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Is Their a Definition For Coin Collector?
LeeG
Posts: 12,162 ✭
For me it's pretty simple. I buy coins I like. I have several Registry Set's and a DANSCO 7070 working. But I also buy coins that just appeal to me for no good reason that don't really "fit" anywhere. Am I still a Coin Collector? Is this a better definition for who I am:
What good is a hodgepodge of different denominations, dates, mintmarks? It looks to me like a collection that lacks thought or direction; just a bunch of mindless stuff put together as an afterthought.
Just looking for other thoughts and opinions. Appreciate It.
What good is a hodgepodge of different denominations, dates, mintmarks? It looks to me like a collection that lacks thought or direction; just a bunch of mindless stuff put together as an afterthought.
Just looking for other thoughts and opinions. Appreciate It.
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Comments
I do not believe anyone can define that you must complete a set, or have a collecting plan, in order to qualify as an authentic coin collector. A plan may make your collecting more enjoyable, but that is your choice.
I had completed a few sets, which I held for many years. I have sold off some of them to concentrate my resources, but I still have a rather eclectic set of coins. I now have no complete sets. Collect what you like - life's too short to worry about what you "ought" to collect!
My definition of a coin collector is someone who A.) has an interest with the history of numismatics, B.) buys coins for the pure enjoyment of owning a collection which creates personal enjoyment, and C.) reads this forum
<< <i>I do not believe anyone can define that you must complete a set, or have a collecting plan, in order to qualify as an authentic coin collector. A plan may make your collecting more enjoyable, but that is your choice. >>
I must disagree at least in part. No you don't have to complete a set to be a coin collector but I do believe you have to have some goal or theme to at least part of your acqusitions. And you don't have to enjoy the history or even know much about coins to be a coin collector.
I group people into these catagories.
Hoarder: Aquires and keeps all coins indiscriminately. Doesn't know what they are and doesn't care, but may be convinced he has a great rarity in there somewhere.
Accumulator: Gathers or buys coins simply be cause they happen to catch his eye or interest. Has no goal in mind but doesn't just get a coin because he doesn't have it. May or may not have any knowledge about coins. (The "box of twenty" people belong at this level in my opinion. Sorry I don't consider "To make money" to be a goal in the sense we are talking about here, so hat keeps them out of the collector catagory.)
Collector: Does have a goal of some kind in mind and acquires as least some of his coin in the furtherance of that goal. Usually has some of the accumulator in him as he will often pick up pieces he like that do not relate to the goal. Will usually have some general knowledge about coins and usually some specific knowledge relating to his goal.
Numismatist: Has greater knowledge about coins, their history, the history of the time period around them and is often focused more on the information than the coins themselves. While many numismatist are also collectors some are not. When they do collect they usually are very knowledgable about their chosen goal or theme. A numismatist may also have some traits of the accumulator, usually picking up better unrecognized cherries due to his greater knowledge.
LeeG,
<< <i>What good is a hodgepodge of different denominations, dates, mintmarks? It looks to me like a collection that lacks thought or direction; just a bunch of mindless stuff put together as an afterthought. >>
That would be a good description of an accumulation, but you are also working onRegistry sets and that Dansco album. So you are a Coin collector, and as I said they also tend to have some accumulator in them as well. Your normal.
there's nothing wrong w/ making $$$ in coins, but when $$$ is your motive for buying coins, call it what it is: SPECULATING, not "collecting".
K S
<< <i>a collector disregards future profits as a motive for buying. >>
Blasphemy!
Russ, NCNE
<< <i>a collector disregards future profits as a motive for buying. >>
<< <i>Blasphemy! >>
Russ, NCNE
Russ is always consistent
<< <i>
<< <i>a collector disregards future profits as a motive for buying. >>
Blasphemy!
Russ, NCNE >>
Agreed.. future profits can help pay for more coins and further one's collection.
Seriously though if someone thinks he's a collector than he's a collector. Certainly some
people might be more accurately described by some other term but collecting is more an
attitude than description. Even if you have no coins at all, you're a collector if you think
you're a collector.
<< <i>a collector disregards future profits as a motive for buying.
there's nothing wrong w/ making $$$ in coins, but when $$$ is your motive for buying coins, call it what it is: SPECULATING, not "collecting".
K S >>
Coin Collector definition: One who collects coins; see also Lunatic.
7 entries found for lunatic.
lu·na·tic ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ln-tk)
adj.
Suffering from lunacy; insane.
Of or for the insane.
Wildly or giddily foolish: a lunatic decision.
Characterized by lunacy or eccentricity.
Ray
They call me "Pack the Ripper"