Do Collectors Look to "Create" Rarity to Increase the Challenge (and Fun) of Collecting
IGWT
Posts: 4,975 ✭
Most collectors prize rarity, but few of us can afford it. A 1792 half-dime or an 1804 $1 aren't likely to be part of my collection. But the quest to collect rarities continues even if the wallet can't follow. Does this drive explain (at least in part) the creation of certain segments of the market? Take die varieties for example; focusing on varieties is a way to "create" rarieties out of what would otherwise be common coins. Then, once the market for varieties matures with a corresponding increase in prices, a collector can slice the market even thinner by focusing on die states of different varieties. At its best, I think that the desire for rarity enhances enjoyment of the hobby and expands numismatic knowledge. At its worst, I think that the desire for rarity makes collectors susceptible to Nonsense™ like the "First Strike."
Do you think that the quest for rarity accounts for the birth & growth of certain segments of the market; and, if so, where do you see it occurring?
Do you think that the quest for rarity accounts for the birth & growth of certain segments of the market; and, if so, where do you see it occurring?
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I also like to track the progression of die failure by owning and studying different examples of the same die marriage, and track the progression of the same die to different die marriages. I also like to own and study likely terminal die states, examples where the die is literally falling apart while still striking coins. If this coin appears to be the last one struck from a certain die, I want to see if a later example exists. Not to "create" rarity, but to "be there" as the coiner comes in and says to the press operators, 'that's all for this die, fellas'.
As for owning rare die marriages, this has never appealed to me. The first R6 capped bust half I owned, was sold within 6 months, Same with the first R7 draped bust half. A rare die combination alone doesn't stoke me a bit, unless it has some really unusual features. Same with date and mint mark collections. No interest whatsoever. Filling holes holds no fascination at all.
As for your assertion that quest for rarity inspires Insipid Nonsense™ like First Strikes That Aren't™, that is for the experts to decide. I don't know nuttin.
Russ, NCNE
have a natural desire to own rarity and quality.
It only stands to reason that since the nmint stopped making low mintage coins as a matter of policy
in 1932 and stopped making very many good quality coins around 1950 that the hobby would evolve
toward varieties and quality. Of course, there are other ways to make a collection stand out and these
coins are gaining attention as well.