<< <i>Due to a combination of factors, I believe that my days of being an active coin collector are drawing to a close.
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 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. >>
I have been in a similar boat. I just checked my records and the last "significant" coins I bought were in May 2012 (and most on this forum would call those coins low end widgets). I haven't sold much, but unlike RYK, I have never sold very much. I still have a coin or two from RYK in my collection. These days, I still have my big toe in the hobby, but I would not call myself an active collector. Overall, I have shifted significant time and energy away from coins.
What changed for me? I started to learn to play piano in March 2012. Piano is time intensive, and can be money intensive. I find making music far more rewarding than coins have ever been. My dad passed away in November 2013. The ephemeral nature of all the material possessions gets reinforced by a funeral. Those are the big two that changed my perspective.
I have not added an important coin from my want list for a while also. The best was an 1850-D gold dollar, but the grade was just EF-45. There are just not that many nice coins available.
I did buy a very nice example of the 1905 Teddy Roosevelt inaugural medal by St. Gaudens a few months ago, but that was a medal, not a coin.
The HOF situation has really soured my interest in the modern commemoratives. Most of them have been losers that loyal collectors like me have collected over the years at the full issue prices. Now I'm tired of reading the posts from the flippers who brag about getting 100 coins from the mint while I cannot get even one. The mint could reduce those orders and give some consideration to their regular customers who have bought from the mint through thick and thin, but the mint is not going to do that. The mint sticks by the fair weather flippers, who only buy when there is money to be made.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
Ironically, I was going to post something along the same lines, but, since my post count is low, I shied away.
I have been collecting since 1963, with a few breaks, both involuntary (low draft number) and my own (young family).
I read this forum for inspiration, and get some, but get dispirited at the same time.
I have TOO many different things, from the fill the hole Lincolns to a pair of "up there" PCGS registry sets.
What is giving me pause:
I never will complete the sets, too much money. China counterfeits, and I am just no good enough to catch every one of them. Crack it out and upgrade fever. Countless variations that, to me, are just normal manufacturing wobble. I was a manufacturing manager for 25+ years. Things shift, and are still within tolerance. Your heirs are going to take a bath, so get out before you croak.
I am dealing with resolving my Dad's stamp collection. Scott Value 1,000,000 plus US, but that is magic money, as he did not collect US for the last 25 years of his life, but focused on British, and had, probably, one of the top 10 collections. Everyone wants me to turn it over to "them" to disposition. US is bad enough, but sending it back across the pond to an uncertain fate is edgy. I know the price he paid cannot be realized, as he sough minute variations in color, perforations, etc, that another collector will not care about.
I think about my family having to do the same with my coins, my cars (down to 6 collectible from 1930 to 1968), my other stuff.
Some is just fatigue from trying to help my mom, a borderline hoarder, now in senior living, turn loose of a 4000' home stuffed to the gills, with STUFF after STUFF, and the PRETTIES that she cared about, that no one else really cares about now (Hummels, Waterford, Wedgewood, English Antique Furniture, etc.).
So, mostly it just sits in safety deposit boxes in darkness.
The only thing I did right was buy a small mountain of $20 gold coins, common date / mint MS62 - 64 (I thought they looked good) when gold was around $450, and sold them all around $1700, so financially, I am ahead, and the $$ allowed me to play with other coins. like the Peace and Morgan registry sets.
After rereading this post, I guess I do need to take a break, downsize significantly, and maybe go for that box of 20 people speak of.
What changed for me? I started to learn to play piano in March 2012. Piano is time intensive, and can be money intensive. I find making music far more rewarding than coins have ever been. My dad passed away in November 2013. The ephemeral nature of all the material possessions gets reinforced by a funeral. Those are the big two that changed my perspective.
I read that in another thread. First, I am sorry about your father. Second, I agree with your shift in perspective.
I also want to have more experiences while I am in a place of the life cycle where I can enjoy them, especially things that I can do with my family. Over winter break, I took a fabulous trip to Paris with my wife and 12 and 15 year old kids. I would trade any coin I ever owned to be able to do that again!
Next month, I am climbing a 14er in Colorado with my son and some old friends. I have spent the last 18 months shaving my 10k and half marathon times down further than I ever thought I could (running as a 48 year old, nearly as fast as when I was 28), medaling in races along the way. I have a big 50 bday trip that I am planning for my family next summer.
Coins? I still like them. A lot. I like the "history in your hands" aura. I like the artistry and craftsmanship of days past. I even like flipping HOFers. Coins will still be there 10 and 20 years from now.
Coins can become an obsession, that's for sure. I had plans to snatch a Saddle Ridge $20, a few months ago but thankfully I listened to the good advice here and held off on blowing from $5k - $12k on much of nothing.
Instead of putting a big lump of cash into Coins I've paid off the new Truck I bought last October. Fully paid in 9 months - not bad at all.
Today Ive brought a new book to work " Investing for Dummies". Its time to look at meaningful things to park my cash into. Coins are not it.
I am always deeply saddened by someones 'departure' from the hobby. It is soooo depressing to me. Alot of the things that you're saying are making sense, tho. I, too, have started thinking A LOT about the future more and my own financial security----there's not a day goes by that I don't think of it. Also, I can understand the ephemeral nature of it to-----YES, I DO think about family and friends and our own mortality-----it is very real and scary. But for me-----I don't think that I will ever completely quit. It would be like giving up the ghost or having a part of me die along with the coins. Personally, I am at a cross roads. I have accomplished a lot and I am quite satisfied. I need a break and I need to put my money and time elsewhere----for family, increased retirement savings, etc. So, for me, I am on an extended vacation from the hobby but I am KEEPING what I have and I will likely get back into it in 2-3 years time. So, in the meantime, I enjoy the boards, going to coin shows and buying inexpensive pieces from time to time. That is still very satisfying to me. Coins are an escape for me----they keep me sane. But I understand your decision and I wish you the best of luck!! And don't be a stranger.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
<< <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. >>
Do you have $500 in stocks too?
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.
Your shift in interest sounds like you have some good priorities, not necessarily that you are bored with coins. There's a competiton for our free time, dollars and attention level and sometimes coins lose out to other things. Nothing wrong with that.
As for number 4, one thing no one else has mentioned is that you may have played a part in dirty old gold becoming pricey as you have been one of its champions. Nothing wrong with that either. Glad you're still going to be around here.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
I must admit I have felt this way several times. I came close to selling everything last year and starting an early retirement. I have cut back on my purchases for sometime now. I have been interested in early American coins so electrotypes are an affordable answer but not sure how much I will continue after that.
I completely understand the level of desire dropping considerably and other avenues become more interesting and desirable.
Glad you will still be on the forum and keep us posted in your new endeavors.
Sell coins to buy guns. Sell guns to buy guitars. Sell guitars to buy coins. Sell guns to buy coins. Sell coins to buy guitars. Sell guitars to buy coins.
Have done it forever and have some really nice coins, guns and guitars.
You need to find a different, less expensive field to collect. I started collecting coin boards (see my signature line) 12 years ago and have had a wonderful time doing so. There are literally hundreds of different varieties and many can be had for the price of a dinner entre. The real challenge is locating them which makes the hunt all the more enjoyable.
Your decision is perfectly in line with the general fact that as collectors (at best) we are just good caretakers. We should all be aware that the day will come when collecting ends. For some the reason is health, some economic, some other interests etc. You are doing what's best in your own self interest. You've earned that right.
I'd suggest you hang onto a few prized pieces for reference. Beyond that do what you can to contribute the wisdom you've gained. Pursuit of the hobby from a different perspective might be just as satisfying. Who knows?
In any event, you had fun with the hobby and lived within your means. That's a winning situation. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
If you do what you always did, you get what you always got.
RYK; I have found myself in a similar dilemma. Increased marginal tax rates, along with the high cost of other pursuits have left me seriously pondering my collecting practices in the near and extended future. I do want to continue my coin colleting, but it will be on a much smaller scale. For now, I am going to keep my core collection, but start selling off much of the rest. I have already let a few dealers know that I will not be in the market for the higher end items that I have pursued in the past. Hopefully this is a temporary situation, but like you, something feels different this time as compared to other times when I took a break.
I have often wished I could step away from the hobby, just always seems to draw me back in. I am 36 and have been collecting since I was 7, almost 30 yrs now. Honestly, I do not know if I have ever gone more than 3-4 months in 30 yrs without buying a coin.
YOUR POINT #5 is what gets me
Things are starting to scare me though, seems like the number of collectors for coins is falling, perhaps the top stuff will stay strong, however, I will never be a Newman or tradedollarnut. For me I could probably accumulate a low 7 figure collection over the next 30yrs, however, my fear is that that money would be money poorly spent. Perhaps I should stick to cheap coins to scratch the itch and save up to buy my dream coins in 25-30yrs when I feel they will be cheaper when you take into account inflation. Maybe I will be wrong, but then the coins I want will be too expensive for me to ever buy anyway.
<< <i>I have often wished I could step away from the hobby, just always seems to draw me back in. I am 36 and have been collecting since I was 7, almost 30 yrs now. Honestly, I do not know if I have ever gone more than 3-4 months in 30 yrs without buying a coin.
YOUR POINT #5 is what gets me
Things are starting to scare me though, seems like the number of collectors for coins is falling, perhaps the top stuff will stay strong, however, I will never be a Newman or tradedollarnut. For me I could probably accumulate a low 7 figure collection over the next 30yrs, however, my fear is that that money would be money poorly spent. Perhaps I should stick to cheap coins to scratch the itch and save up to buy my dream coins in 25-30yrs when I feel they will be cheaper when you take into account inflation. Maybe I will be wrong, but then the coins I want will be too expensive for me to ever buy anyway. >>
At age 36 you should definitely stay in the hobby.
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.
I am not going anywhere. I am just afraid that some day down the road in say 30-40yrs there will be very few people who care about coins. I have a bucket list of about 20 dream coins I want to own someday. I currently own a few of these coins, but not sure how many more I want to accumulate right now.
Good on you, RYK. I have nothing to add to what already has been said here, except a parallel anecdote, perhaps.
I recently discovered Strava, an online GPS-based bike and running tracking tool, and to my surprise my ability to charge up a local hill puts me in the top 35 or so of the road bikers who record themselves there. I'm 40 years old, never considered myself a true athlete, so it's a pleasant surprise to find that I'm actually reasonably competitive.
Things are starting to scare me though, seems like the number of collectors for coins is falling, perhaps the top stuff will stay strong, however, I will never be a Newman or tradedollarnut.
For me I could probably accumulate a low 7 figure collection over the next 30yrs, however, my fear is that that money would be money poorly spent. Perhaps I should stick to cheap coins to scratch the itch and save up to buy my dream coins in 25-30yrs when I feel they will be cheaper when you take into account inflation. Maybe I will be wrong, but then the coins I want will be too expensive for me to ever buy anyway. >>
Knowledge is power. Once you understand the major socioeconomic and demographic shifts happening, you can focus your collection on places that will appreciate. Of course, if trends aren't favoring your desired areas of focus, that can be an issue.
RYK, glad you're sticking around. Nothing wrong with taking a breather on the acquisitions every now and again.
Take a break for a few months or a year. I have done it before and have enjoyed the hobby more when I returned. I will agree that it is hard to keep up with rising prices of quality coins.
All coins kept in bank vaults. PCGS Registries Box of 20 SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
Interests wax and wane in life as priorities shift. I've heard many say (not here) that money spent traveling is money wasted. I've never agreed with this! Your children are at a critical juncture in their development. In reading your explanation, I think you fully grasp this and are seizing your opportunity to make a difference- in a good way...
Your reasoning is very sound! You've got a very bright and level head on your shoulders! Like you, and many others posting on this topic, I'm thinking more and more about downsizing the material accumulations- i'm getting a lot of pressure from my wife to do so! And I too have been buried in the accumulations of the dearly departed over the past couple of years..., Really makes one think doesn't it......
You're on a good track... Don't be a stranger. It doesn't sound like you will be. I too have had pretty long periods where "the thrill is gone" ... One quite recently! Keeping your favorites is a good sign.... Sounds like your just taking a much needed and valuable break... Cheers to you and thank you for your thoughtful contributions here on this forum.
Happy, humble, honored and proud recipient of the “You Suck” award 10/22/2014
You know, RYK, the thrill of coins is gone for me too. Not of having a collection, as I do not intend to sell very much, just to clean up a few loose odds and ends. But I have very little interest in buying more coins, for many of the same reasons as you. Both from the phase of reaching a stopping point in the sets, starting a new phase of a career, and spending time with family and other interests. Like you, I'll still enjoy the boards, but my involvement is decreasing..
Good grief, how did I get dragged into this?? thanks for the broadside parting shot which sort of seems uncalled for and classless. given that, perhaps you should stay and I will leave.
<< <i>Good grief, how did I get dragged into this?? thanks for the broadside parting shot which sort of seems uncalled for and classless. given that, perhaps you should stay and I will leave. >>
I've known the OP and OP's prop for a while online, and the OP in real life. Unless I'm seriously missing context, I found the OP's comments completely not intended to be negative towards another member.
If there's no need for a fight, please let there not be one.
<< <i>Good grief, how did I get dragged into this?? thanks for the broadside parting shot which sort of seems uncalled for and classless. given that, perhaps you should stay and I will leave. >>
I've known the OP and OP's prop for a while online, and the OP in real life. Unless I'm seriously missing context, I found the OP's comments completely not intended to be negative towards another member.
If there's no need for a fight, please let there not be one. >>
I think he was joking, at least that is how I read it.
RYK- For a long time on this forum, I have enjoyed your presence and admired the wonderful coins and knowledge about them you have shared with us. So I don't think there will be any member or moderator that would be happy to note that you are no longer actively participating in the discussions. And I absolutly understand you position on a much more modest level. I spent a lot of years and money building the Indian cent collection I wanted so badly. And when I made my last upgrade (1866 in MS-64), within a month, I was selling the whole darn thing.
I wish you well and I hope to see you on here still.
I think this is the thing that I see the most. With the internet you don't have to see anyone, you don't have to go anywhere to get what you are looking for.
This being said, however, the forum does offer a relationship element - somewhat.
Happiness is finding a coin that doesn't cause drama and nobody else in the world knows about it. Hopeless is thinking anyone would ever find Susan B. Anthony attractive. …. The thrill is gone.
I don't know you... We've never met... But I have gained knowledge through your contributions to this forum.
For me, it's not just the coins themselves, it's the history behind them. "Every coin has a story," is a favorite expression of mine. How often do we cry that "if only our coins could talk..."
I collect "Coins With a Story". Sometimes the "story" of a coin is its provenance, sometimes the "story" is a die variety or some characteristic about the design or manufacture or something else related to the coin itself. Sometimes the story is how that particular coin was used in a historical event, like how the flip of an 1835 Large Cent decided that the largest city in Oregon would be named Portland, not Boston.
So... I seek out coins that not only fill a 'hole' in my collection but also have "a story to tell"...
Once... and only once... I was fortunate to log in here just after you listed a coin on my want list. It wasn't an especially valuable coin -- as Dirty Gold goes -- but it was an affordable coin "with a story" that was ideal to fill that 'hole'.
And now that I think about it, the coin actually has a second "story" to tell. It's the story about the person who owned the coin before me, and his contributions via this forum to my collecting knowledge and interest. Many of my coins have a short "biography", and I enjoy the "story of the coin" every bit as much as the physical coin itself. And I can dream -- perhaps unreasonably -- that some future owner of the coin will enjoy the "story" every bit as much as I have.
RYK, the thrill isn't gone... You've just transferred it bit-by-bit to others in your sphere of influence. And there's a good chance that others will transfer enough of it back someday to make you scratch that itch.
"Giving away an MS-65 $20 St. Gaudens to everyone logged in when I make my 10,000th post..."
RYK I am glad you will still be posting even though you will not be making new purchases. As a newer member here and newer to the more serious side of collecting you have helped me more than you know. Thank RYK for that help.
I hear ya. Burning out also. I once flew for one day to go to a show. Made one of my best buys. Bought an PCGS AU50 1799 Bust dollar (Benson coin) from Mike Billy. Actually made enough to cover the whole adventure. This week I didn't drive the hour it would have taken to get to the very decent Tinley Park show. What I am happy to see is younger ( and maybe not so much younger ) new collectors with the enthusiasm I use to have. The baton has been passed. I will still play but at a much less scale. Right now I have 6 coins and won't buy another unless one of those sell.
I think this is the thing that I see the most. With the internet you don't have to see anyone, you don't have to go anywhere to get what you are looking for.
This being said, however, the forum does offer a relationship element - somewhat. >>
I wonder if he wasn't thinking/thinging more along the lines of of getting first shot at stuff instead of just putting it up for grabs.
Comments
<< <i>The OP has sold his HOF basbeball coins, this is a clear sign he has checked out from the collecting world. >>
o
What does Dirty old gold have to do with Modern HOF coins?
<< <i>Due to a combination of factors, I believe that my days of being an active coin collector are drawing to a close.
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 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.
I have been in a similar boat. I just checked my records and the last "significant" coins I bought were in May 2012 (and most on this forum would call those coins low end widgets). I haven't sold much, but unlike RYK, I have never sold very much. I still have a coin or two from RYK in my collection. These days, I still have my big toe in the hobby, but I would not call myself an active collector. Overall, I have shifted significant time and energy away from coins.
What changed for me? I started to learn to play piano in March 2012. Piano is time intensive, and can be money intensive. I find making music far more rewarding than coins have ever been. My dad passed away in November 2013. The ephemeral nature of all the material possessions gets reinforced by a funeral. Those are the big two that changed my perspective.
Good luck to you, on your new endeavors.
I did buy a very nice example of the 1905 Teddy Roosevelt inaugural medal by St. Gaudens a few months ago, but that was a medal, not a coin.
The HOF situation has really soured my interest in the modern commemoratives. Most of them have been losers that loyal collectors like me have collected over the years at the full issue prices. Now I'm tired of reading the posts from the flippers who brag about getting 100 coins from the mint while I cannot get even one. The mint could reduce those orders and give some consideration to their regular customers who have bought from the mint through thick and thin, but the mint is not going to do that. The mint sticks by the fair weather flippers, who only buy when there is money to be made.
Have a Great Day!
Louis
I have been collecting since 1963, with a few breaks, both involuntary (low draft number) and my own (young family).
I read this forum for inspiration, and get some, but get dispirited at the same time.
I have TOO many different things, from the fill the hole Lincolns to a pair of "up there" PCGS registry sets.
What is giving me pause:
I never will complete the sets, too much money.
China counterfeits, and I am just no good enough to catch every one of them.
Crack it out and upgrade fever.
Countless variations that, to me, are just normal manufacturing wobble. I was a manufacturing manager for 25+ years. Things shift, and are still within tolerance.
Your heirs are going to take a bath, so get out before you croak.
I am dealing with resolving my Dad's stamp collection. Scott Value 1,000,000 plus US, but that is magic money, as he did not collect US for the last 25 years of his life, but focused on British, and had, probably, one of the top 10 collections. Everyone wants me to turn it over to "them" to disposition. US is bad enough, but sending it back across the pond to an uncertain fate is edgy. I know the price he paid cannot be realized, as he sough minute variations in color, perforations, etc, that another collector will not care about.
I think about my family having to do the same with my coins, my cars (down to 6 collectible from 1930 to 1968), my other stuff.
Some is just fatigue from trying to help my mom, a borderline hoarder, now in senior living, turn loose of a 4000' home stuffed to the gills, with STUFF after STUFF, and the PRETTIES that she cared about, that no one else really cares about now (Hummels, Waterford, Wedgewood, English Antique Furniture, etc.).
So, mostly it just sits in safety deposit boxes in darkness.
The only thing I did right was buy a small mountain of $20 gold coins, common date / mint MS62 - 64 (I thought they looked good) when gold was around $450, and sold them all around $1700, so financially, I am ahead, and the $$ allowed me to play with other coins. like the Peace and Morgan registry sets.
After rereading this post, I guess I do need to take a break, downsize significantly, and maybe go for that box of 20 people speak of.
I read that in another thread. First, I am sorry about your father. Second, I agree with your shift in perspective.
I also want to have more experiences while I am in a place of the life cycle where I can enjoy them, especially things that I can do with my family. Over winter break, I took a fabulous trip to Paris with my wife and 12 and 15 year old kids. I would trade any coin I ever owned to be able to do that again!
Next month, I am climbing a 14er in Colorado with my son and some old friends. I have spent the last 18 months shaving my 10k and half marathon times down further than I ever thought I could (running as a 48 year old, nearly as fast as when I was 28), medaling in races along the way. I have a big 50 bday trip that I am planning for my family next summer.
Coins? I still like them. A lot. I like the "history in your hands" aura. I like the artistry and craftsmanship of days past. I even like flipping HOFers. Coins will still be there 10 and 20 years from now.
thankfully I listened to the good advice here and held off on blowing from $5k - $12k on much of nothing.
Instead of putting a big lump of cash into Coins I've paid off the new Truck I bought last October. Fully paid in 9 months -
not bad at all.
Today Ive brought a new book to work " Investing for Dummies". Its time to look at meaningful things to park my cash
into. Coins are not it.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
<< <i>
<< <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. >>
Do you have $500 in stocks too?
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
As for number 4, one thing no one else has mentioned is that you may have played a part in dirty old gold becoming pricey as you have been one of its champions. Nothing wrong with that either. Glad you're still going to be around here.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
<< <i>The Thrill is Gone... >>
I must admit I have felt this way several times. I came close to selling everything
last year and starting an early retirement. I have cut back on my purchases for sometime now.
I have been interested in early American coins so electrotypes are an affordable answer but not
sure how much I will continue after that.
I completely understand the level of desire dropping considerably and other avenues become
more interesting and desirable.
Glad you will still be on the forum and keep us posted in your new endeavors.
.
CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
.
Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
.
More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC
"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
Best on your endeavors.
Have done it forever and have some really nice coins, guns and guitars.
Works for me !
I'd suggest you hang onto a few prized pieces for reference. Beyond that do what you can to contribute the wisdom you've gained. Pursuit of the hobby from a different perspective might be just as satisfying. Who knows?
In any event, you had fun with the hobby and lived within your means. That's a winning situation. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
Honestly, I do not know if I have ever gone more than 3-4 months in 30 yrs without buying a coin.
YOUR POINT #5 is what gets me
Things are starting to scare me though, seems like the number of collectors for coins is falling, perhaps the top stuff will stay strong, however, I will never be a Newman or tradedollarnut.
For me I could probably accumulate a low 7 figure collection over the next 30yrs, however, my fear is that that money would be money poorly spent. Perhaps I should stick to cheap coins to scratch the itch and save up to buy my dream coins in 25-30yrs when I feel they will be cheaper when you take into account inflation. Maybe I will be wrong, but then the coins I want will be too expensive for me to ever buy anyway.
<< <i>I have often wished I could step away from the hobby, just always seems to draw me back in. I am 36 and have been collecting since I was 7, almost 30 yrs now.
Honestly, I do not know if I have ever gone more than 3-4 months in 30 yrs without buying a coin.
YOUR POINT #5 is what gets me
Things are starting to scare me though, seems like the number of collectors for coins is falling, perhaps the top stuff will stay strong, however, I will never be a Newman or tradedollarnut.
For me I could probably accumulate a low 7 figure collection over the next 30yrs, however, my fear is that that money would be money poorly spent. Perhaps I should stick to cheap coins to scratch the itch and save up to buy my dream coins in 25-30yrs when I feel they will be cheaper when you take into account inflation. Maybe I will be wrong, but then the coins I want will be too expensive for me to ever buy anyway. >>
At age 36 you should definitely stay in the hobby.
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
I have a bucket list of about 20 dream coins I want to own someday. I currently own a few of these coins, but not sure how many more I want to accumulate right now.
I recently discovered Strava, an online GPS-based bike and running tracking tool, and to my surprise my ability to charge up a local hill puts me in the top 35 or so of the road bikers who record themselves there. I'm 40 years old, never considered myself a true athlete, so it's a pleasant surprise to find that I'm actually reasonably competitive.
Good on you, RYK. To more medals! *clink*
I've been wanting to hit Prague someday, too.
<< <i>YOUR POINT #5 is what gets me
Things are starting to scare me though, seems like the number of collectors for coins is falling, perhaps the top stuff will stay strong, however, I will never be a Newman or tradedollarnut.
For me I could probably accumulate a low 7 figure collection over the next 30yrs, however, my fear is that that money would be money poorly spent. Perhaps I should stick to cheap coins to scratch the itch and save up to buy my dream coins in 25-30yrs when I feel they will be cheaper when you take into account inflation. Maybe I will be wrong, but then the coins I want will be too expensive for me to ever buy anyway. >>
Knowledge is power. Once you understand the major socioeconomic and demographic shifts happening, you can focus your collection on places that will appreciate. Of course, if trends aren't favoring your desired areas of focus, that can be an issue.
RYK, glad you're sticking around. Nothing wrong with taking a breather on the acquisitions every now and again.
<< <i>Don't go SHANE.......COME BACK SHANE......PLEASE SHANE DON'T GO!!!!! >>
???
This performance explains RYK's current mental state.
I will agree that it is hard to keep up with rising prices of quality coins.
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
I've heard many say (not here) that money spent traveling is money wasted. I've never agreed with this!
Your children are at a critical juncture in their development. In reading your explanation, I think you fully grasp this and are seizing your opportunity to make a difference- in a good way...
Your reasoning is very sound! You've got a very bright and level head on your shoulders!
Like you, and many others posting on this topic, I'm thinking more and more about downsizing the material accumulations- i'm getting a lot of pressure from my wife to do so! And I too have been buried in the accumulations of the dearly departed over the past couple of years...,
Really makes one think doesn't it......
You're on a good track...
Don't be a stranger. It doesn't sound like you will be.
I too have had pretty long periods where "the thrill is gone" ... One quite recently!
Keeping your favorites is a good sign....
Sounds like your just taking a much needed and valuable break...
Cheers to you and thank you for your thoughtful contributions here on this forum.
Happy, humble, honored and proud recipient of the “You Suck” award 10/22/2014
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>Good grief, how did I get dragged into this?? thanks for the broadside parting shot which sort of seems uncalled for and classless. given that, perhaps you should stay and I will leave. >>
I've known the OP and OP's prop for a while online, and the OP in real life. Unless I'm seriously missing context, I found the OP's comments completely not intended to be negative towards another member.
If there's no need for a fight, please let there not be one.
How does one get a hater to stop hating?
I can be reached at evillageprowler@gmail.com
<< <i>
<< <i>Good grief, how did I get dragged into this?? thanks for the broadside parting shot which sort of seems uncalled for and classless. given that, perhaps you should stay and I will leave. >>
I've known the OP and OP's prop for a while online, and the OP in real life. Unless I'm seriously missing context, I found the OP's comments completely not intended to be negative towards another member.
If there's no need for a fight, please let there not be one. >>
I think he was joking, at least that is how I read it.
Latin American Collection
For a long time on this forum, I have enjoyed your presence and admired the wonderful coins and knowledge about them you have shared with us. So I don't think there will be any member or moderator that would be happy to note that you are no longer actively participating in the discussions.
And I absolutly understand you position on a much more modest level. I spent a lot of years and money building the Indian cent collection I wanted so badly. And when I made my last upgrade (1866 in MS-64), within a month, I was selling the whole darn thing.
I wish you well and I hope to see you on here still.
Sincerely
Bert
<< <i>Relationships seem to matter less. >>
I think this is the thing that I see the most. With the internet you don't have to see anyone, you don't have to go anywhere to get what you are looking for.
This being said, however, the forum does offer a relationship element - somewhat.
Hopeless is thinking anyone would ever find Susan B. Anthony attractive. …. The thrill is gone.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
I don't know you... We've never met... But I have gained knowledge through your contributions to this forum.
For me, it's not just the coins themselves, it's the history behind them. "Every coin has a story," is a favorite expression of mine. How often do we cry that "if only our coins could talk..."
I collect "Coins With a Story". Sometimes the "story" of a coin is its provenance, sometimes the "story" is a die variety or some characteristic about the design or manufacture or something else related to the coin itself. Sometimes the story is how that particular coin was used in a historical event, like how the flip of an 1835 Large Cent decided that the largest city in Oregon would be named Portland, not Boston.
So... I seek out coins that not only fill a 'hole' in my collection but also have "a story to tell"...
Once... and only once... I was fortunate to log in here just after you listed a coin on my want list. It wasn't an especially valuable coin -- as Dirty Gold goes -- but it was an affordable coin "with a story" that was ideal to fill that 'hole'.
And now that I think about it, the coin actually has a second "story" to tell. It's the story about the person who owned the coin before me, and his contributions via this forum to my collecting knowledge and interest. Many of my coins have a short "biography", and I enjoy the "story of the coin" every bit as much as the physical coin itself. And I can dream -- perhaps unreasonably -- that some future owner of the coin will enjoy the "story" every bit as much as I have.
RYK, the thrill isn't gone... You've just transferred it bit-by-bit to others in your sphere of influence. And there's a good chance that others will transfer enough of it back someday to make you scratch that itch.
<< <i>
<< <i>Relationships seem to matter less. >>
I think this is the thing that I see the most. With the internet you don't have to see anyone, you don't have to go anywhere to get what you are looking for.
This being said, however, the forum does offer a relationship element - somewhat. >>
I wonder if he wasn't thinking/thinging more along the lines of of getting first shot at stuff instead of just putting it up for grabs.
A Grant Commemorative pun
…. or half, as a buck goes.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
The rest if it can be overcome, overtime.
Latin American Collection