If you specialize in one series are you really a "coin collector?"
doh
Posts: 6,457 ✭✭✭
I've been thinking about this recently. There's a series that I'm very interested in, but do I really want to sell coins outside that series to fund purchases in that series? It seems that when you focus on just one series you become a coin series specialist and not a true coin collector.
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<< <i>... There's a series that I'm very interested in... >>
Its not State or Bicentennial Quarters is it?
Y E S
a jet to a Cessna. If coin collecting is like being a car nut, my Barber dimes are
the 1957 Chevy. "Nuff said.
Steve
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
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-Randy Newman
<< <i> It seems that when you focus on just one series you become a coin series specialist and not a true coin collector. >>
Since what I collect within my series are ................................ let me check....................... Ah yes.......................coins!
Absolutely Yes!
I specialize, therefore I am!
The name is LEE!
And those that collect multiple series or types are coins collector.
roadrunner
Now I have met dealers that specialize in a series but do not own any outside the business so they are not a coin collector.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Yep.
-David
<< <i>Now I have met dealers that specialize in a series but do not own any outside the business so they are not a coin collector. >>
Wow! I'm surprised you missed this one Ben!
No, they are not coin collector's they are dealers.
Or did I miss something!
The name is LEE!
<< <i> If you specialize in one series are you really a "coin collector?" >>
It sure does...and makes you a specialist to find any abnormality and die characteristics in the series which other collectors might not notice.
<< <i>Doh, What's a "true collector"? >>
Well, my definition for myself is someone who collects a variety of coin series to get a feel for the different designs, metals, sizes, key or scarce dates, etc. Again, for myself, I think I would lose a lot of the "coin collecting feeling" if I concentrated on just one series. It's a lot like asking, "What should I collect?" Collect whatever you want of course and choose whatever path makes you most happy. That's the point of this or any other hobby. So I guess I should have two collections: a general collection and a specialized collection of one series.
<< <i>
<< <i>Doh, What's a "true collector"? >>
Well, my definition for myself is someone who collects a variety of coin series to get a feel for the different designs, metals, sizes, key or scarce dates, etc. Again, for myself, I think I would lose a lot of the "coin collecting feeling" if I concentrated on just one series. It's a lot like asking, "What should I collect?" Collect whatever you want of course and choose whatever path makes you most happy. That's the point of this or any other hobby. So I guess I should have two collections: a general collection and a specialized collection of one series. >>
I think that you define the term in a rather unique way, but in the end you have to do what makes you happy. If that's having two active collections (like me) -- more power to you!
<< <i>If the series consist of Beanie Babies, no. If the series consists of coins, yes. >>
Exactly my sentiments, and to add fuel to the fire;
A specialist is a specialist
A collector, a collector.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>Well, my definition for myself is someone who collects a variety of coin series to get a feel for the different designs, metals, sizes, key or scarce dates, etc. >>
One can easily collect only one series of coin and still "get a feel" (or even study in depth if one wishes) different designs, metals, sizes, key/scarce dates all within that one coin series. In fact, some may argue that focusing on one series alone affords the collector the opportunity to learn and discover more in regards to different designs, metals, sizes, key/scarce dates, dies, die deterioration, die usage, chronological orders, key/scarce die states-die marriages-die remarriages, etc... than any collector of multiple series's could hope for.
Your requirement of spreading that focus over more than one type of coin is, at best, not required to be a numismatist or a "coin collector".
I prefer to know and understand a great amount about one series of coin than know a few tid bits about many different series's of coins. In my personal opinion, it's when one delves so deeply into the development, processes, equipment, manufacture, politics, problems, successes and results of one coin series that one truely becomes a numismatist. Again, in my personal opinion, those that dabble in many different coin series's without ever attempting to learn at least some of the above mentioned factors about the coins that they own fall more into a category of accumulators rather than collectors.
Fred Sanford was a collector.
<< <i>after reading what Cladiator just wrote (those half dime guys are brilliant), I have concluded that I would prefer to be a numismatist rather than a collector.
Fred Sanford was a collector. >>
He was a "co-ordinator".....
"those half dime guys are brilliant"
However, knowledge of information on multiple denominations that span the dates of the specific series you are a "collector" of, is key to a better overall understanding of the equipment, processes, and key personnel involved in producing those coins.
Historical events and other coin denominations can shed bright lights on a specific series of interest and if you collect with blinders on, much of the fascinating background will never become visible.
In the denomination you collect, the series both preceding and following your collecting focus are both a beginning and a result of that series. All of these things become important, especially if you have a narrow focus.
So, I say if you specialize in one series you are an "advanced" collector and if you broaden your knowledge to include those series surrounding your specialty...you are a "Numismatist".
QN
Go to Early United States Coins - to order the New "Early United States Half Dollar Vol. 1 / 1794-1807" book or the 1st new Bust Quarter book!
<< <i>
<< <i>after reading what Cladiator just wrote (those half dime guys are brilliant), I have concluded that I would prefer to be a numismatist rather than a collector.
Fred Sanford was a collector. >>
He was a "co-ordinator".....
He was part of a really great show.
<< <i>those that dabble in many different coin series's without ever attempting to learn at least some of the above mentioned factors about the coins that they own fall more into a category of accumulators rather than collectors. >>
If you specialize in one type of teaching are you realy a teacher = yes
If you specialize in designing one type of structure are you realy an Architect = yes
If you specialize in one sport are you realy an athlete = yes
If you specialize in one series are you really a "coin collector?" = yes
A collector who has focus is no less of a collector than, and in many cases is a beter collector than, smoeone who is all over the board with thier collection.
"La Vostra Nonna Ha Faccia Del Fungo"