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Fletcher
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Same with stunners. Take a look at your stash. Which ones do you ...LOOK... at?
That will tell you what to keep.
Your eye is like everyone else's.
Use it.
Just like in numismatics, there are a plethora of collecting styles and options. The box of twenty formula would definity work for some, but they would probably be a very small minority of collectors. Which turns out to be neither bad nor good nor right nor wrong, just an option. Personally, I would like to build a collection that works for me and that I love.
I have adopted a hybrid of that philosophy for my collecting goals. Since most of my coins are PCGS graded, I have decided to keep my core Barber half set, extraordinarily nice and scarce duplicates, and any other quality coin that I can either buy or get into a PCGS holder. It makes storage much easier, and PCGS coins are the most accepted and liquid. I love coin collecting, but I also want to get part or all of my money out of the coins when I am finished.
Tyler
"We've always been partial to the ‘Box-of-20' concept whereby you collect one box (i.e. a PCGS or NGC box which holds 20 coins) which could be most anything but must be one thing: Really cool and interesting coins of any series, type, date, metallic composition, country or condition.
The idea being that, regardless of your budget, its preferable to have fewer, better coins, and to focus your limited attention and resources onto a smaller range of carefully chosen, especially appealing pieces."
It makes sense to me -
I think the box of twenty philosophy came about for "investment" purposes only.
NOW, if you have a healthy mixing of the two, that might be the best collecting/investing strategy for the long haul. You still have your dibble-dabble stuff that keeps you sane, but the other for a rainy day.
I personnaly don't have a "box of twenty", heck I don't even have a box. No joke. I don't like the little plastic buggars!
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
That's how I read it also. Please don't box me in. There are hundreds of coins out there waiting for me to adopt them.
Dan
I agree with this sentiment; or, at the very least, there should be something that ties the 20 coins together. Otherwise, it's just a very expensive hodgepodge.
a kick a$$ box of 20 wouldnt be a bad thing by any stretch tho.....
I'm not especially interested in the box as an investment. I don't want to collect any particular group of, well, anything. I just want to have a few knockout coins to look at because they're knockouts. The constant that ties them together is eye candy. I'm currently halfway there. When (if) I reach 20, I'll either start another box, or consolidate.
There are 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who do not.
If you want to sell your AU58's you really don't need to justify it, just do it
how few?
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
<< <i>I wrote this on our site about 9 months ago:
"We've always been partial to the ‘Box-of-20' concept whereby you collect one box (i.e. a PCGS or NGC box which holds 20 coins) which could be most anything but must be one thing: Really cool and interesting coins of any series, type, date, metallic composition, country or condition.
The idea being that, regardless of your budget, its preferable to have fewer, better coins, and to focus your limited attention and resources onto a smaller range of carefully chosen, especially appealing pieces."
It makes sense to me - >>
I joined the box-of-20 er's about 6 months ago. I completed one series. When I finished, I realized that I didn't like any of the coins. I was so focused on completing the set that I totally overlooked the coins (I know, kinda stupid).
Now I just collect whatever catches my eye.
<< <i>I amused that some people have the idea that you can't be a collector with just a few coins. >>
I consider myself a true collector with the modest sum of 145 coins in my collection
no hoards or rolls here...........
<< <i>I amused that some people have the idea that you can't be a collector with just a few coins. >>
It's not so much that for me...just a dislike of some arbitrary limiting number that doesn't jibe with my goals.
My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.
<< <i>
<< <i>I amused that some people have the idea that you can't be a collector with just a few coins. >>
It's not so much that for me...just a dislike of some arbitrary limiting number that doesn't jibe with my goals. >>
"Box of Twenty" is no more arbitrary than "eye appealing" or "AU58."
Continuing to quote myself (from our July, 2006 Coin Commentary):
"In theory, the Box-of-20 concept suggests that you maintain just the 20 coins. What happens if you buy a new coin? Well, then you'll need to sell an existing piece - presumably the one you like least, or have grown tired of, or perhaps one that has increased in value sufficiently to entice you to take profits.
Of course this is our Coin Commentary, and so we can make our own rules. Maybe your Box-of-20 should be 3/4 of a box. Or a dozen boxes. That parts up to you. As is what goes inside them."
It's a miserable idea for a serious collector, period.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
<< <i>It's a great idea for a casual collector seeking to maximize his long term return on investment.
It's a miserable idea for a serious collector, period. >>
It's hard for me to imagine how collecting fewer, better coins is a miserable idea.
As long as the funds are there, and if the AU-58s don't move ya anymore, why wouldn't you move on to something more satisfying? If you have good advisors and aren't likely to get hurt chasing the high-enders.............well, duh! What are you waiting for?
For me, a nice 1792 half disme or a high grade Pine Tree Shilling is on my wish list, but it ain't likely to happen any time soon. But - owning and caring for such an important piece that represents part of our American Heritage would be so cool! That's coin collecting in all of its glory!
Some coins I like because they have captured my fancy. My 1740 Pillar Dollar has been cleaned, but it's got so much detail that I love it! It will never grade out, but that's not important to me. I can handle it like a real coin and just imagine where it's been for the past couple hundred years!
I would simply say not to place artificial limitations on your hobby. I hadn't bought a really nice coin for about 15 years, and now that I have (it's a beautiful Large Cent), I love the detail and surfaces on it, too. But hey, I still like my toned Roosies sitting in their original rolls, and In the end, I say do what results in the most gratification for you. Dump those moldy old AUs (give them to me) and get going.
I knew it would happen.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
<< <i>I amused that some people have the idea that you can't be a collector with just a few coins. >>
Well then lets think about the thought process behind this idea. Granted that a box of twenty could be any grade or rarity level but in general the idea is to have the best(which usually means the most expensive) 20 possible in the box at any one time. Also as has been said the limit of twenty requires the sale of one as a new coin is bought. Most collectors I know can be just as happy with an AG as with a MS67 if it meet their requirment of eye-appeal. Investors on the other hand are most interested in maxing out profit, thus why it would be good to sell one to fund another. Its the same as buying one house, fliping it for a profit and buying another. Nothing wrong with that but its not the mentality of a collector, collectors hoard not limit.
Chris
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
<< <i>I subscribe to "lets keep it at $ XXXXXX.00"....and circulated my interests in and out of that #.....
a kick a$$ box of 20 wouldnt be a bad thing by any stretch tho..... >>
I wish I had that many X's for coins....
<< <i>
<< <i>It's a great idea for a casual collector seeking to maximize his long term return on investment.
It's a miserable idea for a serious collector, period. >>
It's hard for me to imagine how collecting fewer, better coins is a miserable idea. >>
Sounds to me like we have a fundamental disagreement on what it means to collect.
Old Man
Something about this whole concept and Fletcher's remarks above, in particular, are finding resonance with me - and I am shocked to say this. Recently I have pondered that my collection approaching 1000 coins (vast majority certified) is too large and cumbersome. I feel guilty saying some of them I won't look at for a year or more. My tastes too have changed as I age and my knowledge increases.
I consider myself a true collector but indeed this "Box o' xx" may be a concept I will bite into....
<< <i> Nothing wrong with that but its not the mentality of a collector, collectors hoard not limit.
Chris >>
That depends upon whether you collect quality or quantity
Those who say it's not collecting are far too judgemental.
as advertised on the BST
Practice makes perfect & nobody is perfect. So, practice being nobody and be perfect !
then you collect Vams to fuel your interest where grade is not as much as a concern but the thrill of the hunt
myCCset
<< <i>It's hard for me to imagine how collecting fewer, better coins is a miserable idea. >>
The box of twenty concept has its merits. However, for a novice collector, miserable might be a good adjective. The hobby is a difficult one, with so much to learn. Most folks tend to be learn quicker by looking at, buying, selling a good number of coins. By going with a low number, a person must be that much more patient, that much more diligent in their approach. A relatively new collector is usually not going to be diligent or patient and likely to spend a lot of money on so-so coins. They might be top pops or low mintage coins, however, they may or may not be decent coins for the price. These know-nothings can be rather good for dealers, especially those with expensive merchandise that is priced above market. At the end of the day, it can be miserable for the collector.
For an expert collector the box of twenty can be an excellent idea. For the novice, I would suggest buying (and selling) quite a few coins, making mistakes along they way, learning with each mistake. A novice that tries to execute the concept without paying his/her dues may get absolutely buried on one or more horribly expensive mistakes, and never know it until they try to auction it off and there are no bidder, or only low ball bids.
<< <i>"It's a miserable idea for a serious collector, period" - MrEureka >>
<< <i>"For an expert collector the box of twenty can be an excellent idea" - RedTiger >>
Ladies and gentlemen; I think we have a meeting of the minds.
It's a miserable idea for a serious collector, period. >>
It's hard for me to imagine how collecting fewer, better coins is a miserable idea.
John - To me, the "serious" coin collector attempts completion, even if completion is unattainable. By comparison, the "casual" collector doesn't "need" anything in particular. There are true connoisseurs of both types, and I respect them all. That said, I stand by my comment that the "Box of 20" is inappropriate for the serious collector. (Unless, that is, he collects 1793 cents by die variety. )
BTW, my approach to collecting art is similar to the "Box of 20" philosophy. My collection is limited, not by the size of a plastic box, but by the amount of wall space in my apartment. But I am hardly a serious art collector.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
This is a fun topic. It is certainly an acquired taste to collect with the box of 20 approach. I'm a big fan because it suits the way my collecting has evolved. I have plenty of modern crap that is certainly a blast to go through every now and then but when I'm really in the situation or disposition to buy a coin, or consider a coin, I'm looking for something for the box. So far my box has 16 coins, the survivors of two previous purges and a few wonderful newps. Here's my logic offered as just one example of the box of 20 concept.
Keeper: it's only a pcgs au 58 but regardless of the value, I do like this coin for the color and whole presentation.
Love this one: This pcgs 62 ogh is my favorite...bury me with this one. Beautiful color, nice devices and field, not the rarest of the series nor the best preserved but I do like this one.
Nice coin, fits in the box nicely, probably will be culled.
Others...
$10 '54-O Large date, au50...man, have you seen the size of the date on this one when it's laid next to a regular one? Very cool.
$10 51-O in pcgs 45 that has that little centering circle in the shield, yeah, keeper.
Classic $5 '36, one of two of my classics but the date on this one has a huge 1 and the rest of the numbers look like someone carved them on the coin...very rustic and the latest of the rustic dates...yeah, this is a keeper.
There are about 10 more in the box that are like these...so I have room for some more then I will cull again. For now, I'm working on the $10 Indian '08 series...have two, need three more. They will go in the box and it may take a year or so to get them and a couple might get culled...
Well, that's one guys take on the issue. OK now, everybody go back to being coin nerds w/OCD.
Coin ON!
<< <i>"But by all means, buy something cool. Something so nice that when you show it to someone who is in the know about coins, they will look at it, say wow, nice, wanna sell it?" - MrEarlyGold >>
That's a good quote which I just stole from a parallel thread and which I think dovetails nicely into this discussion.
<< <i><< It's a great idea for a casual collector seeking to maximize his long term return on investment.
It's a miserable idea for a serious collector, period. >>
It's hard for me to imagine how collecting fewer, better coins is a miserable idea.
John - To me, the "serious" coin collector attempts completion, even if completion is unattainable. By comparison, the "casual" collector doesn't "need" anything in particular. There are true connoisseurs of both types, and I respect them all. That said, I stand by my comment that the "Box of 20" is inappropriate for the serious collector. (Unless, that is, he collects 1793 cents by die variety. )
BTW, my approach to collecting art is similar to the "Box of 20" philosophy. My collection is limited, not by the size of a plastic box, but by the amount of wall space in my apartment. But I am hardly a serious art collector. >>
I think the box of 20 is a good idea for the expert collector, especially after that collector has assembled and sold one or more sets in series of interest. For an expert that has built several sets and then sold them, a box of 20 is a different kind of challenge. The expert is much more likely to have the knowledge, skill and discipline to put together a really super box. The novice is likely to make several horrendously expensive mistakes and may not even know it until their coins are sold.
<< <i>I like the idea of a box of 9, one from each year that matters.
Does anyone know what this means?
<< <i>
<< <i>I like the idea of a box of 9, one from each year that matters.
Does anyone know what this means? >>
fellow collectors of tiny, thinly collected coins -- there are at least five or six of us here
Even the "box of 20" could have its limitations as there aren't an infinite number of coins to fill those "20's"
I know VERY few "collectors" who assign NO "values" to their "collections" and follow them with no price references and solely to acquire coins. There are a few and one in particular who had a perhaps 30 shoebox-ful start on ...THE WORLD BY DENOMINATION AND DATE.... that come to mind.
I contend that ...nearly.... all the "collectors" evolve (from trial and error or simple wonder at the power of desire) into being concerned with value.
It's an argument without end.
Those looking at a "potential" sale (even if a lifetime away) will go with the limiting of quantity for quality and the very few who just buy anything and everything will never see it in that light.
On the other hand, I've argued with some that in the higher valued coins, some nominal value might be the criteria. An example would be 50 $2000 coins vs. 1 $100,000 coin. At a certain point, there has to be a place where the nominal value could get so high as to place the group in a different "vulnerability" position and end up making it depend on the GENERAL trend of the market just from getting TOO esoteric for "mass" demand.
??????????
Having approached that point (but never having gotten there), I've found my collecting pendlum swinging towards the box of 20 concept - specifically focusing on what I want to collect - Registry independent - but with a particular attribute I value, not some governing body. Admittedly, I do not have 20 coins - it's actually about 80 right now but it fluctates between 60 and 80 and I can't forsee (no crystal ball here) that changing unless something life-altering occurs. ? Could I ever see myself ctting down to 20 coins? YES, however I would have to give up the concept of a set and that's just not something I'm ready to do (but I have thought plenty about it).....if and when I do, I'd hazard a guess that I'd end up with 20 coins or less.......
If I had it my way, stupidity would be painful!