What (besides coins) have you learned about by being a coin collector?

dan1ecu · October 31, 2003 11:29AM

Collecting coins is very educational - in many ways. One can learn about history, politics, human nature, business, law, etc.

What would you say is the most significant (non-coin) thing that you've learned by collecting coins?

I guess one thing I've learned is to be careful when buying things over the internet, as there are all kinds of scams going on. How about you?

Dan

Bulldog · October 31, 2003 11:37AM

I have learned about greed, Perceived value vis avis real value, Fraternity and friendship, not to buy coins from close family, integrity, pride, Post office, UPS, Regular insurance, private insurance. and lots more!

Bulldog

tsacch · October 31, 2003 11:40AM

not to trust internet sales..........a coin in hand is worht more than a digital pic

jbsteven · October 31, 2003 11:40AM

That I like to spend money!

ConstellatioCollector · October 31, 2003 11:42AM

Patience!!! Research!!! Haggle for everything!!!

razorface1027 · October 31, 2003 11:43AM

I learned more about what I DON'T KNOW...

kranky · October 31, 2003 12:14PM

I've learned mainly about US history. The stories behind early US coinage are fascinating.

cosmos66 · October 31, 2003 12:19PM

I have learned about the history of the Carson City and San Francisco mints as well as information about silver mining.

roadrunner · October 31, 2003 12:34PM

That there is a seller always looking to rip your hard earned money when you don't know what you are doing.

roadrunner

nwcs · October 31, 2003 1:18PM

The minting process, and all the technology around it. A little more about the base side of human nature. I've learned interesting tidbits of history and nostalgia. I learned a little more about precious metals and how they are processed.

mgoodm3 · October 31, 2003 1:20PM

I'm learning macro photography.

LanLord · October 31, 2003 1:35PM

Weekly poverty.

Placid · October 31, 2003 1:37PM

<< <i>Weekly poverty. >>

fountainheadgold · October 31, 2003 1:38PM

I have learned that there are more nice coins than I can buy. Damit

Bochiman · October 31, 2003 1:52PM

I've learned there are a lot of very smart people, from many different walks of life, in numismatics, but at the same time, there are many cantankerous (sic?) and opiniated people who will only believe what they already believe and want to make others believe the same thing.

In other words, coin collectors are a slice of the human pie...a fair sampling I think.

DHeath · October 31, 2003 1:53PM

I've come to understand the truism "Rome wasn't built in a day."

Colorfulcoins · October 31, 2003 2:06PM

I've come to appreciate the value of patience....

dpoole · October 31, 2003 2:10PM

What Bochiman said.

I've really been fascinated endlessly about how people who are so utterly different in so many ways can meet here with only our common love for coins, and hang out! It would never happen otherwise!

Skipper53 · October 31, 2003 2:18PM

I've learned a lot about America's history.
I've learned (the hard way) that there are dealers
who will take advantage of a collector's ignorance.

Best of all, I've found a great bunch of people who
are happy to help me by sharing their knowledge.

Skipper

construct · October 31, 2003 7:55PM

I've learned about beauty--to be able to tell the difference between first and second rate in a physical artifact. I've also learned the intrinsic value of precious metals and why they are important.

cladking · October 31, 2003 10:15PM

Numismatics has colored and affected every part of by life and education. I guess
I have learned the most about myself.

Shamika · October 31, 2003 11:50PM

Among other things I've learned that coin dealers are more cut throat than used car dealers.

Barry · November 1, 2003 12:03AM

Related to Shamika's comment... I'd never buy a used car. OTOH, I'd never buy a new coin.

Tootawl · November 1, 2003 10:34AM

I learned that coin collecting is more expensive than playing volleyball. I took up coin collecting when I couldn't play volleyball anymore.

MadMarty · November 1, 2003 10:39AM

I learned trying to out-snipe Russ for AH Kennedys is a real pain in the butt! Now with Don and Ken going after them also, it's very hard to get any of the good stuff!

OneThinDime · November 1, 2003 3:12PM

I've learned that I am unable to control my compulsion to accumulate these little baubles.

The attempt to amass a 19th and 20th century type collection, a set of Peace Dollars, and a full set of Mercs (for my 9 year old son) in relatively short order has overpowered all other pastimes.

I haven't wrenched on a collectable, classic Chevy in months! Must have turned a page...

TWODOGS · November 1, 2003 3:38PM

That I control the precious metals market.

Yep...I'm a powerful dude. I buy gold, it drops like a rock. I sell gold, it shoots up like a rocket. Same with platinum or silver.

Now you know.

What (besides coins) have you learned about by being a coin collector?

Comments

Leave a Comment