How do you build a collection when you can’t narrow your focus?

SiriusBlack · October 11, 2019 7:55AM

I want everything! I am really envious of all of you that build these beautiful date sets of a particular coin, or gorgeous type set of a certain era. I can’t seem to focus. One day I am checking out large cents that I like, the next I want to do a nice 19th century type set, next week I’ll be looking at seated quarters.

It seems like a type set is the most obvious, but I feel like I learn a little bit about a lot of stuff instead of truly learning a specific kind of coin and all of the nuances. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on coins I don’t understand. It seems like learning wise, it would be better to pick something, stick to it, and start building a nice set.

I see people talking about building a set with nice original surfaces and I don’t know how to look for that. I don’t have the experience. How do I gain that if I build a type set that only requires a couple examples and then I move on to a different coin?

Insider2 · October 11, 2019 8:05AM

IMO, the only reasons to focus your attention on one coin series are:

You really like it.
You really like it
You really like it
It's a set that can be reasonable completed. You hate "holes."
You want to know more about the series than other collectors/dealers.
You want bragging rights in a Registry.
You want to write a reference book for the series or you already have a good set of books.

Several folks I've known in the past that could collect anything wished they had done a type set rather than focus on one series; however there are "focused" collectors who turned their passion a business. Why worry. You'll have more fun buying anything that catches your eye UNTIL you really like one particular series.

PS until you learn to grade, you should only buy slabs from the top two services. Make sure you know what each is worth by doing research on prices for similar pieces.

Coinstartled · October 11, 2019 8:08AM

Many ways to collect.

Never attempted to put any particular set together. Collecting is more fun without the restrains.

Others like to have 84 identical looking coins with different numbers and letters.

Catbert · October 11, 2019 8:10AM

My advice - don't bind yourself into a series. Practice discipline, hoard your cash, and then pounce on a coin you just have to have since it is distinctive to you. I'm with you, I see a lot of things I like, but few things that make me go WOW. Seek to own the WOW (to your eyes) and I think you'll slowly build a collection for which you'll be proud.

COCollector · October 11, 2019 8:37AM

Use the Box of 20 collecting method.

matt_dac · October 11, 2019 8:54AM

For me it was the experience of selling....I really hate the process...and I decided I would sell off my non-primary interest coins and only buy what I really want to keep.

Paradisefound · October 11, 2019 8:56AM

You just don't when you can not focus ....... me as an example

jmlanzaf · October 11, 2019 9:14AM

@Coinstartled said:
Many ways to collect.

Never attempted to put any particular set together. Collecting is more fun without the restrains.

Others like to have 84 identical looking coins with different numbers and letters.

Yes. This.

I refuse to play the date mintmark game. I refuse to play the top pop game. I refuse to even pick a country. I refuse to consider future value.

I have FUN

SiriusBlack · October 11, 2019 1:17PM

Thanks for the insight everyone! I definitely like the idea of just buying what I want and not worrying about having every date I need or buying duplicates to upgrade things.

Patience is the thing I lack. I need to wait for the wow coins as @Catbert said and stop trying to do things quickly. It’s a recipe for disaster especially with more limited knowledge.

@Insider2 You're probably right about slabs. I have a lot of albums that I love but I hesitate to spend a lot of money on individual coins when I rely on others to tell me if they’re good. Lately I’ve been looking at slabbed coins since I can better learn grades and problems based on their labels.

WCC · October 11, 2019 1:19PM

I chose to narrow my focus once I realized what I now collect is my actual preference and I don't have enough resources to buy what I was attempting to collect before.

It's evident that most collectors wouldn't like to collect coins that fit the profile of those I buy. More often than not, when one shows up that I really want, I "have" to buy it or else potentially wait indefinitely for a second opportunity. As an example, I am still waiting for one I didn't buy in March, 2002. I saw two earlier this year (first since 2002) but I didn't like either. I'd guess maybe as many as 100 exist but the one I missed might be the best in existence with few others deemed collectible by US standards.

There are a large number of coins I like a lot that I either did or would like to own but will almost certainly never buy it. Example is a 1801-1807 half which was the coin I wanted most as a YN. I can buy it any time I want and that is exactly why I won't, unless it loses a LOT of value. It will always be available when I want it and there will always be other coins I want more.

TommyType · October 11, 2019 1:45PM

I'd try to help....but probably have the same disease you do. We'd just end up just re-infecting each other.

But, for me, I have strived to do 6 of one, a half dozen of the other.

While a US Type Set is my primary goal....I also am doing a full set of Walkers, dabbling in 3-cent nickels and 2-cent coins, and a date set of bust halves.

By necessity, that means I strive for "moderately graded and priced" coins...which works for me. Some may desire to shoot higher. Whatever.

To steal a phrase from jmlanzaf…..Just have fun!

ECHOES · October 11, 2019 1:50PM

Collect what you like, what moves you.
I have done this for years.

JBK · October 11, 2019 1:59PM

@COCollector said:
Use the Box of 20 collecting method.

I don't know when this concept was invented as a legitimate approach to collecting but it is the best thing to hit the hobby in long time.

Make your own Box of 20/40/50/100. Set your own limits. Don't feel like you need to apologize or agonize over the state of your collection. It is only frustrating if you are trying to fulfill some self-imposed goal.

CCGGG · October 11, 2019 2:19PM

Struggled with that problem since I was 10 to 12 years old. After 50+ years I finally figured out what I wanted to collect. When I didn't have the money, I wanted everything, now that I can afford just about anything, I have been able to focused my attention on completing a few sets/series that I really like and now I'm satisfied. Actually I'm just about done, except looking for upgrades and that has become extremely difficult.

Funny how that has worked out!

Walkerfan · October 11, 2019 3:35PM

If you can't select a series, then I would suggest a type set of some kind.

Or maybe a box of 20....just pick coins that strike your fancy, in decent grades.

ctf_error_coins · October 11, 2019 3:44PM

I collected all types of US coins at first. Which is great as you get acquainted with various series and grades.

Then I found an area of numismatics that really intrigued me.

I started to focus. Then I really started to focus. I ran out of cash to pursue that focus. I then sold all my coins not in focus in order to build up cash to buy the coins that were in focus.

Then I focused even more.

Then I sharpened my focus.

PerryHall · October 11, 2019 3:56PM

Variety is the spice of life. Having dozens of coins all with the same design is boring. A type set is a good place to start but the important thing is to buy what you like and to strive to get coins that are high quality for the grade.

thisistheshow · October 11, 2019 4:24PM

There's no reason to limit yourself. And it's alright to focus. Like choosing a street to drive down. You can do a u-turn over and over and really learn the landscape. Or take the side street when you are ready.

@SiriusBlack What you said about really learning one series makes a lot of sense. But only if you find one you love. You can't force it.

The best collections are fluid.

USMarine6 · October 11, 2019 4:54PM

Sounds like you might be a box of 20 type of guy

jabba · October 11, 2019 5:06PM

Everything’s ok you can build a nice type set

Zoins · October 11, 2019 5:11PM

Build a hoard instead of a collection

I think one or more collections will naturally form as you pick up pieces in the same areas.

MasonG · October 11, 2019 5:27PM

If you can't narrow your focus, then don't. Buy what you like.

Followup question- Why are you collecting?

SiriusBlack · October 11, 2019 8:09PM

@Zoins I’ve been called a hoarder on numerous occasions in fact

@MasonG I tend to collect random things in general. I’ve always been big on vintage or pre 1900 things and ever since I saw my great grandpas Morgan dollars I’ve been fascinated by coins. I love wondering where the coin has been, who had it before me, what did it buy? I love tokens as well for the history behind them.

Thank you again everyone, you never fail to give excellent advice! I started collecting with a type set and it winds like that’s still the way to go. I’d never heard of a box of 20 before I joined these boards but I’m trying to keep that in mind. Would I like to put this coin in a box of 20? If not, maybe I should keep looking for the next example.

MasonG · October 11, 2019 8:17PM

@SiriusBlack said:
I tend to collect random things in general. I’ve always been big on vintage or pre 1900 things and ever since I saw my great grandpas Morgan dollars I’ve been fascinated by coins. I love wondering where the coin has been, who had it before me, what did it buy? I love tokens as well for the history behind them.

That would seem to argue against a pre-defined set of just about anything. For the time being, how about if you just let yourself be free to include whatever it is you want in your collection? Until you get a better handle on grading, you might want to be careful about spending too much money on something you'll come to regret but aside from that, let your imagination guide you where it will.

Hemispherical · October 11, 2019 8:21PM

I have the same problem. Lack of focus has caused my collection to be hoard-like.

Working on it.

MasonG · October 11, 2019 8:26PM

There's no reason "Coins I like" can't be a focus.

SiriusBlack · October 11, 2019 8:37PM

I think part of the reason I like the 7070 and 19th century type sets is the variety of focus you can have

Hydrant · October 11, 2019 8:37PM

Easy. Build a collection with no focus. If you like it that's good enough. BE HAPPY!!!!

SiriusBlack · October 11, 2019 8:49PM

@Hydrant True, I just want to make sure I make smart purchases too! I guess that’s a different problem than what to collect though. I should spend more time learning and less time worrying

Hydrant · October 11, 2019 9:45PM

@SiriusBlack said:
@Hydrant True, I just want to make sure I make smart purchases too! I guess that’s a different problem than what to collect though. I should spend more time learning and less time worrying

Yes, you should. Enjoy the hobby. Learning is valuable and fun. Worrying is a waste of time.

Exbrit · October 12, 2019 3:49AM

@Insider2 said:
IMO, the only reasons to focus your attention on one coin series are:

You really like it.

You really like it

You really like it

It's a set that can be reasonable completed. You hate "holes."

You want to know more about the series than other collectors/dealers.

You want bragging rights in a Registry.

You want to write a reference book for the series or you already have a good set of books.

Several folks I've known in the past that could collect anything wished they had done a type set rather than focus on one series; however there are "focused" collectors who turned their passion a business. Why worry. You'll have more fun buying anything that catches your eye UNTIL you really like one particular series.

PS until you learn to grade, you should only buy slabs from the top two services. Make sure you know what each is worth by doing research on prices for similar pieces.

Building a series has its advantages, you become a specialist. Many series have many varieties that can peak your interest as well. You will learn more about the coins themselves - not saying you won't with a type set, but you'll tend to read and research your series much more. There is definitely a challenge in completing a series, at least some of them. You can always have odds and ends that tickle your fancy as well - but you will eventually become very focused on your core series.

Insider2 · October 12, 2019 6:28AM

@Exbrit said:

@Insider2 said:
IMO, the only reasons to focus your attention on one coin series are:

You really like it.

You really like it

You really like it

It's a set that can be reasonable completed. You hate "holes."

You want to know more about the series than other collectors/dealers.

You want bragging rights in a Registry.

You want to write a reference book for the series or you already have a good set of books.

Several folks I've known in the past that could collect anything wished they had done a type set rather than focus on one series; however there are "focused" collectors who turned their passion a business. Why worry. You'll have more fun buying anything that catches your eye UNTIL you really like one particular series.

PS until you learn to grade, you should only buy slabs from the top two services. Make sure you know what each is worth by doing research on prices for similar pieces.

Building a series has its advantages, you become a specialist. Many series have many varieties that can peak your interest as well. You will learn more about the coins themselves - not saying you won't with a type set, but you'll tend to read and research your series much more. There is definitely a challenge in completing a series, at least some of them. You can always have odds and ends that tickle your fancy as well - but you will eventually become very focused on your core series.

Thanks for expanding my comment: "You want to know more about the series than other collectors/dealers." That's ofter the usual result.

The ONLY argument I ever heard about building a set of coins is when you show the average non-collector a complete collection of _________________. The conversation will become how much is it worth, that's very shiny (a proof) or that one is a pretty color!

When you do the same with a complete Type Set you'll hold their attention and interest. They'll see denominations they never heard of and a variety of designs. They may see some pretty colors and Proofs also.

Breen filled a large book with facts about each coin type, why they were struck and who designed them. A true numismatist can spout these out for either type of collection.

I'm it the Type Set group. At one time I tried building one just using the "keys" for each denomination. I did not get very far. However, when Mr. Hansen is done, he'll be able to make THE/or one of the best Type Sets imaginable by taking most of the highest graded or rarest coins from each series into it. You know the drill:

1894-S Barber dime
1885 Trade dollar
1913 Liberty nickel
No "S" Roosevelt dime...

I wonder what other coins our members would add. NEW DISCUSSION?

PhilLynott · October 12, 2019 6:52AM

My suggestion is to have some sort of type set that you chip away at slowly while buying random things you like on the side and not feeling bad about it. In other words have a long term focus if a type set is important but don't pass on something cool just cause it doesn't fit even if buying that cool thing uses budget you could have used for the type set don't sweat it.

I recently had to sell a chunk of my collection to help with moving expenses. I had about a 25 coin US type set and a dozen cool world coins that caught my eye over the years. I had no problem letting go of most of the US type coins but those cool world coins that caught my eye and I strayed from my type set to buy I didn't want to let go. You learn what you really love if/when it's time to sell.

neildrobertson · October 12, 2019 7:54AM

I am building a very large collection that will likely occupy an entire collecting career if I let it. My approach is that I don't work on all of it at once. I pick a few areas to focus on at a time.

ms70 · October 12, 2019 7:57AM

I did the same thing years ago, attempting a very large collection of each type but including examples from each mint and major varieties. I lost interest and bailed. It was a great collection but interest just faded as it was an expansive undertaking with no end in sight. Broke even or a little better which was good.

A few years later when considering getting back in I decided out of all the coins I once had I enjoyed the half-dimes the most. I acquired a few and then got back into it with the focus on those.

For me I just think my collecting has to have a finish line somewhere on the horizon. A goal to reach in other words.

keets · October 12, 2019 8:07AM

How do you build a collection when you can’t narrow your focus?

become a Type Collector and build a Type Collection bounded only by your parameters.

SiriusBlack · October 12, 2019 5:12PM

Thanks again everyone!

@PhilLynott That‘s exactly what happens to me now that I’m trying to stop feeling bad about. I have my few sets I’m working on, then I find a coin I like that I want to buy, but I feel bad that I’m using my budget on a coin that doesn’t fit my sets. I need to break that worry. Buying a nice coin I like is more important than plugging a hole.

yosclimber · October 12, 2019 5:38PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5diMImYIIA

Cougar1978 · October 13, 2019 6:34AM

You go for the deal, buy low pop material you like, don’t worry what the crowd is doing.

sparky64 · October 13, 2019 6:47AM

I was and still am in your state of mind.
Completed a 7070 after many years and now always keep an eye open for replacements.
I also slowly chip away at an MS silver Washington Quarter set as well as an album of circulated coins in that same series.
This track seems to be fulfilling my broad curiosity.
You'll find your own path, no doubt.

TwoSides2aCoin · October 13, 2019 7:27AM

If it isn't fun, steer clear. David Hall said it best.

scubafuel · October 13, 2019 8:17AM

I specialized for a long time in one series, but what I found is that I missed out on a lot of fun. When I was at shows I was only looking for one thing, and it was almost never there. My eyes just glossed over everything else in the cases. Recently I’ve decided to broaden my focus into rare and unusual world and US issues. The result is that shows are more interesting, ive learned a lot of world history, and I think my collection has become more interesting to look at.
As for original surfaces, go to a show and ask the good dealers to show you original coins in your grade level. Ask them what makes them original. After 20 tables or so I think you’ll have a good idea what to look for.

Weiss · October 13, 2019 9:19AM

I have really enjoyed the past 5+/- years I've been a box 20 collector. I've enjoyed finding iconic pieces that represent entire series or even entire eras. Like a really pretty pine tree shilling which represents colonial coinage. Or a single really high grade but inexpensive Morgan which represents that whole series (or even silver dollars). I've got a fantastic Pan Pac $1 which is a place holder until I buy a $50 Pan Pac.

My eyes are always open for "the one" 8 reale that speaks to me and that will represent all of the age of exploration.

It's a blast. It's as limitless as you want it to be. But it's also disciplined.

metalmeister · October 13, 2019 9:33AM

I am in the "Variety is the spice of life" Camp. My only real focus is trying adjust my eyeballs when I wake up.

metalmeister · October 13, 2019 9:35AM

BTW, Weiss, Nice box of 20!

ElmerFusterpuck · October 13, 2019 9:50AM

Lack of focus is OK if you stay away from the ugly, no eye appeal coins.

ctf_error_coins · October 13, 2019 9:52AM

Why not narrow your focus to a 7070 MS type set in PCGS Plastic.

Broad yet very narrow, make sure you take your time to get the right pieces instead of doing it quickly.

ctf_error_coins · October 13, 2019 1:53PM

What I like about a super narrow focus and the knowledge that leads to is that I know whether or not I will buy a coin within one second of seeing it.

SiriusBlack · October 13, 2019 5:03PM

@ErrorsOnCoins I think you’ve nailed it along with everyone else here. I’ve always leaned towards a type set so the 7070 and maybe the 19th Century registry sets are the perfect option. A lot of cross between them plus a few missing coins in the 19th like more bust coins for the future!

SiriusBlack · October 13, 2019 5:12PM

@Weiss Thats an amazing set and exactly the kind of Box of 20 I’d like to make. I love conder tokens, Great Britain coins, some random gold, Hard Times tokens, etc. I hadn’t thought of that, but it could be the perfect Box of 20 Concept for my extraneous interests in coins! I have an Isabella commemorative quarter that doesn’t fit any set but is my favorite coin of my collection. She’d be a great start!

Catbert · October 13, 2019 5:29PM

50!

How do you build a collection when you can’t narrow your focus?

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