Stop the ride I want to get off !
BobSav
Posts: 928 ✭✭✭
Ok I'll get to the point. I have ridden this roller coaster too long and I want off. Been collecting all my life. I'm 75 now and have seen it all .. I saw $3.00 silver all they way through $50. My first gold was bought in the 1970's for around 175.00 oz. Since then I've bought it all and sold it all a couple of times and every time I thought I was out, they pulled me back in.
I've decided now is the time for the final farewell. I've talk to my kid's and they are not interested in anything I've collected.
I remember when coin colleting was fun and entertaining but from what I see now it's just a scramble for the big score. Cracking and resending coins over and over hoping one find a grader who's having a " bad " day you so you can land a big " score " or even better one of those fancy stickers that for some un-godly reason makes your coin better that all the rest.
I'll still lurk around I guess because old habits are hard to break but my heart is just not in it any more.
The gold and silver market manipulation has gone too far and it's trickled down to collecting also. I have a local bullion dealer here in Florida that is smelting all foreign gold coins and any US Gold and silver that is not graded.
Ok sorry for the rant.
Before I forget, I want to thank all the forum members who I've had transactions with you are all great people.
Lordmarcovan, WTCG, YogiBerraFan, Phoenin21, LindeDad, Coll3ctor, blue594, robkoll, Mike Dixon, BloodMan, Flakthat and others.
Comments
Glad you enjoyed the ride!
All we collectors do now is crack our coins in and out and manipulate the precious metals market so I know how you must feel.
I saw that one coming a mile away..
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Go ahead and get off the ride, throw in the towel, become a lurker...with the utmost respect, and I was taught to respect my elders, you've been collecting for a few generations...of course you're going to see changes. You remember when it was fun and entertaining, but it still can be. Collecting is what you make of it...you don't have to be scrambling to resell and upgrade and pull in a profit...just because there are flippers and wheeler dealers, you don't have to be on that ride, enjoy what you have, collect what you want, loosen up your collar and breath a little.
I don’t think I could talk a guy like you, with your vast experiences both in numismatics and life in general, out of a decision. But, for what’s its worse. I don’t think it’s all as bad as it seems. The crackout game is highly overrated and doesn’t have nearly as many participants as I think we like to believe it does. The sticker thing, yeah man, I think it’s stupid as hell, but to each their own. If the cases at the majority of the shows I go to are any indication, there aren’t nearly as many sticker chasers as it seems either.
The bottom line is if YOU are/were happy with YOUR coins, then what the f### does it matter what others are doing anyways? I have fun all alone in my own little coin world with what I have. I could give a flying f### what anybody thinks of me and my coins. No elitist can poopoo my modest collection and hurt my feelings. I’ll never give someone that power over my mind and my emotions.
Maybe just take a step back for a little bit and see how you feel in a few months? Have a great day, sir.
Having fun while switching things up and focusing on a next level PCGS slabbed 1950+ type set, while still looking for great examples for the 7070.
You know you're old if you read the title of this thread and thought of this:
peacockcoins
I think this kind of post obligates you to sell all your good stuff cheap to us on the BST
I'm with you all the way. I'm a bit older but have empathy for this process.
bob
Unfortunately, everything in this country is financialized now. Housing, medicine, education, entertainment, and yes, coins.
Late stage capitalism. People/companies trying to scrape every last cent out of a transaction.
Yeah, remember the 1970s when you used to pay your doctor with a live chicken...
I get it.
I'm your age, I collect and study for fun these days.
Although I did buy two big coins at the last Tampa show, I spent most of my time building a set mostly raw of Indian cents in EF to AU. I'm putting them in a Littleton Coin Album. Although I didn't go crazy, I also didn't pay cheap prices. For a little over $2,000, I made a big hole in the set.
Yes, you might well reach a time when it's time to sell. I have not hit that point. I'm still collecting and writing an article or two for the "FUN Topics" magazine. I'm still researching and learning as much British and Roman history as I can to go with those collections. I'm lucky because coins are not my primary asset. So I don't have to sell.
When will I quit? Maybe when my mind goes. At any rate, I'm just letting the scramble to buy, sell, crack slabs and other money making ventures pass me by. Life for me is too short to worry about such things.
Just a little perspective. I was collecting when gold was at the official government rate of $35 and ounce. The Director of the Mint was talking about silver reaching $1.29 an ounce when a silver dollar would be worth "melt." She was pleading with collectors not to hoard coins. I paid $45 for a Mint State $10 Liberty coin, and $75 for a St. Gaudens double eagle, which was a very high price at the time. On the other hand, a 1960 Proof set with the Small Date cent was selling for $50.
Not the 1970s but I remember when I was a kid in the 1950s Dr. Kelly would make a house call for $5.00 and I don't think there was any such thing as medical insurance back then. Of course $5.00 was about 6 or 7 times the minimum wage of $0.75 per hour.
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
I never said anything about anyone's personal collection. Do what makes you happy. Hell, a guy I used to work with collected beer cans. He even went to Australia once to attend some kind of grand worldwide beer can convention back in the early 1980's. I'm just saying that the collecting landscape has changed so much that it's unrecognizable to me now. There are elements of it that just don't make any sense to me any more. Maybe what's bugging me the most is the fact that my kid's show no interest in it and told me that if I did leave it to them they would just cash it in which and I'm afraid that they will just ripped of in the process.
Lordmarcovan, WTCG, YogiBerraFan, Phoenin21, LindeDad, Coll3ctor, blue594, robkoll, Mike Dixon, BloodMan, Flakthat and others.
LOVE THIS ...
@BobSav ... enjoy the ride in your avatar and liquidate at your convenience !!! GLWS !!!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
Enjoy life …. In or out of coins. The average man has 75 Summers and Winters. A wild ride is the average man in numismatics.
HE>I
Yes. Insurance didn't become commonplace until the 1960s. But cash replaced chickens much earlier than that.
My 75th winter is now approaching. Does that mean I'm done ?
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That depends on whether or not you're average.
Many people are in this situation. I believe you are right to sell now while you control the process and can make sure you get good prices for your coins. Which is much better than having your relatives sell it to the hotel guys. Best of luck to you sir!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
I thought you were required to have 2900+ posts to get out?
Using the SS actuarial life table, you have 10.62 years left, statistically, once you've made it to 75....so that gives you lots of time to enjoy your coins while selling off your hoard.
While you didn't mention it specifically, the loss of collector friends who have died or moved away or given up collecting as we grow older can also dampen one's enthusiasm for the hobby
Commems and Early Type
Average ?? Maybe maybe not but I am stubborn, that's for sure.
Lordmarcovan, WTCG, YogiBerraFan, Phoenin21, LindeDad, Coll3ctor, blue594, robkoll, Mike Dixon, BloodMan, Flakthat and others.
I always try to put value into perspectives ... my 1st job out of collage with an engineering degree was 9,200$ per year / my apartment 2 years later was 160$ per month ... spending 50$ on a coin had to be very well thought out investment. All I could part with were few $ for XF Indian head cents and when I bit the bullet for that 1877 1C in AU for 75$ was a big deal ...but t was fun. I do envy the younger collectors today as they have so many sources to start the venture and different ways to participate and make it their own.
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
I wake up with a Good Attitude Every Day. Then … Idiots Happen!
Great rant but one clarification: It is actually the coin that makes the coin better than all of the rest. If it is a CAC sticker on its slab, it is put there because it is a coin that is likely better than all of the rest. But that is just semantics…………...
At 75 ( and I’m not far behind) there is a point we no longer choose to get off we’re kicked off.
You’ve got almost 20 years on me. I’ve been collecting for 50 years (Since I was a small child in the 1970s— I am a Gen X’er) and I started fooling around with the Registry set program, almost 20 years ago, back in 2005. Numismatics has kept me from going crazy and given me years of enjoyment. I’m still having a blast. Love what I have amassed, sets that I have completed and the friendships that I have made along the way. It only gets better with time…at least, for me, anyway…🤷♂️😇 But, for those eager to cash out, I’ve got news for you..
You know all that money that you will receive for your numismatic holdings? Well, guess what? That can’t be taken with you, either, so I suggest that you enjoy it, as long as you can and while you can. If you need the money, then that is a different story. 😉 BTW, you can always leave instructions for your heirs, so they don’t get hornswoggled. 
“I may not believe in myself but I believe in what I’m doing” ~Jimmy Page~
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Sir I have to differ with you. I've seen some questionable " beans " on coins. My problem is that the " bean " somehow makes people think have something really special which in turn demands a higher price tag. I've seen coins in dealers cases that are side by side , same grade , one beaned and one not beaned and without a microscope you couldn't see any difference.
So is the value in the coin or the " bean "..
Lordmarcovan, WTCG, YogiBerraFan, Phoenin21, LindeDad, Coll3ctor, blue594, robkoll, Mike Dixon, BloodMan, Flakthat and others.
So maybe the coin without the bean needs to be submitted to CAC?
You obviously have wisdom and experience, board members would appreciate your continued contribution.
If you’re stubborn like a lot of us, hold out until the end. Don’t go out on a quit. Don’t walk off the court on a miss (Larry Bird). Have no regrets.
Man there are a lot of 75 year olds on this site.
I'll join in as I am also 75, 3/30/49 to be exact.
I'm still going strong collecting but finding coins is the problem.
I believe I enjoy it now as much as I have in the past 65 years but now is better, I have some money to pay with, not rich, but back in the day, not so much.
And the most important thing, it keeps me out of trouble................
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
I've seen coins in dealers cases that are side by side , same grade , one beaned and one not beaned and without a microscope you couldn't see any difference.
I joined this board because I questioned the value of a CAC. I was frustrated when I asked dealers why a coin failed and the answer was usually along the lines of "Who knows."
I was fortunate to be able to submit coins to CAC before the "lockdown" and I couldn't understand why coins sent were failing. Certain board members convinced me I need to ask why coins were failing. Friends learned I had submission privileges and I also submitted on behalf of friends. They were not happy campers because their coins also were failing. I've learned a lot.
CAC can be considered a conservative grading service as opposed to a liberal grading service. The misconception of CAC is it's all about eye appeal. It's not! You make the decision about eye appeal. It's about issues that make a coin "DETAILS." Dealers have a harder time faulting CAC coins.
I'm not a life long coin collector. I collected in my youth; but, moved on to many other collectibles. As a result I built and sold collections. My suggestion is send your best coins to CAC. Keep the best ones. Sell coins you don't appreciate and focus on coins that you really like. I really enjoy my coins and posting on this board. It's amazing how it takes my mind away from the daily issues. My heirs will have an organized collection in my safe deposit box to sell if they chose to do so. And also my recommendations as to who to contact.
Perhaps CAC has more influence than it should have. I buy what I like at what I view as a fair price. If it has a CAC, sticker, great, but it does not determine my purchase. Last week I purchased two expensive coins. One had a CAC sticker, and the other one didn’t. I buy the coin, not the sticker.
Could not this same statement be said of PCGS over the past several decades? I personally find it very funny that so many (especially so many on this forum) have a cult like following of PCGS but are the first to throw stones and accuse those who like CAC/CACG of being duped or cult followers. And to be clear I'm not talking about you here.
I get it, many (again many on this forum) have large sums of money invested in PCGS only coins/sets so the fear of a new competitor and the potential loss of value really scares them.
But let's be honest, PCGS is not what it once was. It used to offer top quality photo services, now not so much. It used to have the best registry, now judging by the many complaint posts on the registry forum not so much. It used to have the top graders, now some of the most junior graders in the industry. I could go on, but the point is change is inevitable, no person, team, or company stays on top forever. And some fear change.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Heavens no. It just means you’re starting the 4th quarter of the game of life. Enjoy…. Like I already said. Unlike doubled-die.
HE>I
CAC DLRC CDN are all based in Va Beach. That is a lot of initials in one place.
For example: Er, how many financial firms are headquartered in NYC? Alot and it would make even more initials than you list above. So what is your point here?
Mostly Delaware and Sioux Falls for the banks.
Nothing wrong with feeling disenchanted with certain aspects of collecting, particularly given how long you have collected. I have been serious about it for close to 20 years now and there are certainly changes I don't particularly like. For instance, I still think plus grades are mostly about marketing but the market has spoken and it is not going back. Too many coins in plus holders.
I disagree with you on CAC but that's okay. People have made something out of stickers that I don't think John Albanese necessarily intended. He started CAC to identify coins he would be comfortable making an offer for in the grade assigned by PCGS or NGC. It has morphed into something far more than that for many, and collectors like you and a number of dealers think it has grown outsized in importance. Maybe so,
As for your children not being interested, that is the norm rather than the exception. As a rule, I think you either have the collecting gene (condition/disease/malady) or not and you can't force it into someone.
You aren't soliciting advice but others have given it so I would add: stick around or at least pop in occasionally. All change is not bad but as we grow older we resist it more. Try to keep an open mind - there are a lot of sharp young people entering the field, a lot of them on this forum.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Where they are incorporated vs where they are headquartered are two very different things.
Chopmarked Trade Dollar Registry Set --- US & World Gold Showcase --- World Chopmark Showcase
I don’t think gold and silver has been manipulated. I do believe gold and silver prices are a reflection of our dollar crumbling before our eyes along with this horrible inflation. I am 72 years old and have seen it all too. If you’re done I completely understand.
Have fun with the rest of your life.
Wonder if the banks maintain collections of coins. Maybe stuff abandoned in SDB's
Szell nearly left a bunch of diamonds behind.
Not to say that errors/mischief doesn't exist, but there is a very strict process for opening, cataloguing, and storing abandoned items in SDBs.
A high percentage of the abandoned boxes are empty/worthless. Of the remaining ones with value, the vast majority of those end up in state unclaimed property departments, usually to be auctioned off.
Chopmarked Trade Dollar Registry Set --- US & World Gold Showcase --- World Chopmark Showcase
Word for word those are my exact thoughts. I enjoy this forum but it does not shape my collecting.
Live and let live.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW
Yes that is true it's the 4th quarter and the 2 minute warning is coming soon
Lordmarcovan, WTCG, YogiBerraFan, Phoenin21, LindeDad, Coll3ctor, blue594, robkoll, Mike Dixon, BloodMan, Flakthat and others.
Very well stated. CAC is far too often the topic of discussion, and it seems as though they always take the brunt of the heat even when PCGS or NGC are subject to the same scrutiny. One thing people should remember is that while many great coins are stickered, theres plenty of ugly and not desirable stickered coins as well.
And regarding value, it might be wise for some to keep in mind that JA would offer right around greysheet bid for a CAC coin if he has a bid at all. He doesnt pay extra for PCGS/NGC plus grades with CAC stickers, either.
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I just celebrated my 75th. Life is good, I study coins every day, read about them, examine them, attribute them. Gonna enjoy my hobby forever. This forum has been berry berry good to me! Peace Roy
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(Fourth) Quarter Century Club anyone?
Best of luck to you. I got out a couple years ago. Selling was actually pretty fun. I miss certain things about it all the time, but I really don't think I'll be getting back in. Not anytime soon, anyhow. All of that $$ is going to other hobbies and retirement goals. No regrets.