The Thrill is Gone...

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RYK
RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
Due to a combination of factors, I believe that my days of being an active coin collector are drawing to a close. I have taken some breaks in the past, reshuffled the deck, thrown the deck out the window, swabbed the deck, etc., but I have always come out of it is an avid collector. This time, things are indeed different. These are some of the reasons why:

1. I do cycle in and out of interests, like many people, and I have spent an unusually long time in this interest.
2. I have other demands for my discretionary money--family trips, running gear, Steelers thong underwear, to name a few.
3. I have other demands for the capital already spent on coins. Specifically, I am looking to wrap up Act I of the working career and need the funds for Act II.
4. The competition for the coins that I like has become so intense that it is often a matter of who refreshes which website faster as to who gets the coin. Relationships seem to matter less.
5. Prices have increased to the point that I am no longer able or comfortable paying for many of the coins that I would have purchased 5-10 years ago and would have otherwise added to my collection, including coins that I sold in the neighborhood of 5+ years ago.

But, ultimately, the thrill is gone. The bloom is off the rose. The fat lady is singing. It's not you, it's me. Etc.

So where do we go from here?

I have sold about half the value of my collection in the last six months, with likely more to follow. I plan to keep some coins and have some idea which ones are keepers (and a strategy or cohesive theme) and which are not. To be honest, I am down to the coins I like the best and am having trouble parting with them, so I think there may be some life in me as a collector. Perhaps down the road, I will cycle back into coins--or not--and either outcome is perfectly acceptable to me.

I do enjoy the forum banter, and if it is okay with the powers that be (and Keets), I will probably still come around and participate in the numismatic banter--so long as it is fun and light. image
My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
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Comments

  • MGLICKER
    MGLICKER Posts: 7,995 ✭✭✭
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    It is in your blood man. Take a break and come back in the Fall!


  • Eagleguy
    Eagleguy Posts: 2,264 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Good luck with your future plans! Hopefully we'll continue to see more of you here. I always enjoy your posts.

    JH
    JH

    Proof Buffalo Registry Set
    Capped Bust Quarters Registry Set
    Proof Walking Liberty Halves Registry Set
  • Justacommeman
    Justacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    1) Those must be some fancy running shoes you be a needing

    2) I hate to see you post less

    3) Your plan make sense

    4) You can always jump back in

    Do you still have that Libertas medal you want to sell on the cheap?

    image

    MJ
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • MidLifeCrisis
    MidLifeCrisis Posts: 10,617 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    All the best to you in whatever your future holds, my friend.

    Having walked away from the hobby, I understand your sentiment completely. I hope you do find yourself reinvigorated, as I did, and come back sooner rather than later. But if you've truly moved on...I wish I'd bought the Hain PTS back from you! image
  • Tassa
    Tassa Posts: 2,373 ✭✭
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    << <i>It is in your blood man. Take a break and come back in the Fall! >>



    image

    Jade Rare Coin
    Jade Rare Coin eBay Listings
  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Dog maven & Dog whisperer providing sage advice to all?

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • bidask
    bidask Posts: 14,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Will you please sell me back that 8 reales ( I think Peru) that was a pcgs 58.

    It had a double profile of the bust....

    Please?
    I manage money. I earn money. I save money .
    I give away money. I collect money.
    I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.




  • 123cents
    123cents Posts: 7,178 ✭✭✭
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    << <i>Good luck with your future plans! Hopefully we'll continue to see more of you here. I always enjoy your posts.

    JH >>



    image
    image
  • erickso1
    erickso1 Posts: 1,706 ✭✭✭
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    Man, that Baseball HOF decision about whether to open the box or not really took it out of you. image
  • BryceM
    BryceM Posts: 11,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I've done the same thing in other hobbies. No worries. At least you're leaving on your terms. You might get pulled back in later and maybe not. If cashing in allows you to take your career a better direction, jump in and never look back.

    Keep a few though - maybe the ones that would be impossible to replace....... Or not. They're just things. Do stop by though.....
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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    This content has been removed.
  • Boosibri
    Boosibri Posts: 12,718 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Genuinely sorry to hear it... I appreciate the education and selling me a coin or three here and there. It was through those discussions and transactions that I really saw what nice gold looks like. You have certainly made an impact on me as a collector and for that I'm very thankful.

    Keep in touch whether through the forum or email.

    Brian

    Latin American Collection

  • Sonorandesertrat
    Sonorandesertrat Posts: 5,695 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Best of luck. You're still a homie.image
    Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA

    RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'

    CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
  • shorecoll
    shorecoll Posts: 5,447 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Put your remaining superstars away, call them your "fixed asset portfolio" and forget about them for a while. "No, I don't collect coins...I do have a fixed asset portfolio to balance my other investments". If you sell them and they continue to climb you'll be sick. I've been in and out of collecting 3 or 4 times, never had as good a set as you do, and that's happened to me every time. Bust dollars, bust, seated and barber halves, woof.

    Good luck with whatever you decide.

    PS. Seek therapy for your Steelers obsession. image
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • SethChandler
    SethChandler Posts: 1,722 ✭✭✭✭
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    Darn, Newman, Gardner, Pouges, and now RYK. Whats the world coming to?

    Once you have it it always stays there. Half the fun is the people I meet. I spend most of my time at shows chatting away. Most have been there 20 years or more, and they will be there in the future as well.

    Its probably good to say your going to quit and actually do it. I did. Walked away for two years in the mid 90's. No Coin World, no books, no shops. Walked away. This is after collecting at 5, crazy crackhead collecting at 10. Then when I came back, I really came back. I knew I would be a numismatist forever, and that made it much easier. The problems you mentioned, were always there, and will continue to evolve and be there. I struggle with it all the time like you. You just have to choose to embrace all of it. It you do, you will be happier.

    Another thing. You ave never seen a market crash. It will come one day. They're bad, real bad. When it does, you will have a much different perspective on things, which will help you to reframe your level of numismatic involvement.

    Just my thoughts, RYK!
    Collecting since 1976.
  • CoinJunkie
    CoinJunkie Posts: 8,772 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Truly the "End of an Era".

    image
    My Roosevelt Dime Registry Set
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Guys, I am not leaving the forum, don't worry...or worry! image
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • mariner67
    mariner67 Posts: 2,746 ✭✭✭
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    RYK I have always found you to be a consistently level headed poster whose opinions I have always found interesting, logical and enlightening.
    I, as many here, will surely miss you posts and especially seeing some of the outstanding coins you have shared with us.
    I have no doubt you are doing what is best for you and wish you much success and happiness in any new path you go down.
    Best to you!
    Successful trades/buys/sells with gdavis70, adriana, wondercoin, Weiss, nibanny, IrishMike, commoncents05, pf70collector, kyleknap, barefootjuan, coindeuce, WhiteTornado, Nefprollc, ajw, JamesM, PCcoins, slinc, coindudeonebay,beernuts, and many more
  • joeykoins
    joeykoins Posts: 18,853 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Yes, I think I know where your coming from? We all get this feeling. I too felt this way and end up selling quite a big chunk of my collection as you did. We all must admit that coins aren't the only things that matter in this world. There are far more relevant and more important matters. I know what's worth concentrating on and I'm sure you do also. Since I sold most of my collection and came to the point that coins are not filling my happiness. What I'm spending my valuable time on now is much, much pleasing and peace of mind. Less stress and worried about If I should buy this and that next coin. I hope you too find the peace and real joy in your life! Just expressing my feelings on your major decision. -joey

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    PS. Seek therapy for your Steelers obsession.

    Interestingly, I am simultaneously cycling out of this interest, too. image
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • bronco2078
    bronco2078 Posts: 10,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>PS. Seek therapy for your Steelers obsession.

    Interestingly, I am simultaneously cycling out of this interest, too. image >>



    Well , so are the steelers themselves image
  • leothelyon
    leothelyon Posts: 8,568 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    With me, I find that I have too much on the table at times and have trouble keeping them all in perspective. Like when I went to pay my property taxes, I used the wrong checkbook for the bank that had the funds. There were $76 in penalty fees that really p-ssed me off. I still need to finish remodeling the upstairs. I still have stuff at the old place and my 3 bay garage is full and nobody wants to sort it all out. I did get the truck going again that involved new oil pan gasket, clutch set and transmission, the type of work I've never been trained in but so far, it's running. I have several lawns to mow weekly but with all the rain? Just finished painting one set of step railings for a customer with one set to go. I have this plugged floor drain in the basement next to the washer with a soft brass clean out plug that does not want to come out. I've tried everything from a crescent to a pipe wrench to a chisel and hammer. Maybe a cutting torch will do the trick that I don't have. My brother wants to be a coin dealer so add doing coin shows to the mess. I'm suppose to eventually add a few hundred coins with pics to my website. The cats now have fleas again and I have this barking dog next door which by the way belongs to my son and my water gun is broke. Bela...........shut the heII up, will ya as I yell out my window. And here I am sitting in front of my computer. Well, it's time to get busy again. Sigh


    Leo

    The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

    My Jefferson Nickel Collection

  • joebb21
    joebb21 Posts: 4,811 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    This is RYK's secret way of saying he is downsizing to make some big purchases in the Pogue sale
    may the fonz be with you...always...
  • DIMEMAN
    DIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Don't go SHANE.......COME BACK SHANE......PLEASE SHANE DON'T GO!!!!!

    Seriously it won't be the same without ya.......but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.image
  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    marriages evolve

    relationships evolve


    perhaps this is normal evolution?


    perhaps all you need is a break to re-situate yourself....


    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • Patches
    Patches Posts: 1,700 ✭✭✭
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    I've seen it in many a message board good-bye posts...those who announce that they have no interest inevitably return after a break. The thrill is never really gone until one just turns off the light and doesn't look back. I hope some day the dirty gold fever excites you again, you have a great eye for quality material. image
  • RYK
    RYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    To be honest, I am so deeply committed to #3 (transitioning into a new career path, or off the path entirely image ) that any expenditure on coins is currently viewed as a step in the wrong direction.
    My Box of 20: https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/box-20/ryks-gold-box-20/17132
  • dbcoin
    dbcoin Posts: 2,200 ✭✭
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    << <i>To be honest, I am so deeply committed to #3 (transitioning into a new career path, or off the path entirely image ) that any expenditure on coins is currently viewed as a step in the wrong direction. >>



    you have a good eye for coins. I can't believe that the coins you have bought have lost you money unless you view opportunity cost.
  • guitarwes
    guitarwes Posts: 9,308 ✭✭✭
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    I've recently delved into the world of Aquaponics (growing vegetables with fish poo) and it has given me a well-needed break from coins.

    I miss dealing in coins on a day to day or week to week basis so it'll probably always be a part of who I am and what I want to dabble in....that is if I don't get into the commercial aspect of aquaponics, then I won't have the time for the little round shiny discs.
    @ Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook. Check out my work.
    Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
  • Broadstruck
    Broadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>I've recently delved into the world of Aquaponics (growing vegetables with fish poo) >>



    Although sad to see RYK having lost his desire to collect.... Between this post & "Steelers thong underwear" I think I've broken a rib from laughter image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • DrPete
    DrPete Posts: 1,497 ✭✭✭
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    Good luck RYK. I have enjoyed my in-person meetings with you at shows, as well as discussions on the board. Hope your career changes work well for you. I changed jobs at the beginning of the year, but still in the same state, but at a different hospital. Mostly a similar practice, but a change nevertheless. I haven't lost the love of coins, but buying a second home means I now am collecting houses!
    Dr. Pete
  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>To be honest, I am so deeply committed to #3 (transitioning into a new career path, or off the path entirely image ) that any expenditure on coins is currently viewed as a step in the wrong direction. >>




    what is your area of medical expertise?

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • BAJJERFAN
    BAJJERFAN Posts: 31,662 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>

    << <i>To be honest, I am so deeply committed to #3 (transitioning into a new career path, or off the path entirely image ) that any expenditure on coins is currently viewed as a step in the wrong direction. >>




    what is your area of medical expertise? >>



    Radiology.

    Speakin a which, I had a MRI the other day and dang near fell asleep in the thing. They got done JIT.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • bosco5041
    bosco5041 Posts: 1,303 ✭
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    I'm glad to hear you are staying on the forum. I have learned some reading your post and looking at your great coins although I can't really afford that type of coins.
  • derryb
    derryb Posts: 38,613 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Well, you can always start collecting wives.

    Government is the great fiction through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. - Bastiat

  • blu62vette
    blu62vette Posts: 11,972 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Well, you can always start collecting wives. >>



    talk about expensive....
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • littlebear
    littlebear Posts: 1,600 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Wishing you the very best in your new endeavors! Sometimes it is really difficult to give up something you love so much, but must, in pursuit of new dreams. The older I get, the more I realize that I really don't regret what I have done, but rather what I did not do.

    In "If I Had My Life To Live Over" the late Erma Bombeck wrote: "But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back."

    Best of luck.


    Larry L.


    image
    Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
  • bidask
    bidask Posts: 14,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>To be honest, I am so deeply committed to #3 (transitioning into a new career path, or off the path entirely image ) that any expenditure on coins is currently viewed as a step in the wrong direction. >>

    So what is act II going to be? What are you transitioning into ?
    I manage money. I earn money. I save money .
    I give away money. I collect money.
    I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.




  • AUandAG
    AUandAG Posts: 25,050 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Summer doldrums......I hope!

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • magikbilly
    magikbilly Posts: 6,780 ✭
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    Best of luck with your new directions. image

    Eric
  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    sounds like the thrill is gone from work, too.


    the other half is not worried, I hope? image

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • KentuckyJ
    KentuckyJ Posts: 1,871 ✭✭✭
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    Totally understand, or almost totally. Definitely wish you the best of luck. I know my own collection and interests have many times been influenced by your numismatic presence from afar image
  • mariner67
    mariner67 Posts: 2,746 ✭✭✭
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    Sounds like the fat lady is warming up!
    Successful trades/buys/sells with gdavis70, adriana, wondercoin, Weiss, nibanny, IrishMike, commoncents05, pf70collector, kyleknap, barefootjuan, coindeuce, WhiteTornado, Nefprollc, ajw, JamesM, PCcoins, slinc, coindudeonebay,beernuts, and many more
  • BAJJERFAN
    BAJJERFAN Posts: 31,662 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>To be honest, I am so deeply committed to #3 (transitioning into a new career path, or off the path entirely image ) that any expenditure on coins is currently viewed as a step in the wrong direction. >>



    So this prolly means that you aint gonna be a coin dealer?
    theknowitalltroll;
  • steveben
    steveben Posts: 4,666 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    bummer. image
  • kaz
    kaz Posts: 9,378 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I have always enjoyed your posts and sense of humor, and hope you will continue to participate on the forum. Best of luck with whatever course your career takes, I hope it is satisfying on multiple levels.
  • 3stars
    3stars Posts: 2,303 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Best of luck! I did the same thing about six months ago, decided that investing in stocks was the new interest. Plus, it pays better than coins...
    Previous transactions: Wondercoin, goldman86, dmarks, Type2
  • 291fifth
    291fifth Posts: 25,218 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    You are now transitioning from collector to numismatist.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • 291fifth
    291fifth Posts: 25,218 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>Best of luck! I did the same thing about six months ago, decided that investing in stocks was the new interest. Plus, it pays better than coins... >>



    In today's investment world you do not "invest" in stocks, you speculate in them. Pray you are not holding them when the institutions decide it is time to dump them.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,057 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    << <i>

    << <i>To be honest, I am so deeply committed to #3 (transitioning into a new career path, or off the path entirely image ) that any expenditure on coins is currently viewed as a step in the wrong direction. >>



    So this prolly means that you aint gonna be a coin dealer? >>



    I heard he's got a new app going called radiograph your kin.




    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions

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