric items is not superior, to a person that enjoys buying common Franklin halves, or common Morgan dollars. I identify far more with the latter groups than someone collecting colonials, or R7 tokens, or other hard to find items.
<< <i>I don't think I own a single "rare" coin as defined in the traditional metrics. I guess I've wasted my entire time in the hobby. RYK posted a similar question, a few weeks back, and I blasted him for it. The op deserves the same blast.
The op is likely an elitist with a fat wallet or a good eye for esoteric die-varieties, that wants to think he is some how superior to the 80% to 90% of U.S. coin collectors that tend to buy coins that are for the most part readily available, and are not rare by any real metrics (less than 100 extant or is it even a lower number to qualify for rare).
As always, collect what you like and enjoy the hobby. A collector that buys low pop esoteric items is in not superior, to a person that enjoys buying common Franklin halves, or common Morgan dollars. I identify far more with the latter groups than someone collecting colonials, or R7 tokens, or other hard to find items. >>
I 100% agree with everything you wrote, RedTiger - except to say the OP probably isn't an elitist, but most certainly wins my award for "most Debbie Downer collector of all time!"
EAC 6024
<< <i>If it isn't rare, why bother?
>>
Because otherwise your nice chUnc indian cent collection has only one coin in it, you
can't collect Lincolns, and your Gem 18th century half dollar collection is just an empty
album.
<< <i>If only rare coins were collected, the collector would be as rare as the coins they collect. >>
True, many things collected like wheat cents can actually found at a bank. I am sure there are those that only collect the rarest of coins but these often sit in a vault. If the coin is too rare, nobody bothers since they know they can never own one. Rare of course is subjective. I could consider mercury dimes rare since I only found four in rolls from the bank, buffalo nickels since I only found one, or V nickels since I can't find them in circulation at all. You may consider a 1913 V Nickel or 1943D bronze wheat cent as rare.
I have many V Nickels that are not listed. Email me at buddycoins at ("@) hotmail.com or PM me.
If you sipping your favorite beer and some pompous dude walks past and says he wouldn't serve what you are drinking to his dog, and he only drinks the finest of wines, nothing less than $1,000 a bottle, your next sip of beer won't taste any less wonderful.
<< <i>Look how many people sing up to run a 5k, 10k, half-marathon or marathon, with no chance of winning. Some are good sports in defeat, but most others simply redefine the whole event in terms other than winning and losing so they can enjoy themselves. So many things are like this, not sure why coin collecting would be any different. >>
I really like this analogy.
I prefer to collect 'Raw' Large Cents and am a member of the Early American Copper club. I specialize in Late Dates(1840-1857)and collect by Die Variety(I currently own 327 of 386 Die Varieties) and in some cases 'Rare' Die States. If I buy a coin which is slabbed...the first thing I do is liberate it from its 'Prison'. I am working on EAC conservatively graded XF-40 or better...problem free coins for my set. Many would consider them choice for the grade and I do own many that have the label in their coin envelops from cracked out slabs which most always show a 'Slabbed Grade' which is 15 to 20 points higher. So it just goes to show that their is room in this hobby/industry for collectors/investors and a coin does not have to be 'Rare' to be of consideration.....
Take it easy.....Lion
<< <i>Is there really any good reason to fool around with coins that aren't actually rare? >>
No, there isn't. So please let us know what hobby we should be spending our time and money on.
Nobody on this Board is awed and everybody here knows about them so using the modifier of "rare" here to describe double dimes is meaningless.
Oh ... why bother? Personal enjoyment. Any benefit beyond that is a marvelous bonus.
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>I don't think I own a single "rare" coin as defined in the traditional metrics. I guess I've wasted my entire time in the hobby. RYK posted a similar question, a few weeks back, and I blasted him for it. The op deserves the same blast.
The op is likely an elitist with a fat wallet or a good eye for esoteric die-varieties, that wants to think he is some how superior to the 80% to 90% of U.S. coin collectors that tend to buy coins that are for the most part readily available, and are not rare by any real metrics (less than 100 extant or is it even a lower number to qualify for rare?).
As always, collect what you like and enjoy the hobby. A collector that buys low pop esoteric items is not superior, to a person that enjoys buying common Franklin halves, or common Morgan dollars. I identify far more with the latter groups than someone collecting colonials, or R7 tokens, or other hard to find items. >>
Since you brought it up, my query was significantly different.
Most of us live in a world of limited resources. If you tie up your money in a coin that is readily available, you may miss the opportunity to buy a coin that is not often available to you when it presents itself to you. As such, I have continued to delay buying coins that I would like to add to my collection (a UHR, a 55DDO, and others that are always available), to have the capital to buy coins that are less available. That is the exact scenario that prompted me to start the thread (which then went off in a variety of directions), and if that it elitist or "nauseating", so be it.
How often do I see people have a fire sale on the BST when a coin that they really need comes available, and they feel compelled to quickly raise funds to buy it. I know that there are times that I wish I had not purchased some "common" coins when I did not have the money to buy the "rare" coin when it came around. I am sure that I am not alone in this.
As for the OP, I cannot state his motivation for starting this thread, other than a masochistic urge, but I think that there is some merit to the idea, and it is certainly something that one should occasionally ask one's self, when making coin purchases--along with a myriad of other questions. It need not be a driving force and making the decision to buy a coin. It need not have any influence at all, but the rarity of a coin often affects its future value to some degree, and some folks are concerned about that.
Another thing to consider is many people like to dig through junk trays looking for better date walkers, mercs, etc. while these coins are not rare many people like to have an old coin made of silver or say a few $5 lib's just because they are made of gold and are still within the reach of the average collector.
<< <i>Most of us live in a world of limited resources. If you tie up your money in a coin that is readily available, you may miss the opportunity to buy a coin that is not often available to you when it presents itself to you. As such, I have continued to delay buying coins that I would like to add to my collection (a UHR, a 55DDO, and others that are always available), to have the capital to buy coins that are less available. That is the exact scenario that prompted me to start the thread (which then went off in a variety of directions), and if that it elitist or "nauseating", so be it. >>
It's not elitist to make that collecting decision for yourself. It becomes elitist when you (in general, not directed at any specific poster) insist/imply/come right out and say that others should do the same.
<< <i>I can somewhat agree with what he is saying but there is a problem with this line of thinking. People like to collect different things and a design that appeals to one person doesn't appeal to another, also consider a 1955 double die cent is not a rare coin at all but it is such a cool coin that many collectors want one in their collection.
Another thing to consider is many people like to dig through junk trays looking for better date walkers, mercs, etc. while these coins are not rare many people like to have an old coin made of silver or say a few $5 lib's just because they are made of gold and are still within the reach of the average collector. >>
Of course, there is a problem. People collect various things, for various reasons. From my perspective, I have never regretted deploying my own limited resources in a "rare" coin, defined by me as one that I have had few and limited opportunities to buy, but have often regretted tying up the money in "common" coins, defined by me as those that are readily available. Most of us cannot have our cake and eat it, too. So sorry if that sounds elitist.
I tend to enjoy most the coins that have been most challenging to buy, as measured by opportunity, not price.
I have some Philippine coins that my father brought back from there in 1945 after thankfully not getting killed.
I have a notgeld "coin" from the town in Germany where my grandmother was born.
I have a Mexican 1950 silver piece with a steam locamotive on it that I once gave to my father-in-law, who used to work for the Rock Island Railroad back when they still used steam locomotives, that I inherited back and kept because I was born in 1950.
I have several foreign gold coins struck in 1950, some of which are just bullion.
I have a 1968 Canada dollar that I bought at the Royal Canadian Mint after I toured it in the Summer of 1968.
My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
Remember the poster on here that bought a pull bell that may or may not have been used inside the Philly Mint? The search for inforamtion, the updates, the intrigue... that's why I collect.
<< <i>
<< <i>Most of us live in a world of limited resources. If you tie up your money in a coin that is readily available, you may miss the opportunity to buy a coin that is not often available to you when it presents itself to you. As such, I have continued to delay buying coins that I would like to add to my collection (a UHR, a 55DDO, and others that are always available), to have the capital to buy coins that are less available. That is the exact scenario that prompted me to start the thread (which then went off in a variety of directions), and if that it elitist or "nauseating", so be it. >>
It's not elitist to make that collecting decision for yourself. It becomes elitist when you (in general, not directed at any specific poster) insist/imply/come right out and say that others should do the same. >>
I would never suggest that anyone act in any way, but I would suggest that others consider and discuss the viewpoint, in a non-hostile manner, without name-calling, etc.
Some people like to "win" the argument but making personal attacks on the OP, like has occurred in this thread. I like to work the various sides of the argument and see how it fits for me.
I would not call this coin rare. But the hand made wooden slab (made in 1943) is priceless. They belong together for eternity. You can thank John Agre for plucking this one out!
By the way the owner of this slab paid $1.75 for this coin back in 1943. John Agre was kind enough to charge me the same $1.75 for this coin in 2012 but had to charge extra for this wooden slab! Now this wooden slab is BLOODY RARE!
<< <i>291Fifth,
I would not call this coin rare. But the hand made wooden slab (made in 1943) is priceless. They belong together for eternity. You can thank John Agre for plucking this one out!
By the way the owner of this slab paid $1.75 for this coin back in 1943. John Agre was kind enough to charge me the same $1.75 for this coin in 2012 but had to charge extra for this wooden slab! Now this wooden slab is BLOODY RARE!
You just made my week! That is the coolest!
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>
<< <i>I don't think I own a single "rare" coin as defined in the traditional metrics. I guess I've wasted my entire time in the hobby. RYK posted a similar question, a few weeks back, and I blasted him for it. The op deserves the same blast.
The op is likely an elitist with a fat wallet or a good eye for esoteric die-varieties, that wants to think he is some how superior to the 80% to 90% of U.S. coin collectors that tend to buy coins that are for the most part readily available, and are not rare by any real metrics (less than 100 extant or is it even a lower number to qualify for rare?).
As always, collect what you like and enjoy the hobby. A collector that buys low pop esoteric items is not superior, to a person that enjoys buying common Franklin halves, or common Morgan dollars. I identify far more with the latter groups than someone collecting colonials, or R7 tokens, or other hard to find items. >>
Since you brought it up, my query was significantly different.
Most of us live in a world of limited resources. If you tie up your money in a coin that is readily available, you may miss the opportunity to buy a coin that is not often available to you when it presents itself to you. As such, I have continued to delay buying coins that I would like to add to my collection (a UHR, a 55DDO, and others that are always available), to have the capital to buy coins that are less available. That is the exact scenario that prompted me to start the thread (which then went off in a variety of directions), and if that it elitist or "nauseating", so be it.
How often do I see people have a fire sale on the BST when a coin that they really need comes available, and they feel compelled to quickly raise funds to buy it. I know that there are times that I wish I had not purchased some "common" coins when I did not have the money to buy the "rare" coin when it came around. I am sure that I am not alone in this.
As for the OP, I cannot state his motivation for starting this thread, other than a masochistic urge, but I think that there is some merit to the idea, and it is certainly something that one should occasionally ask one's self, when making coin purchases--along with a myriad of other questions. It need not be a driving force and making the decision to buy a coin. It need not have any influence at all, but the rarity of a coin often affects its future value to some degree, and some folks are concerned about that. >>
I don't think it is elitist at all to focus on collecting rare coins - it just depends on how much patience you have. I'm currently doing some collection consolidation as a very rare coin just came to the market which meets all of my requirements and I don't want to pass it up. Many coins are very common and when you've waited for a coin for several years and don't want to put too much additional capital into coins, a sell off is required. I expect to at least break even on the coins when selling but I definitely regret buying them now as it's introduced a fair amount of hassle.
Ironically, RYK, the coins you're waiting to buy for the same reasons are exactly some of the ones I've sold off already - 55 DDO/UHR/42 over 1 10c/S VDB/classic HR Saint. All of those are easily replaceable at any show and now that I've owned them, I've satisfied my appetite for them and don't have a need to own them again. Introspectively, I think this is because I know that I can get them again at any time. Knowing that on any day I can take my pick of dozens of each of these, I'm disinterested by them as there's no chase, and while many are attractive coins (the classic HR is indeed a beautiful coin), I'd much rather focus on truly rare coins.
A related comment that resonated with me from another thread a while back was posted by messydesk: Only buy coins that are worth your time to sell.
<< <i>Silly thread contrived to get folks bowels in an uproar.
I agree 100%.
I seriously doubt the OP believes what he wrote.
<< <i>
<< <i>Silly thread contrived to get folks bowels in an uproar.
I agree 100%.
I seriously doubt the OP believes what he wrote. >>
I disagree. I think it is a question that many of us ask ourselves, consciously or subconsciously, whenever we buy a coin. Sometimes, it makes me stop in my tracks when considering a common coin. Other times, when I like the beauty or history of the coin, it fills a hole, scratches an itch, or satisfies a whim, I shrug it off and buy the coin anyways.
All this talk about rare coins reminds me that I gotta run to the post office to pick up some SAEs that are waiting for me.