If I wanted an example and can afford it, I have probably already bought one.
So yes, new additions are few and far between. Looking forward to crashing prices on 1793 copper, 1795 gold, and 1796 silver, and a few others (1907 HRDE, 1808 QE, etc.) get any further on US type set.
@Baley said:
If I wanted an example and can afford it, I have probably already bought one.
So yes, new additions are few and far between. Looking forward to crashing prices on 1793 copper, 1795 gold, and 1796 silver, and a few others (1907 HRDE, 1808 QE, etc.) get any further on US type set.
I think this hobby will go the way of stamp collecting. Notably truly rare early federal stamps appear to be doing fine. Everything else is pretty much dead.
I've been told for 25+ years not to buy an AU 1815 bust half because they are common (you can always find one) and very overpriced (most likely). They will likely remain common and overpriced until I am dead, so I no longer plan to get one
@cameonut2011 said:
Yes, but it is more the result of my declining interest and the realization that most "collectible" U.S. coins are truly common and subject to further price declines. I also have tired of the plastic and sticker game. It has reached a point of insanity. Then there is grade inflation. Then there is coin doctoring. Then there are disappearing guarantees that are amended (sometimes retroactively) into oblivion. Then there is increasing inflation versus a stronger performing equities market. I buy for an occasional flip, but even that is becoming less frequent. I'm ready to quit and come back in 10-15 years when the dust settles.
I have been feeling this way for 5 years now. A lot of helpful comments here. I asked a question about stagnant or falling coin values a few days ago and the response I got was:
@cameonut2011 said:
Yes, but it is more the result of my declining interest and the realization that most "collectible" U.S. coins are truly common and subject to further price declines. I also have tired of the plastic and sticker game. It has reached a point of insanity. Then there is grade inflation. Then there is coin doctoring. Then there are disappearing guarantees that are amended (sometimes retroactively) into oblivion. Then there is increasing inflation versus a stronger performing equities market. I buy for an occasional flip, but even that is becoming less frequent. I'm ready to quit and come back in 10-15 years when the dust settles.
I have been feeling this way for 5 years now. A lot of helpful comments here. I asked a question about stagnant or falling coin values a few days ago and the response I got was:
"Are u trying to make money or collect coins?"
I think things have become much worse over the last five years. The last cycle of grade inflation really caused a lot more collectors to pay attention IMHO. Further erosion of the market hasn't helped either.
@291fifth said:
I'm glad I no longer buy. It looks to me like everything in the US coin area I have any interest in is fully priced or overpriced.
Would you considered something outside of US coins?
No. I don't have any "feel" for those markets and I have learned not to dabble in such markets unless I do have a good "feel" for them. I would also be reluctant to get involved with anything that could be described as a thin market. I got burned too many times in the past on those.
The last cycle of grade inflation really caused a lot more collectors to pay attention IMHO.
if that was true, why weren't they paying attention from 1999-2013?? what has things stuck now is PM's, buyers hate it when PM's are stagnant and that market is tied to the coin market. also, overall the economy isn't doing as well as all the talking heads tell us it is, so I don't even listen to them anymore. I trust my eyes and ears. the National Economy is based on four things --- Finance, Technology, Medical and Service. Americans as a whole don't really make anything anymore like we used to 20-40 years ago. everything from Financial Markets to Health Providers to Agricultural Conglomerates are designed to do the most with the least. when Technology perfects the "Driver-less Car" as they are competitively trying to it will un-employ millions.
Zager and Evans summed it up when they said "Some machines doin' it for you" back in 1969. I think, despite all indications to the contrary, that Americans as a group understand they need to work and are willing to work...........................hard.
Try British hammered or ancient coins. No wondering if the coin is a MS66 or MS66+, no CAC, lots of history, worldwide interest. In the case of hammered coinage, lots of TRUE rarities. In the USA, we collect by date and mint mark. In the British hammered series, there are many early coin types where less than ten of a mint are known...yet trade for little premium.
I haven’t been finding much to buy lately because prices of what I want to buy are either out of my range or seem way overpriced atm.
I will admit that I’ve been thinking of selling a bunch of very nice mid range barber halves but I’m not interested in giving them away, so they’ve been living in the SDB
@TopoftheHill said:
Try British hammered or ancient coins. No wondering if the coin is a MS66 or MS66+, no CAC, lots of history, worldwide interest. In the case of hammered coinage, lots of TRUE rarities. In the USA, we collect by date and mint mark. In the British hammered series, there are many early coin types where less than ten of a mint are known...yet trade for little premium.
I’m a big fan of hammered gold. The pieces posted look great.
I also like Spanish gold doubloons but the ones I’ve seen, typically in ATS slabs, seem pricey to me.
There come times when we have to become more discerning of RCI. Irregardless of reasons we own coins the reality is we are all players, investors.
Considering current market conditions the fact the bids are not plussing 10 pct every week (actually not at all) why invest in them period - pocket change is at face. Being more selective about RCI or keeping it at same level not a bad idea.
One needs to take control, accept responsibility and set goals where he is in ownership of the outcome. The market, TPG, sticker game, or some other player will not save the day.
This may not be the place to ponder that question lol. I see many posters here I question if the elevator goes to the top or simply this is a soapbox for their own self serving goals.
At least I have another hobby, model railroading. I am nearly finished a US ie Southern Pacific set up, now I am starting a Russian model railroad project - much more challenging.
Tir nam beann, nan gleann, s'nan gaisgeach ~ Saorstat Albanaich a nis!
@SaorAlba said:
At least I have another hobby, model railroading. I am nearly finished a US ie Southern Pacific set up, now I am starting a Russian model railroad project - much more challenging.
@291fifth said:
I'm glad I no longer buy. It looks to me like everything in the US coin area I have any interest in is fully priced or overpriced.
Would you considered something outside of US coins?
No. I don't have any "feel" for those markets and I have learned not to dabble in such markets unless I do have a good "feel" for them. I would also be reluctant to get involved with anything that could be described as a thin market. I got burned too many times in the past on those.
You could just buy cheap stuff and dabble for the sake of numismatics. You don't have to worry about getting burned if you don't have much skin in the game. That's how you can learn any market.
@shorecoll said:
I've been told for 25+ years not to buy an AU 1815 bust half because they are common (you can always find one) and very overpriced (most likely). They will likely remain common and overpriced until I am dead, so I no longer plan to get one
For 25+ years you've been told right. Good decision on you're part to listen to good advise and, "no longer plan to get one."
I recently adjusted my collecting goals to keep single examples of stunning (to me) coins as a type unless I am going for the whole set. I don't need multiple Saint's for example since the entire set would be more than I want to prioritize, I need just one stunner. I recently sold several coins with this adjustment and used that money to fund the stunners I wanted.
I really hate the experience of selling, though I have been mostly fortunate. These days I am definitely more careful about what I buy to ensure it's something I want to keep, so from that standpoint it is a little harder to buy. I also remind myself we are all just leasing these coins until eventually someone else will take up the lease.
Comments
If I wanted an example and can afford it, I have probably already bought one.
So yes, new additions are few and far between. Looking forward to crashing prices on 1793 copper, 1795 gold, and 1796 silver, and a few others (1907 HRDE, 1808 QE, etc.) get any further on US type set.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
I think this hobby will go the way of stamp collecting. Notably truly rare early federal stamps appear to be doing fine. Everything else is pretty much dead.
I think this hobby will go the way of stamp collecting.
my Dad had a saying he used a lot, "That's possible but not probable" which I think applies here.
Weak markets don't draw out great coins. The coins that nobody wants remain highly visible in the marketplace.
Yes
Seeking reduce slabs (but not total investment) and concentrate in one area.
I've been told for 25+ years not to buy an AU 1815 bust half because they are common (you can always find one) and very overpriced (most likely). They will likely remain common and overpriced until I am dead, so I no longer plan to get one
I have been feeling this way for 5 years now. A lot of helpful comments here. I asked a question about stagnant or falling coin values a few days ago and the response I got was:
"Are u trying to make money or collect coins?"
Indian Head $10 Gold Date Set Album
I think things have become much worse over the last five years. The last cycle of grade inflation really caused a lot more collectors to pay attention IMHO. Further erosion of the market hasn't helped either.
I'm glad I no longer buy. It looks to me like everything in the US coin area I have any interest in is fully priced or overpriced.
Would you considered something outside of US coins?
No. I don't have any "feel" for those markets and I have learned not to dabble in such markets unless I do have a good "feel" for them. I would also be reluctant to get involved with anything that could be described as a thin market. I got burned too many times in the past on those.
The last cycle of grade inflation really caused a lot more collectors to pay attention IMHO.
if that was true, why weren't they paying attention from 1999-2013?? what has things stuck now is PM's, buyers hate it when PM's are stagnant and that market is tied to the coin market. also, overall the economy isn't doing as well as all the talking heads tell us it is, so I don't even listen to them anymore. I trust my eyes and ears. the National Economy is based on four things --- Finance, Technology, Medical and Service. Americans as a whole don't really make anything anymore like we used to 20-40 years ago. everything from Financial Markets to Health Providers to Agricultural Conglomerates are designed to do the most with the least. when Technology perfects the "Driver-less Car" as they are competitively trying to it will un-employ millions.
Zager and Evans summed it up when they said "Some machines doin' it for you" back in 1969. I think, despite all indications to the contrary, that Americans as a group understand they need to work and are willing to work...........................hard.
Try British hammered or ancient coins. No wondering if the coin is a MS66 or MS66+, no CAC, lots of history, worldwide interest. In the case of hammered coinage, lots of TRUE rarities. In the USA, we collect by date and mint mark. In the British hammered series, there are many early coin types where less than ten of a mint are known...yet trade for little premium.
I haven’t been finding much to buy lately because prices of what I want to buy are either out of my range or seem way overpriced atm.
I will admit that I’ve been thinking of selling a bunch of very nice mid range barber halves but I’m not interested in giving them away, so they’ve been living in the SDB
I’m a big fan of hammered gold. The pieces posted look great.
I also like Spanish gold doubloons but the ones I’ve seen, typically in ATS slabs, seem pricey to me.
"I am finding it progressively more difficult to find things I'm willing to buy."
I am also finding it progressively more difficult to find things I am willing to sell.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
Gloom and Doom all over!
I don't feel it, although I keep my collection small and thus do not feel your pain.
"She comes out of the sun in a silk dress,
running like a water color in the rain...."
That's funny. I'm finding it progressively difficult to stop buying.
My buying is under sustained acceleration recently.
There come times when we have to become more discerning of RCI. Irregardless of reasons we own coins the reality is we are all players, investors.
Considering current market conditions the fact the bids are not plussing 10 pct every week (actually not at all) why invest in them period - pocket change is at face. Being more selective about RCI or keeping it at same level not a bad idea.
One needs to take control, accept responsibility and set goals where he is in ownership of the outcome. The market, TPG, sticker game, or some other player will not save the day.
This may not be the place to ponder that question lol. I see many posters here I question if the elevator goes to the top or simply this is a soapbox for their own self serving goals.
@Cougar1978 What’s RCI?
At least I have another hobby, model railroading. I am nearly finished a US ie Southern Pacific set up, now I am starting a Russian model railroad project - much more challenging.
That sounds fascinating. Could you post a photo?
You could just buy cheap stuff and dabble for the sake of numismatics. You don't have to worry about getting burned if you don't have much skin in the game. That's how you can learn any market.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
For 25+ years you've been told right. Good decision on you're part to listen to good advise and, "no longer plan to get one."
I recently adjusted my collecting goals to keep single examples of stunning (to me) coins as a type unless I am going for the whole set. I don't need multiple Saint's for example since the entire set would be more than I want to prioritize, I need just one stunner. I recently sold several coins with this adjustment and used that money to fund the stunners I wanted.
I really hate the experience of selling, though I have been mostly fortunate. These days I am definitely more careful about what I buy to ensure it's something I want to keep, so from that standpoint it is a little harder to buy. I also remind myself we are all just leasing these coins until eventually someone else will take up the lease.
One should many RCI Indexes down, especially like from 2016.