How long to specialize?

Kurt4 · October 8, 2005 4:27PM

I am finding it hard to specialize. How long did it take you? I don't see this as a problem as I probably won't sell my collection. One week I'll buy a 4 B.C. Augustus (Octavian) and the next week I'll buy three 1 Pfenning coins. I love them all and they all have special places in my heart. Anyway----Why do you specialize? How long did it take you? Should I be concerned about my collection habits? I'd like this to be an open and honest discussion on collection habits.

theboz11 · October 8, 2005 6:18PM

"Should I be concerned about my collection habits?"

Not if you are intent on enjoying your HOBBY!

Do as I do. Collect beauty on round metal objects and enjoy them.

JZrarities · October 8, 2005 11:07PM

Well, first off - I try to ENJOY the Hobby first.

I have found it almost IMPOSSIBLE to Specialize and if I narrowed my focus I would be chasing pieces that just wouldn't hold up to my standards.

Granted, I'm all over the Map but after a while I've learned to tell the difference in a common item and something that is a cut-above.
For this reason, my collection is filled with "homerun" pieces that I can ENJOY looking at and often others drool over.

Here's my 'Specialization':

US Coins with original Rainbow or Natural toning:
- Proof Indians
- Proof Type (mostly Seated and Barber)
- Early Type (Draped Bust Dollars and Halfs)
- Rainbow Morgans
- Any other TONER US coin.

Darkside Type
- Not limited to ANY country but has to have the original 'LOOK'

Ancients
- High Grade with that 'Look' - mostly Greek 'Type'
- Roman Emperors (a couple in Gold, a scattering of Silver, few Bronze)

Medals before 1900

US Paper Large Size
- A Type collection

US Obsoletes
- A Type collection here too.

World Paper
- by Type

So I can go to a Show,, look around - and SOMETHING grabs me as the 'Best in it's Class' falling into one of the above categories.
And, when I get bored looking at my Liteside, I can pull out the Darkside TONERS or the Ancient Greek coins and sit back to Enjoy.
I buy coins that are INTERESTING in either History, Die Cracks, or just Great Toning, something Special I guess you could say...

But, that's just me.... I've got the Coin Bug - BAD.

Got anything For Sale???

oldshep · October 9, 2005 12:37AM

I love them all and they all have special places in my heart. Anyway--
That says it all!!! That is the whole idea behind this hobby in my opinion.
Shep

secondrepublic · October 9, 2005 1:42AM

Kurt,

Don't feel any pressure to specialize!

Although I specialized in a pretty narrow area, I kind of just fell into it because I love the coin designs from that period and because there are no other "sovereign Poland" issues for most of the last two centuries -- everything else in that range was from periods when Poland either didn't exist or was under foreign control. And I just wasn't in to the older stuff (pre-1800).

If specialization happens for you, it won't be because of any "planning."

If you love a wide range of stuff, collect what you love. This is just a hobby, there are no rules telling you what you "have to" collect. A lot of darkside folks do specialize, usually because of some family history (connection to a certain country) or other reason. But a lot of darkside collectors cast their net more broadly. Do whatever is fun for you.

However, you should still try to learn everything you can about the areas that interest you. Especially if you plan on making some bigger $ purchases - then I would recommend getting some specialized knowledge, even if you still remain a "generalist."

Good luck!

Ricke · October 9, 2005 1:44AM

You know, as bland as this sounds, I think everyone specializes - some people just don't know it. Your collection is a reflection of your taste - few pieces will stay in there, if you don't like them (but we all know they manage to get in there, from time to time).

If you're having fun with it, there's nothing to be concerned about.

I focused my interests about a year ago, but I think that's just because I found the coins that stuck out to me. Before that, I purchased a little bit of everything that came in my price range. I still don't think there's anything wrong with that - I know I had fun with it.

To me focusing has the drawback that I pass a lot of very beautiful coins that I would love to add to my collection, because I came to a show with X dollars, and if I buy outside my target, by the time I get to what I'm looking for, I've spent everything I had on random, very beautiful coins.

I think the upside to focusing is that you are more likely to add truly scarce pieces to your collection. I think this because focusing allows you to look at a lot more coins of similar types - so you are more likely to find a hidden rarity among the tables, and you have more funds because you aren't buying across the board.

I guess I think the only time you should be concerned about your collecting habbits is when you find yourself unsatisfied with what you are doing.

laurentyvan · October 9, 2005 1:50AM

Having a wide variety of numismatic interests is a great cure for the boredom that can affect collectors periodically. You might call it "temporary specialization", as you move from one area of interest to another. That's why I like one from every country- it might be France for six months, then maybe Germany, or top quality coins from a variety of countries all at once.

I like broad horizons...

0john0 · October 9, 2005 2:24AM

Kurt, In collecting I like to have a goal that I can work toward. That has lead me to a few focused paths. I chose Irish coins b/c I am an Irish citizen living in the US and this is a nice way for me to link back to Ireland. Maybe try taking a couple of weeks without buying anything. Just look at coins, and see what you keep getting drawn back to.
-j

MrEureka · October 9, 2005 5:51AM

Why do you specialize?

Because I don't have enough time and money to collect everything I'd like to collect.

How long did it take you?

It took me about 30 years of serious collecting before I figured out that I couldn't collect it all. Even now I continue to narrow my focus.

STLNATS · October 9, 2005 11:01AM

Kurt, In collecting I like to have a goal that I can work toward.

I have half a dozen areas that I like to focus on. By not going after everything that attracts me, I can both find bargains others overlook, can rationalize reaching for the odd rarity from time to time and can better understand the connections of the material in my collection (esp when I add emphemera items)

am finding it hard to specialize

On the other hand, while this objective based approach works for me I understand that everyone must find their own "muse" and I'd recommend you stop trying so hard. Rather, enjoy the "ride" and, as someone else recommended, keep note of items you're drawn to. There's no real rules for collecting except 1. buy the books - and actually read them - before you buy much and 2. have fun with your coins/notes.

ajaan · October 9, 2005 11:09AM

<< <i>It took me about 30 years of serious collecting before I figured out that I couldn't collect it all. >>

Love this quote. Me too, about 30 years but I still won't admit it to myself.

Syracusian · October 9, 2005 8:51PM

Yes, but it's such a relief when you admit it.

rhound1977 · October 9, 2005 9:48PM

I prefer to focus and then refocus, done it a few times, but as of late 99% of what I am after is still GB and GB colonies territories etc......

No need to specialize until you feel the need or desire, for me it was both.....

Kurt4 · October 10, 2005 6:54AM

Thanks for the advice and for giving me a few ways to look at things. I guess the important thing is that I'm having alot of fun and learning. If that wasn't the case then I'd have a problem. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.

Stork · October 10, 2005 8:56AM

<< <i>Do as I do. Collect beauty on round metal objects and enjoy them. >>

And even some of the not-so-round too!

coinkat · October 11, 2005 10:20AM

Specialize... specialize in what?? Buy quality when you see it because with certain coins quality does not surface as often as one might think. Seriously... quality speaks for itself and there are circumstances when plastic is a secondary consideration.

How long to specialize?

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